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Motorhome power supply: Everything you need to know!
Whether lighting, fridge or heating - a reliable power supply in your motorhome is the be-all and end-all of your journey. And here you can find out everything you need to know - for full power when camping!
On holiday, the camper or motorhome becomes our home away from home, our home on four wheels. Just like in our four (immobile) walls, the power supply is essential - to keep our favourite camping snacks in the fridge, for example. To keep us cosy and warm in cold temperatures and to set the mood with lighting. To charge our camera for the next day's snapshots - or our laptop if we work remotely from the camper ... Familiarising yourself with the various power sources and power connections for your motorhome is therefore key when camping. In this article, we answer all your questions about motorhome power supplies and explain what you need to know about electricity in your motorhome. So that nothing stands in the way of an energy-packed & energetic camping holiday! ⚡️
⚠️ Important note: When it comes to electricity in motorhomes, please always remember: electricity is dangerous! Our article is intended to provide you with helpful tips, but cannot replace professional help and advice. So if you are unsure, please contact a specialist if in doubt!
Electricity in a motorhome briefly explained: Current VS. Voltage
Current, voltage, volts, amps, watts ... Perhaps these terms take you straight back to your physics lessons and you're just wondering: What was all that again? No problem - you can refresh your knowledge here:
💡Current: Current is basically the flow of electrically charged particles (electrons) in one direction. For this to be possible, a certain voltage is required. The current is expressed in amperes (A). It describes the amount of electrons that flow through a conductor in a certain period of time. The more current flows through the electrical conductor, the higher the amperage.
💡Voltage: The electrical voltage is the 'drive' of the electrons, so to speak. The higher the voltage, the higher the pressure at which the current flows through a conductor. It is given in volts (V).
💡Power: The electrical power of devices is given in watts (W). It is calculated from the number of volts multiplied by the number of amperes. The higher the power of an appliance, the more electricity it consumes.
Power supply in the motorhome: starter battery & on-board battery
So we've already got these basics out of the way. The power supply in the motorhome also sounds complicated at first, but in principle it's easy. Motorhomes or campers usually have two batteries: A starter battery and an on-board battery. They are the storage medium for the energy available in the camper. There are various ways to charge the batteries - but more on this later. First, we'll explain the difference between the starter battery and the on-board battery.
🔋 The starter battery
The starter battery guarantees the basic electrical functions in the motorhome and ensures that the starter motor works so you can start the engine. Such a starter battery is found in every motor vehicle.
🔋 The on-board battery
The on-board battery is also known as the body battery or supply battery. It is responsible for supplying power to consumer appliances in the living area. To do this, it feeds a 12V circuit (see below) and ensures the motorhome power supply even when no power can be supplied from outside. For example, it covers the power requirements for the water pump, lighting, diesel or gas heating or for charging mobile phones, laptops etc. The on-board battery is usually a lead-acid or lithium battery. It is completely independent of the starter battery, so you can charge your mobile phone in the motorhome with a clear conscience without worrying about your camper not starting 😉
Power supply & sockets in the motorhome
There are also two types of power circuits or power connections in the motorhome: One circuit with 230 volt mains voltage and one with 12 volt voltage (battery power).
⚡️ 12-volt power supply
The 12-volt circuit is fed directly from the on-board battery (see above). This is also the reason why the devices connected to it work, even if your motorhome is not connected to shore power. Connected to this circuit are, for example:
Lamps & lighting
Water pump
Refrigerator
Diesel or gas heater
USB sockets: Camping vehicles usually have so-called 12-volt standard plugs with a diameter of 12 millimetres.
Tip: You will usually find the main switch on the control panel, the central control unit of your motorhome, which you can use to switch off the 12-volt circuit if necessary.
⚡️ 230-volt power supply
There is also a 230-volt circuit in the motorhome. This only works when the motorhome is connected to shore power, for example at the campsite or at home. On the one hand, the on-board battery is then charged, and on the other, you can also use 230-volt appliances with a normal power connection via this circuit, for example a kettle or coffee machine. Built-in 230-volt appliances are not normally available.
Two important tips:
On some campsites, especially when camping in southern countries, the use of appliances such as coffee machines can cause the fuse to blow. This not only leaves you in the dark, but possibly also your neighbours - and of course we want to avoid that. That's why only low-wattage appliances are generally recommended! You can also make sure that you don't use too many devices at the same time on the campsite.
230-volt devices without shore power can also be used on the move if you have a so-called inverter, which converts 12-volt direct current into 230-volt alternating voltage and thus ensures that you can also use the 12-volt power connections for devices such as your laptop or a coffee machine. Inverters are available in different power levels. Which one you need depends on which appliances you want to use.
Shore Power Camper: Camping site power connection with shore power
You have various options for supplying your motorhome or camper with electricity and charging the batteries: One of these is stationary charging at home or on camping sites with shore power and a charger. This is known as shore power. But what is it anyway?
Shore power - what is it?
