6 Best RV Battery Choices in 2024 [Deep Cycle]
LOOKING FOR THE BEST RV BATTERY?
You are in the right place because the 6 best RV battery options are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and bring you the best information, guides and products for your RV.
In today’s world, batteries are continually becoming better, more efficient, and made from better materials. The different materials, capacities, charge times, longevity, weight, and even how they function in different temperatures should all be taken into consideration when looking for the best RV battery for dry camping.
A single battery can range from a hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Your best RV battery setup will also need to take your budget into consideration.
We have everything you will want to know, and you will be a battery wizard by the end. You will also find some of our top picks for the best batteries for campers to keep your lights on, especially if you like to have an outdoor light set up while you are camping.
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30-Day Free TrialBest RV Battery – Deep Cycle
The LifePo4 batteries are going to be the best RV battery for your camper, but they are going to be by far the most expensive. These are slightly different than lithium-ion batteries. They last longer, and they do not overheat like lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire. They are lighter in weight, they last a long time, they require less maintenance, and their performance is amazing compared to your lead-acid batteries.
Even though LifePo4 batteries are awesome, they are often too expensive for most users. If you have the money, they are great, but we recommend an AGM battery. They work great and are much cheaper.
1. Renogy AGM Deep-Cycle Battery
Renogy is a great name brand when it comes to many things RV-related. This Renogy battery is your best overall option for your RV deep cycle battery. If you look at what you are getting for the cost, this battery is awesome. We love our Renogy batteries.
If you are setting up for an off-grid house or just want a good battery for your camper, van, or motorhome, Renogy is a great absorbent glass matt deep-cycle battery.
These camper batteries will run for years and have a slow 3% discharge rate keeping your batteries charged when not in use.
Pros
✅ Highly rated battery with almost two thousand reviews on Amazon 4.5 out of 5-star rating
✅ Great price for a 100 amp hour battery
✅ Keeps charge for extended periods of not being used
✅ Good low-temperature performance
Cons
❌ The battery is heavy
❌ The battery warranty is a limited 1-year warranty
▶ SHOP Renogy AGM 12 Volt Batteries
2. Windy Nation AGM Deep Cycle Battery
Windy Nation sells a great 12V AGM deep cycle battery at a competitive price. This battery has hundreds of 5-star reviews and is a very economical price for a good RV battery. This battery can be used with your solar panels for off-grid use.
The battery can be mounted in any position except for the terminals facing down. This allows for lots of options for installing the batteries in your battery compartment. This is a great option for a deep cycle battery for a camper.
Pros
✅ Competitive pricing
✅ Good ratings from reviewers
Cons
❌ Limited 1-year warranty
❌ Customer support is questionable
❌ The battery is heavy (66 pounds)
▶ SHOP Windy Nation AGM Batteries
3. Optima Batteries for an RV
Optima has been making some of the best batteries for years. If you are looking for a great sealed battery, but you don’t want to spend double the cost for a lithium-ion or LIFEPO4 battery, Optima batteries are your best choice for sealed RV batteries. However, on a per amp hour comparison, they are also a lot more expensive.
Optima uses a spiral lead design for superior vibration resistance and extended life. This makes them better because the spiral design lasts longer than other absorbent glass matt batteries (AGM).
Pros
✅ Spiral design makes for a longer-lasting battery
✅ Highly rated sealed battery
Cons
❌ Only a 2-year warranty
❌ Heavy battery at 43.5 pounds
4. Ampere Time LifeP04 Battery
This Ampere Time LifeP04 battery is a juggernaut. This camper battery comes in multiple Amp hour configurations. The smaller sizes are great for smaller battery compartments. The large batteries are great for larger battery spaces.
We currently use one 200Ah Ampere Time (AKA Li Time) batteries for our motorhome because we have a smaller battery compartment. If we could easily add more amp hours, we would, but 200 Ah still works great. Our BougeRV solar panels are great at keeping them charged.
