The 6 Best RV Battery Options in 2022 – Expert Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Chris and Lindsay

Shopping for the best RV battery can be overwhelming. So we’ve put together this guide from over 4 years of experience of living in an RV to help you know what to look for and which batteries are best for your RV!

Your RV battery is perhaps the most essential RV must-have that is often overlooked and taken for granted. If you’ve ever run out of power while camping on a cold night or have found that you constantly drain your RV battery charging the simplest of electronic devices on your inverter then you’ll understand the importance of owning the best battery for RVs.

We found ourselves camping in 10-degree weather outside of the Grand Canyon where our RV furnace was running almost constantly, draining our battery and leaving us anxious over whether we’d damage it and/or freeze to death in the meantime! We’d stare at the battery monitor and hope that somehow, in the middle of the night, the voltage would actually go up instead of down!

And we’ve also found ourselves offroad in Baja, Mexico bumping along rocky roads with our flooded lead-acid batteries spilling precious water all over the place.

In a quest to find the best RV battery for your RV electrical system we have stumbled across all sorts of options. And as we have shared our stories of success, and failure, and received feedback from many people asking why we chose a particular battery (or batteries), we decided it was time to share the most important information to help you decide which RV batteries were best for your particular setup.

Note that most of our battery recommendations are 100 amp-hour versions. Nearly every battery we recommend will also offer a larger battery capacity option for you as well.

And we’re only going to cover 6 options because honestly there is no need to go too far down the rabbit hole in decision-making. The best battery for your RV is on this list. You just have to decide which one it is!

That said, let’s look at our top picks for the best RV deep cycle battery.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain links to products we think you’ll like. If you purchase any of the products through the links below we’ll receive a small commission. As full-time RVers, we know our RV products well and only recommend those that we either own or would consider owning ourselves.

Best Product // Our Top Picks at a Glance

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The Best Battery for RVs

In a later section, we’ll cover all of the criteria to evaluate when shopping for deep cycle batteries for your RV. But for now, let’s get into our top recommended deep cycle batteries.

While there are all sorts of battery options, we’ll cover the top choices you should consider for AGM and lithium-ion batteries. At this time, we do NOT recommend standard flooded lead-acid batteries due to the affordability, safety and superior performance of either AGM or lithium battery options.

Keep in mind you’ll want to consider the type of battery, size, capacity and cost as you evaluate which is best for you.

Our Honesty Disclaimer: In the course of living in our RV full time for over 4 years we have thoroughly researched all of these products before making the choice on our own. So we’ll give you honest information that allows you to make the best decision for which product is right for you.

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BEST OVERALL: Renogy 100 Ah AGM Battery

We like that Renogy designed this AGM battery to work alongside the solar charging systems the company also produces. It pairs well with both Renogy solar panels to recharge the batteries and a properly-sized Renogy inverter to help you make the most of your battery capacity.

Those accustomed to sleeping with extra blankets will be happy they chose this particular model. The AGM deep cycle battery can withstand extreme temperatures and even charge itself when temperatures are below zero, so your battery system will never leave you in the dark. 

Renogy developed this battery to make sure you plug it in, store it in place and forget about it for a while.  The battery has fully sealed itself within a leak-proof case, each extra pound providing extra backup power.

We loved this Renogy AGM battery and used it for our battery upgrade in our first RV. It is a perfect choice for your RV’s first battery upgrade and one that will keep you powered up for years to come.

One full RV battery charge has the capacity to power lots of equipment inside your RV as you can safely and effectively count on 60% capacity, or 60 amp-hours of energy with each charge.

If you’ve chosen to power your recreational vehicle with solar equipment or don’t want to shell out big bucks for atypical current needs, you can rest easy with this choice.

On the downside, it is quite heavy and if you discharge it below 60% of its capacity more than a few times you will really shorten its lifespan. But particularly if you are shopping for an AGM battery, you’ll be pleased with this Renogy pick!

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BEST LITHIUM BATTERY: Battle Born LiFePO4 Battery

Powerful features abound in a lightweight physical frame that won’t strain your back during the installation. Weighing under 30 pounds, each of these batteries is more than twice as lightweight as its AGM counterpart and lasts two to three times longer.

We really appreciate the fact that the folks at Battle Born designed this to be the best RV deep cycle battery on the market. The lack of liquid particles allows you to install this battery any way you can fit it into the rest of your build. And as minimal maintenance and stress-free living are paramount for RV life, this cell battery doesn’t require constant vigilance.

