The line between the jungle and civilization is getting thinner and thinner, and sometimes you may be forced to travel for long to enjoy the great outdoors. And owning an RV allows you to enjoy the intricacies of nature up close without compromising the comfort that comes with staying at home.
But unlike boondocking, in places where there is no shore power, if you're planning to embark on a trip aboard your RV you need a RV battery that can meet all your electric output requirements. Otherwise, you may end up cutting short the trip.
But what type of batteries do RVs use? Different caravans use different batteries and RV batteries are not always exclusive for RVs only. Marine batteries that have a similar architecture as RV batteries can also find applications in solar panels, solar generators, scooters, and more.
This guide seeks to explore a list of RV batteries to help you make an informed decision when choosing a product based on your taste and preferences.
Classification of RV Batteries as Per their Use
Caravan batteries don't come cheap. So, before making any haste decision, you should know how a particular type of battery comes in handy in your RV. RV Batteries can be classified as:
Starting Batteries: These RV batteries serve the same purpose as those in ordinary cars. They are normally charged by the alternator or the accelerator when the car is in motion and store this charge for future use. Power drawn from these batteries is used to start the engines and bring the lights on amongst many other functions. And mostly when we talk about RV batteries, we rarely think of this category because they exist to fulfill the primary function of an automotive.
Deep Cycle Batteries: These are the original RV batteries and their function goes beyond starting an engine. They come in handy when camping with no shore power. As we've mentioned earlier, RVs are moving homes equipped with electronics such as kitchen appliances. Deep cycle RV battery helps in providing constant power to these devices.
Dual-Purpose Batteries: These are not a very common product in the market. And as the name suggests, these batteries perform both the function of keeping the accessories running and starting the engine.
Pro tip: RV batteries can further be classified in terms of their composition.
Types of RV Battery in Terms of Composition
Lithium ion Batteries
They are the most common type of RV batteries currently used. The architecture includes a metal oxide cathode plate, a graphite anode, and a lithium salt electrolyte. These batteries come in a variety of options, which include:
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO)
These batteries are popular because they produce a high Depth of Discharge (DOD) value, emitting between 90 and 95 percent of electricity as compared to AGM batteries which produce only 50 percent of DOD.
Lead Acid Batteries
When you talk about batteries, many people think about LAB. They are the most conventional type. The architecture of the battery includes lead plates immersed in sulfuric acid electrolyte, a place where all chemical reactions take place.
Initially, lead acid batteries were very bulky and unsanitary as they were flooded with acid. Nowadays, their popularity is diminishing as they require a lot of maintenance. Currently, the most common type of acid battery is an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery. They are carefully sealed, leak-free, and require less maintenance.
Pro tip: In AGM, the electrolyte solution used in these batteries is absorbed by fiberglass.
Gel Batteries
Gel batteries and AGM batteries fall under the same category of Sealed Lead Acid with the only difference being the kind of electrolyte used. In the former type, the electrolyte used is in Gel form. Gel batteries also employ silica gel as a conductor to move electrons, unlike AGM which uses absorbed fiberglass.
The battery is built with two plates. Notably, at low temperatures, gel batteries tend to lose electricity fast, which is not the case with AGM batteries. So, it's logical to say that AGM batteries are better suited for places with lower temperatures.
Other RV Battery Considerations
Value for your Money (Longevity): Everything fails at a particular point. But what matters is if the product has served you as it should. And the same goes for RV Batteries.
Capacity: Be sure to buy an RV battery that will serve your specific tastes and preferences. If unsure, ask the seller for directions.
Battery Bank Size: When looking for RV batteries, size matters. So, when you buy the component look for the product that fits in your RV. You may also consider the RV manufacturer's specifications.
Final Takeaways
Buying RV batteries can be an overwhelming undertaking, especially if you don't have the technical knowledge to decide what to choose. Furthermore, so many other factors come into play such as determining the capacity requirements and more. The good news is that this exclusive guide is tailored to shed useful insights when choosing an RV battery. For more information, feel free to reach out and learn more tips on RV maintenance.
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