Every dry camper needs the best RV battery for boondocking available to ensure their trip goes smoothly. But finding one suited for their precise situation can be overwhelming to a new boondocker.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. You just need a little guidance about what matters when buying an RV battery for boondocking. I’ll offer it by discussing relevant topics about these devices to ensure you make the right choice.
These topics will include how to install, advantages, determining factors, and a few others. Each of these discussions will provide some insight into what the perfect option might offer. They’ll become a vital resource capable of outlining what model fits into your situation.
I’ll also provide 9 reviews of my favorite options to provide extra detail about what’s available. Given this info, making a smart buying decision should be a piece of cake. It’ll be similar to selecting something as ordinary as a new pair of bed sheets.
Now, let’s dive in and find the battery capable of being a reliable power source during your next boondocking adventure.
Best Overall | Budget Friendly | Longest Lasting | |
Preview | WEIZE 12V100-1 | Universal Power Group UB121000 | Battle Born Batteries BB10012 |
Size | 100AH | 100AH | 100AH |
Voltage | 12 V | 12 V | 12 V |
Amperage | 100 A | 100 A | 100 A |
Battery Cell | Lithium Ion | Sealed Lead Acid | Lithium Ion |
Number Of Cells | 6 | – | 4 |
Lifespan | 2000 – 8000 Cycles | – | 3000 – 5000 Cycles |
Details | Details | Details |
Table of Contents
9 Top-Rated RV Battery for Boondocking Reviews
The following 9 reviews will provide context about what a top-tier option will look like and offer. It should make separating a lousy choice from a stellar one a much easier process for anyone who reads this article.
1. Weize 100AH Deep Cycle Battery
The Weize 100AH Deep Cycle Battery is ideally suited for boondocking with its impressive construction. For instance, Weize was smart enough to construct this product to withstand extreme vibrations and heat. These abilities will ensure it won’t have issues performing in any condition I might face when traveling off-grid.
Similarly, this battery was designed to be spill-proof and maintenance-free. I can confirm these features are accurate since my experience hasn’t provided me with any hassles. I have no issues calling it one of the more convenient batteries for campers.
I was also impressed by the battery’s long list of applications. It has proven effective for powering RVs, golf carts, power tools, medical equipment, and more. Therefore, it’s easy to imagine buyers finding multiple ways for this battery to improve their lives.
The product’s performance hasn’t been anything but stellar, as well. It has managed to power all my electronics and utilities when boondocking without a single problem. Honestly, I couldn’t believe how it worked better than my old 12V RV batteries.
If these features weren’t enough, this option is also one of the best available bargains. Most other RV batteries for boondocking are twice or three times as expensive. But this one manages to compete with those models’ performance while being much less costly.
It even comes with a solid 1-year warranty with each purchase. Buyers should always appreciate these policies as they show the company’s faith in its product. Plus, it’s nice to have protection against any malfunctions.
2. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle Battery
One of the more versatile options on our list is Universal Power Group’s 12V 100Ah AGM SLA DEEP Cycle VRLA Battery. It gains this status through its universal mounting ability, which makes it a much more adaptable model.
As a result, every buyer can mount this battery based on what best suits their situation. You won’t be forced to follow a rigid guideline, which causes endless frustration. Buyers are routinely surprised in their reviews about how much easier this made the install process.
The install process itself is considered to be easy anyway. It seems more than one buyer agreed with my conclusion that this product’s manual was easy to follow. You’d think this would be a common outcome with these devices, but it’s not.
I was also impressed by this product’s spill-proof and shock-proof design. These aspects should mesh perfectly with the needs of someone who’s boondocking. Any bumps or bruises endured during travel won’t cause this product to malfunction.
The product’s ability to deal with outside temperatures is another fantastic aspect. It is actually designed to be less temperature-sensitive to outdoor temperatures than lithium models. Due to this, the battery can charge fairly well when exposed to the outdoors.
It’s a quality, which makes lead-acid batteries a better option for cold weather RVers. If you intend to travel during those winter months, choosing a model like this could do wonders. It’ll make sure all your devices get their needed power even when freezing temperatures occur.
This model tends to be a favorite among solar power users as well. The product is capable of working with any panel, which makes it extremely convenient. It’s just another potential hassle that a buyer won’t have to think about during this process.
