Like all other vehicles on the road, a recreational vehicle (RV) needs a battery to operate. With an RV battery, the stakes are higher, as you’re not just powering a vehicle for a trip to the grocery store and back. An RV battery not only has to be able to power your RV over long distances but also power all of the appliances and electronics inside.
If you drive an RV, you know that your battery is one of the most important parts of your camper. So don’t risk ruining your next family excursion due to a faulty battery, and invest in one of the best RV batteries on the market.
5 Best RV Batteries
- Long Lifespan: Weize 12V 100Ah LiFePO4
- Good Value: Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Innovative Design: Optima BlueTop
- Safest Battery: LiTime LiFePO4
- Premium Features: Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4
Our Review Standards
To select the RV batteries featured in this buyers guide, our team first combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and RV-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.
We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.
Why You Can Trust Us
Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.
When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
RV Battery Buyers Guide
Many RV owners find out they need a new battery for their RV, but don’t know where to start. With this in mind, our review team has done the research for you. We’ve reviewed all of the different types of RV batteries and highlighted our top picks above. Below, we detail the best way to store RV batteries, and how to maintain your RV’s battery.
Types Of RV Batteries
There are four notable types of RV batteries: flooded lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries, gel cell batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
- Flooded lead-acid batteries: This is the most common type of RV battery. An electrolyte system helps chemically generate power in this battery, but the solution will need to be topped off with distilled water now and then.
- AGM batteries: Similar to a flooded lead-acid battery, this battery stores its electrolyte solution within an absorbed glass mat – hence the name.
- Gel cell batteries: This is another type of battery with a slight twist on the flooded lead-acid battery. This type of battery features a gel between plates rather than an electrolyte solution.
- Lithium-ion batteries: This is the latest and greatest development in RV battery technology, with the most popular of this type of battery being a LiFePO4 battery. This type of battery is lightweight and long-lasting, but usually more expensive than other batteries.
RV Battery Storage
RVs are usually stored away during the winter months and batteries of any kind naturally discharge over time. So how do you go about storing your RV battery when it’s not in use?
- Remove the batteries from your RV.
- Disconnect your house batteries. (Appliances such as refrigerators and smoke detectors drain milliamps over time.)
- Charge the batteries as they naturally discharge – charge fully once a month if you can access your battery while it’s stored.
- Unplug all converters.
- Periodically check on your batteries.
We recommend that you disconnect your batteries from your RV for storage purposes, as during the winter months, freezing kills flooded-cell batteries. We also recommend steps such as recharging the battery as it naturally discharges because a charged battery cannot freeze.
RV Battery Maintenance
Maintaining your RV battery partly depends on what type of battery you have. For example, lithium batteries require little to no upkeep. While we recommend checking with your manufacturer for maintenance protocols for your specific battery, there are a few basic maintenance jobs you can do:
- Maintain electrolyte levels in flooded-cell batteries to reduce the chance of sulfation.
- Clean battery terminals to remove any built-up corrosion.
- Frequently recharge your batteries to lessen the chance of sulfation and to optimize your battery’s lifespan.
#1 Long Lifespan: Weize 12V 100Ah LiFePO4
Key Features
- Nominal voltage: 12.8V
- Nominal capacity: 100.0Ah
- Dimensions: 12.71 by 6.49 by 8.34 inches
- Weight: 26.4 pounds
- Warranty: 10 Years
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 400 ratings
Huge numbers of reviewers state that they purchased this RV battery solely because of its low-temperature cut-off and ability to be used for solar power. One reviewer got this battery for their 21.0-foot travel trailer, which they say works better than they expected.
#2 Good Value: Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery
Key Features
- Nominal voltage: 12.0V
- Nominal capacity: 100.0Ah
- Dimensions: 12.9 by 6.8 by 8.7 in.
- Weight: 63.9 lbs.
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 1,900 ratings
Several customers mention that this is a great replacement battery for an RV or motorhome. One reviewer claimed to have problems with the battery, proceeded to contact customer service, and was able to get a replacement battery without issue thanks to the product warranty.
#3 Innovative Design: Optima BlueTop
Key Features
- Nominal voltage: 12.0V
- Nominal capacity: 55.0Ah
- Dimensions: 10.00 by 6.88 by 7.80 in.
- Weight: 43.5 lbs.
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 1,200 ratings
The majority of reviewers note that they felt a huge difference in power after installing this RV battery. One reviewer claims to have been using this battery on their boat for over 10 years. Reviewers with negative feedback complain about issues holding charge.
If you’re looking for more information on Optima Batteries, check out our Optima Battery Review.
#4 Safest Battery: LiTime LiFePO4
Key Features
- Nominal voltage: 12.8V
- Nominal capacity: 100.0Ah
- Dimensions: 13.00 by 6.82 by 8.48 in.
- Weight: 24.25 lbs.
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 2,100 ratings
Reviewers rave over the RV battery’s exceptional performance. One reviewer claims to use this battery for powering refrigerators, microwaves, and lights all connected to an inverter – and it works flawlessly. Reviewers with negative feedback question the battery’s capacity.
#5 Premium Features: Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4
Key Features
- Nominal voltage: 12.0V
- Nominal capacity: 100.0Ah
- Dimensions: 12.75 by 6.88 by 9.00 in.
- Weight: 29.0 lbs.
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on over 700 ratings
Most reviewers mention how well the BMS works. Several also spoke to their ability to fulfill their warranty. Reviewers with negative feedback note difficulties using this battery as a replacement on their RV.
RV Batteries: Bottom Line
The best RV batteries are long-lasting and reliable, so you can travel cross country or take a scenic trip to the mountains with family and friends. Our buyers guide is a tool for you to know the different types of RV batteries available on the market so that when the time comes, you feel prepared to make the right choice for your next RV battery.
RV Batteries At A Glance
Cost | Nominal Voltage | Battery Cell Composition | |
---|---|---|---|
Weize 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | About $400 | 12.8 Volts | Lithium |
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery | About $200 | 12.0 V | Lead Acid, AGM |
Optima BlueTop | About $315 | 12.0 V | Lead Acid |
Ampere Time LiFePO4 | About $400 | 12.8 V | Lithium Phosphate |
Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 | About $875 | 12.0 V | Lithium Ion |
Best RV Battery: FAQ
*Data accurate at time of publication.