Best travel trailer battery in 2022
Are you getting ready for your next road trip?
If so, you’ll need to make sure that your travel trailer is fully stocked and ready to go.
One of the most important items that you’ll need to pack is a good RV battery.
Not all RV batteries are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
In this blog post, we will discuss the top 7 best RV batteries on the market today.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the best RV battery for your needs.
The Criteria for Choosing the Right travel trailer Battery?
Spending time in your RV implicitly requires you to have the best RV battery.
Nevertheless, in this highly competitive environment, it is essential to evaluate certain key elements that will help you better choose the right one for you.
Among other things you have to consider for the best RV battery are, the size, the purpose, the use, the set of consumers used, the desired autonomy, etc.
Best RV battery size
The size of an RV battery will change the amount of energy it contains. You’ll find that larger batteries tend to hold more power, which means your appliances will stay on longer. However, keep in mind that not all RVs can hold a larger RV battery.
Energy
Keeping everything on depends on how much power the best RV battery puts out. That power is measured in amp hours. Amp hours detail how many amps the best RV battery discharges in a 20-hour period, while RC, or reserve capacity, correlates to the number of minutes the best RV battery lasts when providing amp output. To keep it simple, you’ll want more amp hours and RC to keep things running longer.
The size
It is important to ensure that the dimensions of the selected best RV battery are compatible with the maximum space available to house it.
When the size adapts to the intended place, there is no longer any risk of crowding.
Usage
At this level, it is necessary to precisely identify the role of the RV battery. Will it be used to start the engine or will it be auxiliary? Should it play both roles at the same time?
This is how you will know which category of RV battery to choose.
The need to start the engine or not is, therefore, a very important factor since it also influences the purchase cost.
Frequency of use
How often is your travel trailer used? You must assess whether it is for occasional use (a few weekends and a few times during the week), regular (most weekends and a few times during the week), intensive (about half the year) or professional (every day).
This exercise allows you to determine the capacities of your RV battery in terms of power and autonomy.
Consumers’ power demand
It is up to you first to make a list of all the electrical and electronic devices that will be used in the vehicle.
You must also include consumers who are not yet in the van, but who you can get in (iron or water heater, for example).
Then, you have to carry out the consumption balance, that is to say, estimate the daily need for electrical energy for a trip in your caravan.
It is also the unit of RV battery capacity. Thus, by comparison, you will be able to fix the capacity that is needed to efficiently power all your devices.
Regarding autonomy, it is mainly related to the technology used in the manufacture of the generator.
You should compare your usage and consumption needs with the different types of RV batteries to identify the right one for you.
The budget
This is the most important criteria. This is also a limiting factor in the purchasing process.
If all the other elements are correctly assessed, you must finally refer to the budget allocated for this acquisition.
If it covers the price of the suitable model, you can commit, if not, start by making restrictions at the level of each criterion.
This will eliminate non-essentials and end up with a more modest model that you can buy with your budget.
In the end, you now know enough about the best RV batteries, their typology, and the companies that manufacture them.
You also know the criteria that must be evaluated to buy the one that best meets your needs. No more worries! All you have to do is read my tests!
Other considerations
Types: Finding the best RV battery depends on the style you prefer. Flooded batteries will require more maintenance, such as filling them with water, to keep them working; AGM deep cycle or lead acid batteries are more durable and can withstand a longer trip without dropping power to your RV.
Life expectancy: The lifespan of a battery depends on the number of appliances or devices you need to power inside your RV. It also varies depending on how often you plan to use the battery. You can conserve your battery power by monitoring how long you have power inside your RV. Charging and even overcharging batteries can reduce their lifespan.
Ranking of the best batteries for RVs
Now let’s see which are the best service RV batteries on the market both in terms of efficiency and duration over time.
1 – Bosch L5008 75 Ah, 650A, 12 Volt Battery, slow discharge RV battery: The right choice!
Bosch is one of the best brands in the automotive field. It has managed to create a community of loyal consumers thanks to the quality of its products.
The L5008 12 Volt deep cycle battery is one of a series of successful RV batteries.
It is a deep cycle battery with exceptional capacities. It has a voltage of exactly 12 Volt for a power of 75 Ah.