3. Battle Born LiFePO4 12V Deep Cycle Battery
If you want the best RV battery for dry camping, it’s hard to argue with Battle Born’s LiFePO4 12V Deep Cycle Battery. This product’s design has several features, which will make your trip much less stressful than anticipated.
One of these features would have to be its built-in battery management system (BMS). This aspect will offer protection against many issues known to cause battery failure, such as ground faults or temperature volatility.
The BMS can offer protection because it regulates how much power’s taken out from your battery to ensure safe usage. It even acts as a shut-off system to further make sure nothing goes wrong when using the device.
But safe usage isn’t the only selling point. Many buyers are stunned by this product’s versatility when it comes to mounting options. It makes traditional lead-acid batteries look like inconvenient nuisances in comparison.
This unmatched mounting capability comes from its usage of lithium-ion technology. Due to this, the model becomes more convenient and durable than other available options. Its design truly is a technological marvel when you consider all it can offer.
I didn’t even mention the design being lightweight, either. This model is only about 31 pounds, which is a ⅓ of what traditional lead-acid options weigh. As you can imagine, this aspect makes the entire set up process much easier for everyone involved.
The product being made from 100% non-toxic, safe, renewable energy is another appealing trait. This renewable energy ensures the product can last more cycles and charge more effectively than other models. I don’t think there’s any question that this model belongs among the top-rated RV batteries for boondocking with these features.
4. Odyssey PC680 RV Battery
The Odyssey PC680 RV Battery could be a contender for our sturdiest option. It has a right to claim this title because this model has a rugged build, consisting of pure lead plates that ensure long-term results.
You can rely on these plates to deal with any shocks or vibrations. The plates also contribute to this product having twice the average power of regular batteries. It makes the device a suitable option for a long list of applications from RVs to ATVs.
Several other design aspects contribute to this product’s impressive durability as well. These include an AMG design, a corrosion-resistant brass terminal, and a high integrity terminal seal. Each of these does their part in ensuring this battery remains useful for many years.
This Odyssey RV battery’s recharge process is another intriguing aspect. It has the fast recharge out there among sealed lead batteries. You can expect this model to recharge in about four to six hours fully.
Odyssey did an excellent accounting for weather-related issues in this product’s design, too. It’s known to be extremely temperature tolerant, which is an aspect many buyers alluded to being quite appealing in their reviews.
The product’s install process is another source of praise in these reviews. Many buyers commented on how easy it was compared to their past models. As someone who struggles with these tasks, you can imagine my excitement when reading these compliments.
But buyers who are still a bit scared about doing the install themselves can obtain the expert installation add-on. This aspect doesn’t raise the price too much and ensures your new battery will be fitted into your rig perfectly.
As for the overall price, it isn’t too shabby. I don’t imagine anyone will complain about it and should fit right into your budget ranges, regardless of the expert install. It’s another one made for any bargain buyer reading through this article.
5. Optima 8016-103 Deep Cycle Marine Battery
Our last option, Optima’s 8016-103 Deep Cycle Marine Battery, offers a level of portability most other models can’t seem to match. This beautiful device only weighs 43 pounds, which shouldn’t be a problem to carry during the install process. Its lightweight design isn’t the only aspect worth mentioning, though.
You will also love its incredible resistance to vibration. In fact, this model’s 15 times more capable of dealing with vibrations from bumpy roads and other problematic situations. As you would expect, this aspect increases the product’s overall durability by quite a margin.
I was very intrigued by this product’s reserve capacity of 120 minutes as well. This aspect ensures the device can provide consistent results. It makes a product ideally suited for usage inside a boat or RV.
This conclusion should make it rather apparent that the product can work effectively, even in terrible weather conditions. After all, if the product can survive out on a boat without any issue, I’m sure an RV will be light work.
Buyers were very approving of this product’s recharging process, too, with it being noticeably faster. It’s a nice aspect to have in one of these products and should ensure their usage is much more convenient.
Mounting the product in virtually any position is an absolute breeze compared to other options I’ve tried in the past. I was initially stunned by how easy it was and made the entire install process a much simpler task.
