Big Beard Battery, a Texas-based lithium power manufacturer specializing in custom RV off-grid and backup power systems, is preparing for a busy November in Athens, Texas. The company will host its inaugural Tune Up & Turn Out Rally, Nov. 10–13, followed later in the month by its participation as a Gold Sponsor and major supporter of the 2026 RVTAA/NRVIA Expo.
From lithium batteries and Victron Energy-based power systems to solar, system design, installation and technical support, Big Beard Battery works with RV owners who want greater power independence both on and off the grid, the company said.
The two November events will give the company an opportunity to connect with both RV owners and the industry professionals who serve them, while welcoming both groups to its Road Life Complex headquarters in Athens for two very different experiences.
The inaugural Tune Up & Turn Out Rally will welcome RVers from across the country to Road Life Complex in Athens for four days built around community, off-grid RV life, group activities and plenty of fun.
The rally is designed for everyone from experienced boondockers with substantial off-grid power systems to RV owners who primarily stay in campgrounds but want the confidence and flexibility of having capable backup power when hookups are unavailable.
“We really wanted to create a rally where people come out of their RVs, meet each other and have fun together,” said Stephanie Henson, co-owner of Big Beard Battery and Road Life Complex. “There will absolutely be opportunities to talk about RV power and get questions answered, but the heart of this rally is the experience — the activities, the friendships and bringing together people who enjoy the same RV lifestyle.”
Rather than following the traditional rally model centered around rows of vendor booths, Tune Up & Turn Out will focus on group experiences and interaction throughout the week.
Planned activities include the Power Crawl, where attendees can tour fellow RVers’ setups; Power Olympics and team competitions; campfire socials; a chili and brisket cook-off; coffee and kolaches; Veterans Day recognition; Adventure Day activities; and a Friday finale celebrating Big Beard Battery founder Todd Henson’s birthday.
Attendees will also have opportunities throughout the rally to connect directly with the Big Beard Battery team, tour the facility, ask questions about their systems and participate in pre-scheduled System Tune-Ups and private consultations.
A growing group of RV industry companies has joined the event as sponsors, including Victron Energy, Henderson’s Line-Up, Prime RV, Open Roads, Molecular Advanced Coatings and Micro-Air.
Instead of creating a large traditional vendor marketplace, sponsor participation will be woven throughout the rally through activities, meals, experiences and opportunities for attendees to get to know the companies supporting the event.
“We wanted our sponsors to be part of the rally rather than simply handing them a booth space,” Henson said. “These are companies that serve RVers in very different ways, and we’re excited for attendees to have opportunities to interact with them throughout the week.”
Big Beard Battery Supports the 2026 RVTAA/NRVIA Expo
Less than two weeks after the Tune Up & Turn Out Rally, Big Beard Battery will turn its attention to the RV technicians and inspectors attending the 2026 RVTAA/NRVIA Expo, Nov. 21–24.
Big Beard Battery is participating as a Gold Sponsor and major supporter of the Expo, which brings together members of the RV Technicians Association of America (RVTAA) and the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA) for professional development, networking and industry engagement.
Supporting RV technicians and inspectors is particularly important to Big Beard Battery founder Todd Henson, a Master Certified RV Technician and longtime RV industry instructor.
“We work with technicians and inspectors from across the country, and we know how important they are to the RV owner experience,” Todd Henson said. “These are the professionals customers depend on when something isn’t working, when they need an installation completed correctly or when they need someone they can trust to help them understand what is happening with their RV.”
As part of Big Beard Battery’s Expo involvement, the company will host a special half-day facility tour and training event on Tuesday, November 24, at Road Life Complex and Big Beard Battery in Athens.
Approximately 100 RV technicians and inspectors are expected to visit the facility for a behind-the-scenes look at Big Beard Battery operations and a series of rotating stations led by members of the company’s team.
The planned stations include:
- The Beard Behind the Battery — a look at Big Beard Battery assembly and construction
- My Installation Checklist — practical considerations when approaching RV power system installations
- Things to Check First — common troubleshooting considerations and diagnostic starting points
- Li-Berty Showroom — a walk-through of Big Beard Battery’s 48.5-foot demonstration fifth wheel and its power system
- Become a Big Beard Battery Dealer or Installer — information for qualified businesses interested in working with the company
Attendees will begin the morning with a light breakfast before rotating through the facility in smaller groups.
“We can talk to technicians at an Expo booth, but bringing them into our facility gives us an opportunity to show them what we do in a much more meaningful way,” Henson said. “They can see the batteries, look at installations, ask questions and have conversations with our team about what they are seeing in the field.”
Two November Events, Two Different Audiences
The Tune Up & Turn Out Rally and the RVTAA/NRVIA Expo facility visit reflect Big Beard Battery’s relationships with two important groups within the RV industry.
The rally gives Big Beard Battery an opportunity to spend time with RV owners and customers in a relaxed environment centered around the RV lifestyle, while the Expo provides an opportunity to support and connect with technicians and inspectors working professionally throughout the industry.
The Tune Up & Turn Out Rally will take place Nov. 10–13 at Road Life Complex in Athens, Texas.
Registration and rally information are available at: https://bigbeardbattery.regfox.com/2026rally
