Traveling across the country in an RV is one of the most liberating and immersive experiences one can have. Today, campsites and travel centers have become much more versatile than before with swanky power hookups. But, sometimes you might have to rely on your RV as a power source. In order to make the most of your travels and also not get stuck anywhere, you want a long-lasting and high-quality battery that won’t let you down. The best deep cycle batteries for RV setup are a godsend if you want to stay at a remote location or are in-between campsites. Whether you’re looking for great versatility, durability, reliability, or value, you have a ton of choices. Basically, a deep-cycle battery is designed to use most of its capacity via regular deep discharge. Thus, it provides sustained power over a longer time period until it’s as much as 80 percent discharged.
If you’re an outdoors person and enjoy traveling on unknown roads and routes, then the best RV batteries deep cycle ones are the way to do it. The best RV battery setup with such batteries is perfect for everything from overnight to cross-country trips, powering your vehicle reliably. To that end, here are the 13 best deep cycle batteries for RV setup out there.
How To Choose The Best Deep Cycle Batteries for RV?
When it comes to RV traveling, there are so many essentials you’re going to require, right from the Best RV Covers to the Best Coolers For Road Trips. That said, a battery is equally important, as you might be in some remote corner of the region and don’t want to be stranded at such a time. So, what should you look for when it comes to the best RV batteries of the deep cycle kind? Read on.
Power and endurance
You might be used to starter batteries expelling short bursts of high power for getting things up and running. Deep-cycle batteries, a.k.a. travel trailer batteries, expel consistent and steady power over longer periods of time. These sustainable batteries charge appliances and power devices and keep the lights on long after even your vehicle calls it a day. Also, a good-quality deep cycle battery should last longer than a starter battery, which means you won’t have to replace it often.
Reserve capacity and amp-hours
In order to buy a good battery, you needn’t be an engineer, but you should know about the “more is better” approach when it comes to comparing reserve capacities and amp-hours. Basically, the greater the number, the more powerful and longer the battery. When it comes to the amp-hours approach, for instance, a 100AH battery lasts longer than a 35AH battery. On the other hand, if you opt for the reserve capacity approach, then a 120-minute reserve capacity is obviously better than a 60-minute reserve capacity. All said you must stick with either method and not both. After all, you can’t really compare one battery’s reserve capacity to another battery’s amp-hours.
Discharge depth
Yet another crucial factor is the depth of discharge (DoD), which is the percentage of the battery that has been discharged as compared to the battery’s overall power capacity. The rule of thumb is that the more often that a battery charges and discharges, the shorter its lifespan is. Thus, good deep cycle batteries have a greater discharge depth (up to as much as 80 percent), thus keeping them in good shape.
Types of batteries
Basically, there are two kinds of best RV batteries deep cycle ones – absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries and wet cell or “flooded” batteries. In the end, the choice boils down to maintenance-free and a maintenance-full configuration. For instance, AGM batteries are non-hazardous, spill-proof, and sealed, and thus don’t require maintenance, Wet cell batteries, on the other hand, require occasional refilling since they lose the acid and water solution with each use. Again, certain wet-cell batteries can be refilled by users, while others require professional maintenance service. Also, recharging AGM batteries is much faster as compared to wet cell batteries. However, they are overall prone to more damage and decreased performance, and offer less protection over time.
Are you headed out on a long road trip? You might also want to read up about the Best Power Strips with Surge Protector.
How Long Do RV Batteries Last?
When they’re taken care of properly, including not overcharging them, deep cycle RV batteries last anywhere between 5 and 7 years. In fact, deep cycle batteries can be run down and recharged many times over. With no overuse and timely maintenance, they should be able to power your RV for many years to come, some even going up to a decade or more!
How Many Batteries Do I Need For My RV?
Depending on how big your RV is, you might need up to 6-7 batteries, or maybe even more in order to run all of your systems. Usually, even smaller RVs with not many bells and whistles require at least 2 batteries for powering all your creature comforts such as the kitchen, bathroom, and lights. As an alternative, you can even daisy-chain the batteries together to transform them into a larger cell that can deliver more reliable and effective power.
Renogy Lithium-Ion Phosphate Battery
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We start with one of the best deep cycle batteries for RV, the Renogy Lithium-Ion Phosphate Battery. It’s the best li-ion battery on the list and has an extended lifespan of more than 2,000 cycles. That’s twice the cyclability of the other popular and most-used traditional lead-acid batteries. Designed keeping safety in mind, this battery’s multi-protection system has automatically balanced cells that protect against over-discharging and over-charging, ensuring optimal performance. They also protect against overheating, short-circuit, and over-current. Moreover, it ensures higher off-the-grid performance, is compact and lightweight, and has a host of solar and marine applications as well.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- A 2,000-cycle lifespan.
- A host of protective features.
- Inexpensive.
