5 Best Batteries for Your RV | The Family Handyman

Oct 16, 2024

By Steve Maxwell

Updated on Oct. 14, 2024

RV batteries are expensive, so choose your next set carefully. Here are the best RV battery types and choices.

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Batteries are essential to any RV power system, and the batteries you choose can make all the difference in your RV lifestyle. “As someone who loves nothing more than hitting the open road in my RV, I’ve learned more about picking suitable batteries over the years,” says Rinkesh Kukreja, Senior software engineer and sustainability expert. “Your RV’s battery is the heart of its electrical system, powering everything from lights and appliances to backup systems when you’re off the grid.”

The most important part of understanding RV batteries is first understanding the different types. The two main types of batteries you’ll see for RVs are lead-acid and lithium-ion. Lead-acid batteries break down further into flooded lead-acid (FLA), absorbed glass mat (AGM) and gel. All types have their pros and cons, but here are a few key features.

Flooded lead-acid batteries are the most traditional type of lead-acid battery, however, they do require regular maintenance. AGM are maintenance-free and more resistant to vibration, making them a great option for RVs. Gel batteries are also maintenance free, but are less common in RVs than AGM and FLA batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, faster charging times, a longer cycle life and weigh less than lead-acid batteries, but they have a higher price tag.

Ultimately, it’s going to come down to factors such as budget, maintenance preferences, performance requirements and intended usage. “AGMs do the job without spending much money if you’re an occasional camper,” says Kukreja. “Lithium batteries give you more freedom if you live on the road. As an RV enthusiast, I love the flexibility lithium provides. I suggest having a pro install your batteries, whichever you choose—batteries can be dangerous if mishandled.”

Before looking through the different options, here are some other key components you should think about when selecting a battery for your RV.

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The durable Duracell Ultra BCI Group AGM Deep Cycle Battery is a starting and cycling battery that can handle all the accessory demands an RV can throw at it.

Compared to traditional flooded batteries, Duracell Ultra AGM batteries offer longer cycle life, shorter charging times and more vibration resistance. These batteries feature a spill-proof design that permits installation in any orientation except upside down.

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At 200 amp-hour (Ah), the Renogy Rechargeable Deep Cycle Hybrid GEL Battery is one of the larger RV batteries, made by one of the recognized leaders in solar energy and off-grid power systems. This sealed battery has an excellent track record with RVs, off-grid energy applications and marine use.

With a rated life of 750 cycles when discharged down to 50 percent capacity, you can expect 10-plus years of service from this battery. Gel cell-type batteries like this one are best at delivering relatively low current levels, but for long periods. They do require a special battery charger for full working life (speaking of, check out these rechargeable battery chargers).

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Many companies make gel cell-type batteries, and this Weize Deep Cycle Gel Battery comes with a long track record of success. Just like the AGM-type batteries, gel cells won’t spill if tipped. All else being equal, a gel-type battery should last longer than a traditional lead acid battery or AGM, although operating temperature greatly affects battery life.

An RV battery operating at no more than 68 degrees can last for 10 to 20 years. That same battery operating at 104 degrees will only last two to five years before it’s garbage.

At 100 Ah, this battery is about as small as you’d want to consider for an RV. Assuming a maximum 50 percent discharge level, this battery can power six 100-watt light bulbs for an hour before recharging.

How do you know when you’re at the magic 50 percent maximum? When a 12-volt battery actually reads 12.0 volts, you’ve discharged it as much as you can without reducing its working life.

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With deep cycle batteries, you get the most storage capacity for your dollar from lead acid batteries like this Duracell Ultra BCI Group Flooded Deep Cycle Battery.

Duracell, of course, is one of the most respected names in battery technology, so you’ll get great value from this tried-and-true product. More accurately called a “flooded” lead acid design, this Duracell is like the battery in your car. Liquid acid surrounds lead plates that work together to store electricity.

Batteries like this can spill, but not easily. There are a handful of fancier battery technologies, but good old lead acid still delivers the best bang for the buck.

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The Ampere Time LiFePO4 Batteries use Automotive Grade LiFePO4 cells that offer higher energy density, more stable performance and increased power. The battery’s lifespan of approximately 4,000 cycles is 10 times longer than comparable lead acid batteries, at one-third of their weight.

Ampere Time LiFePO4 batteries can discharge the full 12 volts for 95 percent of their capacity, so they can run nearly 45 percent longer than lead acid batteries. An integrated battery management system (BMS) protects it from overcharging, over-discharging, over-currenting and short circuiting.

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