But this model is another one that can come with an expert install add-on. Any beginners might want to take advantage of this option to ensure nothing goes wrong. Honestly, it’s never a bad idea to get the help of an expert when installing something like an RV battery.
6. Renogy Lithium Iron Phosphate 12V Battery
Campers who want the perfect battery for boondocking should consider Renogy’s Lithium Iron Phosphate 12V Battery. This model comes with an extended lifespan of 2,000 cycles, which doubles most traditional lead-acid options.
The extended lifespan comes from its durable construction and various safety measures. Some of these measures include protection against high voltage, low voltage, short circuits, high temperatures, and a couple of others.
Renogy made sure to build their outstanding 12V battery without taking any short cuts. You can buy this option knowing it will function for a long time and offer little to no issues. It’ll also excel when it comes to performance, considering its larger capacity.
In fact, this model has almost four times the amount of a lead-acid battery’s usable capacity. This aspect makes it ideally suited for working when boondocking away from another reliable power source.
Due to this, you can rely on this battery to meet all your power needs without any issue. It offers its higher capacity without increasing its size or weight, too, making it a fine choice for people looking to buy in bulk.
I don’t see how anyone would have issues storing a few of these onboard their rig. These batteries should fit snugly into your storage space thanks to their compact design. Plus, their 3% monthly discharge rate makes them capable of enduring long-term storage with relative ease.
The model coming in three variations doesn’t hurt, either. It ensures this battery can fit the needs of more than a few boondockers. I’d imagine most dry campers shouldn’t have trouble finding the variation capable of meeting their situation.
Its maintenance-free status was another appealing thing about this stellar battery. After all, it’s nice to know I can be my lazy self without worrying about battery maintenance or care. I despise these sorts of tasks when dealing with other options.
7. VMAXTANKS 6 Volt 225Ah AGM Battery
VMAXTANKS’s 6 Volt 225Ah AGM Battery RV excels past most of its competitors in various areas, but none is more important than its overall durability. This battery’s known for lasting eight to ten years while offering top-tier results.
I don’t know about you, but this situation sounds like a boondocker’s dream to me. You can attribute its impressive durability to its heavy-duty lead-tin alloy design. It’ll ensure the battery can deal with those bumps and rough terrains, which are common in the boondocking lifestyle.
The design is also considered to be spill-free and leak-free. As a result, rig owners can feel free to set it up in any position without any trouble. It’s an aspect that showcases the product’s overall convenience level.
Buyers will find this product’s flexibility appealing as well. This model can be used with either wind or solar energy, which makes it perfect for people who intend to stay off-road for a long time. In other words, it’s an ideal option for someone looking to stay in a national park for months.
This product isn’t only useful with rigs, either. It can be a reliable energy source for golf carts and other vehicles that use this type of battery. I always feel more comfortable buying a device or appliance capable of being effective in many scenarios rather than one. It’s no different in this case.
As with our prior option, this model’s considered maintenance-free. This aspect ensures a buyer won’t have to do regular repairs, which is always a nice touch. It allows you to focus more on the enjoyable things about boondocking, such as staring up at the sky or hanging out with your family.
It’s this type of worry-free performance, which makes it an easy contender for the top-rated 6v RV battery. You aren’t going to find many options capable of matching what this model offers and ensures during a boondocking trip.
8. ExpertPower 12V 10Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
If you’re looking for an affordable lithium RV battery, consider ExpertPower’s 12V 10Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery. This product comes with many exciting features despite its low-price status.
Its expected 10-year lifespan is an excellent example. This longevity makes the battery much more cost-effective than paying for a traditional lead-acid model. In fact, you get ten years and between 2,500-7,000 cycles, which is significantly more than what’s expected from those lead-acid options.
This model’s unique discharge curve was another attractive trait. As you can see, it’s capable of holding above 12V up to 90% of its capacity. It’s an ability that increases run-time by a large margin and outpaces lead-acid options without difficulty.
Buyers will also benefit from this model’s unique BMS, which offers protection against several problems. These include overcharge, short circuits, overloading, overheating, low self-discharge, and a few other issues.
As a result, the user can utilize this model without having to worry about these issues occurring. It provides a level of peace that other types can’t seem to match. Plus, the BMS ensures you can store the battery for an entire year without maintenance.
