The Best RV Batteries to Provide Safe and Effective Power

Buying the best RV battery for your rig shouldn’t be a complicated process. But many rig owners find themselves pulling their hair out trying to find the perfect one. This stress comes from the many, many moving parts that go into this decision.

However, I’m going to break it all down into the simplest terms possible. I’ll do this by covering every relevant topic about these critical devices, ranging from potential benefits to their respective installation processes.

All of these discussions will focus on making this entire process more manageable for everyone involved. I’ll even suggest 10 RV batteries, which I think could end up being a perfect fit for an average rig owner’s situation.

Thanks to this, choosing an RV battery should become a much easier task. You’ll no longer have to find yourself boiling up with stress over something as mundane as picking one of these devices. Let me point you in the right direction instead and make those feelings disappear.

List of Top-Rated RV Battery Reviews

This section will contain those 10 product reviews to ensure you know what top-tier RV batteries can feature and offer a rig owner. Each of these reviews should also help you understand our later discussions about more specialized topics, such as installation processes and battery types.

1. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah AGM DEEP Cycle Battery

Universal Power Group’s 12V 100Ah AGM DEEP Cycle Battery separates itself from other AGM models due to its flexibility. After all, it’s capable of being mounted in various positions to ensure it reaches a higher level of convenience for a rig owner.

But its ability to make the mounting process easier isn’t the only impressive trait. I was also intrigued by how versatile those 12 volt deep cycle batteries are. This model can work in numerous situations as a source of power, including boats, RVs, golf carts, motorhomes, and even wheelchairs.

Buyers should find it being an AGM model appealing, as well. What does this mean? Well, AGM batteries are known to have a high resistance to both shocks and vibrations. Therefore, it shouldn’t have any issue dealing with whatever situation presents itself during your travels.

Moreover, the battery’s known for handling any weather conditions with ease. Even in cold and hot weather, RVers could both benefit from its excellent performance with this capability. It’s genuinely well made and among the top-tier 12-volt deep cycle RV batteries.

I was thrilled to see this product was sealed, too, which ensures issues like spills or leaks won’t be an issue. Honestly, this aspect will save a rig owner a lot of hassle that could occur with other battery types rather quickly.

The addition of a valve was another nice touch by this manufacturer. It’s an aspect that will help in regulating the battery’s performance. In any case, it’s clear this model’s more than ready to handle the power needs of RVs with 12 volt electrical systems.

2. Renogy 12 Volt 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery

If you aren’t a fan of maintenance tasks, Renogy’s 12 Volt 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery is one of the most suitable batteries RVers could buy. This model is made with glass mat separators and advanced regulated tech to make maintaining it an easy job.

You can even count on these aspects to ensure issues, such as acid leakage, aren’t a problem that presents itself. I was also a fan of this product’s construction containing heavy-duty materials. If this battery didn’t function for more than a few years, I’d be shocked.

The product’s ability to perform in freezing weather conditions is another appealing trait. As a person who loves RVing in colder climates, this aspect would benefit me greatly. This fantastic feature comes from its design using an improved electrolyte formula.

Buyers can also attribute the product’s stable battery capacity to this formula’s usage. It ensures the battery is capable of being a reliable power supply for whenever you might need it. As a result, finding any more capable 12 volt deep cycle RV batteries could turn out to be a difficult task.

It’s even a good choice for solar energy users as the battery was designed for solar power storage. Many buyers who use a solar system were delighted with how well this battery functioned for them within their reviews.

Overall, this Renogy battery is a maintenance-free option capable of meeting many RVers’ battery needs without issue. But I wasn’t too happy with one aspect concerning this device, the brand’s customer service.

3. Battle Born 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery

Rig owners looking to buy a model with 100 Ah should consider Battle Born’s 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery. Honestly, I don’t think there’s an option more advanced than this one on today’s market.

One of the reasons for this belief comes from its built-in BMS (battery management system). This feature will ensure your RV’s battery doesn’t suffer from various issues capable of causing a failure: temperature volatility, ground faults, overcharging, etc.

This model also uses lithium-ion technology to ensure it has an unlimited mounting capability. As a result, it might have the top-tier RV battery setup process among available options. I don’t think even I would figure out a way to do it wrong.

Its lightweight construction should help with the setup process, ensuring moving it from place to palace is effortless. After all, this model only weighs 31 pounds and won’t need the help of a second person when transporting it.

You should love that this product’s made from non-toxic, safe energy, as well. This aspect will ensure the product can last for a lot more cycles and can be charged/discharged frequently without issues or damage occurring.

As with some of our other choices, this model can work in numerous situations. It employs an absolute versatility that allows it to work with golf carts, campers, motorhomes, off-road, and off-grid applications. It’s little details like these, which make it a contender for the top-rated RV house battery!

4. Ampere Time ‎12V300Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Battery

Ampere Time’s ‎12V300Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Battery is one of the most convenient choices available. After all, buyers often shower its lightweight construction with praise. It was easy to see why, as the product was less burdensome to move and install than expected. I did not have a single issue, which is a miracle with my skills.

After installation, I couldn’t have been more impressed with its performance. This battery for camping trailer use provides a solid 300Ah capacity and a low self-discharge rate. As a result, it ran my appliances without trouble for several days, including my rig’s fridge.