This is one of the best batteries for a camper and comes with a 5-year warranty. This is a great option if you are going to be dry camping and want to keep your motorhome running.
Solar Panels For Lithium Batteries Here!!
When using these batteries for campers, be aware that they do not have a low-temperature shut-off. A low-temperature shut-off stops your battery from discharging under freezing conditions to prevent damage.
If a battery is mostly discharged and freezes, it can cause irreparable harm to your battery. If you are using expensive batteries, it is very important you take care of your batteries.
Pros
✅ Competitive price for LifePo4 batteries
✅ Lightweight battery, only 24.25 pounds for 100 amp hour battery
✅ Long-lasting battery
✅ Great for low temperatures
✅ Five-year warranty
✅ 50% faster charge compared to lead acid batteries
Cons
❌ Somewhat expensive
❌ Does not have active battery management like more expensive LifePo4 batteries
5. Battle Born Batteries for a Camper
If you are looking for a great RV battery, Battle Born batteries have you covered. These batteries are a third of the weight of an equivalent lead-acid battery and can be mounted in any position because they do not have acid inside. They are GREEN energy batteries made from 100% safe, nontoxic renewable energy.
This is your best camper battery has a ton of five-star reviews, and they have been making batteries for RVs since 2013. They also come with a 10-year warranty because they have the longest battery life. You will never find a lead-acid battery or many others with a 10-year warranty because they are not made to last that long.
These batteries for campers can be charged faster and have a battery management system that protects them from common types of battery failures.
You won’t be disappointed in selecting a Battle Born battery because they make a great lithium-style camper battery.
Make sure you keep in mind you cannot couple a LifeP04 battery with a lead-acid battery of any kind. A lithium battery must be paired with other lithium-ion batteries.
Pros
✅ Built-in battery management system
✅ Highest customer satisfaction for a deep cycle battery with 89& giving it a 5-star rating
✅ 10-year warranty
✅ Made in the USA
✅ Lightweight 29 pounds
Cons
❌ Very expensive
6. Trojan 6V Deep-Cycle Battery
If you are looking at using 6V batteries, the Trojan brand has the best RV batteries. Trojan has been making great RV deep-cycle batteries for years. When using 6V batteries, we recommend using four batteries or more.
You get the largest benefit by using 6V batteries if you are using more of them. You must at least use two because your system will most likely require 12 volts.
If using these four camper batteries in a 12V system, you can have 450Ah of power. That is enough to keep your lights on for a long time.
Trojan makes a great product that is sold in many locations. When looking for a true deep cycle battery for an RV, these 6V batteries have you covered. Trojan also works well for marine applications. When I worked in a marine repair shop, Trojan was the only battery we sold.
This is one of the best deep-cycle RV battery choices on the market today.
Pros
✅ A true deep cycle battery can be discharged lower without damage
✅ Lighter weight for lead acid batteries
✅ Very durable
Cons
❌ One-year warranty
❌ Not a sealed lead acid battery
❌ 12V system must have 2 batteries
Types of Batteries for a Camper
You will find there are four main types of batteries when looking for a battery for your camper, camper van, RV, or motorhome. Each battery type has different pros and cons, and some are much more expensive than others.
Below we break down the different battery types. Depending on how much you are willing to spend could determine the type of battery you buy. It is important to remember you typically get what you pay for.
One other area you will want to pay attention to is Ah or Amp-hours. Amp-hours tell you the capacity of the battery. A 100 Ah battery will last half as long as a 200 amp-hour rated battery.
When you see a battery that costs a tremendous amount of money, it could be what it is made out of it could be because it has a very large capacity. Essentially the more amp hours the battery has, the bigger it is or the longer it will power your system.
Lead Acid
Lead-acid batteries have plates inside them that are made from lead. Many times this type of battery is called a flooded lead-acid battery. This is because the lead is placed inside the battery and is surrounded by sulfuric acid and water solution.
The larger the battery, the larger the lead plates and the more solution that will be inside the battery.
