10 Best RV Batteries: Deep-Cycle, Lithium-ion, Lead-acid
Photo: Shutterstock
The RV is a vehicle that usually has a lot of power-hungry electronics and electrical devices connected.
Therefore, it needs to have a powerful battery that is able to deliver the amperage necessary both to start the RV as well as to power on its electrical components.
Moreover, the RV battery needs to be heavy-duty and more performing than your average car battery.
Luckily, there are several types of RV batteries that use different technologies like wet cells, AGM or gel that are very powerful and will have no problem powering your RV devices.
If you are fresh on the market for the best RV battery for the money, we have exactly what you need!
Below, we have hand-picked a few quality RV batteries and give you our impressions. Let’s find out if they are worth it!
The difference of RV Battery with Other Batteries
1. CCA Value
The CCA or cold cranking amps is an industry standard metric for batteries that show you how much current the battery is able to provide when the temperature is exactly 0°F.
The higher the CCA value, the more operational the battery is in cold temperatures. Therefore, this is an important value to consider especially for those who drive their vehicles in very cold weathers.
When compared to other types of batteries, the RV battery generally has a higher CCA value, especially compared to the traditional lead-acid battery.
Therefore, the RV battery will have no problem providing sufficient current in both hot and cold weathers.
2. Deep Cycling
The deep cycling battery is able to store more power for a longer period of time. Therefore, this type of battery has a lower discharge rate when compared to a regular lead-acid battery.
The deep cycling that is still used around 95% of battery acid with tiny fiberglass plates stacked one on top of another.
What this does is increase the surface area and allows the deep cycling RV battery to store more power and ability to provide current to every electrical component in the RV.
Moreover, one major difference between the deep cycling battery over the regular car battery is that you need to charge and discharge the deep cycling battery a few times before you can start using it.
3. High-temperature Variation
A high temperature usually affects the charging and discharge rate of a regular lead-acid battery. This type of battery will have a higher discharge rate when the temperature is high.
This is not a problem with the RV battery since it is equipped with technologies that make it more versatile and efficient, able to have a higher reserve capacity even in higher or lower temperatures.
You can also read other product reviews of car battery, ATV battery, motorcycle battery.
10 Best RV Batteries – Reviews
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Odyssey PC925 (Durable and Long Lifespan) | ||
 | 2. Renogy RNG-BATT-AGM12-200 (Available in Different Sizes and Capacities) | ||
 | 3. Optima 8016-103 (Small and Compact with Excellent Performance) | ||
 | 4. Vmaxtanks VMAXSLR125 (Very Durable RV Battery) | ||
 | 5. WindyNation 12V Deep Cycle (High-Capacity to Power Demanding Devices) | ||
 | 6. Optima OPT8020-164 (Small, Compact, and Durable) | ||
 | 7. Battle Born LiFePO4 (High Current Output) | ||
 | 8. Odyssey 65-PC1750T (Excellent Performance to Size Ratio) | ||
 | 9. Renogy RNG-BATT-LFP-12-100 (Uses Lithium Iron Phosphate Technology) | ||
 | 10. NPP NP6-225AH (Superior Capacity of 225 AH) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Odyssey PC925 – Durable and Long Lifespan
Photo: Odyssey
- Capacity: 28 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: AGM
The Odyssey PC925 is an AGM battery that is very durable and resistant to vibrations. Additionally, this model is guaranteed to have a long lifetime of at least 3 years according to the manufacturer.
Moreover, the capacity of this AGM battery is only 28 AH, which is not the best 12 V RV battery we have seen. However, it is still more than enough to power a few basic RV electric devices with ease.
Furthermore, the value of 330 CCA means that at this battery will have no problem powering on the engine in cold temperatures. In addition, it takes only 4 hours to 6 hours to fully recharge this battery to 100%.
But one of the best things about this Odyssey RV battery is the fact that it has a tightly sealed design which means that battery acid will not leak out of it regardless of the position that you choose to mount this battery.