I was also thrilled by this battery’s versatility. Users could efficiently run it in parallel or series while using it for various applications. In fact, it’s a perfect battery for RV trailer campers, off-grid rigs, marine applications, and household backup power.

Buyers who use this battery won’t have to worry about it wearing down quickly. It’s proven to offer an impressive 4000-plus cycle that extends to about a 10-year lifespan. Therefore, I have no reason to doubt it’ll need replacing anytime soon.

It also helps that Ampere Time did an excellent accounting for safety issues. For instance, it has a built-in BMS to prevent any possible complications. These aspects make me confident in its ability to provide safe and effective power.

If these features weren’t enough, I was further delighted by the 5-year warranty. It’ll give me some more protection against any malfunctions or other issues. Plus, these policies make me feel better about spending so much money on RV-related products.

5. Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M Deep Cycle Marine Battery

The Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M Deep Cycle Marine Battery is another option fully capable of offering top-tier performance. In fact, this model is known for its ability to be a dual-purpose model as it can serve as a starting battery and deep cycle battery.

As a result, rig owners can take advantage of getting one of the most trusted starting batteries and deep cycle batteries in a single purchase. They can also sit back and relax without having to worry about maintaining this option, either. It’s another option on our list, which is considered maintenance free.

Buyers will find themselves enjoying the product’s well-sealed construction, as well. This design will keep from spilling or leaking, which will increase its lifespan significantly. You won’t have to worry about replacing this amazing battery any time soon.

It works well as a rig battery because it has a resistance against shocks and vibrations. This model has proven to be 15 times more resistant than other models. Therefore, it won’t have any difficulty handling the constant bumps that come with traveling inside a recreational vehicle.

This model has an incredible reserve capacity of 120 minutes to ensure it can provide consistent performance. It’s a figure other models have found tough to match, and many buyers felt the need to point out in this deep cycle marine battery reviews section.

But my favorite thing about this battery has to be its SprialCell design and continuous lead plates. These aspects ensure this model is extremely durable without sacrificing the ability to deliver top-tier results.

6. Vmaxtanks VMAXSLR125 RV AGM 12V 125Ah Deep Cycle Battery

If you want one of the more durable options, Vmaxtanks VMAXSLR125 RV AGM 12V 125Ah Deep Cycle Battery needs your consideration. This model has an expected lifespan of up to 10 years, which outpaces most other models available today.

You can attribute its durability to the military-grade plates used in its construction. This aspect alone ensures the product can withstand whatever issue might come its way: shocks, vibrations, hot weather, cold weather, etc.

It’s also a favorite among rig owners who use solar systems to gain their required power for their RVs. This model happens to be more reliable when it comes to storing energy from solar panels. It’s truly an environment-friendly person’s dream deep cycle RV house battery.

Buyers will appreciate its unique storability, as well. This model has a low self-discharge of 2% per month, which lends itself useful for rig owners looking to store their RVs. It’ll ensure the battery isn’t completely discharged when you take it out for the next adventure.

This device is actually one of the best batteries for RV trailers regarding its adaptability. It has been approved for usages in air, surface, maritime transportation. You can attribute its ability to thrive in these scenarios to its sealed and leak-free construction.

But its ability to handle these numerous situations came with one disadvantage. This model needed to be heavy-duty, which weighs a lot more than most of its counterparts. I can imagine installing and moving this device around isn’t an easy task for anyone.

7. Renogy Li 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

Buyers looking to purchase the top-tier 12V lithium RV battery need to take a long look at Renogy’s Li 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery. This model ensures parallel connections are much easier by having an auto-balance feature.

But its natural parallel capabilities aren’t the only thing to separate it from its rivals. This model also comes with a great deal of flexibility for battery connection with its RJ45 communication ports. These kinds of features make it one of the more convenient options available.

Rig owners also should benefit from its built-in smart BMS, which will protect your battery from several damaging issues: over-charging, over-discharging, short circuits, over temperature and over current. It’s ready to ensure your battery can survive whatever difficulties come into its path.

You should love this BMS’s ability to manage the discharging and charging processes, as well. It’ll help keep these processes going smoothly and ensure nothing goes wrong, which could damage your rig’s battery.

This product offers a longer lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries, too, lasting more than 2000 cycles. Thanks to this, it shouldn’t need a replacement anytime soon. It’s also a way to save yourself some money in the long run.

I expect this product’s installation process will be another thing most rig owners enjoy about it. After all, it comes with everything needed to set it up with the purchase. You won’t need to buy anything separately, which is always a plus.

8. WindyNation 100AH 12 Volt RV AGM Deep Cycle Lead Acid Battery

WindyNation’s 100AH 12 Volt RV AGM Deep Cycle Lead Acid Battery is an affordable choice loaded with intriguing features that make your life easier. One of them would have to be its sealed lead acid design, which makes it a perfect fit for a long list of applications.

These applications include usage inside airports, marine settings, RVs, and various equipment inside healthcare facilities. In these situations, users can rely on this battery to provide quick recharging to ensure it offers an easy using process.

It being housed in ABS plastic material doesn’t hurt its case, either. This material should have no issues protecting the battery from potential damaging outside problems. In other words, it’s a pivotal part in ensuring this product remains usable for years.

