6 Best RV Battery in 2024 | LydiaScapes

Best RV Battery

As campervaners and road trip lovers who know the ins and outs of life on the road, we can’t emphasize enough how important a reliable power system is to your RV adventure. Being stranded with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere is a situation none of us want to find ourselves in. We also know how important it is to find one that’s efficient but also budget-friendly so that it doesnt take a big hit to your wallet. In this article, we’ll share some of the best RV battery options that may meet your needs and budget.

Best RV Battery

What is the Best RV Battery?

Below you’ll find the list of the top 6 Best RV Battery. We compiled this list from RV batteries we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with batteries for RV 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. Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12V

Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12V
Specs
Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 13.1 x 8.6 x 6.9 inches (33.3 x 21.8 x 17.5 cm)
Voltage: 12 Volts
Battery Type: Deep-Cycle
Battery Cell Composition: AGM
Capacity: 100Ah
Cycles: 460 Cycles at 50% DoD
Warranty: 2 Years

The Renogy 12 Volt AGM battery is an excellent option for RV camping, where you can recharge it with solar when you are off-grid. This AGM battery features an advanced valve-regulated technology that makes it leak-proof and requires low maintenance. However, Renogy brand recommends mounting this battery upright, unlike other AGM batteries that you can install in any position in the RV or Motorhome.

While most batteries feature binary lead-alloy plates, this specific battery features proprietary quinary-alloy plates to enable low internal resistance with high current output. However, you can connect two batteries to get more load to power your RV.

Generally, the depth of discharge of an RV battery can hit 80% without degrading. But, Renogy recommends keeping this battery above 50% charge at all times to prevent diminishing its cycle life. Undercharging is one of the causes of battery degradation, and some motorhome battery users have noted that this battery has a cycle life that could potentially be less than two years. However, keeping the depth of discharge as recommended and regular recharging will help to increase the battery’s life.

Pros

  • Compatible with solar for off-grid recharging,
  • Leak-proof and maintenance-free design,
  • Excellent discharge performance at low temperature,
  • Has great performance in freezing temperatures

Cons

  • It takes a long time to recharge,
  • Has a short cycle life

2. Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery

Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
Specs
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 D34/78 is a high-performance dual-purpose battery with an impressive deep cycling capability for RVs with multiple onboard electrical appliances. While it also has a notable 750 cold-cranking amps for operating in cold weather, the cranking power is not as high as you would get with a starter battery. However, it also features a reserve capacity of 120 minutes that provides stable power for longer.

On the other hand, the battery features a low internal resistance that provides more reliable power output and recharges faster. Additionally, it has a low discharge rate that allows you to store it at room temperature for use during the camping season without degradation. The D34/78 is versatile as a dual-purpose battery, where you can use it as a starting battery for your small fishing boat during the day and as an RV house battery in the evening to run the lights.

Pros

  • 750 CCA delivers high performance in cold weather,
  • The dual-purpose design allows flexible applications,
  • Rugged and maintenance-free construction for durability,
  • A low self-discharge rate gives it a long shelf life

Cons

  • Low current output for cranking large engines,
  • Expensive for its quality

3. Expert Power 12V Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery

Expert Power 12V Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 7.7 x 7.1 x 5.2 inches (19.6 x 18 x 13.1 cm)
Voltage: 12 Volts
Battery Type: Deep-Cycle
Battery Cell Composition: AGM
Capacity: 33Ah/ 10Hrs
Cycles: 500 cycles at 50% DoD
Warranty: 1 Year

Expert Power is an American brand that supplies energy storage systems and has built a strong reputation for producing reliable and affordable batteries for various uses. The EXP12330 is a dual-purpose battery for deep cycle and float applications. While it is a significantly small battery to power your entire RV, it may be ideal for powering some appliances and lighting off-grid.

The battery features rugged and maintenance-free construction and AGM technology, which gives it a wide operating temperature range while keeping it leak-proof for safety. It also has a low power discharge rate and will discharge to 60% in 10 months, which gives it a decent shelf life on your RV.