The only caveat we note with this battery is its weak capacity of 28 AH and that the price could have been a little bit more competitive. But other than that, this model remains one of the best deep cycle RV batteries that you can buy.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Renogy RNG-BATT-AGM12-200 – Available in 5 Different Sizes and Capacities
Photo: Renogy
- Capacity: 7 AH, 9 AH, 100 AH, 200 AH, 260 AH
- Voltage: 6 V, 12 V
- Battery type: AGM
The Renogy comes in 5 different sizes and capacities for flexibility. A 6 V 260 AH, 12 V 7 AH, 12 V 9 AH, 12 V 100 AH, and 12V 200 AH capacity. Choosing between one over the other will depend on the voltage you need and amount of battery installation space that you have as they very in physical size.
The 12 V models are bigger in terms of size than the 6V one even if they have a smaller current capacity than the latter.
All 3 models are deep cycle batteries that have a low discharge rate and able to provide a heavy-duty current to power very demanding RV electric devices. In fact, one of the best things about this model is its long shelf life.
Indeed, the manufacturer claims that those AGM batteries are able to stay charged for up to 9 months.
Best of all, since this is an AGM battery, it uses fiberglass sheets that are able to withstand high vibrations without suffering from damage.
In addition, all 3 models of the Renogy AGM batteries have a string handle at the top that makes it easy to carry. This is a feature rarely seen in batteries and it is a nice addition.
Despite its high price and lack of universal compatibility, this Renogy battery is one of the best RV battery for boondocking. This is because of its high current output, portability, excellent vibration resistance and low discharge rate.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Optima 8016-103 – Small and Compact with Excellent Performance
Photo: Optima
- Capacity: 55 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: Deep Cycle
The Optima 8016-103 is a popular deep cycle marine battery that has a small form factor but the high capacity of 55 AH. However, this capacity is definitely not the highest we have seen but it is more than usable especially when used in an RV.
Furthermore, what demarks this RV battery from others is its high CCA value of 750 which shows that it will have absolutely no problem starting the RV in very low temperatures.
Additionally, due to the sealed design of this battery, you are not limited in any way when installing the battery in any position you like.
All in all, if you are looking for a heavy-duty RV battery with a high result capacity as well as excellent resistance to cold temperatures, then the Optima 8016-103 is an excellent model to consider.
Sure, it is not the best RV battery when it comes to capacity but it makes up for it in many other ways.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 – Very Durable RV Battery
Photo: VMAX Solar
- Capacity: 125 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: AGM
This Vmaxtanks has been designed as a heavy-duty RV battery that uses military grade plates for durability. Additionally, due to the internal design of this battery, it has no problem with standing vibrations and can be used for those who use the RV in rough terrains for an extended period of time.
In addition, this deep cycle battery has a high capacity of 125 AH which means that it will be able to power demanding RV electric devices with ease. But one of the best things about this model is definitely its very long lifespan.
Indeed, according to the manufacturer, this RV battery should be able to last 8 to 10 years which is more than excellent and great value for money. To top it off, this model has a handle out of the top which allows you to easily carried everywhere with ease.
Moreover, the connection studs are made from stainless steel which is corrosion-free. They are also bolted so you will have no problem installing your battery on your RV, regardless of the electrical system in your RV.
Pros:
Cons:
5. WindyNation 2V Deep Cycle – High-Capacity to Power Demanding Devices
Photo: WindyNation
- Capacity: 100 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: AGM
One of the best things about the WindyNation RV batteries is that it has been designed in such a way that it is able to provide a high capacity for demanding RV electric needs.
Since this is a lead acid battery, it still remains quite cost-effective, especially when compared to other deep cycle battery types.
With its capacity of 100 AH, this battery will have no problem supplying a powerful amount of current to your RV. Additionally, you can purchase this model in different capacities, as well as different numbers, based on your need and purpose.
But what is remarkable about this RV battery is its versatility. It can be used in almost anything that requires storing an electric current, from solar energy to RV.