You can have peace of mind about this battery emitting any harmful fumes or gases, as well. It was tested rigorously during production and was deemed safe for all terrain types. Due to this, it shouldn’t have problems meeting most RVers’ needs.

Apart from these features, rig owners can expect it to offer several others that have become familiar from our previous reviews. Some of these aspects include maintenance-free operation, a resistance against spills or leaks, an easy installation process, and low-self discharge rate.

Each of these features will be vital in ensuring this model can provide the power is needed to run your onboard devices. As a result, this model for WindyNation was built for a bargain buyer like myself.

9. Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH Deep Cycle Battery

Mighty Max Battery’s 12V 100AH Deep Cycle Battery would be a natural competitor for the title of the most trusted travel trailer battery for 12-volt rigs. It earns this distinction because of its rather impressive versatility and performance.

For instance, I have no doubts about its ability to store wind/solar energy for usage in various appliances: engine starters, golf carts, electric vehicles, and many more. I always find more comfort in products that can handle numerous situations in an effective manner.

This product also won’t require adding distilled water or checking the electrolyte because of its AGM technology usage. Due to this, it becomes a more convenient option than flooded wet cell batteries like our previous model from TROJAN BATTERIES.

You don’t have to worry about a problematic installation process, either. This model’s ready for usage right out of the box and mounting is a breeze. After all, users can mount it in any position to ensure the product remains as user-friendly as any RV battery out there.

Buyers will benefit from its ability to work in any climate, as well. It doesn’t have issues functioning in either the hot or cold, which is pivotal for all-year RVers. Otherwise, you could find yourself without the ability to run the heater or air conditioner when needed. These situations sound like terrifying and uncomfortable experiences.

10. Odyssey PC680 Deep Cycle Battery

Our last product, Odyssey’s PC680 Deep Cycle Battery, is an affordable AGM type that could help a rig owner in a bind. The primary attraction of this model happens to be its simplicity in everything it does.

Its installation process has been described as among the easiest around regularly. This easiness comes from the product having a great deal of mounting flexibility. It’s a feature capable of making the installation an absolute breeze.

Honestly, it seems like Odyssey tried to make their deep cycle battery as user-friendly as they could. This model even has a longer life cycle than most traditional lead-acid types: up to 400 cycles. It should be a valuable backup power source for a long time.

The product’s quick 4 to 6 hours recharge was another aspect, which conveys its overall convenience. It’s a quality most competitior’s models would have a hard time matching. This model will end up saving you a lot of time.

Buyers shouldn’t sleep on its limited 2-year warranty, either. This policy will come in handy when an unfortunate event happens with the device. Odyssey has been known to honor this policy which isn’t always the case with other brands.

A few other notable features include its vibration resistance, shock resistance, and high-temperature tolerance. Overall, it’s a well-rounded, affordable model that could serve your needs as a backup power source.

Renogy 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery (Outdated)

If you’re worried about these devices’ safety, Renogy’s 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery could help quell those concerns. It’s equipped with safety valves that are considered explosion-proof because they’re capable of stopping any excess gas from being produced.

You can also rely on its overall construction to ensure its usage remains safe. It’s designed to make sure the internal battery doesn’t get set on fire when encountering sparks. Due to these features, I have no doubt this device will only bring much-needed power into your life rather than complications.

The product’s lead-calcium grids confirm its durability by reducing the risk of corrosion occurring. It’s one of the reasons the model has a service life of 10 years. There’s no reason to believe it won’t provide your rig’s onboard devices with power for years.

I was impressed with the product’s PE compound separator construction, as well. This quality helps distribute the gel electrolyte evenly to ensure top-tier performance at all times. It’s just another way Renogy continues to separate itself from the pack when manufacturing batteries.

As with the previous options, those lead calcium grids mentioned make sure the batteries have a low discharge rate. This quality ensures charging deep cycle RV batteries like these becomes a much more manageable task. Plus, its self-discharge rate is only 3% per month to offer great storability.

VMAXTANKS 6V 225AH RV AGM DEEP CYCLE BATTERY BANK (Outdated)

The VMAXTANKS 6V 225AH RV AGM DEEP CYCLE BATTERY BANK is ideal for every type of energy storage application. It gained this reputation thanks to features like its military-grade plates which are known for providing reliable results.

In fact, these plates won’t only improve performance, but the product’s lifespan is also affected by their inclusion. These four batteries will last much longer with the plates embedded within their designs.

VMAX did an excellent job ensuring this model was capable of withstanding repeated cycles, as well. Its charge tanks were designed with frequent usage in mind. Multiple customers within their reviews confirmed this battery bank was performing well even in the most demanding situations.

The batteries’ sealed construction ensures it is safe to use indoors, making it an excellent fit for rig owners. It’s also maintenance-free to satisfy lazy people like myself who don’t enjoy keeping a routine when it comes to caring and cleaning.

You can count on it being leak-proof due to this sealed construction, as well. The model was designed to ensure this sealed construction had no impact on its performance capacity or longevity. VMAX seems to have outdone themselves with this battery bank.

Overall, it should function well for rig owners who intend to use the product as a daily or backup power source. It’ll get the job done in a simple, but effective manner to ensure anyone who buys it can’t complain about its performance.