The EXP12330 features an internal resistance of <8.5 Ohms at 77°F that is suitable for cranking small internal combustion engines such as garden equipment and small boats. Howeve as mentioned, the current output is too low for starting cars, trucks, and trolling motors as it is not a full-sized battery.

Pros

  • Slow discharge rate gives it long shelf life,
  • General-purpose battery with a wide light-duty application,
  • Good quality and rugged construction,
  • Compact yet powerful

Cons

  • Low capacity for most RV applications,
  • Not returnable

4. Optima Batteries D51 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery

Optima Batteries D51 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 9.2 x 8.9 x 5 inches (23.4 x 22.7 x 12.6 cm)
Voltage: 12 Volts
Battery Type: Dual-Purpose
Battery Cell Composition: AGM
Capacity: 38Ah
Cycles: 25 Amps with RC at 66 Mins
Warranty: 3 Years

The Optima D51 is a 38Ah 12V dual-purpose battery suitable for single battery RV vehicles to support various onboard electronics such as winches and high-demand audio systems. It has excellent starting performance with a wide operating temperature and a CCA value of 450 Amps. Additionally, its SpiralCell structure gives it a low discharge rate and high vibration resistance. The D51 can tolerate 300+ recharge cycles at 50% depth of discharge and allows fast recharge, which makes it attractive to RVs and even fishing boat users. However, the battery has a few downsides, such as having a short life where some users had to replace their batteries after three years. A new battery typically lasts for five years with good maintenance, but a remanufactured battery may not last as long.

Pros

  • Versatile dual purpose battery with excellent performance,
  • High vibration resistance with polypropylene case for durability,
  • Low discharge rate with a fast recharge time,
  • Better cranking power than the competition

Cons

  • May have a short service life,
  • More expensive than the competition

5. Interstate Batteries 12V Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery

Interstate Batteries 12V Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 9 x 8.3 x 5.4 inches (22.9 x 21 x 13.8 cm)
Voltage: 12 Volts
Battery Type: Deep-Cycle
Battery Cell Composition: AGM
Capacity: 55Ah
Cycles: 35 Amp Hours at 12V
Warranty: 1 Year

The Interstate DCM0055 battery comes with a small nominal capacity of 55Ah for wheelchairs and electric scooters. However, the ampere-hours are lower than the standard 100Ah needed to power your RV. However, you can connect a couple of these batteries for powering small electrical appliances such as a fridge while you are dry camping. Additionally, it is compatible with solar, and you can recharge with soloar panels mounted on top of your RV every couple of hours. The DCM0055 is a Sealed Lead Acid AGM battery that is spill-proof with low maintenance. Plus, it has a flexible mounting position due to its robust external casing.

Pros

  • Lighter and more compact for portability,
  • Rechargeable with solar panels for backup power,
  • Suitable for charging small RV appliances,
  • Faster charging rate due to its capacity

Cons

  • Smaller capacity than standard for RVs,
  • Has a short 1-year warranty

6. Optima Batteries 12V YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery

Optima Batteries 12V YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 9.4 x 6.8 x 7.8 inches (23.8 x 17.3 x 19.7 cm)
Voltage: 12 Volts
Battery Type: Dual-Purpose
Battery Cell Composition: AGM
Capacity: 48Ah
Cycles: 25 Amps with RC at 98 Mins
Warranty: 3 Years

Ideally, an RV camper would have two batteries where the smaller battery cranks the engine, and the larger house battery runs the onboard electrical systems. This Optima dual battery system ensures that you don’t end up with a dead battery while dry camping with the RV. However, a dual-purpose battery performs both functions, making it a better option for smaller RVs that can’t fit two batteries.

Optima is one of the few top brands that manufacture high-performance dual-purpose batteries, and the Optima YellowTop D75/25 is an excellent option for heavy-duty applications. It delivers a high cranking and deep-cycle power that is significantly superior to the competition. Plus, it also features the Optima Spiral Cell Technology that produces more consistent load and vibration resistance.

