There’s few things as satisfying as cruising the open roads in an RV. But an RV is more than just a vehicle – it’s your home away from home, which means you’re going to want power. We know how much having a reliable power supply in your rolling residence is absolutely essential and could even be a life saver when you need it the most. One way you can have this is by opting for an AGM battery, which offers some clear advantages over conventional RV batteries. Below, we’ve gone through many of the available options and compiled a list of the best AGM batteries for your RV or camper to help you make an informed decision.
What is the Best AGM Battery for RV?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 5 Best AGM Battery for RV. We compiled this list from AGM batteries for RV we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with RV AGM batteries you can be assured that this article will give you what you’re looking for.
We also wrote a buying guide and answered some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.
1. Weize 12V 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 57 pounds (25.85 kg) Size: 13 x 8.8 x 6.7 inches (33 x 22.4 x 17.1 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Deep-Cycle Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 100Ah Warranty: 1 Year |
The Weize 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LFP12100 is a high-performance and affordable battery that makes an excellent choice as an RV house battery and for travel trailers. It features the sealed lead acid AGM chemistry with a valve-regulated design that makes it leakproof and maintenance-free. The battery is versatile for various applications due to its high energy density, which provides consistent power output for an extended period.
This model is branded as LFP12100 or TL12100 and is significantly lightweight compared to the competition. It uses a heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid that causes the battery to have a lower self-discharge rate. Consequently, it has a longer shelf life, unlike lead-tin alloy batteries making it suitable for seasonal applications. Also, it is less prone to overcharging because the calcium-alloy grid draws less current on float charge, therefore giving the battery a better service life performance.
Pros
- Delivers constant power output for extended periods,
- Features a rugged ant-overheat cover for durability,
- Has a compact and lightweight design for various applications,
- Slow discharge rate gives it longer shelf life,
- Affordable compared to the competition
Cons
- The data-sheet is not readily available for more specs,
- Batteries may be remanufactured and may have a lower output than stated
2. Universal Power Group 12V AGM DEEP Cycle Battery
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 12.2 x 9.2 x 6.6 inches (30.9 x 23.3 x 16.8 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Deep-Cycle Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 12Ah Warranty: 1 Year |
The Universal Battery UB121000 is a Group 27 deep-cycle battery that delivers excellent performance in off-grid applications. It features a valve-regulated AGM technology that makes it leakproof and maintenance free while its rugged construction is vibration resistant to make it durable. The battery has a nominal capacity of 100Ah and can power small 5Amp RV camper appliances for 20 hours.
Unfortunately, the battery has a short service life, with some batteries experiencing failure in less than a year of purchase. It also has a premium price compared to the competition. However, it also has a high energy density that makes it a good value for money. Additionally, you get all the benefits that come with VRLA batteries, such as low maintenance, flexible mounting positions, and safety.
Pros
- High energy density to provide consistent power for long periods,
- Vibration resistant for heavy-duty use with RV campers,
- Low maintenance and safe to use indoors,
- Delivers good performance in cold temperatures
Cons
- Takes a long while to charge,
- Has a short service life
3. Mighty Max Battery12V 35 AH SLA Battery
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 7.8 x 7 x 5.1 inches (19.7 x 17.8 x 13 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Dual-Purpose Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 35Ah Warranty: 1 Year |
While Mighty Max Battery is a relatively new brand in the market, they have quickly established themselves as a manufacturer of high-quality and affordable batteries and solar panels. The ML35 is a 12V sealed lead acid AGM battery with robust and maintenance-free construction to mount it in any position and has excellent vibration resistance.
While the manufacturer provides little information on the specifications, the battery is attractive due to its lightweight, affordable price range, and reliability.
Furthermore, the ML35 has a high discharge rate which means it can be fast-charged and has longer life cycles. While it has dual-purpose applications on lighter vehicles, the ML35 is also suitable for medium-powered appliances.