Renogy 12 Volt 100Ah Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery (Oudated)

Are you searching for a reliable lithium RV battery? Renogy 12 Volt 100Ah Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery would be a solid choice to provide your rig with a constant power source. It comes with several features capable of making your life easier.

One of these features is the product’s built-in BMS, which provides multiple protections against problematic issues: over-discharging, short circuits, over-temperature, and overcharging. This feature can protect your battery from any unnecessary damage.

It’s also another option capable of being usable in many applications, including marine, wing, and off-grid. These multi-purpose abilities should ensure you get the most out of your investment.

I consider this model a front runner to be the best RV battery for dry camping. It’ll have no issues being a reliable power source when they’re no hookups in the area. This aspect was among the ones that people tend to praise in their reviews.

The product’s ability to connect with other batteries to provide more power was another standout feature. Rig owners who have air conditioner units onboard should find this particular feature more than useful.

Aside from these unique features, it offers a great deal of durability like some other options. Its longevity comes from its well-built design consisting of heavy-duty, sturdy components. This construction should have no issues handling discharging and deep charging many times.

Weize Liftepo4 12V 100AH Deep Cycle Battery (Outdated)

Weize’s Liftepo4 12V 100AH Deep Cycle Battery is a unique option for many reasons. One of them happens to be its use of green energy rather than relying on acids and heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead.

This feature ensures its functioning process ends up being a lot safer. It also makes the product recyclable, which is always a winning trait considering you’re helping the planet. In any case, this use of energy doesn’t affect its performance in the slightest.

It actually has several features capable of ensuring your rig gets usable power when you aren’t connected to shore power. For instance, its BMS system will protect it from numerous potential issues, such as deep discharge or overheating.

The product’s longevity was another appealing trait. It’s capable of lasting between 2,000 and 7,000 cycles, which is much longer than a traditional lead-acid option. This device’s usage will end up saving you a lot of green in the long run.

You also have to love its ultra-lightweight design of 26.4 Ibs. This design should ensure the installation and storing processes go much smoother than you’d expect with a lead-acid type. It’s even portable enough for outdoor usage on camping trips.

Weize 12V 100AH AGM Deep Cycle Battery (Outdated)

Weize’s 12V 100AH AGM Deep Cycle Battery can’t be overlooked by anyone looking for the most trusted AGM RV deep cycle batteries. It has everything a rig owner could want in one without having an excess price tag.

You might expect an AGM RV battery with a price tag around this point to lack in certain impressive features. But Weize manages to keep this option competitive with more expensive choices and still keep the price reasonable.

For instance, this battery uses a heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid to ensure it can offer excellent performance and a longer lifespan. Buyers were routinely surprised by this product’s quality in their customer reviews.

You couldn’t read more than two without someone describing it as a steal among RV deep cycle batteries prices. I was also impressed by this product’s lack of maintenance, which appeals to someone like me who despises doing routine cleaning tasks.

This model’s AGM technology is equipped with a valve regulated construction, as well. It ensures this battery can be placed within an indoor or enclosed setting without the user having to worry about leaks. In other words, it’s perfect for usage with an RV.

But even with all these fantastic features, the primary attraction remains its low cost. Bargain buyers should do their best to buy this model before Weize realizes it should have a much higher price tag.

NPP NP6-225Ah 6V 225Ah Camper AGM Deep Cycle Battery (Outdated)

The NPP NP6-225Ah 6V 225Ah Camper AGM Deep Cycle Battery has become a favorite among rig owners for its easy installation process. If you want an RV AGM battery recommendation based on which has the best setup process, this one would be on top of my list.

Many previous buyers would agree with this sentiment as its reviews are filled with praise for its installation. I imagine even first-time users won’t have issues getting this battery up and running thanks to its excellent included manual and customer service.

As for its performance, buyers should be confident in its ability due to its rugged design. This 6-volt option was made from non-conductive ABS plastic material. It’ll ensure issues like shocks, chemicals, vibration, and extreme temperatures aren’t any trouble.

You can also rest easy knowing this model comes as a two-pack. It removes the need to buy the second battery separately, which is always a huge hassle. NPP realized this issue beforehand and made sure this choice was as user-friendly as possible.

Buyers should pay attention to this model’s various safety certifications from UL, CE, and ISO9001, and ISO14001. These certifications are only given to products that meet precise product safety regulations before heading onto the market.

In other words, its performance was tested many times to ensure its usage was completely safe. You also get a 1-year warranty with the purchase that could come in handy when/if something unforeseen happens with the device.

TROJAN T-105 PLUS 6V 225 Ah DEEP CYCLE FLOODED Battery (Outdated)

Rig owners looking to buy four 6 volt RV batteries for their 24 volt electrical systems, need to look at TROJAN T-105 PLUS 6V 225 Ah DEEP CYCLE FLOODED BATTERY. This deal comes as a 4-pack and should provide your rig with an adequate camper battery charging system.

It’s capable of providing these results due to its being made from polypropylene, which ensures high-quality performance and durability. You can also rely on it having a reduced chance of corroding with its excellent structural adhesion between its Alpha Plus Paste and grid frame.

The product’s calcium grids is another massive winning trait because their inclusion will decrease gas emissions significantly. As a result, you don’t have to worry about any safety hazards coming from its usage.