This RV battery’s setup process happens to have a reputation for being easy, as well. I didn’t even have trouble getting it done without needing any help. If I can do it, I don’t doubt that most people reading this article can figure it out rather quickly.
But again, the main draw with this model has to be its low-price. Finding an option with these many top-tier features at this cost is rare. You’d be wise to take advantage of it and waste no more time in buying this option.
9. Mighty Max 6V 200AH SLA RV Battery
Rig owners looking for an RV battery upgrade should take a look at the Mighty Max 6V 200AH SLA RV Battery. It has shown to be an affordable option that can offer grand results. This model might be the best bargain buy on our entire list.
One of its most attractive aspects is the battery terminals, featuring internal threads. This inclusion gives them a more secure and reliable connection. It’s a design feature that provides the model with a bit of an edge in the durability arena.
The product’s low self-discharge rate helps increase its survival as well. It makes competing lead-acid types look entirely second-rate. Plus, the product’s built-in one release valves are another addition to ensure a longer lifespan.
These release valves offer this benefit by protecting the battery from overheating and pressure. If the device does overheat, these valves will enable the exhaust of hydrogen and oxygen to stop this from continuing.
I was also excited by the product’s ability to operate in both high and low temperatures. This ability makes the battery a suitable choice for both cold-weather and warm-weather RVers. It’s quite clear that this RV house battery is ready to deal with whatever it comes across.
This belief is only further proved by the battery’s design being spill-proof. As a result, it should handle even extreme conditions like earthquakes without spilling its contents. These results aren’t something a rig owner like me is ever going to overlook.
Aside from these qualities, it has many others you’ve become familiar with from our previous reviews. These aspects include the maintenance-free operation, universal mounting, resistance to shocks/vibration, and easy install process.
NPP 6V 225Ah AGM Battery for RVs (Outdated)
Anyone wanting to buy a battery for truck campers should consider the NPP 6V 225Ah AGM Battery for RVs. It features a rugged design made specifically for dealing with the rough wear and tear of RVing.
This design is made from ABS plastic, which provides its resistance to chemicals, weather, heat, shock, and vibration. Any issue capable of breaking down a battery on the road is accounted for within this model’s structure.
You also find solace in this device being easy to install. Several buyers were slightly shocked by the easiness of this product’s install process. I couldn’t read through more than two of them without at least someone praising it.
I was thrilled to see this option came as a two-pack, as well. This aspect ensures a rig owner won’t have to look elsewhere for a second 6V battery. It’s a nice touch, which removes the hassle of doing any extra shopping from your life.
This deep cycle battery doesn’t require any maintenance, either. You can instead sit back and enjoy your boondocking life without having to worry about the battery. Due to this, it becomes a source of relaxation rather than one of frustration.
Your relaxation should only increase with its number of safety certifications, including being certified by CE, UL, and ISO. Each of these ensures the product can be operated safely for the intended purpose of powering your rig’s devices.
This camper van battery is another one with a significant amount of versatility. It can be used to power alarm systems, firefighting equipment, electric fences, farm equipment, and similar devices. None of these situations has shown to be too much for this battery to handle.
Trojan T-105 Plus 6V Deep Cycle Battery (Outdated)
Trojan’s T-105 Plus 6V Deep Cycle Battery was explicitly designed to deal with the rough terrain of our nation’s hilliest golf courses. As you can imagine, this design lends itself useful for boondocking purposes.
It shouldn’t have any issues dealing with the bumps and rough terrains faced during a boondocking trip. You can attribute this durability to the battery’s usage of Trojan’s MaxGuard XL separator, DuraGrid, and Alpha Plus Paste technologies.
Each of these technologies ensures the product offers top-tier performance, increased durability, and a longer lifespan. These aspects happen to be why Trojan batteries are often seen among the best in the business.
This model’s known for its convenience as well, thanks to its maintenance-free design and overall efficiency. It’s another option on our list capable of meeting your needs without requiring constant repairs.
It being efficient comes from its low internal resistance to ensure a higher discharge current and charging efficiency. Both these aspects make sure the entire using process is much more reliable and smoother than with other devices.