Pros
- Offers reliable power for various applications,
- Decent quality and affordably priced,
- Long-lasting performance with fast recharge time,
- Compatible with solar for versatile use
Cons
- Small capacity unsuitable for large applications,
- Does not come with mounting accessories
4. Mighty Max 12V AGM Battery
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 12.2 x 8.3 x 6.6 inches (30.9 x 21.1 x 16.8 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Dual-Purpose Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 100Ah Cycles: 360 cycles at 50% DoD Warranty: 1 Year |
The Mighty Max ML100 is an affordable deep cycle battery suitable as a standby or solar battery. It also powers electric vehicles and tools and the RV house. The ML100 is also lightweight at 63 pounds and features a sealed lead acid AGM construction with a polypropylene casing. It gives the battery a high resistance to vibration, low maintenance, and durability. The battery has a low power discharge rate which allows you to store it at room temperature without going below 20% DOD for up to six months.
Pros
- Low self-discharge rate gives it long shelf life,
- Lightweight and robust design for heavy-duty use,
- Compatible with solar for off-grid applications,
- Flexible mounting position due to its leak-proof construction
Cons
- It has a low current output for a starter battery,
- It comes with a short warranty period,
- Poor customer service from the manufacturer
5. NPP 6V AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 9.7 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches (24.6 x 16.9 x 16.9 cm) Voltage: 6 Volts Battery Type: Deep-Cycle Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 225Ah Cycles: 750 cycles with 50% DoD Warranty: 1 Year |
The NPP NP6 AGM deep cycle battery offers an economical choice for powering up. The two-pack deal is cost-effective, providing 12V 225Ah when connected in series. The AGM technology and ABS plastic casing add to its durability, making it maintenance-free, leakproof, and vibration-resistant. It also boasts a high energy density, making it highly capable of running your RV refrigerator and other devices. That said, there are some weighty concerns—literally. These batteries are as heavy as other options despite their compact design, and the question of longevity hangs in the air, as some units were reported to fail within a year. However, we still find this option to be a pretty good deal.
Pros
- Very high-performing,
- Very affordable,
- Discharge rate only 3% per month,
- Has non-conductive ABS casing for durability
Cons
- Shorter service life than some,
- Difficult to transport due to weight
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with RV AGM batteries, we found that Weize 12V 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery is the best AGM battery for RV available today.
Our Premium Option is Universal Power Group 12V AGM DEEP Cycle Battery with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the Mighty Max Battery12V 35 AH SLA Battery as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying AGM batteries for RV
AGM Batteries
AGM batteries are sealed lead-acid batteries that are commonly used in recreational vehicles. AGM batteries provide many benefits over flooded lead-acid batteries, the most significant of which is their ability to be mounted in any position without danger of leakage or explosion. These types of batteries typically have premium pricing but they are well worth the money for anyone who has an RV, camper, boat or another type of vehicle that uses this type of battery.
Components of a Good RV Battery System
A battery system is typically comprised of three components: the battery, the battery box, and the connections. The connection will be included in the purchase price of some units while others are sold separately depending on their function.
Picking the Right RV Battery Charger and Maintainer
There are many options when it comes to picking the right RV battery charger and maintainer. It can be overwhelming when you are not sure what to look for.
The first thing is when you need to think about where you will be traveling to; a dry camping trip or a normal camping trip. Typical RVers would require a power inverter for plugging in an extension cord to hook up items such as microwaves, TVs and radios that require more power. On the other hand, dry campers would have solar panels or deep cycle battery banks they need to keep running while traveling so it’s important to think about the amp hours needed before purchasing one.
A deep cycle battery has three parts: plates, separators and electrolyte. The separators are thin sheets of plastic that keep the plates from touching each other. The electrolyte is made up of sulfuric acid and water; when you charge a battery, the water in the electrolyte gets converted to hydrogen and oxygen gas which allows electricity to flow through it. When you discharge a battery, the process works opposite; instead of hydrogen and oxygen being converted to water, electricity is created, causing the water to be taken from the electrolyte as it moves through the battery. As a result, you have a charged battery. If the battery is over discharged, it can lead to a loss of power and damage the battery.
This means you have two charges going on at once when charging your RV batteries; there is an extra charge caused by gassing due to overcharging which causes it to lose water. To combat this problem, one should invest in a maintenance free battery. This will allow you to fill the battery with distilled water when it’s discharged.