It’s overall safety only becomes more apparent with its being approved and tested by IEC standards. This model was built to last a whopping ten years and was designed to deal with the unstable situations provided by renewable energy usage.

The self-discharge rate of 5% to 15% per month is rather impressive, too. It makes this model an ideal fit for another looking to store their rig for months at a time. Honestly, it should have a problem functioning to its fullest abilities when it comes out of long-term storage.

TROJAN BATTERIES’ customer service was another hit among RVers within their customer reviews. It’s rare when buyers praise something as trivial as this aspect, but you must pay attention when it does happen.

RV Battery Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right RV battery is an essential part of ensuring your RVing experience goes as smoothly as possible. But certain factors will determine which one fits your situation. It can make things a bit more complicated than you might expect.

However, I’m going to make these feelings disappear by discussing these factors in great detail. These discussions should ensure any buyer can figure out which RV battery fits their needs perfectly. Let’s get this process started and ensure you end up making the right choice.

Battery Capacity

Our first factor is the battery’s capacity, which will be rated or measured in Ah (Amp-hours). This rating or measurement will indicate the amount of current each battery can deliver over a specific period. For instance, a battery with a 200Ah capacity is capable of offering 200 amps for an hour or 2 amp per 100 hours.

I’d suggest getting a battery with a high capacity because it will allow you to run it longer and store more power. As a result, it’s fair to say that picking a higher capacity is worth spending a little more money.

But before choosing based on capacity, you also have to account for the battery’s weight and size. You have to remember that you’ll need a bit of room for storing these devices inside your vehicle or motorhome.

Buyers must consider their energy requirements when figuring out the ideal battery capacity, as well. I’d recommend making a few adjustments by adding some wiggle room to account for additional energy consumption. It’d be wise to determine your daily power usage.

You can then choose a battery capable of supplying such power without going down to 50% or 60% of its capacity. It’s worth noting that rig owners can recharge these batteries depending on how energy was consumed using a generator, shore power, or solar power.

But off-grid campers or boondockers who go several days without access to a recharging opportunity need a battery that can supply their required power without depleting it completely.

The depth of discharge

Depth of discharge is another critical factor to consider when searching for the perfect camper battery. In most cases, this aspect will be expressed in a percentage and shows the exact power amount discharged by each battery.

Rig owners looking to use lead-acid batteries will need to ensure the battery’s discharge depth and life cycle correlate. Deeper individual cycles usually indicate the battery will end up providing less number of cycles in general.

I’d suggest searching for a deep cycle option with a discharge depth capable of optimizing its life cycle when appropriately followed. This action will ensure you’re getting the most from your new RV battery.

Battery Voltage

As you might expect, battery voltage will play a massive role in your decision. It’s essential to know the deep cycle and starter batteries usually are designed to have 12-volt DC. But sometimes, rig owners will decide it’s a good idea to combine two RV 6 volt deep cycle batteries as a way of building a 12-volt battery for their RV.

These rig owners will combine the batteries by wiring them together in a series. In most cases, 12-volt batteries should have no issues meeting your needs, but it’s essential to consider what your rig’s electrical system uses. Don’t assume it’s automatically 12 volts.

You must remember that solar power kits and other chargers can work with 24V batteries, as well. If you have this RV battery setup, an inverter will be needed to convert DC to AC, ensuring it can work for your battery.

Charging Method

At some point, your battery will need to be charged. It’s important to figure what method of charging you plan on using when this situation eventually occurs. The methods include using shore power, solar power, or utilizing a generator.

Some rig owners might find it more useful to use all three. But a charge controller or smart charger will be required. This device will use a charging profile based on whatever type of battery is being used inside your rig. It’ll be able to provide the necessary charge at the right time.

You can also rely on this controller to adjust the current and voltage automatically. In other words, these devices will ensure your battery remains protected against spikes and other issues. This regulation and protection will be possible whether you intend to use an outlet, panels, or even a generator.

Ability to Perform at High and Low Temperatures

An often overlooked aspect is the battery’s ability to provide usable power at low and high temperatures. If you intend on RVing within cold winter months, your battery needs to perform under those frigid temperatures, or your trips will be a nightmare.

The most trusted RV deep cycle battery offers this benefit and can even supply power when temperatures reach 0-degrees Celsius or 32-degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, read through each option’s customer reviews to gain more insight about its capabilities when facing colder environments.

On the other hand, you’ll also need to figure out how well it functions in hotter temperatures. It might not seem like a big deal, but it’s still vital for anyone who intends to go camping in hot and humid areas. I’d recommend choosing a battery capable of functioning at a minimum of 35-degrees Celsius or 95-degrees Fahrenheit.

Durability

Our last factor might be the most important, considering you’ll want your chosen RV battery to last longer. These devices are rather expensive to replace, which means you’ll want to ensure your chosen one has top-tier durability.

I’d recommend looking for models with high shock and vibration resistance. Basically, a device capable of handling the environment that’s caused by working on an RV. Durability happens to be another factor that can be examined by reading other people’s experiences.

Most customers who end up buying a less-than-durable option will take out their frustrations inside an angry review. You should use their anger to your advantage and ensure you aren’t the next person typing one of these reviews.