This best RV battery will come in 12-volt and 6-volt configurations. These batteries are not sealed and, at times, could require maintenance, such as adding water to the solution.
You should not add tap water to the solution. Tap water can contain minerals that can harm your battery. Using distilled water is a much better way to keep your unsealed lead-acid batteries in working order.
The water should be added after the battery is fully charged, and be sure to wear protective gear when doing this, just as you would wear protective gloves when dumping your black water tanks.
Wearing protective gloves when working on batteries can prevent burns or other issues and should be used. Sulfuric acid is not something you want in your eyes, on your clothes, or skin. The reason for adding water after the battery has been charged is to prevent the overflow of water from the battery.
If you overflow a battery, you will lose electrolytes and reduce the life of your battery. It can also create a hazard.
Lithium-Ion AND LIFEPO4
Lithium-ion camper batteries are newer than lead-acid batteries, and they have a lot of advantages. They are often much more costly. They usually only come in 12-volt configurations, but they can be connected in series.
The great thing about them is they are much lighter than lead-acid batteries and are not harmed when they are fully discharged.
Another great aspect of Lithium-Ion batteries is they function at full capacity until they are out of juice. Lead-acid batteries will gradually become weaker and slowly not function as well until they are dead.
It is common for people to think all Lithium-Ion batteries are the same, but they do come in different types. The most common lithium RV battery used for your travel trailer is a Lithium iron phosphate battery, and it is abbreviated as LiFePO4.
These last longer than the other Lithium batteries and are less prone to overheating, which can cause fires. This is often referred to as thermal runaway.
These batteries require much less maintenance and are great batteries. However, they can be much more expensive. The cost has started to drop as they have become more mainstream and used in a lot more applications.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM )
AGM is short for Absorbent Glass Mat. These batteries are similar to flooded lead-acid batteries, but they do not use lead plates. AGM batteries use glass mats made of fiberglass.
These batteries are sealed, making them far less maintenance than lead-acid batteries, and there is nothing to spill out of them since the fiberglass absorbs the liquid inside.
These batteries can be charged at a much faster rate than your typical lead-acid battery and can drop to a depth of discharge that is lower without causing damage to the battery.
It is typical for a lead-acid battery to only last 5 years, and it is possible they last only 3 years. AGM batteries typically will last up to 7 years.
When you charge these batteries, you need to make sure you use a charger with a regulator. Lead-acid batteries can deal with overcharging better than glass mat ones.
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Gel
Gel batteries are sealed similarly to absorbent glass matt batteries, but gel cell batteries use a gel, or technically sand, that makes the sulfuric acid in the battery into a gel. These batteries should not be used in high amperage because it can cause damage to the battery, and the battery can fail early.
These batteries are not good for charging fast or discharging fast, and there are multiple places that do not like these batteries much. We do not recommend a gel battery for your RV or travel trailer.
12-Volt vs 6-Volt Best RV Battery
Six-volt and 12-volt batteries both accomplish the same goals of powering your RV, but they have different pros and cons. If you are using 6-volt batteries, you will hook them up differently than you will your 12-volt batteries.
Your recreational vehicle works with a 12-volt electrical system. This means you need to have 12 volts for it to work properly. You can do this with one 12-volt battery. You can easily add another 12-volt battery and many more by hooking them up in parallel.
Hooking a battery up in parallel means you connect them so they can pass power to each other. This is done by connecting the positive terminals together and the negative terminals together.
When using a 6-volt battery, you will need to hook two of them together in series to create a total of 12 volts. You can then hook those two batteries in parallel with two more batteries to increase your battery bank size.
Twelve-volt batteries often cost less than 6-volt batteries and are much easier to find as 12-volt batteries are more common than 6-volt batteries.
Many experts say 6-volt batteries are more durable, and they are considered true deep cycle batteries. Six-volt batteries weigh less than 12-volt batteries. Many people would rather move a six-volt battery that weighs 60 to 80 pounds instead of trying to carry one 120-pound 12-volt battery.