Pros

  • High capacity battery for heavy-duty applications,
  • Suitable for small RVs that need less weight,
  • Delivers high cranking power and rechargeability,
  • High vibration resistance for durability

Cons

  • The battery has a short cycle life,
  • Expensive for its quality

Verdict

Based on all of our experience with batteries for RV, we found that Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12V is the best RV battery available today.

Our Premium Option is Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual Purpose 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 Expert Power 12V Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery as an affordable alternative.

Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:

What You Should Know Before Buying RV batteries

How to Pick the Best RV Battery

The type of battery you should pick for your RV depends on several factors such as:

Severe Weather and Cold Conditions — Some batteries are designed to withstand extreme cold temperatures. Gel Batteries are especially good when it comes to that since they are less likely to freeze up if you live in a colder climate or go out in the winter season often. On the other hand, AGM batteries can also work well as a substitute but experience has shown that these may be prone to freezing up in colder temperatures. So if you live in places where it’s extra cold, other than ensuring you get a good RV Heater, sticking to Gel Batteries would be the best option for your batteries.

Cost — If money is not an issue, then AGM and Gel batteries can be worth investing in because they are more durable than other types of batteries. They tend to last longer and are less likely to be damaged. However, if you feel that the price is not what you’re willing to pay for, flooded batteries would do just fine and it’s actually cheaper in the long run since they will need regular replacement.

Temperature Changes — Where you live can also determine which type of battery to go with. For instance, if you live in a place where temperatures are consistent throughout the year, then get an AGM or Gel battery. On the other hand, if you’ll be making long RC drives through both hot and cold places (think: summer to winter), Gel batteries would be your best bet since they work well when it comes to dealing with temperature changes.

Usage — There are also batteries that are made specifically for RVs such as Deep Cycle RV Batteries which have been designed to withstand tough environments and heavy use. These batteries are always more expensive than the standard ones but they’ll work better when it comes to powering appliances in your RV.

When it comes to purchasing an RV battery, you should also take note of its power or the number of amps it can generate. The higher the amp rating, the more powerful and expensive it will be. So get something that is most suitable to your needs.

Best Features to Look For in an RV Battery

RVs have a few different types of battery and the one you need to select for your needs will depend on where and how you intend on using your RV. The most important RV battery features you should be aware of when selecting your battery are:

The battery size – CCA versus AH. When choosing an RV battery, one of your biggest considerations will be whether to choose a cold cranking amp (CCA) or amp-hour (AH). Most people that own an Rv will choose the CCA batteries as they are cheaper but have less endurance. For example, if you use your motorhome as a camper van for a week holiday then you won’t need lots of power. In this case, it’s best to get yourself a lower CCA battery, A lower CCA rating will mean the battery will last longer and be more economical. On the other hand, if you use your motorhome or camper van for a living it’s best to get yourself a higher CCA battery. For an example if you live in your RV then you would need at least 100 CCA.

The lifespan and durability – Lifespan is one of the most important features to look out for when buying an RV battery. The lifespan of an RV battery will vary depending on how well it is looked after but all batteries have limited lifespans. One way of extending the life span of your battery is by keeping it charged regularly, It’s recommended to keep an RV battery charged at around 12.7-12.9 volts.

Lifespan of the mount and bracket included with the RV battery – In addition to checking for a strong, solid frame of the RV battery, you will also want to take a close look at the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is an integral part of any battery system. Its tough and durable metal secures your battery firmly in place. Some brackets can be removed from your old one and reused on your new battery with varying degrees of success.

The majority of mounts are constructed from steel and stainless steel designs have been employed as alternatives to the traditional all-steel versions. Steel can corrode over time, which makes it vulnerable to rust, especially when exposed to water or humidity. Stainless steel has been used as an alternative because it does not rust easily and lasts longer than steel variants.

Amperage Hours – You would want to select a battery with the largest amp-hours possible as this will ensure that your battery can perform its job for longer. When choosing an RV battery, it’s useful to know what the difference between Ah and CCA rating mean. Amp-hours is how much energy is stored within each individual RV battery.