Shore power refers to the power supply for your motorhome via an external power source. This can be the power connection on a campsite or a socket in your garage at home. The big advantage of shore power is that you can conserve your on-board battery and supply the devices in the camper with power directly and independently of the battery. In addition, the on-board battery is also charged while your motorhome is connected to shore power.
Camping site electricity connection - How does it work?
You will usually find out where the nearest electricity connection you can use is when you arrive at the campsite. It is best to find out in advance whether the campsite you have booked has an electricity connection and whether an additional flat rate has to be paid for the use of electricity. To be able to use the shore power at the campsite, all you need is a suitable power cable with the so-called 'camping plug', the 3-pin CEE plug that is common on European campsites. Simply connect this cable to a CEE socket in a distribution box on the campsite and the shore power connection of your motorhome or camper. You can usually easily recognise the CEE sockets by their blue colour.
Some tips on shore power connection at the campsite:
CEE - What is it anyway? CEE stands for 'Commission on the Rules for the Approval of the Electrical Equipment'. This is an international commission that draws up rules for the approval of electrical installations. The CEE socket is a standardised power connection that can be used throughout Europe. The advantage over a conventional Schuko socket (household socket) is that the power connection is very safe and protected against dust and moisture
On some campsites, especially older ones, it can sometimes happen that there is no CEE connection available, but only a Schuko socket, for example. In this case, you will need an adapter, for example a Schuko-CEE adapter. You can also use this to connect your motorhome or camper to the socket at home and
If you want to plug in another device outdoors, we recommend using a CEE plug with an angled socket or a CEE cable reel. This way, your camping vehicle is supplied with power, but you can also use the other free sockets outside to plug in a lamp or charge your mobile phone, for example.
⚠️ Important: Cables and plugs should of course always fulfil the applicable standards. Please inform yourself in advance. If you are using a cable reel, you should always unwind the cable completely. If the cable remains rolled up, it can heat up too much when large amounts of current flow through it!
Campsite power connection: safety precautions
When connecting to shore power, you should observe a few simple safety rules:
Check the power cable: Check the power cable regularly for damage and replace it if necessary, as damaged cables can lead to electric shocks
Avoid overloading: Do not connect too many devices to the power connection at the same time to prevent overloads and short circuits.
Dry environment: For safety reasons, you should also make sure not to make any plug connections in a damp environment.
Watch out for children: Always keep children away from the power connection and make sure that there is no risk of tripping if you are using a cable reel, for example.
The power connection at the campsite is not working - what to do?
If the power and sockets in your camper are not working, here are a few tips on how to solve the problem:
Check if the shore power is connected.
If the sockets are not working, the main fuse may have blown. Check the RCD in your motorhome.
Check if the cable reel is connected correctly.
Check if the cable reel is working properly:
1. press the red fuse button on the cable reel.
2. plug your mobile phone into the vehicle connection of the cable reel and check whether the mobile phone is charging (alternatively, you can also use a hairdryer or other electronic devices).
3. borrow a cable reel from a neighbour and test it. If it works, your cable reel is probably faulty.
If the cable reel works, a defective fuse may also be the problem.
Type in the keyword 'Electricity' in our Help Centre and you will find helpful tips for the specific camper models to help you solve problems with the power supply.
Other options for supplying the camper with electricity
Power supply during your journey via the alternator
The so-called alternator is used to charge the body battery while driving and to be able to use the consumer devices in the car (e.g. lights or car radio). Sounds pretty fancy, doesn't it? Actually, that's exactly what it can do. The alternator is an electrical generator that is driven by the engine and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy - which can then be used to power devices and charge the supply battery.
Power generation via a solar system
A solar system can also be used to charge the camper battery and draw electricity - and it's also a great way to make your trip with the camper more sustainable. A solar system supplies your camper and you with green, sustainable energy, but usually needs to be upgraded and is of course particularly worthwhile in sunny regions ☀️. Alternatively, there are also folding modules that you can set up next to your camper so that the sunlight can be converted into electricity and used for the camper.
Especially with electric campers like our Ibiza model, the VW ID Buzz, it's important to charge them with green electricity so that your journey is sustainable. We recommend the fast charging stations from IONITY: 100% green electricity and after 30 minutes at the latest, your ID. Buzz is 80% charged again. The last 20% takes much longer, but you can make good distance with an 80% charge. Some campsites also have special charging points for electric campers.
Electricity in a motorhome: Conclusion & tips for optimising your electricity consumption
Electricity is an essential part of your motorhome that really makes it your temporary home. With our explanations and tips, you will enjoy an energy-packed holiday on all levels: Off we go! Finally, we have a few tips for you on how to optimise your electricity consumption in your motorhome:
Save energy (& money): When making new purchases, choose the most energy-efficient appliances possible for your motorhome. And hey: this not only protects the on-board battery, but also your wallet at the same time.
Love your on-board battery: If you have your own motorhome, you should ensure that your on-board battery is well looked after and regularly maintained so that it can retain its full capacity.
Power-saving mode on or mobile phone off: Many devices such as smartphones or laptops have a power-saving mode. You can use this to reduce your power consumption. Or you can be one of the brave ones and actually switch off your devices. We think so: Being off is in! 💚