However, don’t forget you would have to move two 6-volt batteries because you must use them in pairs.
In short, here are some of the pros and cons of the two batteries.
6V Batteries
Pros of 6V Batteries
✅ They are more durable than 12V lead acid batteries.
✅ 6-volt batteries are considered true deep cycle batteries.
✅ Each battery weighs less than 12V batteries.
✅ They can use up less space.
Cons of 6V Batteries
❌ 6-volt batteries cost more money.
❌ If you are only using two and one fails, your system will not work.
❌ You need a minimum of 2 batteries.
12V Batteries
Pros of 12V Batteries
✅ Your RV can function with one 12V battery
✅ They are more common than 6-volt.
✅ 12V batteries are less expensive.
✅ They are fairly straightforward and easy to connect multiple together.
✅ If you have multiple batteries and one stops working, your system will still work.
✅ There are lots of 12V battery options.
Cons of 12V Batteries
❌ One 12V battery is heavier than one 6V battery.
❌ They can often be less durable than 6V batteries.
The space you have available in your battery compartment will also play a large factor in how you are going to set up your batteries.
There is a lot of debate on if you should use 6-volt or 12-volt batteries for your camper. Many people say if you are going to be doing a lot of boondocking, you should use 6-volt batteries, but they don’t show as much of a difference until you are using 4 or more batteries in your system.
You have probably heard of 6-volt batteries being called golf cart batteries. A golf cart often has space for 6 or 8 batteries and therefore gets a larger benefit from the use of 6-volt batteries.
A 12-volt system is the easiest and most common configuration. Most everyone is comfortable with 12V batteries, and they still work great. You can have a very good system that will work for boondocking or any other type of camping you will be doing when using 12V batteries.
We have used both 6V and 12V battery systems and thought both systems worked well. We find that most people run into issues with their batteries because they let them die and do not maintain them.
Types of RV Batteries
RV Starting Batteries
RV starting batteries would be used to start your motorhome. Many campers like to have dual-purpose batteries to start their motorhome because those batteries can also be used as a great deep cycle battery for an RV when needed.
Starter batteries use high amps for a short time.
Deep-Cycle Battery
Deep cycle batteries for RVs are batteries that work best for consistent or periodic low amp draws. This is why they are used in RVs. Deep cycle batteries supply low amps over a longer time period in order to power your appliances, lights, and a lot of the amenities you get from your RV.
Dual Purpose Batteries
Dual-purpose batteries are batteries that are used in conditions that require high cold cranking power and the ability to have a low draw to run lights or accessories. Cold-cranking amps are needed when starting a vehicle such as a car. Most car batteries will show a CCA or cold cranking amp rating because they need high amps at one time to start the car.
Absorbent glass matt batteries make some of the best types of dual-purpose batteries.
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How Long Should the Best RV Battery Last?
A typical lead-acid battery, when maintained correctly, can last up to 5 years or more. Lithium-ion batteries and AGM batteries can last longer than that. Lead-acid batteries do not last as long as other, more expensive batteries.
Many lithium batteries have warranties for up to 10 years.
Can I Use a Regular Car Battery in My RV?
You can use a regular car battery in an RV, but it is not recommended. They will not last for long periods, and they are made differently.
Car batteries are not deep cycle batteries. They are made to use high amps for a short time. This is why they are used to start your car.
RV batteries need to be deep-cycle batteries. These batteries are made to be discharged more fully and to slowly disperse amps over time as you use them to power your lights and other trailer necessities.
What Size Battery Should I Use in my Travel Trailer?
There is not an exact size each travel trailer or camper van should have. We recommend if you have the space, you have around a total of 200Ah. However, this can vary on how often you are going to be using shore power or how often you are going to be boondocking.
If you are going to be off-grid, you may need a minimum of 400Ah of battery power. If you have a large RV or a small RV, how much battery you use will make a big difference.
A good way to look at it is if you start with one or two batteries, and you run out of power, and you have the space in your battery compartment, you should add another battery or two.