It is a very versatile device that you can use to power a number of devices.
A very secure RV battery
It is covered by a solid labyrinth lid, the purpose of which is to prevent any leaks that may occur.
It is also possible to use this Bosch RV battery at any time. You can let it sit in your garage for months before using it again.
It does not require regular use and this will not affect its performance at any time.
It has the latest technology
The Bosch L5008 is equipped with Deep cycle technology. It allows it to serve both as a supply battery and as a traction battery.
You can therefore use your battery to operate your vehicle.
You can also power the devices included in your vehicle such as your onboard equipment.
Compatible with multiple devices
The Bosch L5008 is an excellent slow-discharge battery that can be used on several vehicles such as motorhomes, boats, caravans.
Although it can be used on most of your travel gear, it is much better suited to motorhome vehicles .
Since this RV battery is recharged from solar energy, it is the ideal product for camping enthusiasts.
You will no longer have to worry about energy problems during your adventures.
Advantages
Deep Cycle Battery Technology
Labyrinth lid to prevent leaks
Does not require maintenance
Low self-discharge for seasonal use
Disadvantages
Fairly limited battery life
My opinion!
The Bosch L5008 is an excellent slow-discharging battery. It offers its users very good performance.
It’s The Right Choice for RV owners!
You will be able to take advantage of its ability to simultaneously power the engine of its vehicle and the electrical devices contained inside.
2 – Bull Energy Banner Camping RV Batteries 95751-12 volt battery – 100 Ah: The TOP!
Low maintenance is ensured by minimal water consumption and self-discharge; Suitability for any standard charger makes charging easy €159.00
It is one of the best RV batteries for mobile power.
For years, the Austrian brand Energy Bull has met the ever-increasing demands of its customers around the world.
The sturdiness and high build quality of the Banner Camping battery make it a must-have for many RV owners.
This battery was designed with the idea of making life as easy as possible for its many users.
It offers you amazing levels of performance. It is even able to compete with the biggest brands.
Many features
Its caps are very easily accessible. It has a transparent tank that allows you to check the electrolyte levels in real–time.
With its ergonomic handle, you will have no trouble lifting and moving it.
Its water evaporation system has been extremely well mastered to prevent any leaks.
Very useful for motorhome adventures
The Energy Bull Banner Camping battery can be used on a wide variety of heavy-duty vehicles.
These range from motorhomes, to caravans to boats. However, this battery particularly shines at the motorhome level.
Being a slow-discharging battery, it is able to run your engines for hours without any problem.
Optimum security measures
The Energy Bull brand has taken the trouble to surround its battery with the maximum security possible.
Security has been reinforced at all levels thanks to the implementation of the latest innovations in the field.
Thus, your Banner battery has anti-spark and anti-drip functions. It can be recharged through solar energy or battery charger.
Enough to ensure long journeys or long vacations in the heart of nature without energy problems.
Advantages
Construction of quality and robust materials
Ergonomic appearance
Advanced technology
Outstanding performance
Disadvantages
Requires constant maintenance
My opinion!
If you are planning to go on a trip away from conventional electrical installations, then this battery is what you need!
It deploys all the possible advantages that a slow-discharging battery could have.
It is essentially one of the Energy Bull brand’s bestsellers!
3 – Hankook XV110 12 Volt batteries, 110Ah Slow Cycle Battery
Manufactured by the Hankook company, the XV110 is a battery with various skills. It has a voltage of 12 Volts for a capacity of approximately 110 Ah.
For a battery with such high levels of performance, it doesn’t weigh much, around 23 kg.
It is equipped with a positive terminal which is located on the right side.
This slow self discharge battery stands out for its relatively long lifespan and the absence of the need for maintenance.
It doesn’t need distilled water or acid to work properly. With its many features, the XV110 is able to offer you very good performance.
Incredible performance
Your Hankook battery is capable of up to 250 charge and discharge cycles. That is to say, it has 250 life cycles.
You have the possibility to use it on a number of ordinary means of transport like heavy-duty cars.
It can also power most electrical devices that are placed in your motorhome or in your boat.