RV Batteries for Cold Weather vs. Hot Weather

The RV batteries should have a specific type for specific climates you are driving in. Batteries in different climates are optimized differently to perform well in their respective climate. These are the differences of hot and cold weather:

Warm weather batteries – some of the benefits are that they work efficiently and they have high self-discharge rates. They also have less maintenance cost and leakage is less likely to occur. The disadvantages of warm weather batteries are that they do not hold charge as long as most other types and they do not last as long as other types.

Cold weather batteries – typically hold the best charge longer than any other batteries. The drawback is that it has a high self-discharge rate and needs to be maintained. It is also less efficient in hot weather.

When choosing an RV battery, deciding which kind of batteries to use will be very important and can make or break your trip. If you are thinking about purchasing an RV with a power converter, then your best bet would be the cold weather batteries because they hold charge longer than most RV batteries that are not specifically created for cold and freezing weather conditions on the road. The general rule is that colder climates require better performing batteries but this can differ greatly from battery brand to battery brand depending on maintenance levels and environment.

Solar Charged RV Batteries vs. Normal Batteries

Solar Charged RV Batteries:

A solar-charged RV battery is a battery that has it’s own solar panel to charge it. This type of battery can only be used while you’re setting up your camp and tents in an area with lots of sun, so they do not work well on cloudy days or at night. Solar-charged batteries require careful attention, and care to stay charged properly. The charger must be disconnected when the battery is full, or the excess power will dissipate through the panel. If this happens, you’ll have to wait for the battery to discharge before charging again in order to make sure it doesn’t lose its charge.

Normal Batteries:

The main advantage of using a normal battery over a solar-charged RV battery is that you do not need to intermittently use it while charging. You can leave the charger connected as long as there is something to charge, and if a cloudy day comes, it’s not going to cause problems. Normal batteries are also easier to care for because they do not require so much attention from their owners. If you hook up your solar charger, leave it on for the entire day, and then unplug it, you’re done. If you have a normal battery, however, you will want to occasionally check to make sure that the water levels aren’t too high or low (the panels require a small amount of moisture in order to function properly).

If a normal battery runs down, you can simply charge it. There is no need to worry about checking the water levels or making sure that your battery isn’t being overcharged; a normal battery’s charger will prevent these things from happening. Once charged, however, you need to remember to disconnect the charger because leaving it on too long will cause the battery to discharge over time.

Questions and Answers About RV batteries

How long should RV batteries last?

Exactly how long your RV battery will last will depend on the brand and the maintenance and care it receives. If you’re not very diligent about checking the water levels or keeping everything clean and organized, you could be looking at a shorter lifespan of your RV batteries.
Most deep cycle batteries are rated upwards of 600-700 cycles before they need to be replaced but note that this is under very specific stable conditions from the manufacturer. Depending on what type and amp hour rating these batteries are, the length of time varies substantially – say as little as two years for some long life lead acid deep cycle vs four or five years for an AGM deep cycle battery. Any time spent not charging these batteries also means lower service lifetime which is why smart chargers always have a maintainance mode.

How to maintain an RV battery?

RV batteries should be well cared for and preventative maintenance can help extend the life and keep your RV going for more great road trips to come.
Maintaining a RV’s battery is important because an undercharged or overcharged battery can quickly lead to ruined electrical systems. An easy way we recommend to start off is by following these simple precautions:
– Don’t let your battery get low or completely run out of power without recharging it, as this will shorten the life expectancy of the battery and could damage it in the process,
– Carefully remove any corrosion left on top of cells/battery case with a soft brush before charging and installation,
– Always make sure you drive your vehicle at least once a week even when stored for long periods (you should do this anyways).
– Lastly, try to take it easy on your RV’s battery; don’t run multiple electrical devices at the same time, avoid letting the battery sit for more than one month without charging, and try to adhere to a regular schedule of maintenance.

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