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best RV Battery
There are a handful of important things to consider when looking for batteries for your camper van, motorhome, or RV. The most important things to consider would be the following:
☑️ How big is your battery compartment space?
☑️ Will you be connected to shore power, or will you be frequently boondocking? The more boondocking, the more batteries you will want.
☑️ How much money do you have to spend on batteries? Lithium batteries can get expensive.
☑️ How long do you want your batteries to last, and how much maintenance are you willing to do on your batteries?
☑️ Do you plan on using solar panels? The more batteries you have, the more power you can save up from solar power and the more off-grid you can be.
Taking Care of the Best Battery for a Camper
Different batteries require different maintenance, but the main issue regarding lead-acid battery maintenance is letting batteries discharge too low and letting them sit at a low charge for too long.
If you let a battery discharge below 40% and it stays discharged, sulfation occurs. This is when crystals form on your battery plates. This will cause your battery to fail before it should.
When using a flooded lead-acid battery, you need to check your water level. If your water levels are low, you need to add water. Frequent charging and discharging causes the water in your battery to evaporate. Adding distilled water keeps your battery working properly.
Make sure you do not overfill, and it is best to add water once the battery is fully charged. If you add water before the battery is fully charged, it can overflow during charging.
How Do You Keep Your Best RV Battery Charged?
There are a few different ways to keep your batteries charged. The best way is to make sure they are disconnected from anything that uses power. The clock in your RV or the carbon monoxide detectors uses power. These will drain your battery.
Many RVs have power disconnect switches but may not fully disconnect from all power sources. Make sure power is not being pulled from the battery.
Once your battery is disconnected, you should connect a battery tender if possible. These are small chargers that slowly keep your battery charged. All batteries will gradually discharge over time. A battery tender will keep the battery charged to ensure sulfation does not occur.
Don’t Get Them Too Hot or Cold
Maintaining a battery also means trying to avoid extremes. Getting a battery too hot or too cold can cause damage to your batteries. Lots of high-power use can heat up a battery significantly.
Clean Your Best RV Battery
Cleaning your batteries periodically is a key part of maintenance. If a battery does not have clean terminals it cannot be charged properly and you cannot use the power as needed. Dirty battery terminals will make the chances of a discharged battery higher and this will cause sulfation. This will shorten the life of your battery.
How Do I Charge Batteries for an RV?
Many RVs have a converter installed in them. A converter is used to charge your batteries when plugged into shore power. A converter is one way we keep our batteries charged.
If you do not have a converter or are unsure if you have a converter, you definitely need to look into getting one or making sure your converter works.
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Shore power does not run the lights on your camper. It runs your larger appliances which run on 110V. The shore power charges your deep cycle batteries through a converter which then keeps your lights on and your other 12V power supply outlets.
If you have questions about converters, send us an email at csginger@gmail.com, or you can reach out on Instagram.
Read More: 11 Choices for the Best RV Converter
Best Camper Battery for Boondocking
If you are going to be doing some serious boondocking (Sedona boondocking is amazing), we would recommend using a LIFEPO4 battery or an AGM battery like the Renogy battery. The Battle Born batteries are going to be your best battery and last the longest, but they are considerably more expensive.
The best way to keep your batteries charged when boondocking is by using solar panels. We really liked our BougeRV solar panels. Check out our review of their 200-watt charging kit and some of the other options they offer.
Conclusion: Best RV Battery
The best RV battery or batteries for your scenario can vary depending on your particular situation. Your best camper battery is going to be your LifePO4 batteries, but they are very expensive. The typical lead-acid, flooded batteries will get the job done for the lowest cost but require more maintenance and will not last as long.
Your sealed batteries will be less maintenance and are better than your typical cheaper lead-acid batteries.
No matter what you decide, do not forget about maintenance. It will save you money in the long run. Keep your battery compartment clean and organized just as you would keep your kitchen clean and organized with essential accessories, the batteries are essential and should be treated likewise.
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