Moreover, according to the manufacturer, this model has a floating life of 10 to 12 years which makes it one of the best 12V deep cycle RV battery in this review. Just note that the connectors are shallow and not ideal for installation.
Pros:
Cons:
6. Optima OPT8020-164 – Small, Compact, and Durable
Photo: Optima
- Capacity: 44 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: AGM
The Optima OPT8020-164 is a small and compact RV battery that despite its small size still has a capacity of 44 AH. This is definitely not the most powerful model we have seen in this RV battery review but it is more than enough for the average person or for casual RV use.
Moreover, due to the sealed design of this battery, it will not leak battery acid and therefore, it can be installed in any position you like.
Additionally, its reserve capacity of 90 minutes is high enough such that this battery can deliver a constant flow of current without any interruption.
Since this is an AGM battery, it can withstand vibrations quite well and can be used in heavy-duty applications.
All in all, if you are looking for an RV battery which is extremely resistant to vibrations and has a long lifespan, we recommend that you consider the Optima OPT8020-164.
It is one of the best RV battery for dry camping because of its small form factor, despite its relatively low capacity of 44 AH.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Battle Born LiFePO4 – High Current Output
Photo: Battle Born Batteries
- Capacity: 100 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: Deep Cycle
For those looking for the ultimate RV battery, the Battle Born definitely deserves the title of the best deep cycle RV battery on the market. Indeed, despite only having a capacity of 100 AH, what demarks this RV battery from the rest of the competition is its 200 Amps output.
With such high capacity, this battery will have absolutely no problem powering very power-hungry electric devices like power tools in your RV.
Additionally, one of the great things about this model is its 3000 to 5000 recharge cycles which will make this RV battery last a very long time.
Furthermore, the connector studs of this battery are universal so you will have no problem installing it in your RV or for any other application where you want to store electrical current.
Best of all, this RV battery is made in the USA and built from quality materials that guarantee it to be very durable and long-lasting.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Odyssey 65-PC1750T – Excellent Performance to Size Ratio
Photo: Odyssey
- Capacity: 74 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: AGM
The Odyssey 65-PC1750T is another top-rated RV battery that has a long lifespan as well as able to provide a high capacity of current for demanding electric devices. Indeed, with this capacity of 74 AH, it is more than enough to power both the RV and other electric components with ease.
Moreover, this model is designed in such a way that it is sealed so it will not leak battery acid every way. Additionally, it has an excellent resistance to vibrations so it can be used in an RV or any other 12 V vehicle that regularly travel on rough terrains.
But what makes this model one of the best battery for travel trailer is that it is able to fully recharge in 6 hours or less. If you do not necessarily drive your RV for an extended period of time, or have a small alternator in your RV, then the Odyssey 65-PC1750T is one of the best of its kind.
Pros:
Cons:
9. Renogy RNG-BATT-LFP-12-100 – Uses Lithium Iron Phosphate Technology
Photo: Renogy
- Capacity: 100 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: Lithium iron phosphate
This Renogy RV battery uses the latest lithium iron phosphate technology so as to deliver an impressive 100 AH capacity of current. This model can be used as a heavy-duty RV battery to power very demanding electric devices.
In addition, you can use this battery in a series connection such that you increase its capacity and lower its discharge rate even further. Moreover, since this is a sealed battery, it is also maintenance-free as well.
One of the good things about this model is it is lightweight and compact so it would not consume a lot of space in your RV, in addition to being fairly portable for activities like camping.
Therefore, this model is definitely one of the best camper batteries if you need a portable model for camping or other outdoor purposes.
Pros:
Cons:
10. NPP NP6-225AH – Superior Capacity of 225 AH
Photo: NPP
- Capacity: 225 AH
- Voltage: 12 V
- Battery type: AGM
This NPP AGM battery focuses more on quantity rather than quality. Indeed, you get no less than 2 AGM batteries with this purchase that can deliver a high capacity of 225 AH of power. This makes it a very powerful battery for heavy-duty and demanding electrical needs.
