There are plenty of things to worry about when it comes to owning and maintaining an RV. In addition to making sure that the tires, axles, and electrical systems are working as they should, it’s also important to make sure you have the right RV batteries for your rig.
However, because of how many different RV battery options there are on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult. But rest assured. Choosing the right battery is as simple as identifying the correct battery for the size and type of rig you have.
Understanding RV Battery Types and Their Importance
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there are several different types of RV batteries. Here’s a quick rundown of each one.
Flooded Lead Acid Batteries (FLA)
Flooded lead acid batteries, sold through retailers like US Battery, used to be one of the most common types of RV batteries on the market. They look similar to and provide power the same way that other RV batteries do. However, flooded lead acid batteries need water to operate and are generally more high-maintenance than other types of RV batteries.
Image courtesy of saVRee
Absorbed Gas Mat Batteries (AGM)
Image courtesy of Power Sonic
Absorbed gas mat batteries, available through autobatteries.com, are like an upgraded version of traditional FLA batteries. AGM batteries don’t require any maintenance, last longer, are more durable, and are more powerful than FLA batteries.
However, they’re also quite a bit more expensive, and not everyone wants to pay the extra.
Lithium Ion Batteries
Image courtesy of Evlithium
Finally, you have the option of choosing lithium-ion batteries for your RV. Lithium-ion batteries are high-performance and long-lasting. Plus, they aren’t lead-acid batteries, as is the case with FLA and AGM batteries. You can find lithium batteries through retailers like Lion Energy and RELiON Battery.
While they’re the newest type of RV battery on the block, they also tend to be the most expensive.
RV Deep Cycle Batteries
Image courtesy of Newport
“Deep cycle” is one of the more confusing terms when it comes to RV batteries. Deep cycle batteries aren’t a unique type of battery. Instead, they refer to any RV battery that is designed to be frequently charged and discharged.
As such, each of the batteries we’re going to look at in this article is considered a deep-cycle battery.
Our Top RV Battery Recommendations
Overall Best RV Battery: Renogy Deep Cycle 12-volt Battery
Image courtesy of Renogy (Link to purchase)
Cost: $206.99 – $289.99
Battery Type: AGM
Pros:
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Low resistance and high discharge rate
- Resistant to high heat
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Not quite as durable as a lithium battery
The Renogy Deep Cycle 12-volt RV battery isn’t just our pick for the best RV battery on the market. It’s the top pick for many others, including experienced and novice RVers alike. The Renogy Deep Cycle battery can last up to five years or longer when you properly charge and discharge it.
It offers a 100Ah battery capacity and dimensions measuring 13.1 x 6.9 x 8.6 inches, which is a perfect fit for most RVs. Renogy also offers a two-year warranty on each of their batteries, and the option to return it within 30 days of purchase.
Best Lithium-Ion Battery: Redodo 12V 100 aH LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
Image courtesy of Redodo (Link to purchase)
Cost: $249.99
Battery Type: Lithium-ion battery
Pros:
- One of the longest-lasting batteries available
- No maintenance
- High wattage output
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Fairly pricy
If you want one of the best RV batteries available and have a sizeable budget, the Redodo 12V 100 aH LiFePO4 Lithium Battery is the way to go. The Redodo 12V is one of the longest-lasting RV batteries on the market and can last up to 10 years.
Redodo also has one of the longest warranties for its batteries, with warranties of up to five years. This battery also has a longer runtime and requires less maintenance than traditional lead-acid batteries.
Best Flooded Lead-Acid Battery: Duracell Ultra Flooded Deep Cycle Battery
Image courtesy of Sam’s Club (Link to purchase)
Cost: $175
Battery Type: Lead-acid
Pros:
- Fairly affordable
- 18-month warranty
- 3-5 years of life
- Dual-purpose RV and marine battery
For those who prefer traditional lead acid batteries, the Duracell Ultra Flooded Deep Cycle Marine & RV Battery is one of the best. In addition to being one of the best flooded batteries available, the Duracell Ultra is a dual-purpose deep-cycle RV battery–meaning it can be used for RV or marine purposes, thanks to its resistance to water and long run time.
Best Budget-Friendly Battery: Interstate Batteries AGM Deep Cycle Battery
Image courtesy of Interstate Batteries (Link to purchase)
Cost: $114
Battery Type: AGM
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Small and lightweight
- Maintenance-free
Cons:
- Not as long-lasting as other options
If you want a reliable battery that will get the job done (without breaking the bank), consider the AGM Deep Cycle Battery From Interstate Batteries. Interstate is one of the top producers of RV, marine, and car batteries in the US. The AGM Deep Cycle, in particular, is perfect for RVs.
Despite being more affordable than most other AGMs and lithium batteries, the Interstate Batteries AGM can last for up to five years. It’s also smaller and more lightweight than most other batteries, making it perfect for smaller RVs and tight spaces.
This battery is also dual-purpose and can be used on RVs, boats, and more.
Best RV Battery for Cold Weather: Ionic Lithium 12V 300Ah LiFePO4
Image courtesy of Lithium Hub (Link to purchase)
Cost: $1,999
Battery Type: Lithium-ion
Pros:
- Has Bluetooth capabilities
- Includes a built-in heater
- Longer-lasting and more durable than most batteries
- No maintenance required
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
If you’re looking for the best deep-cycle battery for RVing in cold weather, you’ll have a hard time beating the Ionic Lithium 12V 300Ah. In addition to being the best cold-weather RV battery, this bad boy is easily one of the best all-around batteries available for RV owners.
However, because of how expensive it is, we didn’t list it as the best overall battery since not everyone can afford it.
Along with being lighter, longer-lasting, and more durable than a lead-acid or deep-cycle AGM battery, the Ionic Lithium has a Battery Management System. It also features a built-in heater to ensure it will maintain its high performance regardless of how cold it gets.
Which RV Battery is Right For Me?
Because of how many different RV batteries there are to choose from, making the right choice can be difficult. Here are a few things to consider:
- Intended use
If you only plan to use your battery for your RV, you don’t need a dual-purpose battery. However, if your RV battery will double as a battery for your boat or car, you’ll need a dual-purpose battery.
- Time of year
If you plan to use your RV in cold weather, make sure to choose batteries that perform well in extreme temperatures.
- Your budget
As with all things, your budget will affect which RV battery you choose. Ideally, we would all want the Ionic Lithium 12V 300Ah. However, if you’re on a tight budget, consider a quality lead-acid or AGM battery.
- Level of maintenance
If you don’t trust in your maintenance skills, you’ll want to stay away from flooded lead acid batteries. These batteries require you to add water regularly, check battery cells, and more. Instead, opt for lithium-ion or AGM batteries, as these are maintenance-free.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right RV battery will ensure that your rig is ready to go when you need it most. It will also allow you to power certain parts of your RV–including the lights, outlets, TV, and refrigerator–as long as necessary, even when you aren’t connected to shore power.
Once you have the perfect RV battery, it’s important to protect your investment, along with the RV itself. And that will start with proper RV storage. Consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace, to find safe, affordable RV storage near you. Note that Neighbor also offers climate-controlled storage options, so you can keep your RV (and its battery) safe from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which RV Battery Lasts the Longest?
Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are the longest-lasting RV batteries you can get, as they can last up to 10 years or more.
Should I Use a Deep-Cycle Battery in My RV?
You should always use a deep-cycle battery for your RV, as it will undergo frequent charging and discharging.
