The Ultimate Guide to Different Type of RV Battery

The Ultimate Guide To Different Types Of Battery For RV (2018)
* Products recommended in the post contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through our posts, we may receive a commission at no extra charge to you. See our full disclosures here.

Hi everyone,

Today I will share with you something about the RV Battery that I think it'd help you. In this series of article, I will answer some below question:

1. How many types of RV Battery?

2. How to use the RV Battery the correct way?

3. Basic Steps To Charge An RV Battery The Right Way?

4. Easy Tips For Maintenance Your RV Battery

5. And the last one, Some Problems And Solutions Of Using RV Battery

OK, let's start with the first one: The Different Types Of Battery For RVs

Do you own an RV?

Then it's time to acquaint yourself with the different type of batteries. Yes, you don't only have a kind of battery for the RV forever, nor do batteries come with one-type-fits-all. There are various kinds of batteries to choose from, all of which being better for specific models for its materials and make. 

But how will you know which is the best RV battery for you?

This is where learning all about RV batteries is beneficial to know what you should invest in as a replacement. To learn more about the types of battery for your RC, read on as I give you the definitive guide you need!

7 Easy Tips For Maintenance for Your RV Battery -1

The Different Types of Battery for RVs

What's the best battery for your RV? Let's first delve into the basics. Your choice depends on your situation. 

I. In-House Batteries

All RVs require house batteries, which is a starting battery for your engine. House batteries differ from engine to engine, depending on the size and power your RV needs to start. Usually, 6V golf car batteries are the popular RV house batteries, as they are rugged and can be combined with another 6V to form a 12-volt battery.

Flooded-cell and deep-cycle golf cart batteries can last for about six to seven years.

II. Marine Battery

If you usually have power in the campground and merely need the power to drive the RV from your home to the campsite, then you won't need a ton of  battery capacity. A marine battery is a high recommendation, as it comes at a low price and works adequately. A quality 12 volts RV battery will serve great if you're looking for the primary performance with affordability in mind.

Marine batteries are a hybrid of both a starting and deep-cycle battery. However, take note that while it's cheap, it won't last as long. At most, they can last for about two years.

III. Deep-Cycle Batteries

7 Easy Tips For Maintenance for Your RV Battery - 2

If you're camping with your RV frequently and need the power for electricity, then you need a high-capacity and quality battery to last and perform efficiently. 

Deep-cycle batteries are the best for this situation. They give you the ultimate power and efficiency, lasting for four to ten years. However, they cost twice as much as standard batteries.

There are a few different types of deep-cycle batteries to choose from, such as:

1. Flooded Lead Acid Deep Cycle Batteries

Flooded lead-acid batteries are also called wet cells. They're one of the most popular types of deep cycle batteries RVs use today.

The reason why it's called flooded is that it contains electrolyte fluid, so its plates are submerged completely. These batteries provide a mix of lead and lead-oxide plates which are surrounded by an electrolyte, which is a combination of water and sulfuric acid.

Flooded lead-acid batteries aren't the most recommended, as they require regular maintenance, charging even during off-seasons, and they need to be installed in a specific position. Plus, it can't tolerate a high amount of vibration. But regarding power, there are a lot of opportunities.

They can handle overcharging better compared to the other type of batteries and have the longest lifespan. As long period as you maintain it regularly, it can last for up to ten years or more. But this is if you choose a quality brand of battery. Cheaper units can last for only up to three to five years.

2. Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Deep Cycle RV Batteries

These types of batteries are ideal for most types of situations, mostly because they require less maintenance but still have the reliable and robust power you need.

They are made of a lead-acid battery, but its electrolyte is absorbed in fiberglass mat. That way, they can handle high temperatures and discharge the battery slower compared to other batteries. They are ideal for those who require significant power and need a reliable battery with a long lifespan.

However, these batteries are sensitive if overcharged. As long as you ensure that doesn't stay charged even after a full battery, you won't have a problem.

3. Deep Cycle Gel Batteries

Gel batteries aren't as popular as they are before, being an outdated version of the AGM battery. They are similar to flooded lead-acid batteries and are easy to transport around. However, they require a slow charge, or it would damage.

Also, since they have narrow charging profiles, it's a bit difficult to charge correctly and poses the risk of damage if done so.

That's why I wouldn't recommend a gel battery unless you have experience with working on these types of batteries and how to charge it.

4. Lithium-Ion Deep Cycle Batteries

7 Easy Tips For Maintenance for Your RV Battery - 3

Last but not the least we have lithium-ion deep cycle batteries, which is one of the best in performance. It's lightweight and can take extreme heat or cold, working more efficiently and is versatile for just about any RV or weather condition.

It's also one of the most expensive of the types of batteries. However, it's a worthy investment as it has a genuine lifetime value, from the way it performs down to batteries life cycle. Just make sure that you only invest in the reputable brands so you can take advantage of its high current rating and safety features.

Wrapping It Up

To ensure that your RV runs well and works correctly, you will need to have the quality battery for it. As long as you are knowledgeable about the different types of battery for RVs and how to choose the one suitable for your model, you won't have any problem when using your RV Battery!

I hope that this article on the different types of battery for RVs helped you learn about what you need to keep your RV running smoothly. So if you need a battery replacement, you'll now know what to get!

If you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences on choosing an RV battery, comment below. I would love to hear what you have to think!


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.