Those who are not familiar with the RV battery system, your standard motorhome require two batteries– the first battery is the standard one that is used to give the engine a jolt to start the car. The other kind of battery is also called RV house battery, deep cycle battery, or the coach battery.
Your RV’s internal setup uses a battery system, which is a critical component for your motorhome’s power. It powers all electrical appliances inside your RV, from the air conditioning system to overhead vent to your refrigerator.
So, how much does an RV battery cost? In this article, I will briefly explain what an RV battery is and the different power units available in the market. Furthermore, I will share with you the benefits of batteries in your RV.
What Is An RV Battery?
The truth is, your RV consists of two battery systems: a 120-volt Alternating Current AC battery and a 12-volt Direct Current DC system. If you’re driving a regular rig, then you also have a power unit that is used to start a car’s engine.
The 120-volt battery is a contained source of electricity that is used to run appliances in your RV. This lightweight battery system supplies power to your motorhome things like water system, interior lights, and overhead fans. Additionally, you can use this 120-volt battery even if your RV isn’t hooked with a generator.
These batteries in your motorhome are commonly known as RV house batteries that are designed to supply and store uninterruptible power to your devices during your travel. It’s simple to say that your RV home appliances depend on a 12-volt battery system to work.
How Much Does An RV Battery Cost?
The cost of your power units varies with what type of your battery is. For example, one 120-volt regular lead-acid battery might value several hundred dollars, while the lithium battery unit can cost about a thousand dollars. However, lithium batteries have a longer lifespan than deep cycle batteries, hence the result of a high price. You may want to invest with lithium batteries if you’re willing to spend cash and looking for long-run effectiveness.
Our Top Pick For RV Batteries
Optima 8016-103 D34M Blue Top Starting and Deep Cycle Battery
You should stop searching for the best deep cycle battery with Optima 8016-103 D34M Blue Top if you’re willing to spend much money on your RV. This deep cycle battery is what we recommend to use for your RV. With its impressive dual-purpose, aside from serving power to your appliances, it also functions as a starting battery. It cost about 270 dollars, which we feel cost-effective in the long run.
If you’re planning to buy a sure-starting and maintenance-free 12-volt deep cycle RV home batteries, you will significantly benefit from this battery. This deep cycle battery is ideal for large motorhomes, boats, and RVs. Additionally, you will have a reliable source of power for your RV appliances, even with harsh weather conditions.
Odyssey PC680 Battery
One incredible feature we noticed about the Odyssey PC680 is its sturdiness and ruggedness. It merely means that it can handle regular pounding while you’re traveling. You can use this battery efficiently, whether you’re taking a trip in snow or land. This battery costs about $120, which is a reasonable price compared to what this power unit can offer.
With its packed built, the lead plates make this battery capable of protecting the battery road vibrations and sudden shocks. The non-spillable design prevents the battery from losing the battery liquids from the jumpstarting function. Additionally, the presence of the lead plate increases the energy supplied by the battery.
Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Solar Wind AGM SLA Deep Cycle VRLA Battery
If you’re searching for a dependable and durable 12-volt deep cycle batteries, this power unit is another option for motorhomes and recreational vehicles. You will also like its versatility and flexibility of usage. You will have much opportunity to mount this battery because it’s flexible enough to suit whatever positions you desire.
This rechargeable battery has a fast-charging feature and longer cycle life. You will also notice its versatility instantly as this battery supplies continuous power for your RV appliances. Not only can this battery be used for motorhomes, but you can also install it in scooters, boats and golf carts. This deep cycle battery costs about 179 dollars.
Different Types Of Batteries
In this section, we’ll talk about the most common battery choices you can find in the market today.
Deep Cycle Batteries – this lead-acid battery is the ones you can find in the golf carts and boats. Similar to a car battery that produces and retains power, this power unit creates a steady amount of electricity for an extended period. However, the difference with car batteries is that it only provides current in shorter periods. Deep cycle batteries come with a variety of types like wet-cell power units, gel-type power units, and absorbed glass mat or known as AGM. Most RVs use deep cycle batteries because of its affordability and reliability that, when fully charged, you can rely on its power to generate electricity.
Lithium Batteries – is an alternative battery used for most modern RVs. Most campers who use solar power to supply energy upgrades to lithium batteries because of their lighter and smaller appearance. Though a bit expensive, these batteries don’t require tedious maintenance compared to other types of power units. Lithium batteries are easy to set up and serve a more extended period than other cells. They are rated to last 5000 cycles against most lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries may be out of pocket price range which is three times more than other batteries but you can be sure that these power units will supply your motorhomes lasting electricity even through heavy conditions.
Benefits Of RV Home Batteries
Safe to use – another thing that sets lithium batteries apart from the others is its built-in safety feature. Most power units shut down automatically when the battery is close to overheating. Campers are mindful when it comes to battery temperatures because it can cause fire or explosion, which you don’t want to happen to your rig.
Goes a long way – most power units are capable of going further, also called ‘extra mile batteries.’ Most batteries allow RVers to utilize almost 99 percent of its capacity. You can depend on batteries not to dry up faster even when you’re using many appliances at the same time. It also has a sustainable voltage level that makes it possible to provide convenience when driving your RV.
Lightweight – keep in mind that most RVs, rigs, or motorhomes are already bulky and heavy, so you may want to have a weightless battery.
Conclusion
The best RV battery ensures the convenience of your trip. So no matter how much an RV battery costs, you should invest one. With a high-quality RV home battery, you will never leave your vehicle in the middle of the road. An enjoyable and uninterrupted trip is what you should look forward to when you’re traveling. Get more tips on RV batteries.