Regular road-trippers and campervaners like us know how important it is to have reliable power on the road. A reliable battery isn’t just a want—it’s a necessity for any successful adventure on wheels as you embark on a multi day road trip to freedom camp or off road. To simplify your decision-making process, we as experienced campervaners together with advice from others done some heavy research and compiled a list of standout travel trailer batteries that range from deep cycle to AGM and sealed lead-acid (SLA). Whether you’re in need of a 6-volt or 12-volt battery, or you’re just looking for amp hours that range from 100AH to 400AH, there are several options to fit your needs.
What is the Best Battery for Travel Trailer?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 6 Best Battery for Travel Trailer. We compiled this list from batteries for travel trailer we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with travel trailer 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. WindyNation 12V AGM Deep Cycle Battery
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 67 pounds (30.39 kg) Size: 13 x 8.7 x 6.8 inches (33 x 22.1 x 17.3 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Deep-Cycle Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 100Ah Cycles: 460 cycles with 50% DoD Warranty: 1 Year |
Windy Nation is a prolific manufacturer of clean energy components to enable regular people to access high-quality and affordable alternative energy solutions for their travel trailers and motorhomes. Besides solar and wind generators, Windy Nation also produces solar batteries such as this Windy Nation 100Ah 12V BAT-NSAP 12-100 deep cycle battery. It is suitable for various off-grid applications like a backup battery for solar, trolling motor battery, and RV house battery.
However, its 100Ah nominal capacity is for 10 hours, which means it delivers a high output over a short period. It has a 10-12 year float life and a reserve capacity of 180 minutes. The battery also features pure virgin lead plates that facilitate deep discharges with quick recovery and slow self-discharge in storage. Additionally, it allows more power storage as the pure lead plates are thinner and more in the battery. This design creates more surface area to hold more power than conventional lead-alloy batteries.
Pros
- Pure lead plates to hold more power than conventional batteries,
- Exceptional service life performance in float/standby applications,
- Affordably priced and versatile for a variety of applications,
- Short recharge time allows multiple cycles
Cons
- The nominal capacity rate is 10 hours,
- No suitable for starting applications
2. VMax Tanks AGM Battery12V Deep Cycle Battery
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 25 pounds (11.34 kg) Size: 7.7 x 6.1 x 5 inches (19.6 x 15.5 x 12.7 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Deep-Cycle Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 35Ah Cycles: 25 Amps with RC at 75 Mins Warranty: 1 year |
The VMAX V35-857 AGM battery is an affordably priced Group U1 dual-purpose battery for powering small engines. It features a compact structure and is lightweight for easy portability and creating a battery bank for more power. As a starter battery, the V35-857 features 300 cold-cranking amps, which may be a concern if you are in a cold environment as it is notably low. However, with a nominal capacity of 35Ah, the battery can run a 7 Amp trolling motor for up to five hours.
The battery also has a reserve capacity of 75 minutes, which means that if the alternator fails, the motor can run on battery power for up to 75 minutes. On the other hand, the V35-857 features proprietary military-grade lead-calcium-tin alloys that enhance the performance and service life of the battery.
Pros
- The rugged casing features safety release valves for harmful gases,
- The versatile dual-purpose design allows flexible applications,
- Military-grade grids improve cyclability and service life,
- High energy density to power small motors for an extended period
Cons
- Only charges with the recommended charger,
- technical data on the battery is not readily available
3. Battle Born Deep Cycle Battery12v
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 29 pounds (13.15 kg) Size: 12.8 x 9 x 6.9 inches (32.4 x 22.9 x 17.5 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Deep-Cycle Battery Cell Composition: Lithium-ion Capacity: 100Ah Cycles: 5000cycles at 50% DoD Warranty: 10 Years |
The Battle Born BB10012 battery is one of the best-rated LiFePO4 batteries available in the market, suitable for travel trailers, RVs and other applications. It comes with a notably long 10-warranty period which may be an indication of the battery’s quality. Additionally, it features a BMS safety feature to prevent battery failure and ensure durability. However, it costs more than a lead-acid battery of the same capacity.
The BB10012 is notably lightweight at 29 pounds which is less than half the weight of lead-acid batteries of the same capacity. However, it delivers the power of a much bigger lead-acid battery, lasts ten times longer, and tolerates more cycles with shorter charging times. While you may need two of these batteries to power your travel trailer or RV house, these features make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Pros
- High-performance battery for various uses,
- Features a wide range of operating temperature,
- High life expectancy with up to 5000 cycles,
- Extraordinary 10-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive compared to the competition,
- Warranty does not include cash refunds
4. Odyssey PC680 Battery Red Top
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 7.2 x 6.7 x 3 inches (18.2 x 16.9 x 7.6 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Dual-Purpose Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 16Ah Cycles: 400 cycles with 80% DoD Warranty: 2 Years |
The Odyssey PC680 is a dual-purpose battery suitable for a variety of vehicles like trailers and snowmobiles. It is one of the more affordable models in the market with excellent starting and deep cycle capabilities. However, this model has a nominal capacity of 16Ah/ 20Hr that is quite small for standard vehicles.