Anyone looking to buy batteries in bulk should be excited about this option as well. The package comes with four batteries to ensure you never find yourself without a suitable power source. These extra batteries could be a godsend in a situation where a malfunctioning battery could otherwise ruin your trip.
Its lightweight construction is another winning trait. Each battery only weighs about 50 pounds, which is certainly low enough to maneuver around without much effort. It makes the storing and install processes much less of a hassle than expected initially.
However, I’d still suggest having a friend or family member help to stop any damage occurring from an accident drop event. You don’t want to have a crack in the battery’s housing before even using it.
The price was a bit higher than I’d like when buying four 6V batteries, though. But I still think that the purchase is totally worth it, considering each battery’s longevity.
RV Battery for Boondocking Buyer’s Guide
The term “boondocking” covers a lot of ground in our RVing community. Some rig owners will associate boondocking with spending a night inside their RV. These people don’t consider the location when using this phrase.
For instance, a person who stays overnight inside their RV along the highway might consider this boondocking. Other rig owners would use the term when describing camping inside a campground or RV park.
This situation allows a person to experience nature without losing all the critical amenities, such as water, sewer system, and electricity. More extreme RVers will attempt the third type of boondocking, which is camping in an undeveloped area.
In this scenario, a camper would find an isolated but safe location where they could look up at an unfiltered clear sky and keep away from the anxiety of our ordinary lives. You might even find time to make a few smores over a roasting night fire.
But regardless of your boondocking methods, there’s one thing needed to ensure a safe and better boondocking trip: a top-tier RV battery capable of handling it. This means you’ll need an understanding of how to find a proper one for your situation.
I’ll help you out by discussing a few factors that will impact your situation. Honestly, a rig owner must consider each of the following before picking the best RV battery for boondocking.
Battery’s Voltage
Voltage is always a factor when picking out an RV battery. You’ll need to figure out what capacity would fit into what activities you’re planning during the trip. Please consider the amount of voltage your rig’s compatible with and what’s needed for those fun activities.
Some rig owners find it helpful to combine multiple batteries during boondocking. In most cases, this action consists of using two 6V batteries for a rig owner who wants a 12V system for their motorhome. But most people opt for a single deep cycle or starter 12V battery.
In the end, it comes down to knowing what works best for your rig. It’ll ensure your boondocking lifestyle becomes as safe and fruitful as possible.
Battery’s Capacity
Every rig owner must check the battery’s capacity before buying it. One of the essential capacity aspects would have to be each model’s amp-hour rating. This factor plays a vital role because it determines how much electricity you can store and use in the future.
Are you a little confused by what that means? Well, it’s a lot less complex than a person might initially expect. Let’s look at a quick example of someone with a 100AH battery. A 100Ah rating simply means the battery would be capable of proving 100 amps for an entire hour.
You’ll also need to consider your rig’s specific power requirements during this process. It’d be wise to check the appliances onboard your RV, such as your devices, tools, gadgets, and anything else that will need to charge/plug in to use. Evaluate each one and determine the necessary power, duration, and frequency of their intended usage.
I’d suggest boondockers to consider buying deep cell batteries with large capacities as well. These options will offer more stability when being a rig’s power source. Plus, they’re known for being very reliable when it comes to durability and storing electricity for long periods. These aspects make them rather well-suited for boondocking.
The battery’s charging versatility should be another thing every boondocker considers. I’d advise choosing one capable of charging using battery chargers, generators, solar panels, or through a campground’s charging system.
Overall, a top-tier boondocking battery will be capable of using solar power, shore, and generators without an issue. It’s the only way to ensure you don’t find yourself in a bad situation and powerless during this adventure.
Camping Areas’ Temperature
Many boondockers tend to overlook the temperature of their intended camping areas. This aspect will play a bigger role in your choice of RV battery than you might think. After all, these trips will usually go through many types of weather situations.
Some camping areas might be cold, raining, and utterly miserable. Others will be hot, dry, and have little to no presence of wind. As a result, your RV battery must be able to handle these constant changes in the weather.
If a rig owner doesn’t get one with these abilities, they might find themselves having a bad battery at the worst possible time. This outcome makes it essential to ensure your chosen option can handle contracting settings without any problems.
It’s also important to know that some batteries can’t work in freezing or low temperatures. You’ll find others with the inability to function in humid places as well. These issues make it necessary to choose a battery, which can sustain its function in both extremes.
