Best (Deep Cycle) RV Battery
While RVing full-time for almost 4 years we learned more than we ever thought we’d need to know about RV batteries. Between our two tiny home on wheels, we went from simply replacing our old, used batteries when the time came, to completely upgrading our electrical system to powerful lithium batteries to maximize our solar power capabilities. We love boondocking but still need to live normal life including work and school, so power is essential. Whether you are a weekend warrior in need of a new battery for your camper van or a full-timer looking for the best RV battery out there, here is everything you need to know!
Best RV Lithium Battery
Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery
The best RV lithium battery is the Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery and is sure to transform your power supply experience as it did with ours! This battery, with its lightweight construction and durable LiFePO4 chemistry, delivers a powerful performance that will keep you going for miles without the need for heavy lifting. Crafted to endure the Dakota way, this 12-volt lithium battery packs a substantial punch. Utilizing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) technology, it boasts twice the power, half the weight, and a lifespan four times longer than a sealed lead acid battery – offering unmatched lifetime value. Equipped with a 100 Amp-hour capacity, the DL 100Ah battery ensures a full day of power for extended journeys in your RV.
| Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery | |
|---|---|
| 100 Ampere Hours (Ah) of Storage Capacity | 12.8V Voltage |
| 1280 Watts (Wh) of Energy | F12 Terminals (Posts that Screw In) with M8 Post Bolts Included (Max Torque 15 ft. lbs.) |
| 12.99 in (330mm) L x 6.77 in (172mm) W x 8.66 in (220mm) H (Group 27 Equivalent) | 31.9 lbs (14.5Kg) Weight (60% Lighter Than a SLA Battery) |
| Up to 80% Capacity for 2,000 Cycles in Recommended Conditions | -20'F Min, +120'F Max Optimal Operating Temperatures |
| 100 A Max Continuous, 200 A Max Pulse 10-Second Pulse | 50 A Max, 14 V Max Recommended, 15 V Max Charge |
| Active BMS Protection for Increased Performance and Longer Life | UN 38 Certified and UL1642 Certified |
Best Budget RV Lithium Battery
LiTime 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Deep Cycle Battery
This battery is equipped with Grade-A cells, boasting an impressive 1280Wh energy capacity and a remarkable 5X lifetime. With 4000+ cycles at 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD) and a 10-year lifespan, the LiTime battery is tailored to meet your indoor power demands and elevate your outdoor adventures.The built-in 100A Battery Management System (BMS) sets LiTime apart, offering advantages such as a 3% low self-discharging rate, ensuring extended storage time and device protection from potential risks at all times. As a perfect replacement for lead-acid batteries, it provides 1280Wh energy and 1280W power loads, all while weighing a mere 24.25 lbs – 2X the energy and 1/3 the weight of traditional batteries.
| LiTime 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Deep Cycle Battery | |
|---|---|
| - EV Grade A LiFePO4 Cells | - 4000+ Cycles at 100% DOD & 10 Years Lifetime |
| - 100% BMS Protection & 3% Low Self-discharging Rate | - 1280Wh of Large Energy, 1280W of High Output Power |
| - 24.25 lbs, 1/5 the Weight of 12V 200Ah Lead-acid Batteries | - 3 Charging Ways & 10X Charging Efficiency |
| - Flexible in Series and Parallel (Max 4S4P, up to 20.48kWh) | - Group 31 Battery Size (L13*W6.77*H8.43 inch ) |
| - IP65 Waterproof | - Clean/Eco-friendly/Cost-effective |
| - Certified by UL, FCC, CE, ROSH, UN38.3 | - Discharge Temperature: -20℃ to 60℃ / -4℉ to 140℉ |
Best RV AGM Battery
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100AH
For a dependable and high-performing battery that prioritizes practicality, we consider Renogy's 12V Deep Cycle AGM Battery the best deep cycle battery for RVs. Crafted with durability in mind and featuring a leak-proof design, this maintenance-free battery has been purposefully engineered for solar energy storage applications, delivering optimal performance even in freezing temperatures. Keep your rig and off-grid solar system consistently powered with the reliability of Renogy's 12-volt deep cycle battery. If you find yourself in need of an extra power boost, seamlessly amplify your power capacity by connecting multiple batteries in a series or parallel battery bank.
| RENOGY DEEP CYCLE AGM BATTERY 12V 100AH | |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage: 12V | Rated Capacity: 100Ah@10hr-rate to 10.5V (25°C / 77°F) |
| Float Charging Voltage: 13.5V~13.8V (25°C / 77°F); Temperature Compensation: -18mV/°C | Cycle Use Voltage: 14.4V~14.8V (25°C / 77°F); Temperature Compensation: -24mV/°C |
| Equalization Voltage: 14.4V~14.8V (25°C / 77°F) | Max Discharge Current: 1100A (5 seconds) |
| Max Charge Current: 30A | Normal Operating Temperature: 77°F±5.4°F / 25°C±3°C |
| Operating Temperature Range: Discharge: 5°F~122°F / -15°C~50°C; Charge: 5°F~104°F / -15°C~40°C | Storage Temperature Range: 5°F~104°F / -15°C~40°C |
| Self Discharge Rate: ≤3% / month (25°C / 77°F) | Terminal Bolt Size: M8 x 1.25 x 20 mm |
| Internal Resistance: Approx. 5.0mΩ | Container Material: ABS |
| Weight: 63.9 lb. / 29 kg | Dimension: 13.1 x 6.9 x 8.6 inch / 332 x 175 x 219 mm |
| Recommended Terminal Torque: 109.8 inch·lb / 12.4 N·m | |
Best RV Battery for Dry Camping
While the Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery listed above is a great option for boondocking, there is another battery that could also be considered the best RV battery for dry camping:
Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Crafted for enduring use, the 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery from Battle Born Batteries boasts a lifespan of up to 10 times that of lead-acid batteries, offering an impressive 3,000-5,000 deep discharge cycles. These LiFePO4 batteries come equipped with an internal Battery Management System (BMS), shielding them from common battery pitfalls such as high and low voltage, short circuits, and extreme temperatures. In comparison to traditional lead-acid batteries, these rechargeable Battle Born Batteries tip the scales at just 31 lbs while delivering 1/5th of the weight for the same usable power. Furthermore, they provide up to 3 times more power within the same physical space and charge at a remarkable 5 times faster rate. Enjoy a superb return on your investment with a decade of use from this heavy-duty 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 battery, offering 3,000 – 5,000 deep discharge cycles and up to 10-15 years of power. The eco-conscious and lightweight Battle Born Lithium 100Ah 12V battery can be wired in series or parallel. Also, because it is designed with safety in mind and doesn’t contain any acid, it can be safely mounted in any orientation.
| Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery | |
|---|---|
| 100 Amps Continuous | 200 Amps Surge for 30 Seconds |
| ½ Second Surge for Larger Loads | High/Low Voltage Protection |
| Short Circuit Protection | High/Low Temperature Protection |
| Automatic Cell Balancing | Dimensions (L x W x H): 12.75 x 6.875 x 9 |
| Charging Voltage: 14.2 – 14.6 V | Float Voltage: 13.6 V or Lower |
| Product Dimensions: 12.75 X 6.875 X 9 in. (L x W x H) | Weight: 31 lbs |
Types of RV Batteries
Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
Available in starting, deep cycle, or dual-purpose configurations for RVs.
Boast the lowest initial cost among the three battery chemistries.
Feature the shortest lifespan when compared to other battery chemistries.
Not completely sealed; regular topping off of electrolyte with distilled or deionized water is necessary.
Exhibit a high self-discharge rate, requiring a battery charger for maintaining charge during storage.
AGM Lead Acid Batteries
Offered as starting, deep cycle, or dual-purpose batteries for RVs.
Come with a higher upfront cost compared to flooded batteries.
Designed to last 2-3 times longer than flooded batteries, often resulting in long-term cost savings.
Completely sealed, eliminating the need for additional maintenance.
Feature a lower rate of self-discharge, though a battery charger is still required for maintaining charge during long-term storage.
Charge faster than flooded batteries and are more resistant to vibrations and extreme temperatures.
Weigh less than flooded batteries.
Lithium Batteries
Available exclusively as deep cycle batteries for RVs.
Command a higher upfront cost compared to both flooded and AGM batteries.
Engineered for an exceptionally long lifespan, lasting up to 10 times longer than flooded batteries.
Completely sealed, requiring no additional maintenance.
Possess an extremely low self-discharge rate, rarely needing to be charged during storage.
Capable of discharging up to 90% before requiring a recharge.
Charge faster than most AGM batteries and exhibit increased resistance to vibrations and extreme heat.
Remarkably lightweight, being 55% lighter than AGM batteries.
Choosing the Best Battery for Boondocking
Comparing Discharge Capacities:
Lead-Acid Batteries: These batteries have a depth of discharge (DoD) of approximately 50%, allowing only half of the capacity to be used safely. While suitable for occasional boondocking, frequent off-grid campers may find this limited capacity restrictive.
AGM Batteries: Claiming an improved DoD of up to 80%, AGM batteries provide a more generous power reserve for RV needs. Boondocking enthusiasts may find this option preferable for extended off-grid stays, though a conservative approach of 50% is recommended for battery longevity.
Lithium Batteries: Boast an impressive DoD of around 90-95%, enabling nearly the entire capacity to be utilized without harm. This advantageous feature maximizes available power for extended periods, making them particularly suitable for boondocking.
Power Density Comparison:
Lead-Acid Batteries: With the lowest power density, lead-acid batteries are heavier and bulkier, potentially posing concerns for RVs with limited cargo-carrying capacity.
AGM Batteries: Offering slightly higher power density than lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries provide a moderate balance in terms of weight and size.
Lithium Batteries: These options have the highest power density, storing the most energy per unit of weight. This characteristic makes them an excellent choice for boondocking, optimizing cargo space and reducing overall RV weight.
Charging with Solar and Generators:
Lead-Acid and AGM Batteries: Both have relatively slower charging times, which can be a drawback when relying on solar power or seeking a quick top-up using a generator.
Lithium Batteries: These batteries charge significantly faster than lead-acid and AGM options, enhancing efficiency when utilizing solar panels or backup generators. This ensures effective meeting of RV power needs during boondocking.
Which RV battery lasts the longest?
Lithium RV batteries are the longest-lasting RV batteries. They can last 10 years or more if well-maintained, which is much longer than lead-acid batteries, which typically last 3–5 years. Lithium batteries are also lighter, don't emit toxic fumes, and don't require ventilation or maintenance. However, they are more expensive than other types of batteries.
Lithium batteries: Typically last 2000–4000 cycles or 10–15 years
AGM batteries: Typically last 400–800 cycles or 3–6 years
Flooded lead acid batteries: Typically last 200–500 cycles or 3–5 years
Your RV battery plays a big role in how smoothly your travels and adventures will go. There is enough to plan and think about with RVing, don’t let your battery be a point of thought or concern except for when it’s time to get a new one. Our biggest piece of advice when it comes to RV batteries? Invest in the best RV battery now so it’s sure to last and meet your needs. Happy travels and we hope to see you on the road!
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