A successful camping or road trip is incomplete without a comfortable, well-functioning RV. If you have to spend countless hours working on your vehicle, dealing with breakdowns, or charging a battery, you won’t have time to enjoy the great outdoors or the company of your friends and family.
Therefore, the battery of your recreational vehicle is a vital member of your camping necessities. You should take great care in selecting the best RV battery and be sure to consider all of the factors that may impact its longevity, productivity, and compatibility with your vehicle.
Why Do I Need an RV Battery?
In short, every owner needs an RV battery for their recreational vehicle. Nearly everything in the vehicle relies on an electrical system to function. Deep cycle batteries are equipped to store huge amounts of energy for extended periods of time. A good one can last for up to five years – in some cases even longer!
When fully charged, an RV battery will give off more voltage than a typical battery. While you are likely already familiar with the starting battery, used to start the vehicle’s engine, a deep cycle battery is the one needed to give a steady amount of power to other functions of the RV. Marine batteries, on the other hand, combine the two and are a good option for busy motorists.
Top 3 RV Batteries At A Glance:
[amazon table=”1426″]What Should I Look for in Choosing The Best RV Battery?
There are many types of RV batteries, but most will give you the ability to use all of your devices and appliances without requiring grid electricity. Your recreational vehicle will likely require a house battery as well as a starting battery for the engine. House batteries may consist of a few single batteries wired together to supply power, but the one that you need to start your engine is similar to the one used by your personal car. The starting battery in an RV is larger, however.
When considering your next RV battery, think about the following factors. CCA (which stands for cold cranking amps) is the industry standard system for measuring how much current the battery can provide at cold temperatures (exactly zero degrees Fahrenheit). The higher the CCA value a battery has, the more likely it is to be successful at all temperatures, but particularly in very cold ones. No matter where you plan to travel, you should look for an RV battery with a high CCA value.
You should also consider how much power a battery can store, and for what period of time. A deep cycling battery will store larger amounts of power for a longer period of time, possessing a larger surface area and the ability to provide current to every single electrical component you might have in your RV.
While the optimal RV battery will vary depending on your personal goals, travel habits, vehicular needs, and other preferences, the best will be one that can output high amps, or power, taking only a few seconds to do so. This will help keep your RV’s engine functioning optimally and keep you on the road and enjoying your travels for years to come.
1. Optima OPT8020-164 35 RedTop Battery
This minute, compact battery packs a wallop at 44 AH. While it’s not the most powerful model on the market, it is suitable for an average-sized RV or for more modest camping pursuits. The battery can withstand vibrations well and is suitable for heavy-duty applications. With a long lifespan, it’s a good option to consider.
This battery also has a nicely sealed design, preventing it from leaking battery acid and allowing for installation in any position. It has a reserve capacity of ninety minutes so that there is no interruption in the flow of current for whatever reason.
Pros:
● Small, compact size does not take up excess space in the battery compartment
● Resilient, long-lasting construction
● Environmentally friendly option that will not leak acid
Cons:
● Small energy capacity
● Lower lifespan than similar models
● May not tolerate cold conditions as well as comparable models
2. Optima 8016-103 D34M BlueTop Starting & Deep Cycle Marine Battery
Another Optima product to consider is the BlueTop Marine Battery. This popular deep cycle marine battery is also small in stature, but has a slightly higher capacity of 55 AH. Though not the highest capacity of all batteries on the market, it is more than effective when used in an RV.
It has a high CCA value of 750, making it an ideal choice for low temperatures, and comes in a sealed design to prevent leakage and to allow for flexible installation. This is the best model to consider if you are looking for a compact heavy-duty model with high cold resistance.
Pros:
High turnover at cold temperatures
Performs two functions in one (deep cycle and starting)
Sends a constant flow of current for 2 hours or more
Cons:
● Low capacity of 55 AH
● Prone to overcharging due to the tight cell tolerance
● Moderately high price for a battery of this size
3. Odyssey PC680 Battery
This battery is versatile and rugged, built solidly out of reliable materials to help you get through any powering situation for any kind of RV. Regardless of the environment in which you install it, this battery holds up to expectations. It is good on rough terrains and has a non-spill design. It is vibration-resistant and has twice the power and three times the lifespan of average batteries sold today.
This battery can provide up to 400 cycles at eighty percent discharge depth, giving it the ability to withstand any conditions. It can survive harsh temperatures and is offered at a reasonable price, making it a good choice for any motorist.
Pros:
● Built out of durable materials in a non-spill design
● Good for use in rugged terrains
● Offers protection from vibration, shock, and spills
Cons:
● Design makes it difficult to fit into certain spaces
● Users report that it is more challenging to install
● Fails to hold a charge between years
4. Universal UB121000-45978 12-volt 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery
This battery, manufactured by Universal, is purportedly one of the best deep cycle batteries on the market. It can handle a variety of uses, and works well for general use as well as for supplying power to consumer electronics. It has a sealed design making it efficient and environmentally friendly, and it utilizes the popular AGM technology that is used in many top-rated batteries.