RV Battery FAQs

Our FAQ section will guide you through the topics our buying guide left uncovered. These discussions should help you become an expert on all things RV batteries. Therefore, picking out top-tier batteries for an RV won’t be any trouble.

What is the most trusted RV battery?

There’s no specific answer to the question because every rig owner’s power needs tend to be different. But if you follow our buying guide, I promise finding the top-rated deep cycle RV batteries won’t be a stressful or difficult task.

Who is this for?

RV batteries have a massive impact on whether your onboard appliances will continue to work in the manner you expect. Everything within your rig depends on the 12V battery system to operate properly. This reality leads to a simple conclusion of these devices and appliances won’t work without functional batteries.

Most RVs will have what’s called an RV house battery. It’s known as a deep cycle battery and designed to store a large amount of power. It’s able to work for an extended period without much problem. You can expect it to serve as an excellent and effective energy storage device for your rig’s electric power.

Overall, these explanations are a more complicated way of stating that rig owners need an RV battery to make electrical appliances work onboard their motorhomes. This ability alone makes them an essential element for anybody looking to use appliances during their trips.

What are the different types of batteries for RV?

As I mentioned earlier, most recreational vehicles out there will depend on deep cycle batteries to work properly. These batteries are essential for appliances like water pumps, TVs, fridges, microwaves, and AC units to function in a useful way.

But it’s important to know these batteries come in numerous types. I’m going to discuss each one of these battery types to ensure you have a better idea about what kind fits your needs. You can then make a responsible decision about what RV battery ends up being your next purchase.

Flooded lead-acid

Flooded lead-acid batteries, also called wet cells, are based on lead-acid chemistry. They tend to be the most popular type used inside rigs out there today. The “flooded” aspect comes from the electrolyte fluid that allows its plate to be submerged.

These batteries consist of lead plates and lead-oxide with an electrolyte surrounding them. If electricity is taken away from these batteries, the plates will start changing into lead sulfate. It’s a process called discharging, which will also lead the electrolyte to become diluted.

But charging the battery will remove the sulfate coating from the plates and move them back to the electrolyte. This process makes it more concentrated. It will eventually lead to the plates returning to lead and lead-oxide, as well. It’s worth noting hydrogen and oxygen are released, too, during this charging process.

You now know how flooded lead-acid batteries work, but here comes the more juicy stuff. It’s time to look at what benefits come from their usage compared to their counterpart types.

One of their main benefits has to be working effectively at handling any overcharging issues that might occur. You can attribute this advantage to them not being sealed and their use of a hydrogen venting process.

Buyers can also depend on flooded lead-acid types to have a longer lifespan. As with most batteries, it will still require routine maintenance to keep it in good shape. But if this maintenance is kept up with, there’s no reason to believe these batteries should need a replacement before the other types.

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)

AGM (absorbed glass mat) deep cycle batteries are ideal for most RV applications, ranging from 5th wheel to small campervans. These types work with a wide variety of situations, such as boats, trucks, and trolling motors.

These batteries can work in all those situations because they’re often more robust and reliable than a flooded battery. It also helps that these devices require less maintenance to keep them in good condition, making them more convenient.

You can attribute their small maintenance requirements to them being a form of a lead-acid battery where fiberglass absorbs its electrolytes. Other distinct features about batteries include the plates being flat and winding into a rather tight spiral.

AGM batteries also have a much lower internal resistance than flooded options and work in high temperatures more effectively. Rig owners who intend to travel into humid and hot areas like Florida could benefit from utilizing these batteries.

Their lack of vulnerability to sulfation would be another impressive benefit. It’ll ensure you can easily store these batteries for an extended period without them becoming damaged. Users can even expect them to maintain good condition when stored up to one year.

As a result, it should be no problem to recharge them after an extended period of inactivity and providing excellent performance. These aspects alone make AGM options a convenient, useful choice for rig owners around the world.

But these batteries are a bit more expensive than flooded lead-acid options and aren’t as durable. Many rig owners choose flooded options rather than spending the extra money for an AGM one.

Deep cycle gel

Some rig owners choose to install a deep cycle gel battery within their motorhomes. These batteries do offer some of the same advantages that the flooded types do, such as being easy to install and use. But the main difference between these two comes from having a gelled electrolyte, which has a high viscosity.

These batteries have a slower combining rate that was generated during the charging process. Charging is done at a much slower pace than with either AGM or flooded lead-acid batteries.

It’s worth mentioning that overcharging them could also cause gas pockets to form on the plates. This situation could decrease its capacity as it results in the electrolyte being moved away from these plates.

Deep cycle gel batteries come with narrower charging profiles, as well. It’s the primary reason for them undergoing such damage when charged incorrectly. Given this information, it’s quite clear why most rig owners prefer the other types over this one.

Lithium-ion

Our last type, lithium-ion deep cycle batteries, is the one most motorhome owners consider the top-tier RV house battery type. It has gained a stellar reputation for various benefits, such as being more lightweight than AGM or flooded lead-acid types.

You can also expect these batteries to have a higher charging efficiency and life cycles, ranging between 3000 and 5000. Many people enjoy lithium-ion models because of their built-in safety measure: these types will shut down when it experiences overheating temperatures.

Lithium-ion deep cycle batteries go further than lead-acid models that only lets a user use about 50% of its rated capacity. People looking to buy an RV battery for boondocking or dry camping could benefit from investing in one of these batteries.