Moreover, the small and compact form factor of this battery makes it an ideal candidate for those who are limited in storage space in the RV. Since this is an AGM deep cycle battery, it can withstand vibrations and shocks very well.
The outer layer of this battery is made from a durable ABS plastic so it can be stored outdoors as well.
All in all, if you need a high-capacity current then the NPP is one of the best RV batteries for the money especially considering that you get no less than 2 units with this purchase and a high capacity of 225 AH when connected in series.
Pros:
Cons:
Types of RV Batteries
1. Deep-cycle battery
The deep cycle battery is the most common type of battery that you will find that the market. It generally comes in 3 types. The wet cell, AGM and gel battery.
Flooded/Wet: The flooded or wet cell deep cycle battery is the most cost-effective type of battery that you can buy. It's This is because it uses distilled water to produce electricity, which is extremely cheap.
Moreover, one of the main advantages of the wet cell battery is that it comes with removable caps so that you can replace the water for maintenance every now and then.
AGM: AGM or absorbed glass mat battery is a heavy-duty type of battery invented in the 1980s by the military. This is a very performing battery that uses 95% battery acid and very thin layers of fiberglass with a metal mat connecting all the fiberglass sheets together.
One of the main advantages of the AGM battery is that it is very resistant to vibrations since the fiberglass sheets are so close together. Therefore, it is an excellent type of battery for those who usually drive in rough terrains and need a heavy-duty battery.
Read More: 7 Best Car AGM Batteries
Gel: As its name suggests, the gel battery uses a very thick gel or electrolyte paste to work. This type of battery is sealed from the outside and thus prevent any type of leakage.
Additionally, the gel type battery is also maintenance-free as you cannot remove the paste inside of this battery.
One of the main advantages of the gel battery is its fast charging time. On the downside, it is not as performing or heavy duty as AGM or even wet cell batteries.
2. Lithium-ion
The lithium-ion battery is the most popular type of battery in consumer electronics. It is a fairly new type of battery that is extremely efficient and has a quick charging time.
One of its main advantages is its long lifetime and impressive capacity of 300,000 AH throughout its lifetime.
Best of all, the lithium-ion battery is also considerably lighter when compared to other types of batteries on the market. On the downside, it is more expensive when compared to almost all other types of batteries.
3. Lead-acid battery
The lead-acid battery is the most popular type of battery on the market. It is also the most affordable.
As its name suggests, it uses a combination of lead metal and sulfuric acid to produce electricity that powers your vehicle.
The lead-acid battery is not as heavy duty or powerful as a deep cycle battery but it is significantly cheaper and as long as you do not need to power demanding electric devices, it is more than enough to start a vehicle like an RV and power basic RV devices.
How to Buy the Best RV Battery
Photo: rveethereyet.com
1. Different types of RV battery
There are different types of RV batteries on the market. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages.
Wet Cell: Probably the most affordable type of RV battery on the market. Wet cell batteries use distilled water as the electrolyte and can easily be replaced for maintenance as it has open caps.
This type of battery does not produce a powerful current but it is more than sufficient to power on the RV and some basic electric appliances within the RV.
AGM: The AGM battery is a military grade battery that is made of thin fiberglass sheets stacked one on top of another and then connected with a conductive wire mat.
Since the fiberglass is also close together, the AGM battery is resistant to vibrations and can be mounted in any position.
Furthermore, since AGM uses a sealed container, the risk of acid leaking out of the battery is almost nonexistent.
Gel: The gel battery uses a thick pace as the electrolyte. It is also a sealed container battery and maintenance-free as well. One of the biggest advantages of the gel battery is its very fast charging time.
If you drive your RV for short distances or have a small alternator in your RV, then the gel battery is an excellent model to consider because of its short recharge time.
2. Capacity
Basically, the capacity will dictate how powerful and heavy duty the battery is. The higher the amp per hour or AH is rated at, the more electricity it will be able to provide for one hour.
If you have many demanding electric devices in your RV, then going with a higher capacity battery is always the best choice.
Additionally, a higher capacity battery will have a lower discharge rate but will require a longer period of time for the alternator to charge.