Lithium RV batteries are capable of safely discharging to a lower battery percentage than cheaper options. In fact, this battery is capable of being discharged fully to 100% of its capacity without doing harm to the battery itself.

So if you’re looking to upgrade from typical AGM or lead-acid RV batteries, you’ll find an excellent build quality at an affordable lithium price in this offering. If you factor in that this battery has 100 Ah of usable energy it nearly doubles the available power of an AGM battery and more than doubles that of flooded lead-acid batteries.

If you’re hesitant at the cost, you’re not alone. RVers considering shelling out the big bucks for a lithium battery expect a long lifespan in return for their investment. But Battle Born tests have yielded lifespans of over 5,000 charge cycles and the company is so confident in their product they include a 10-year warranty.

If you factor in the total power you can use in a single Battle Born lithium battery by being able to discharge it 100% and having 3,000 – 5,000 charging cycles, you will get your money out of this battery.

However, the downside to all lithium technology is that it cannot be charged or discharged at or below freezing temperatures. Doing so will cause irreparable damage, even on the first occasion. So you will want to invest in battery warming pads and/or make sure it is installed in a location where ambient heat can prevent it from reaching freezing temperatures.

Additionally, the high upfront cost of this battery can also be hard to swallow. But factor in the years of lifespan and the fact that you do not have to worry about how low the battery discharges before you recharge it and it’s virtually a no-brainer decision.

And from design and assembly to customer service, all aspects of the development are made for your recreational vehicle and handled in the USA. 

READ MORE: If you’re interested in other great lithium battery options, check out this post on the best lithium RV batteries on the market.

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RUNNER UP LITHIUM BATTERY: Renogy 100 Ah LiFePO4 Battery

As you should expect in a lithium RV battery, the Renogy 100 Ah Lithium Ion battery should be with you for over a decade and can hold through over 4,000 charging cycles. The RV battery can function in all sorts of temperatures (as long as it stays above freezing) and is even slightly waterproof.

The Renogy battery monitoring system brings about communication by including RJ45 communication ports that will allow extended data transfer from your battery to your mainframe. The more you can understand how your battery is absorbing power, the more you can optimize your battery charging to extend your lithium’s lifespan.

The best RV deep cycle batteries keep track of that information while further protecting themselves against overcharging and short-circuits to stay in your RV longer. If you want to take the plunge and invest in the best RV battery, this Renogy option pairs well with any system. 

On the downside, you do have to remain in above-freezing temperatures for the battery to function properly without damaging it. You also may have issues with Renogy customer service if you need any help with the battery after the purchase. We have always had great experiences with their customer service team. But this is a common complaint about Renogy.

SAVE 10% MORE when you shop directly at Renogy.com and use our coupon code “CALLEDTOWANDER” at checkout! Note: Discount does not apply to sale items or batteries.

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BEST BUDGET AGM BATTERY: Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah AGM Battery

Some of the best RV deep cycle gel batteries need heavy-duty installation procedures to make sure no spillage occurs, but these 12 volts are housed in individual stainless cells allowing you to mount it as you need without worrying about acid flow.

Individuality protects the battery housing unit’s vital components and boosts the reserve capacity, giving you more backup power.

These particular cells will profile heavily on the scale. And, at 60 pounds, this battery is slightly heavier than others in the same Group 27 class. But ideally, you’ll only feel that weight upon installation.

The company offers a one-year warranty, but expect the deep cycle AGM battery to last somewhere between 3-7 years, depending on your usage. Shock-resistant, the durable RV battery will make sure to tackle most owners’ deep cycle battery needs.

Universal power group is one of the most popular international battery companies, and this 12-volt system is their stalwart option. Universal has produced one of the best deep cycle batteries internationally.

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BEST BUDGET LITHIUM BATTERY: Ampere Time LiFePO4 Battery

This means that the battery is likely to outlive your use of your RV! It also means that you can expect a lot of total kilowatt-hours of power to be produced for a nominal cost – making this battery one of the best values on the market.

With a high safety rating, you won’t have to worry about how you mount the battery inside your RV. And because it is sealed and does not contain acid, you will also not have to worry about any maintenance through the life of the battery.