In fact, these models feature voltage levels with high sustainability, which allow them to offer the use of 99% capacity. This advantage would ensure campers have a little more time on the road before needing a recharge than with other batteries.

How does an RV battery work?

The working process of these RV batteries is something that tends to baffle even experienced rig owners. Honestly, RV electrical systems and their batteries are difficult to understand. One of the easiest ways to go about learning about them is by covering voltages first.

I should note that rig batteries will usually work at a 12V direct current deep cycle electrical energy. This amount of energy should be enough to offer reliable power supply for a small rig’s systems and appliances.

But it’s important to understand you can’t count on them to run every system onboard your rig. Deep cycle batteries are made to discharge and repeatedly recharge without causing them any extensive damage.

These 12-volt deep cycle RV batteries are primarily used as a way to charge systems throughout your rig. If you don’t intend to rely only on this battery to obtain power, you’ll need to be plugged into a shore power that provides 120V AC power.

Rig owners can use this shore power to provide a lot more electricity to their rig’s systems. More importantly, it can be useful when it comes to charging your RV’s batteries. You can’t expect the battery to recharge itself, such as with a car battery, every time it discharges or loses power.

Due to this, rig owners must be aware of your battery levels. This action will help make sure its charge doesn’t become too low or high. The charging process itself is a simple matter of plugging into your vehicle. In other words, look for a 120V AC outlet and connect the battery into it.

But remember, you’ll need a power converter because this outlet puts out AC power rather than DC power that’s required by the battery. This converter is essential because it can lower the risk of dealing with electrical problems during the charging process.

Using the converter and shore power at once will take a while to work, as well. This amount of time will only become longer when your battery’s depleted or at a low capacity. As you can imagine, this situation can become rather stressful in a short period.

How many batteries do I need for dry camping?

The most common battery setup for dry campers will be a two 12-volt deep cycle RV battery setup. It’s an excellent way to get all necessary power whenever rig owners are away from civilization and shore power. In fact, it’s what I utilize during my extended off-grid camping trips.

However, it’s not the only possible setup for a dry camper. You can also use 6-volt batteries in a series or parallel as an alternative. I’ve met several RVers who prefer using 6-volts instead of the 12-volt options due to their lighter weights and faster charging/discharging rate.

However, the setup doesn’t matter too much without high-quality batteries. So, an RVer must use suitable batteries for dry camping. Anyone having issues choosing suitable batteries should refer to our “Top-Rated RV Battery Buyer’s Guide.”

How can I tell if my RV battery is bad?

Most RVers will notice a bad battery by a clear deterioration in performance. Honestly, it’s pretty apparent when one is on its last legs. You’ll note how tasks like running the AC become much more burdensome. But if you aren’t sure, it’s relatively simple to test.

First, you’ll need to figure out if the battery can still charge, so plug the rig into shore power. Most rigs will have battery charge light indicators to make checking this process easier. Proceed to locate them on your rig’s panel to see if they’re on and green.

As with most things, the green color indicates everything is functioning correctly. So if the lights do pop up green, something else is likely causing the issues besides the battery. But if it’s a different color than green, a new battery will often be necessary.

Before replacing a battery, I’d also check for any shorts or improper connections. After all, you’ll want to avoid buying a new one whenever possible.

Other notable signs of a faulty battery include slow recharging, internal battery corrosion, dimming headlights, and foul smells coming from the battery.

Are marine and RV batteries the same?

Marine and RV batteries do differ in their construction. But the difference isn’t significant enough that users can’t use both types for either application. In fact, various batteries for campers on our list would be perfect for usage in boats.

Ampere Time’s ‎12V300Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Battery would be an excellent example. This option has been shown to produce top-flight results in both situations.

Meanwhile, I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest a marine battery like Optima Batteries’ 8016-103 D34M Deep Cycle Marine Battery for RV usage. Its impressive reserve capacity and slow discharge rate are ideally suited for camper use.

Should I disconnect my RV battery when not in use?

It’s not necessary to disconnect your rig batteries when they aren’t being used. In fact, RVers should only disconnect their batteries when it’s in long-term storage.

It’s a crucial step to ensure they don’t get overcharged when your RV’s plugged into shore power. I disconnect mine every winter when I’m finally done with my summer traveling.

But I don’t have an installed battery disconnect switch, so my process is a bit different than many rig owners. If an RVer has one of these switches, it’ll usually only require turning the switch to the “off” position.

However, there are situations where a battery connected to a switch would need complete disconnection. Anyone who’s storing their rig in a place without constant access to shore power will need to disconnect. I wouldn’t recommend storing the rig in those locations anyway.

Another situation is when the disconnect switch doesn’t offer sufficient protection against all drains. A disconnection will become necessary, so the battery doesn’t suffer from constant power draw during this storage period. If anyone’s looking for a high-quality disconnect switch, they should check out our buying guide.

Meanwhile, it’s vital to properly store your batteries for travel trailer use whenever disconnecting. It’ll help maintain their effectiveness and lifespan during the off-season. Otherwise, it could result in needing replacements much sooner than expected.