Cons:
- Only usable for parallel connections, since it uses identical batteries
Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery
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Indulge in the best RV battery setup with the Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery. The best lithium battery on this list, this one offers multiple advantages over AGM batteries. Firstly, it’s very, very lightweight, weighing just 29 lbs, despite its dimensions being the same as other traditional batteries. What’s more, you can discharge it to as much as 90 percent! It’s the highest amongst such deep cycle batteries and makes it an excellent choice for long trips when you want to be on remote sites off the grid. And unlike lead-acid batteries, even fumes aren’t an issue with this one, so you can use it indoors sans running any risks.
Pros:
- 3,000 cycles lifespan.
- Outstanding discharge capacity.
- Lightweight,
- Eight-year full replacement warranty.
Cons:
- Expensive.
VMAXTANKS VMAX 12 Volt Battery
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One of the best deep cycle batteries for RV is the most durable on this list, the VMAXTANKS VMAX 12 Volt Battery. This rugged battery features heavy-duty lead-tin alloys and provides longer life and better overall performance, despite repeated over discharges. What’s more, this battery is non-hazardous, spillproof, and maintenance-free and operates at temperatures between 140 and -4 degrees Fahrenheit during storage and discharge. Plus, it operates between 140 and 14 degrees Fahrenheit when it’s charging. Thanks to its unique chemical and physical plate structure, the battery is strong, reliable, and ensures optimal performance. Aside from being lightweight and compact, the battery has absorbent glass matting between VMAX plates that makes it more resistant to vibrations and shocks.
Pros:
- Resistant to vibrations and shocks.
- Reliable and long-lasting.
- Optimal recovery despite repeated discharge.
- Non-spillable and non-hazardous design.
Cons:
- Reserve capacity is less as compared to others.
Interstate Batteries 12V 35AH Deep Cycle Battery
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If you have a small RV for just the two of you, then enjoy the best RV battery setup with the Interstate Batteries 12V 35AH Deep Cycle Battery. Designed more for personal mobility applications, this battery works wonderfully even on smaller RVs for whom other batteries are huge and not required. The sealed lead-acid AGM battery delivers consistent current over long periods of time and can also withstand deep discharges on repeat. Thanks to the valve-regulated technology, you can rest assured that there will be no over-pressure or spillage. Moreover, this high-quality and professional-grade battery weighs just less than 23 lbs! Finally, it comes with a one-year, no-hassle warranty.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Maintenance-free and spill-proof.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned decreased performance after a year or two.
Renogy 12 Volt Deep Cycle AGM Battery
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One of the best deep cycle batteries for RV with solar energy applications is the Renogy 12 Volt Deep Cycle AGM Battery. The standout versatile battery can easily be hooked to a solar setup as well as used to power something else during the off-season. Boasting a 100 Ah capacity, the battery is perfect even for long hauls with a heavy and fully furnished RV. Moreover, the battery handles charging and discharging like a champ. While it’s a bit hefty at 66 lbs, its wide operating range allows you to use it almost anywhere in the world without damaging it. Costing just around $200-250, this battery offers excellent value thanks to the 600-cycle lifespan. Finally, the design prevents acid leakage, so you won’t need to put in much maintenance work.
Pros:
- Durable.
- A decent lifespan of about 600 cycles.
- High discharge capacity.
Cons:
- Some users said that the length is slightly long.
Optima Batteries 8016-103 Deep Cycle
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An excellent high-performance battery with one of the best RV battery setup options is the Optima Batteries 8016-103 Deep-Cycle. A lot of RVers love this battery for its versatility, reliability, and the fact that this doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. If you love long road journeys, then this AGM marine battery is perfect for you. Featuring a maintenance-free design with spill-proof construction, the battery provides optimal starting power even in not-so-good weather conditions. Furthermore, the battery is as much as 15 times more resistant to vibration and shocks as compared to other batteries out there. Throw in the fact that it can be recharged three times more as compared to other batteries and a two-hour reserve capacity, and you’ve got yourself an excellent dual-purpose battery. All in all, this one can hold up to the most demanding of RV needs.
Pros:
- Dual-purpose.
- 2 hours reserve capacity.
- Maintenance-free and spill-proof build.
- Fifteen times more resistant to vibration.
Cons:
- Bulky and pricey.
WindyNation 12 Volt AGM
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Yet another of the best deep cycle batteries for RV is the WindyNation 12 Volt AGM. The versatile AGM 100AH battery is absolutely maintenance-free and doesn’t require any sort of watering service like in traditional wet-cell batteries. What’s more, these non-spillable and sealed batteries are crafted using 99.995 percent pure lead. This ends up lending the battery a very, very low self-discharge rate, sustaining it longer. Moreover, the WindyNation 12 volt AGM batteries are specifically designed to provide off-the-grid power. So, you can rest assured that you can go on any scenic route without worrying about getting stranded. Boasting a long battery life, these are an excellent set of batteries to get for your RV.