The PC680 features 170 cold-cranking amps and a reserve capacity of 24 minutes which is excellent for powering small boats and motorcycles. In comparison, a regular car requires a battery with at least 50Ah and 750 CCA to enable its electric systems, such as radio, power windows, lights, and AC work.
The PC680 can tolerate up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge, giving it better deep cycle performance than other batteries of its class. Additionally, it offers a 3-10 year service life, unlike the 3-year service performance you get with similar batteries and a recharge time of 4-6 hours.
Pros
- Has better starting power with pure lead plates,
- Offers a longer service life performance for its class,
- Rugged construction ensures durability,
- Its leak proof design allows flexible mounting positions
Cons
- Only suitable for powering small capacity motors,
- Has a short shelf life
5. Optima Batteries BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 10 x 7.8 x 6.9 inches (25.4 x 19.8 x 17.5 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Dual-Purpose Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 55Ah Cycles: 25 Amps with RC at 120 Mins Warranty: 3 Years |
The Optima BlueTop D34M is a dual-purpose battery with a high cranking power for small trailers and fishing boats. It is also a deep cycling battery suitable for use as an RV house battery. The Optima BlueTop batteries come in two versions that are similar in appearance. The 34M BlueTop model is a starting battery, and it features a dark gray casing. On the other hand, this D34M dual-purpose version features a light gray polypropylene enclosure.
The battery features Optima’s proprietary SpiralCell design that gives it better performance than the competition. Additionally, it has excellent vibration resistance while moving on the go and is mountable in any position due to its leak-proof design. While it has a low current output for cranking, the D34M battery has a higher reserve capacity and a decent CCA rating of 750A for starting cold weather. So not to worry if you need to go camping in your trailer during winter time.
Pros
- Excellent starting performance in cold weather,
- Versatile for marine and RV applications,
- High vibration resistance for durability,
- Longer battery life than the competition
Cons
- Low cranking power compared to conventional starting batteries,
- Expensive compared to the competition
6. Odyssey Automotive and LTV Battery
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 26 pounds (11.79 kg) Size: 7 x 6.6 x 5.8 inches (17.9 x 16.9 x 14.8 cm) Voltage: 12 Volts Battery Type: Dual-Purpose Battery Cell Composition: AGM Capacity: 28Ah Cycles: 400 cycles with 80% DoD Warranty: 3-4 Years |
The Odyssey PC925MJT Automotive and LTV battery is a high-performance dual-purpose battery with a high starting current and deep cycling capability to power onboard electronics for your RV camper. The battery features AGM technology that makes it leak proof for mounting in any position and vibration resistance for durability. The battery features pure virgin lead plates that provide more power for various applications and up to 400 cycles at 80% DoD.
While the manufacturer indicates the battery can achieve a service life of 3-10 years, several users have noted that their batteries went dead in less than two years after buying. Plus, while it comes with a reserve capacity of 48 minutes, it also features 330 cold-cranking amps, which may be too low for starting your engine in cold weather. On the other hand, the PC925MJT is fantastic at holding charge for several months in storage and can fully recharge in 4-6 hours.
Pros
- Fast recharge performance enables off-grid applications,
- Heavy-duty plate design delivers more starting power,
- Slow-self discharge rate gives it long shelf life,
- Comes with a limited 3 and 4 year full replacement warranty
Cons
- May have poor starting performance in cold weather,
- More expensive than the competition
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with travel trailer batteries, we found that WindyNation 12V AGM Deep Cycle Battery is the best battery for travel trailer available today.
Our Premium Option is VMax Tanks AGM Battery12V 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 Battle Born Deep Cycle Battery12v as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying batteries for travel trailer
Best RV Battery Setup and Usage
RV camping is a great family experience, but you’ll need to make sure you have enough power to stay comfortable. Your Travel trailer batteries are the most important piece of your camping equation, and they determine how much power you can use without having to constantly monitor them. The better your battery setup, the less often you’ll have to touch them.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can improve your batteries, giving you more usable power.
Choosing the Right Batteries
First off, before you even think about how to use and maintain your travel trailer batteries to get the most out of them, it is important for you to choose high quality ones to begin with. Poor quality batteries are a very serious problem, even when they’re new. There are many different kinds of batteries available on the market today, but for your camping needs it is most important to focus on two things: efficiency and dependability. You want your battery not to consume too much energy while storing enough of it at the same time. This means you need to choose a battery that has the best of both worlds, and it’s difficult to find. You also want your batteries to last as long as possible before needing replacement. For this purpose, marine deep cycle battery is your best bet.