It is important to know everything about your batteries including its voltage and amp hours before deciding on a charger or maintainer; if you have more than one battery, make sure they are both of the same type and size so that they can run together effectively. It’s smart to charge up your batteries before you start traveling. One good thing about most chargers is that they have protection for reverse polarity, over and under voltage conditions as well as a short circuit.
There are many different kinds of RV battery charger, ranging from automatic to manual:
Automatic
This type will make sure your battery does not overcharge and discharge. It will also make sure the battery is fully charged all the time. These are great for long term storage because they maintain your batteries if you do not use them often.
Automated chargers have a special voltmeter that monitors the battery allowing it to recharge when battery voltage drops below a certain level. The charger then stops charging and checks the voltage again if it drops below a certain level. This cycle continues until the battery is charged.
Manual
Charging an RV battery with this type of charger can be dangerous if you do not know how to use them properly. They are best for short term storage because they charge your batteries quickly compared to automatic chargers. They also are not very convenient because they require more work so it is best to leave them for short term needs.
These chargers are basically like plug-in chargers but you have to manually adjust the amperage setting.
Questions and Answers About AGM batteries for RV
Do I need an RV battery monitoring system?
To find the answer to this question, you’ll have to ask yourself first how often your campground is hooked up to power. If it’s connected at all times and you don’t mount solar panels or generators near your site, then there’s little need for a battery monitor. You won’t be able to keep your batteries juiced up with those technologies. If the campground intermittently has power and/or you have mounted solar panels or generators that aren’t always positioned optimally, then a battery monitor may be helpful in ensuring that when the electricity goes down so does everything else which would include anything on inverter-powered outlets. A good reason for having one if you use inverters is to ensure they aren’t draining your battery system while plugged in.
Another good reason for having a battery monitor is if you have special power-hungry devices that you don’t want sucking down electricity when the RV park isn’t hooked up adequately or at all times. For instance, some folks with electric slide-outs need 12V power when the slide is deployed. If you’re in an area where power isn’t available 100% of the time, then a battery monitor may be called upon to keep your expensive 12V appliances running. The same could be said for someone with a video surveillance system that would need constant power to operate properly. The only way they’d know if it was feeding from the battery is if they had a monitor keeping track of things.
Since most folks don’t require their RV’s to keep running without electricity, it would be hard to argue that all RVs should have monitoring systems installed. The only way you’d really need one is if your situation was similar to one we’ve described above or you wanted to monitor the system for some other reason. For instance, perhaps you don’t want your solar panels to overcharge your batteries and ruin them. Some battery monitors will prevent this from happening by shutting off solar input when it reaches a maximum charge while others simply warn you that a solar array has reached full capacity and needs to be disconnected before further damage occurs.
A battery monitoring system is one of the best ways to prevent battery damage in an RV and we highly recommend getting one if you don’t have it already. But before you go to the store or online to purchase a new one, ask yourself why you need a monitor, what features are important and how much money you want to spend. Once armed with that information, you should find it easier to make a choice on which one is the best for your needs and budget.
Is a solar charging an RV battery expensive?
The cost of solar power (solar cells) has been declining for years and the purchase cost of a solar charging RV battery system is now just about the same as you would pay for running an electric or gas powered generator.
3 Comments
Samantha Nichols
December 18, 2021 at 9:18 pmWeize battery is very dense and it was packed very appropriately and compact so to minimize any damage. These will be storage for six solar collector panels. With the solar panels to collect energy, batteries to store the energy and an inverter to convert the energy seems like a safer way to go. The system built will be enough to run a portable AC unit when it is sunny outside, the fridgerator and a fan should we lose total power from no electrical service.
Lydia Yang
February 10, 2022 at 12:11 amThanks for the insight Samantha! Super helpful tip for the readers!
Bruno John
March 22, 2022 at 1:53 amThis AGM battery from Universal Power Group is the right choice if you want impressive vibration resistance and peace of mind. I bought 4 of these for a small, rarely used solar kit. I am amazed by their reliability and consistent power. Four of these can run 100 watts all day, and I pushed them to over 1500 watts for 30 minutes without a noticeable voltage drop.