Most vehicles, if not all, require batteries for them to function perfectly. A battery provides the zap of electricity needed for the electrical components of your vehicle to function efficiently.
It is also responsible for converting chemical energy into electrical energy that powers the ignition and other electronic components of your vehicle.
While most batteries are rechargeable, you do not want to do this all the time as the quality of the battery will be dilapidated with time.
Plenty of factors can cause your battery to drain. Today, we focus on whether or not a bunk heater can drain your vehicle’s battery.
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Can a Bunk Heater Drain Your Vehicle’s Battery?
Well, the simple answer to this question is YES, a bunk heater can drain your battery. How fast can it? We are about to find out.
Also, it is important to note that two types of bunk heaters are available; one that runs on diesel/ gasoline, and the other that relies on electric currents. It is only the latter that can drain your battery.
To begin with, a bunk heater is a device that is used to provide heat when needed. Bunk heaters are mostly used by long-distance truck and trailer drivers, people residing in campers, and sailors on boats.
When you turn on the bunk heater, the red lights will come on to signify that the device is in motion. You can adjust the heater to your desired levels. As is the case with many other electronic components, a bunk heater relies on the battery to run.
How Can a Bunk Heater Drain Your Vehicle’s Battery?
Using your bunk heater when the engine is on will not affect your battery in any way because, as you drive, the engine’s alternator will keep recharging the battery.
However, if you use your bunk heater while the engine is off, the device will drain power from the battery continuously.
The more you use it without recharging, the more the battery will be drained. Eventually, the battery will be drained completely.
A bunk heater uses a lot of electrical energy because of its components. It needs the power to keep its fans running and to keep the heaters warm so that the vehicle’s occupants can benefit from its warmth.
The higher you turn the heating levels of your bunk heater, the faster your battery will drain if you are using it with the engine off.
When you turn on your bunk heater, it will require a large current to start it up after which it will drop to a smaller current, as it continues to run.
Doing this regularly will result in low lead acid levels, which may require you to replace the battery.
Changing the battery is very costly, not to mention the inconveniences that come with dead batteries. To avoid running down your battery, always make sure that your bunk heater is connected to the “leisure” battery.
The alternative battery will always be charged as long as the engine is running and your vehicle is moving.
How to Pick a Bunk Heater that Is Perfect for Your Vehicle
The type of bunk heater will, amongst other things, determine the usage of your battery. While shopping for a bunk heater for your vehicle, here are some factors to consider:
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The Model of the Bunk Heater
As is always the case, different manufacturers produce a variety of bunk heaters, but not all will suit your needs. The model of bunk heater that you will choose depends on the type of vehicle that you own.
Also, consider whether you want a bunk heater that runs on diesel/ gasoline or one that relies on electric currents.
If you do not want your battery to be affected at all by your bunk heater, consider a device that runs exclusively on gasoline.
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The Materials that the Bunk Heater is made of
Manufacturers rely on different materials to make bunker heaters with the most common ones being aluminum, nylon, and some non-toxic plastic materials.
The type of bunker heater that you choose must be heat and temperature-resistant, durable, and can thrive in different environments.
The type of material that the bunk heater is made of is important because it, in a way, determines how much power your device will consume.
For instance, if your bunk heater is made up of materials that overheat, it will take more power for it to function effectively. If you were to leave your heater running on battery alone, it would drain much more quickly.
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Consider the Quality of Your Bunk Heater
Which is the most reputable bunk heater brand? What are the online reviews saying about a particular bunk heater? Seeking answers to these and other related questions can help you acquire the right bunk heater for your vehicle.
Aside from maintaining and monitoring how your battery is used, a quality heater is safe for the environment, efficient, and has a low electromagnetic interface.
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Electrical Consumption
This is perhaps the most important feature when you are looking for a bunk heater with close attention to the well-being of your battery. There are set limits that any bulk heater should not exceed.
The devices are set in a way that, if the limits are exceeded, they will automatically go off. This helps to avoid cases where batteries have been drained without the drivers’ knowledge.
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Additional Features of the Bunk Heater
In the past, most vehicle owners used to complain about drained batteries because of unmonitored bunk heaters. Manufacturers took note of that and decided to up their game by producing bunk heaters that can automatically go on or off depending on the situation.
Picking a device with these features can relieve you from the headache of having to focus on whether you turned your heater off or not.
To Conclude
Aside from the engine, batteries are extremely important in determining how your vehicle operates. A battery is responsible for powering all the electronic components and ensuring that they function perfectly.
However, there are cases when the batteries are drained because of one reason or the other. For instance, leaving your bunk heater on when the engine is not running can drain your battery.
The ability of the bunk heater to drain your vehicle’s battery depends on several factors such as the size of the heater, its condition, and whether or not it runs on electricity. That said, the bottom line is bunk heaters can drain your battery, Watch out!