Determining Your Needs
The first step in choosing the right batteries is understanding how much power you will need. If your family of four camps for two weeks a year, you won’t need batteries that are as powerful as those used by the families that camp all summer long. Camping every weekend or even several times throughout the week means more use of electricity because you have appliances to run more often. You should definitely have your batteries evaluated by a professional to see what kind of power and voltage they need. There are many different kinds of equipment you use while camping, from motorhomes to pop-up tents; this will help you determine the best size of battery you need for your setup.
A simple rule is that if there is nothing on in your RV, and you haven’t used anything for some time, the battery should still have 12.7 volts run through it to provide a charge. This means that having more than one battery in your vehicle is very important. Having dual batteries allows you to stay charged when using any appliances or electronics while parked, without being concerned about running out of power while you’re on the road.
Installing Your Batteries
Installing batteries is an easy job, and you can probably do it by yourself while watching a set up video if there’s nothing else going on at home. The most important thing to keep in mind about installation is that your batteries need to be positioned as far away from each other as possible, and they need to be kept in a place that is cool and dry at all times. They need to have ventilation, which means you should never stack your batteries on top of each other in an effort to save room.
This may take a lot of planning for some RVs; many people elect to buy an RV battery box. They are specifically designed to fit your batteries and keep them safe from the elements, while also being able to hold multiple batteries very easily.
Maintaining Your Batteries
Now that you’ve got your batteries, installed them, and know how much power they need to function properly…how often do you have to maintain them? Some people say once a month, some say every three months; it all depends on how you use your batteries. Many people who camp regularly will only have to check their batteries about once or twice throughout the entire season, while those who don’t use their camper very often may need to check them more often than that. It really comes down to individual circumstances, and a little bit of trial and error to find out what works best for you. The main thing is not to overcharge your batteries, and you’ll be safe from that if you just remember the golden rule: don’t leave them on for more than 24 hours at a time.
Brands That Make the Best RV Batteries
There are many brands that make amazing RV batteries. The top companies for batteries are Deka, Dry Charge and Alkaline. All three companies offer great range of batteries with a variety of different benefits.
Deka: The Deka AGM battery is a gel-electrolyte battery. This type of battery is good for an RV because it can be installed in locations where there is not easy access to power. It also has a longer cycle life than older designs which means it will last longer without needing to be charged as often. The Deka AGM battery has a low internal resistance which makes it fit well in older RVs or motorhomes with less electrical system power capacity. This battery is about the best choice for any RV owner.
Dry Charge: The Dry Charge brand of batteries are a bit newer on the market than Deka and Alkaline, but they make excellent rv batteries. They come with thick lead plates which gives them more power capacity than other brands. This makes it so that your batteries can last longer before needing to be charged. They also come with a thicker, more durable battery case and sturdy terminals which protect the internal parts of your batteries from damage. This brand is ideal for anyone who has an extended RV Road trip because they take less time to charge than other types of batteries.
Alkaline: Alkaline batteries are very powerful and can last up to five times longer than other batteries on the market. This is due to their design being able to carry a higher load. The batteries also have no memory effect which means you don’t need to drain them before recharging them again. They also come with a low discharge rate, even when left in storage for a long period of time. These batteries are made by Duracell and are great for people who have an older rv or camper, but want a battery that can charge quickly and last longer than current designs without memory issues.
While all three brands listed above make excellent batteries for the rv market, companies such as Camco, Lights of America, and EverStart also make great batteries for the rv industry. The best brand of rv battery will come down to what you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay, but any of them can be a good choice depending on your personal preferences and road trip needs.
If you are looking to purchase additional components for your RV like EBC brakes, there are multiple brands out there, but Parts Avatar provides some great options to consider.
RV Batteries for Dry Camping vs. Normal Camping
Dry camping and normal camping are two different types of camping, which have their own requirements. For dry camping, batteries have to be able to charge quickly, hold a charge for long periods of time and tolerate the wide variety of temperatures (often found in desert situations). A deep cycle battery is recommended for this type of RV trips and camping. Normal RV users would just need a power inverter for plugging in an extension cord to hook up items such as microwaves, TVs and radios that require more power.
Questions and Answers About batteries for travel trailer
Why do you need a good battery for boondocking?
A good battery will give any RV devices like fridges and more the ability to function to enjoy your freedom camping experience fully. The solar panels you need may not generate enough electricity to power the devices you want for boondocking, so if that is your plan, then you will need a good deep cycle battery that can store and maintain more energy than what you are inputting from the solar panels to get a fuss free RV trip.
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