Enough to allow you to live comfortably even in places where there is no electricity.
Multiple and attractive functions
It was built with quality materials and therefore has excellent durability. Its manufacturing technology ensures enough energy to supply all of your camping appliances with the motorhome.
It has a unique network that has been specially designed to ensure the smooth passage of electrical flow.
High vibration resistant battery
The design of your battery has been very well thought out to allow it to have a high level of resistance to engine vibrations.
It is a battery with a highly ergonomic appearance.
Hankook has equipped it with a comfortable carry handle for easy grip. It also has effective protection against shocks.
Its plates have been reinforced and calcium coated with a high-density active material.
Advantages
Impressive lifespan of around five to six years
Sleek and ergonomic appearance
Very well secured to avoid dangers like leaks
Disadvantages
Autonomy sometimes weak
My opinion!
The Hankook XV110MF Slow Cycle Battery is designed with quality and durable materials. It’s the default accessory for camping and long-distance travel experts.
It provides your camping vehicles with a sufficient and stable amount of energy to power several devices over a long period of time.
It is certainly a good investment to opt for this slow discharge battery.
4 – Yuasa L36-100 Battery for recreational vehicles: the right choice for quality and price!
The Yuasa brand is always striving to produce more modern RV batteries that are better suited to the requirements of the latest generation vehicles.
Several new features have been added to this latest battery, the L36-100 whose advantages are highlighted.
If you are looking for a new generator for your caravan, this model will do the trick.
Today, caravans, motorhomes, and other recreational vehicles are increasingly equipped. They are therefore equipped with new technologies and recent electronic devices.
It is therefore to provide better power to all these devices the Yuasa brand offers you its latest battery model, the L36-100.
It was designed to serve as a reliable source of energy for the various devices in a vehicle.
This battery is not only powerful, but it has a very long life. Its use is quite simple, especially thanks to the handle which facilitates its transport.
A quality battery
The manufacturer Yuasa Europe has always strived to provide its customers with better quality products.
Thus, its L36-100 model has been certified and approved by the NCC and classified as Class C batteries for recreational vehicles.
In addition, this generator is delivered for direct use and moreover requires no maintenance.
Impressive technical specifications
The L36-100 battery is an efficient assembly of recent technologies. It contains thick plates whose capacities have been reinforced to provide a higher power of energy.
To manage extreme temperatures, the battery incorporates a ventilation system that releases heat.
On the other hand, there is also a flame arrester device that protects it against possible fires.
In addition, it is equipped with an indicator that signals its state of charge.
Efficiency and power at the appointment!
With the few technical elements mentioned about the composition of the L36-100 battery, a fine connoisseur can easily get an idea of its efficiency.
Indeed, this battery is capable of delivering up to 1380 Watt hours of electrical power. Its capacity is estimated at 100 Ah.
Thus, the battery can remain functional over a long period without decreasing the flow rate, so that you can easily enjoy your motorhome.
Advantages
Strong feeding capacity
Long life expectancy
Recent technology
Ready-to-use, maintenance-free battery
Disadvantages
Risks of overheating from continuous use
Battery only compatible with specific chargers
My opinion!
The Yusa L36-100 battery is an NCC certified battery classified as class C caravan battery.
It is particularly powerful, as it delivers around 1380 watt hours of electricity. This is due to the reinforcement of the thick plates which increases its power.
Several technical specifications such as the ventilation system, the flame arrester device, and the charge indicator make this battery worth considering.
5 – Numax Marine Loisirs, Dual Xv27Mf batteries for boats, motorhomes, leisure 12V, 100 Ah, 720 AMPS
This is another brand that also has a large motorhome battery market share. Through the XV27MF lead acid battery, the manufacturer demonstrates all its know-how in the field.
Indeed, it was developed to be used on mobile applications of the dual type, that is to say, it is a mixed battery. It can be used both for starting and for service.
For a better supply of your modern accessories which are high consumers of energy, you need a powerful generator of electrical energy.
The same is true if you have recreational vehicles and other mobile applications.
It should also be noted its compatibility both for starting and for service. It can therefore be used by dual-type mobile applications.
The technical sheet of this model has several advantages that highlight it.