Pros:
- Non-spillable and sealed build.
- Full one-year warranty.
- Built for deep, repetitive discharges.
Cons:
- Charges to only 90 percent after repeated recharges and discharges.
Odyssey PC925 Battery
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Amongst the best RV battery setup that’s middle-of-the-road is the Odyssey PC925 Battery. One of the most unique features of the battery is the long battery life, which is as much as 70 times that of a traditional battery. You’ll also be impressed with the recharging efficiency of the battery. Adding to that is the wonderful sealed design that keeps the battery from leaking or spilling, thus keeping it reliable and durable. On top of that, the Odyssey PC925 churns out 330 amps, while the non-spillable design protects the battery from vibration and shocks. Finally, the battery can be positioned anywhere and works well in all sorts of conditions.
Pros:
- Non-spillable design.
- Can be mounted in different positions.
- Long battery life.
Cons:
- Heavy.
Universal UB121000-45978
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The Universal UB121000-45978 is one of the best deep cycle batteries for RV. If you’re looking for the best RV batteries deep cycle reliable ones, then this one from Universal is a catch. To start with, what you’ll love is its versatility and flexibility. Thanks to the same, the battery can be mounted just about anywhere and in a plethora of different positions depending on your personal preference. What’s more, the AGM technology is very reliable and reduces the effects of vibrations and shocks on the battery. If that wasn’t enough, what you’ll also like is the fact that the battery is properly sealed and never spills or leaks.
Pros:
- AGM technology reduces vibration and shock.
- Can be mounted in different positions.
- A multi-purpose battery.
Cons:
- The stainless-steel hardware is slightly short.
Odyssey PC680 Battery
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You’ll find the best RV battery setup with the Odyssey PC680 Battery. One of the standout features of the battery is that it lasts anywhere between 3 and 10 years! There’s a lot to like about these batteries, especially the fact that they can withstand the constant abuse of the outdoors, no matter the weather conditions. Secondly, the top-notch AGM design can withstand shocks and vibrations, while the multiple lead plates boost the power supply. In fact, that also raises the temperature tolerance levels of the RV greatly. Besides recharging on time, the battery is incredibly flexible and can be mounted anywhere according to your space and personal preferences.
Pros:
- Recharges on time.
- Reliable and can withstand shocks.
- Excellent AGM design.
- Rugged build.
Cons:
- The tech support is a tad too unreliable on this one.
Optima 8016-103 D34M Battery
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The Optima 8016-103 D34M Battery is one of the best deep cycle batteries for RV and for good reasons. Firstly, it’s a dual-purpose battery, which means it’s both a starting and a deep-cycle battery. Moreover, the 12V battery is easy to operate, use and maintain. Notwithstanding the condition of your RV, the lightweight Optima battery delivers the maximum power and optimal starting power even in bad weather conditions. What’s more, it comes with a reserve capacity of 120 minutes for consistent performance. Plus, it’s 15 times more resistant to vibration, thus ensuring the durability of the battery. Finally, the battery is mountable in virtually any position thanks to its versatility, allowing you to place it however you deem fit.
Pros:
- High reserve capacity.
- Shock/vibration-resistant.
- Lightweight.
- Dual functions.
Cons:
- Cannot withstand a lot of abuse.
XS-Power-D3100
2
Encounter one of the best RV battery setups with the XS-Power-D3100, which cranks up 1360 amps and has 110 amp-hours of discharge capacity. It’s this capacity that enables the unit to supply electrical power to all sorts of RVs, and no matter how off-road you go. Basically, this six-cell, sealed-valve-regulated LA battery optimizes a fibrous material and suspends all liquid electrolytes against the plates. Thus, it’s spill-proof and ensures that no leaks take place even if the case duffers damages. What’s more, the battery is best used at 77 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize the nominal capacity of 110Ah. Finally, the battery delivers a stupendous output of up to a maximum of 5,000 amps.
Pros:
- Resists vibrations and high temperatures.
- Sealed AGM design.
- Less voltage drop.
Cons:
- Heavy.
Weize 12V 100AH Deep Cycle AGM SLA VRLA Battery
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The top spot on the list of best deep cycle batteries for RV is occupied by the Weize 12V 100AH Deep Cycle AGM SLA VRLA Battery. The battery boasts a long service life and a high capacity and won’t ever let you down, no matter where you are in the world. Boasting a capacity of 100 Ah, the battery even features fast-recharge technology. So, you don’t have to run the engine of your RV for a long time even before the battery is full. Add to that the intuitive interface and the detailed instruction set, and you can easily set up the battery in a whole lot of different positions in your vehicle. The best part? The battery doesn’t need any sort of high maintenance after being installed.
Pros:
- Great performance at all temperatures.
- Small form factor.
- Fast-recharge technology.
- Capable of thousands of cycles.
Cons:
- Practically none.