Advantages and disadvantages of using an RV battery

A common question people bring up during this process is whether having an RV battery adds to an RVer’s experience. These following benefits come from using one and should showcase why having them is an integral part of RV living:

• Generates Electricity: Deep cycle batteries work as a reliable power source when a rig owner might need it most. These devices become extremely useful when your RV is parked, at a campground, or turned off completely.
• Makes Your Camping Experience More Comfortable: These batteries make camping life more bearable by running the AC when it’s unbearably hot, offering light at night, and ensuring the heater runs on those awful winter nights.
• Cost-effective: An RV battery can save a rig owner gas and money by operating devices inside their motorhome without having to start it. Your rig can power everything when it’s on, but this burns a lot of fuel. One of these batteries will mitigate this issue.
• Versatile: Deep cycle batteries don’t only provide RVs with power. They can also start other smaller vehicles like bikes, boats, scooters, and wheelchairs.

Who makes the top-tier battery for RV?

The number of manufacturers who have decided to start making RV batteries (deep cycle batteries) is ridiculous. It can make separating the subpar brands from good ones a tricky process.

But thankfully, I’ve already introduced you to a couple of high-quality brands in our product review section. Rig owners who stick to products made by these manufacturers shouldn’t have any problems with battery performance.

Another brand worth mentioning would be Interstate Batteries. Interstate deep cycle battery prices tend to be more than competitive. As for their performance, an Interstate RV battery should have no issues ensuring you get the power onboard your rig.

What is the longest-lasting RV battery?

Every RV battery’s lifespan will vary greatly depending on how it’s used. But in most cases, you can expect an AGM battery to last longer than the other types. Its maintenance-free and rugged design will ensure you aren’t roaming around Walmart looking for a replacement anytime soon.

What size RV battery do I need?

Finding the right-sized RV battery isn’t an exact science or process. It’s a matter of determining your rig’s power requirements and the number of hours each device will be running. Plus, you’ll need to understand that larger batteries can store and offer more power than others.

In any case, the most crucial aspect is determining your power needs and using it to find a rig battery capable of providing it.

How long do deep cycle RV batteries last?

Each RV battery will have a slightly different lifespan. Honestly, how long these batteries end up depending on the person using it. But most models will last up to five years when used in the right fashion and maintained correctly.

Do I need a deep cycle battery for my travel trailer?

Travel trailer owners aren’t immune from needing a deep cycle battery. RV owners should always use these battery types as their house batteries. Here are a couple of reasons why this happens to be the case:

• Despite many rig owners believing this myth: your generator will not start any better whether you’re using a deep cycle or car battery.
• Rig owners will end up replacing a car battery a lot sooner than an RV deep cycle battery. These batteries are built to be charged frequently. Car batteries don’t share this quality and aren’t designed to be discharged/recharged that often. Deep cycle batteries end up saving you money in the long run.
• A power or generator failure won’t be the end of your world. An RV’s 12V system can run on a deep cycle battery a lot longer than on car batteries.

How to charge an RV battery?

In terms of how to charge the battery on your rig, there are four ways to get the job done:

• Your alternator will charge them when you’re driving.
• The converter will trickle charge them when you’re using shore power.
• A deep cycle battery will also get charged when you’re running your generator.
• Environment-friendly people can use solar panel systems.

How to install?

Installing an RV battery can be tricky, but it’ll become simple with some practice. The basics consist of ensuring all your appliances, lights, and devices are turned off completely. You should then find the mount where your batteries are placed inside the rig.

Once you locate them, carefully set this battery onto the mount, connect the necessary cables, and activate the hardware. You can then proceed to test your appliances and lights.

Any care and maintenance tips?

The process of maintaining and caring for your RV batteries will depend a little on their type. For instance, lithium-ion options will require almost no upkeep. But other kinds do have specific needs and different lifespans.

If you want more thorough battery maintenance directions, I implore you to read the manual or check with your manufacturer. But in any case, here are some basics to follow:

• Make Sure to Maintain Electrolyte Levels in Flooded-cell Deep Cycle Batteries: These batteries will start losing water with every charge cycle, and it’ll need replenishing. Use distilled water to help lessen the risk of sulfation occurring. If this does happen, sulfate crystals will form as a result of being exposed to air. I’d suggest checking your batteries at least once a month to ensure they’re at full capacity before doing the required maintenance tasks.
• Clean and Remove any Built-up Corrosion on the Battery Terminals: Use an approved battery contact cleaning product or a mixture of one gallon of water and one cup of baking soda. I’d recommend using a toothbrush for the scrubbing process.
• Never Let Your Batteries Get too Low in Charge Capacity: Sulfation can begin anytime when these batteries fall below 80% capacity or 12.4 volts. Therefore, make sure to always recharge them regularly after using them.
• Recharge Your Batteries Frequently: Remember, if you discharge a battery to 50% every single day, it’ll last twice as long as one that’s been discharged to 20%. But please, don’t forget that hot temperatures and overcharging can negatively affect your batteries over an extended period.

Conclusion

Finding the best RV battery for your rig should be rather easy with all this information at your disposal. It’s a simple task of using it during your search. Once you do, the right choice will become apparent.

But if you do have more questions or concerns, our comment section is always open. I’ll make sure to promptly answer each post to ensure everybody reading this article gets their perfect battery. Thanks for reading!

Dane Heldt

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!