Power in a box!
The XV27MF has nothing to envy other types of batteries available on the market. It has several advantageous characteristics for the vehicle on which it is used.
The most important is the power output to power all the many devices in a modern mobile application.
Indeed, the battery displays a nominal voltage of 12 volts. It provides electricity at 100 Ah and its power is easily around 720 A. This helps to ensure the operation of your leisure car.
An equally effective design
In form too, the Numax XV27MF sealed lead acid battery is the most pleasant. It comes as a strong, rigid plastic case containing internal plates, acid solution, and other manufacturing elements.
Its hermetic structure makes it possible to avoid any leakage of liquid or gas resulting from its handling.
Also, the handle on the cover makes it easy to carry the battery for installation.
Advantages
Efficient and powerful battery
Solid and protective casing
Differentiated and protected terminals
Long life expectancy
Slow discharge
Disadvantages
Overheating from excessive use
Battery life decreases over time
My opinion!
Very powerful, it provides 100 Ah of electricity and its power can go up to 720 A.
Even if its price is higher than the other standard models, acquiring a battery of this category and at this amount is a real bargain for you. .
How to choose the perfect RV batteries for your travel trailers.
There are different types of deep cycle RV batteries for RVs on the market, it is necessary to know their characteristics.
The service battery allows you to accumulate the necessary energy inside the RV in order to use and recharge all the equipment such as lights, television, PC, mobile phone, telephone, and refrigerator. It is the reservoir of energy.
Difference between deep cycle battery, for starting and dual purpose
The starter battery is also not used as a service battery because it would not be able to work at its best.
It is what is used to start the vehicle’s engine. The deep cycle battery, on the other hand, allows all the utilities of the RV to function properly.
The dual purpose is able to manage both the start-up and the recharging of the utilities.
Types and models
The service batteries mounted on RVs today can usually be three, let’s see them together.
Sealed gel battery
The main feature of this type of battery is that the electrolyte has the consistency of a jelly.
Excellent because they do not require maintenance, do not lose any type of liquid, and can be installed in any position.
They work well even at high temperatures, and they can be loaded and unloaded more or less 1800 times without losing efficiency.
AGM battery
This type of battery instead contains a kind of spongy fiberglass fabric that absorbs and retains acid and increases the efficiency of the AGM deep cycle battery.
AGM deep cycle battery, if loaded correctly, can withstand even very heavy-duty cycles and last at least 3 times longer than classic free-acid batteries.
Lithium battery
These are the ideal batteries for RVs who often travel aboard their van and want to get maximum performance from all accessories on board.
Clearly, they cost a lot more than other service batteries, but the price is justified by the long life cycle.
Tips
Make sure you get the best deep cycle battery for your needs. Six-volt batteries are lighter and can fit more easily into areas of the RV, while 12-volt batteries are heavier and provide more power.
If you need more power but don’t have the space, two 6-volts can replace a full 12-volt.
Keep track of how much charge your battery has left by installing a battery monitor. These let you see when your battery is low so you know when to charge it. Low power batteries can end up damaged if they continue to power appliances and lights.
You’ll also need to make sure you invest in a battery charger to charge the battery when you need it.
What is a deep cycle battery?
A deep cycle battery is a type of lead-acid battery that is designed to be discharged and recharged multiple times.
Deep cycle batteries are typically used in applications where long periods of discharge are required, such as in RVs, golf carts, and trolling motors.
What are the benefits of deep cycle batteries?
There are several benefits to using a deep cycle battery in your RV. Deep cycle batteries are designed to withstand repeated deep discharges without damaging the battery.
This makes them ideal for use in RVs, where power demands can vary greatly from day to day.
Deep cycle batteries also have a higher capacity than standard car batteries, making them perfect for extended road trips.
Which RV battery to choose?
Now that we have seen which are the best batteries on the market and the differences between the various types.
You might have noticed that the battery that we would like to recommend is the deep cycle AGM battery, given the disadvantages of the sealed lead acid battery, the delicacy of the gel battery, and the high cost of the lithium iron phosphate battery.
Also keep in mind that, for these reasons, the deep cycle AGM battery for RVs is one of the most coveted and appreciated among lovers of life in an RV.