Getting a model capable of not breaking when it reaches 50% capacity would be another ideal move. In any case, reading through the buyer reviews will provide a better insight into how each battery deals with these issues.
Durability
Temperature isn’t the only outside influence capable of messing with your rig’s battery when boondocking. You must also ensure your chosen can deal with the constant shaking, movement, and vibrations that occur during travel.
You’ll face many challenges when driving in the varying terrains, which come with a boondocking lifestyle. I’d imagine some of the roads will be smooth, but most of them will be rough terrains that can cause serious issues. These problems can affect how your battery will function.
This reality makes it essential to choose a battery made from durable materials. It should be able to stop any spills, which might cause problems, as well. In any case, look for top-tier batteries consisting of heavy-duty construction to ensure complete stability.
I have no doubt these options will absorb the impacts, vibrations, and shocks occurring during your travel. This factor is another one that can be judged better with a thorough read through the buyer reviews.
Cost
Each option’s price will be drastically different from one another. It makes having a well-developed budget a vital part of this process. You’ll need to break down exactly what you’re looking for in an RV battery and base your budget around them.
But remain realistic when constructing your budget. For instance, people looking to buy batteries made from heavy-duty materials will need higher limits. These batteries will feature a higher price because their design was a bit more costly to build.
After developing this realistic budget, it’ll do wonders for the entire process. It’ll limit the number of choices to batteries that are capable of meeting your needs. Therefore, you’ll only be picking from options ideally suited for your situation. It’s just a simple way of making any stressful feeling disappear during this buying process.
We also have a list of the top-rated RV battery monitor for your reference. Furthermore, take a look at our RV battery boxes if you like.
RV Batteries for Boondocking FAQs
This section will attempt to answer and cover any remaining questions still floating around in your mind. It’ll end up being the final resource needed to become a boondocking RV battery expert. You’ll have all the tools required to make a reliable choice.
Who is this for?
As I noted earlier, boondocking can pertain to many definitions based on what each camper considers it to encompass. It’s also worth noting the duration of a boondocking trip will differ from rig owner to rig owner.
But what all these situations have in common is the need for a great RV battery, which needs to provide reliable results. Compared to regular rig batteries, boondocking RV batteries will need to be more durable and capable of storing/collecting more energy.
These additional qualities ensure the battery can support your travel, devices, rig tools, equipment, and appliances. Due to this, your chosen option will have a massive impact on the enjoyment each person has during their trip.
After all, this device will be liable for making sure you have electrical energy when it’s needed. The amount of power will be limited, but it’s still essential to ensure that it goes smoothly.
Advantages of using an RV battery for boondocking
Boondocking RV batteries provide several benefits over regular models when it comes to dry camping. Of course, this statement might seem like common sense. But it’s still a smart idea to know what these products provide. Here’s a list of a few:
- Stores more energy: Boondocking will usually occur in a location where power is limited, which means your battery will need to handle the energy load more than usual. A regular rig battery can’t function well in this role. But an RV battery for dry camping should have no issues and ensure you get the needed power.
- Can be charged easily: These batteries provide three separate ways of charging them, including via a generator, solar power, or park pedestal. As a result, you shouldn’t ever find yourself without a way to charge the battery. You’ll have to purchase the equipment to get this process done, though.
- Provides a stable power source: Boondocking RV batteries are a steady electrical source for rig owners. This status comes from its ability to store more power, which helps ride out those days in isolated locations.
- Highly durable: Batteries made for boondocking are built with rough terrains and extreme temperatures in mind. Due to this, you can expect them to deal with wear and tear without much trouble.
Overall, these benefits are only some of the ways these batteries could make your trip easier. Anyone who intends to go on one of these journeys should ensure they’ve got a battery capable of handling it.
How long will RV battery last Boondocking?
Determining how long your RV battery will last when boondocking is a bit tricky. After all, these batteries don’t all have the same charge or capacity. The amount of electricity each boondocker utilizes can also change drastically.
But I’ve found that most high-quality 12V 100Ah batteries, like Weize’s 12V100-1 100AH Deep Cycle Battery, should last a day or two without recharge. Of course, it can stretch past this range when limiting the number of electronics it runs.