The battery requires the least amount of maintenance compared to other batteries, and has a 100-ampere-hour rating. It has an impressive storage capacity and high longevity, offering better performance and quicker recharging that similar products. It can be used for trolling motors, boats, solar panels, and other equipment besides RVs as well.
Pros:
● Versatile uses and applications
● Requires minimal maintenance
● Low discharge rates
Cons:
● Extremely heavy battery at 64 lbs
● Some customers report faulty system that fails to hold charge after several months of use
● Not ideal for wintertime temperatures
5. VMAX857 AGM RV Battery 12-volt 35AH Deep Cycle HI Performance Battery
This battery has a long lifespan and is heavy-duty, constructed with military grade plates that are guaranteed to last longer than its competitors. It has a high capacity of 125 AH and can last for up to ten years. It has a handle at the top to make it easier to carry, and withstands vibrations even in rough terrain. The connection studs are comprised of stainless steel materials, making it corrosion-free to prevent wear and tear down the road.
Pros:
● Tough, heavy-duty construction
● Hard seal makes it spill-proof
● Not affected by shocks or vibrations
Cons:
● Costlier option
● Requires a special charger
● May need additional connectors for installation
6. WindyNation 12 Volt Deep Cycle RV Batteries
This battery is designed to provide a high capacity for demanding electrical needs in any RV It is cost-effective as a lead acid battery and has a capacity of 100 AH. It can supply a powerful current to an RV and can be purchased in different capacities or numbers depending on your specific needs, RV type, and camping goals.
This RV battery is versatile, providing everything from solar to boat to RV energy. It has a floating life of up to twelve years, making it one of the longest-lasting models on the market. With a 240-minute reserve capacity, you don’t have to worry about this battery failing on you. It has a low discharge rate because of its high lead content, and is highly flexible for any application.
Pros:
● Longest lifespan of any battery on this list
● Can power demanding electrical devices with a capacity of 100 AH
● Versatile and flexible choices available
Cons:
● Threads are prone to breakage due to brass coating
● Terminals reportedly break off easily
● No leak protection
7. Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Considered by many users as the “ultimate” RV battery, this product has a high rate of user-friendliness and is a top choice for many motorists. It has a capacity around 100 AH but has a 200A output. It can power the hungriest devices in an RV and has up to 5000 recharge cycles, contributing to a long lifespan.
This product comes with universal connector studs to make it easy to install in any RV. It is built in the USA and comprised of durable materials that are some of the best on the market.
Pros:
● Made from quality, American-made materials
● Long and multiple recharge cycles
● Universal connector studs for easy installation
Cons:
● Very expensive option
● May not fit inside all units
● Low capacity
8. Renogy 12-volt 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
This adaptable battery comes in three different sizes, equipped with 6 V 260 AH, 12 V 200 AH, or 12 V 100 AH capacities, with each providing varying amounts of voltage and taking up different amounts of battery installation spaces. All three sizes, however, are deep cycle batteries with low discharge rates. They can provide consistent, high power to demanding devices and can keep a charge for up to nine months.
This battery is nearly indestructible, made out of fiberglass sheets that can withstand varying temperatures and high vibrations. It comes with a carrying handle and is incredibly sturdy.
Pros:
● Variation of sizes means there is something for everyone
● Low discharge rate
● Easy to carry
Cons:
● Costlier option
● Length of charge varies depending on temperature and other conditions
● Some maintenance involved to increase their longevity
Wrap Up
An RV battery is essential for any motorist or camping enthusiast. You need a tool that will provide enough current to power all of your electrical devices and, in some cases, your recreational vehicle itself. While this battery uses a different technology compared to your regular car battery, it is just as important a feature.
RV batteries tend to be much more expensive than traditional lead-acid car batteries, but investing in the best RV battery is imperative. Try to find a battery made out of durable materials that will not leak every time you move it. Go for quality over cost, and always remember the features that are most important to you when you are shopping for your next battery.
Our pick? While all of these batteries are perfectly suitable depending on your needs, budget, and lifestyle, we would go with the Optima RedTop Battery. This product has some of the best reviews across thousands of users, and is a moderately-priced battery that can fit into any motorists’ budget. It provides for maximum output at minimum expense and is a fan favorite across all categories.
If you’re still stuck between all of these fantastic options, consider consulting your local RV dealer for a suggestion. They will likely be able to help you weigh the pros and cons between the models, and you will soon find yourself with the RV battery you need – so that you can embark on the camping or road trip of your dreams.