As mentioned many other times and for any accessory for RVs, it is important to choose the battery according to your needs and requirements.
It is, in fact, useless to choose a product that perhaps costs too much and should not be used and, on the contrary, to choose an extremely economical but not practical, functional and not very performing.
It is also essential that the service battery is versatile, that it can be charged through photovoltaic panels for RVs, and that it can be connected to an inverter without any problem.
It must be able to guarantee the right amount of energy for consumption. In this regard, it is important to take into account the size of the battery.
The size of this energy tank is measured in Ampere (Ah) and to calculate the amount of energy you will need to best face your travels you will need to verify the amount of consumption.
To do this is simple: just take the Watts of each individual electronic instrument and multiply them by the number of hours per day you intend to use them.
Summarizing the characteristics that a good RV service battery should have, we come to the conclusion that a good product must:
have a slow and deep discharge;
support rapid and frequent charging cycles;
have the right capacity for the consumption of the RV.
Taking these factors into account it will not be difficult at all to choose the right appliance for you!
How many years does an RV deep cycle battery last?
It is not easy to determine how many years an RV deep cycle battery really lasts, but there are some precautions to make it last as long as possible:
frequent and correct maintenance;
never completely discharge the deep cycle battery;
choose the right place to install to avoid deterioration over time.
How to increase the efficiency of the travel trailer deep cycle battery
In almost all travel trailers the deep cycle battery is charged by the alternator while the vehicle is running.
Specifically, a cable connects the deep cycle battery to the engine deep cycle battery and the latter is connected directly to the alternator of the RV. Between the engine battery and the service deep cycle battery, there is a parallelator relay (normally open) which has the task of preventing the two batteries from being constantly connected in parallel.
With the engine off, the relay is open and therefore the two deep cycle batteries are not connected to each other, with the engine running instead the connection takes place, and therefore both deep cycle batteries are charged by the alternator.
This procedure is allowed by the alternator signal D +and, when the coil is powered, it closes the contact and allows the two batteries to communicate.
What type of RV battery is best for a travel trailer?
For a pull-behind camping RV, your deep cycle battery needs a 120V 125Ah or 120v battery.
When converting 6v AC power deep cycle batteries, you will wire them in series in order to generate 120 volts.
If a 12 Volt battery is plugged into a parallel circuit, it provides more power.
How to charge an RV battery?
This is an important point.
The deep cycle battery can be one of the most expensive elements of the installation of auxiliary deep cycle batteries, but we must be clear that we must set up a circuit to charge it unless we always want to disconnect it to charge it at home or use an all-in-one deep cycle battery. Make sure your deep cycle battery is leak proof.
A deep cycle battery bank is also a good option to consider.
There are mainly three ways (with some variations) to charge our deep cycle RV batteries, each with its advantages and disadvantages:
Charging through the vehicle: using the vehicle’s alternator we can charge our auxiliary deep cycle battery while we are driving. Some deep cycle batteries such as gel or lithium iron phosphate battery may require a special charger between the alternator and the deep cycle battery.
Solar panels: A great option to be able to charge the batteries when we are not on the move. You will need to install solar panels on the roof of the vehicle and a solar charge controller.
220V charging: If you usually go to campsites, you may be interested in adding the 220V charging option to be able to charge the batteries even if you are not moving and the day is cloudy or you spend the day in the shade.
Frequent questions
Q: How do I install an RV battery?
A: Installing an RV battery can be difficult, but after a little practice, it should be relatively simple. First, make sure all appliances, lights, and devices are turned off. Next, find the bracket where the batteries are placed inside the RV. Gently place the deep cycle battery in the holder, connect the cables, and activate the retaining hardware. Then test the lights and appliances.
Q: How long should the RV battery last?
A: This all depends on how much time you spend turning on the lights, appliances, and more inside the RV. If used sparingly, most batteries can last a few days before needing another charge.
Q: Where should I keep the deep cycle battery?
A: You can protect your deep cycle RV battery by storing it somewhere at room temperature, like your home or a storage unit. Make sure that wherever you are, it never drops below freezing.