So if you need an extra day, try unplugging a kitchen appliance or two. You could also purchase another off-grid camper battery to run in parallel with your 12V model. It should provide more than enough juice to meet your needs.
How many amp hours do I need for Boondocking?
The number of amp hours will depend on how long you intend to boondock. If I were only going off-grid for a night, a single RV battery with 100 amp hours would be enough. It should give me access to my utilities and necessary electronics without issues.
However, anything longer than a day will need more than 100 amp hours. I’d recommend RVers going off-grid for several days to invest in multiple 100AH batteries. You can then run them parallel to build a battery bank that meets your needs.
Another option would be using two 6V travel trailer batteries with higher amp hours. In this situation, two Mighty Max 6V 200AH SLA RV batteries are an excellent choice.
How long does RV battery for boondocking last?
Motorhome batteries for boondocking should offer a lifespan between 5 to 7 years. However, this range can increase or decrease based on the battery’s construction quality. It’s a massive reason why researching every available option is a must for boondockers.
If you’re looking for a product with a longer lifespan, look no further than Battle Born’s LiFePO4 12V Deep Cycle Battery. Its construction won’t have any problem offering seven years of high-quality performance with a proper maintenance routine.
Anyone unfamiliar with proper battery maintenance should check our section, “Any care and maintenance tips?” It’ll ensure you know how to take care of batteries for RV boondocking properly.
What is the warranty?
RV batteries for boondocking often come with warranties. These policies protect buyers from malfunctions and accidents over a specific time range. In most cases, you can expect to get at least a 1-year policy with rig batteries.
But some options will extend it to 5 years or a lifetime warranty. It’ll depend on the manufacturer. In any case, I’d recommend choosing a product with refund or replacement policies to ensure you have some protection against potential issues.
How many batteries does boondocking take?
According to the experts, about 50% of full-time boondockers will take two 12-volt or two 6-volt batteries on their trips. These rig owners would either be using 6V models together or taking a backup 12V when boondocking.
Other boondockers tend to stockpile batteries, as 25% are known to bring along four or more. This bulk battery storage will ensure you’re always ready for whatever comes along with your trip.
The last 25% of boondockers will bring along one single 12v battery. This option ensures you don’t have to use vital storage for backups. But you run the risk of being left to your own devices when a battery dies or fails.
In the end, there’s no single answer to this question. You’ll just need to decide what route suits your likings the best. In my opinion, I’m always going to want a backup to be ready for something going wrong.
How to install?
In most cases, RV batteries will be usable right out of their packaging. This outcome ends up being even more true for maintenance-free options. If you’ve bought one that needs to be topped with electrolyte, proceed to use distilled water and fill it with the correct amount.
You must also follow the directions inside the manual to identify the negative and positive terminals quickly. This action will make sure connecting them properly isn’t a huge or dangerous nuisance.
Rig owners should remember to disconnect/turn off all devices and appliances connected to their old battery. This step will need to be done before replacing it with their chosen boondocking RV battery.
Any care and maintenance tips?
RV batteries have been to last anywhere from a few years to a few decades. But their longevity will depend on how well a rig owner takes care of them. The amount of effort needed for this process will end up varying based on battery type.
One of the most basic maintenance tasks is making sure your battery’s charging correctly. A battery’s lifespan will become shorter with the number of times its overcharged or undercharged.
In other words, your battery must be charged to its ideal capacity without becoming overcharged. You also need to check, maintain, and charge batteries kept in storage regularly. Lead-acid models can even start discharging when not in use. I’d suggest doing maintenance tasks at least every month to ensure they stay in good condition.
Conclusion
After reading this article, finding the best RV battery for boondocking will be simple. You should no longer have any issues figuring out what matters and the benefits these devices can offer you during this RVing trip.
But some concerns or questions might arise, which provide a little stress. If this situation occurs, please use our comment section and let us know. I’d love to help out in any way possible and ensure your boondocking trip is everything you imagined.
Hi, I am Dane Heldt, a full-time RVer since 2016. I am always passionate about building and joining an RV community where people share their love for RV lives. This blog is a dream of mine, as I can finally share my experiences to help people who want to start living differently. So, feel free to reach out to me!