If you do not power on your RV often or drive long distances with your vehicle, then it is probably wiser to go with a lower capacity RV battery as your alternator may not have time to fully recharge the battery.
For basic RV applications, a battery with a capacity of 44 AH is the bare minimum you may want to go with.
For heavy-duty applications, or if your RV has many electric devices, then you may want to go with a battery that has a capacity of at least 100 Amps per hour to ensure that it is powerful enough to provide current for those demanding devices.
3. Voltage
When it comes to the vehicle battery, 12 V is generally the default value. This voltage will be able to power any type of vehicle. However, when operating an RV, you may need a different type of voltage because very few heavy-duty electric devices run on 12 V.
Therefore, you may need an inverter that will convert the 12 V into 110 V or 240 V depending on the power rating of your electric device. If that is the case, then you may choose to go with a 24 V battery instead of a 12 V since you will have a higher efficiency margin when converting 24 V to 110 V.
4. Cold Cranking Amps
The cold cranking amps or CCA value will tell you if the battery is able to withstand cold temperatures or not. The higher the CCA value, the more current the battery will be able to send in low temperatures, generally below zero.
This is an important aspect to consider especially if you use your RV in cold regions. Considering that the battery in the RV is usually found outside of the vehicle and exposed to harsh the temperatures than the inside of the RV.
Therefore, if you use your RV in cold areas, keep an eye out for an RV battery with the CCA value of 500 or higher. This will ensure that you will have no problem starting your battery in very cold temperatures.
5. Cycle Life
The cycle life basically means how many times a battery can fully charge, discharge at 80% and then recharge again. Of course, the higher the number the better the battery as it will indicate a model that can be used as a heavy-duty battery.
6. Shock and Vibration Resistance
If you normally drive in rough terrains where your RV and hence, the battery will undergo a lot of vibrations, then it is important to choose an RV battery that has good resistance to vibrations.
Top-rated RV batteries like AGM batteries are normally excellent choices for this because the fiberglass sheets in the AGM battery are so close together than it virtually eliminates vibrations and shocks inside the battery. This makes the battery more durable and long-lasting, even when used for an extended period of time in rough terrains.
7. Connector studs
The connector studs on the battery are what connects to the alligator clips of your RV electrical system. There are basically 2 types of studs, a big one in a small one. You need to ensure that you have the right size of the stud on your battery before you make the purchase.
Additionally, ensure that the connector studs are corrosion-free and will not rust over time. Usually, a metal like stainless steel for the studs is a strong guarantee for stud durability and excellent electrical conductivity.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the RV battery is essentially a heavy-duty battery that is powerful enough to provide sufficient current to all your RV electrical devices, as well to the RV as well.
This type of battery usually uses a different and more efficient technology when compared to the regular lead-acid car battery. The only downside is that the RV battery is usually a little bit more expensive than the traditional lead-acid battery. However, they are so much worth it in the long-term.
Finally, if you have read our RV battery review above and still undecided on which RV battery model to go with, we recommend you read the review again.
Contents
- The difference of RV Battery with Other Batteries
- 10 Best RV Batteries – Reviews
- 1. Odyssey PC925 – Durable and Long Lifespan
- 2. Renogy RNG-BATT-AGM12-200 – Available in 5 Different Sizes and Capacities
- 3. Optima 8016-103 – Small and Compact with Excellent Performance
- 4. Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 – Very Durable RV Battery
- 5. WindyNation 2V Deep Cycle – High-Capacity to Power Demanding Devices
- 6. Optima OPT8020-164 – Small, Compact, and Durable
- 7. Battle Born LiFePO4 – High Current Output
- 8. Odyssey 65-PC1750T – Excellent Performance to Size Ratio
- 9. Renogy RNG-BATT-LFP-12-100 – Uses Lithium Iron Phosphate Technology
- 10. NPP NP6-225AH – Superior Capacity of 225 AH
- Types of RV Batteries
- How to Buy the Best RV Battery
- Conclusion
