Your RV’s battery is the main component of a motorhome electrical system. But have you ever asked yourself this – what kind of battery do I need for my RV?
The importance of finding the right battery for your RV takes a process. With so many types of batteries, it can be a painstaking decision to find what suits your budget and your RV. Depending on the power you want for your RV, it’s better to figure out the capacity and maintenance needed for your battery.
We’re here to provide you the help you need before choosing the right RV battery.
Types Of Batteries
The RV’s engine batteries are used for supplying a powerful energy burst to start an RV engine. The engine battery is large and requires a bigger Cold Cranking Amps or CCA rating.
RV’s house batteries need complete recharging before using it; that is why it is often called a deep cycle battery. RV utility home batteries can load longer compared to standard car batteries. You can also store and use solar energy through an RV house battery.
RV coach battery makes up of two battery systems, a 120-volt Alternating Current AC system, and a 12-volt Direct Current DC system. The 120-volt system is used to supply power to your RV’s appliances like the refrigerator and air conditioner.
Deep-cycle Batteries
The deep cycle batteries are a lead-acid type battery that produces a fixed amount of current for an extended period. There are a variety of types of deep cycle batteries, including gel-type cells, AGM, and flooded-wet batteries. These types of batteries come with different maintenance needs and functionalities.
- Flooded-wet batteries are the most popular deep-cycle battery used for RVs. The lead plates inside the cell are wrapped around the electrolyte fluid that creates the current when the battery is in use. Flooded-wet battery distributes constant power to most appliances inside the RV.
- Absorbed Glass Mat AGM batteries offer reliability and safety for a steady amount of electricity. These batteries are stronger and require less maintenance. The compressed plates absorb the electrolyte fluid, which produces power for the appliances. AGM batteries are the most considered battery by RVers because it features a slower self-discharge compared to other cells.
- Gel Cell batteries are used for marine applications and vehicles. These batteries are leakproof and recharge slower than other batteries. The gel-like substance that submerges the lead plates creates a durable power that supplies electricity to major appliances.
Lithium Batteries
The lithium batteries are an alternative battery to deep-cycle batteries that supply power to modern RVs. Most campers upgrades to lithium batteries because they are lighter and smaller. You can use lithium batteries to store solar power and then supply energy to appliances. Though a bit expensive, these batteries require less maintenance compared to other types of power units. Lithium batteries are easy to set up and can serve for an extended period than other cells. These batteries can last to 5000 cycles rating against most lead-acid batteries. You can be sure that these power units will supply your RV and motorhomes continuing electricity even through heavy conditions.
Benefits Of RV Batteries
Here are some benefits of having the right battery for your RV:
- Provides electricity – the common usage of battery is to supply power whenever RVers need it. Batteries are especially useful when an RV is parked or at a campsite.
- Provides comfortable camping – batteries can also provide heat when it’s cold, light when it’s dark. The battery makes sure that you enjoy and relaxed while camping.
- Save money on gas – the battery can save money by reducing fuel usage through electric power inside the RV without starting the engine.
- Powers other vehicles – batteries can also be used to smaller vehicles such as scooters, boats, and bikes.
What To Look For In An RV Battery
Life Expectancy
To extend the lifespan of an RV battery, you can recharge the battery when it’s down to 50 percent. Discharging to battery up to 20 percent only reduces the life power of a battery over a while. Maximizing the life expectancy of a battery makes it more useful and supplies a steady amount of electricity.
You can use the 12-volt battery for household application in an RV, but keep in mind that these batteries may not last long as an RV coach battery. So, remember the following life expectancy of a cell.
- Marine batteries can last up to two years.
- Deep-cycle batteries can give you ten years at the most.
- Flooded-cell batteries can go as far as six to seven years.
Power
Depending on what type of battery you need, you might want a battery that can supply uninterrupted power to your appliances. You can measure the battery’s strength by determining the influence of amp-hours AH before it discharges. The reserve capacity RC indicates how long the battery lasts, providing the output of AH brings to your appliances. You’d want more amp hours and RC to supply power much longer.
Size
Keep in mind that the larger the battery, the higher AH can supply electricity, and RC can last. You can measure batteries in 24, 27, and 31 group sizes and the connection between the power of amp-hours distribute along with the dimensions of RV home batteries. You can use a 12-volt 24 group battery that produces 70 to 85 amp-hours. Or you can wire two 12-volt 24 group batteries in parallel to create 140 to 170 AH.
Cost
Small RV batteries that have lower AH output can cost about $45 to $150. While higher than $150 cells can provide more power and amp-hours.
Conclusion
When other RVers ask you what kind of battery I need for my RV, you know now how to answer them. Make sure to buy the best RV battery that will ensure that you have uninterrupted electricity, which makes your camping an enjoyable one. A fully functional RV battery will never let your RV die in the middle of the road. Know more about RV batteries.