Composed of the same type of materials as its more expensive lithium counterparts, this Ampere Time lithium battery weighs only a third of a lead-acid battery and delivers close to 100% depth of discharge without worrying about damage to the battery.

We like that it also has a built-in battery monitor system to ensure its health when charging and discharging and that it is IP65 waterproof in the event that it is accidentally around water. The BMS specifically protects against overcharge, over-discharge, over-current and short circuit to provide up to 10 years of life expectancy.

On the downside, lithium batteries should not be operated at temperatures at or lower than freezing. And while more expensive models offer a BMS with a low-temperature cutoff, this Ampere Time battery does not.

The lugs are also short so you will want to either consider finding larger lugs or to install a bus bar in such a way that you only have one lug coming off the battery.

But you won’t find a better LiFePO4 battery option at this cost, making it an excellent value!

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BEST 6-VOLT BATTERY: Trojan T-125 6V 240Ah Flooded Lead Acid Battery

The six volts are still a deep cycle battery, and although this thing isn’t built quite like the other recreational vehicle deep-cycle gel batteries on this list, it is more than capable of charging and recharging while being spill-proof and leak-free.

To create a 12-volt system you will need two of these batteries connected in parallel. This will provide the same 240 Ah battery capacity but at a voltage that your RV is likely to need.

These types of deep cycle batteries are prepared for a long lifespan as long as you don’t discharge them past 50% capacity. Fueling your freedom with a series of these heavy-duty batteries paralleled is a safe way to increase your battery’s lifespan with little self-discharge.

We like these batteries as an option because they are premium deep cycle batteries designed to be discharged and then recharged again without damaging the battery. Thus, with two of these batteries in parallel in a 12V system you are able to almost mimic the benefits of a lithium battery with 240 amp-hours of capacity.

Choosing the Trojan 6 volt RV batteries will help you hold a longer charge than pairing together two 12 volt batteries.

But on the downside, this performance doesn’t happen all on its own, as there is regular maintenance required. Owners should make sure to equalize charges, monitor water levels, and keep the battery clean. These steps build character and reserve capacity.

Additionally, storing 2 of these batteries in your RV is going to take up quite a bit of space and add substantial weight to your RV. Before lithium batteries made a breakthrough entrance into the RV battery market, these were your best bet for being able to milk the most stored energy from any deep cycle battery.

And while they are all but obsolete in modern applications, if you have set your heart on using a 6V system in your recreational vehicle or travel trailer battery, relying on the Trojan T-125 to get your home moving gives you a reliable, long-lasting power source. 

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Deep Cycle RV Battery Buying Guide

We’ve lived in our RV for over 4 years. As such we’ve learned that the power system and water system are the most essential considerations for an RV adventure of any length. And at the root of all things related to RV power is the type of deep cycle battery in your battery bank responsible for storing and discharging the power you need to enjoy your life on the road.

Here are a few things to consider about your RV battery selection that will make your shopping experience faster, more productive and less costly.

AWAYS buy a Deep Cycle Battery

The first criteria you should consider is to be sure that you are searching for deep cycle batteries for your RV. The difference between deep cycle batteries and standard car batteries is that deep cycle batteries are designed to be able to be continually discharged to varying low levels, thus going through a deep cycle of discharge and recharge.

A standard vehicle battery is not intended to be discharged more than a small amount, thus it is constantly being recharged by the vehicle alternator when the vehicle is on.

You absolutely must have a deep cycle battery for your RV. Vehicle batteries are not designed to endure the constant wear that RV living inflicts on batteries. As such, you’re wasting your money if you purchase anything other than a deep cycle battery.

RV House Battery vs Vehicle Batteries

Depending on the type of RV you own, you will likely have a separate vehicle and house batteries. A “house battery,” or “leisure battery,” is one that is designated for the living portion of your RV. Thus a house battery will power your lights, fans and other accessories inside the camper.

On the other hand, your vehicle battery, or starting battery, is designated to start and run your vehicle. In most cases, these are separated from each other using a battery isolator switch.

But you do want to be aware of your battery setup and ensure that you have one (or more) starting battery and one (or more) separate house battery.

Types of Batteries

That said, there are several types of deep cycle RV batteries of which you need to be aware. When we began our RV journey in 2018 we had no idea about the difference.

All we knew is that we only had so much money in our budget to afford our battery bank and solar power system. But fair warning, price should not be the only factor in choosing one of these types of batteries.

Flooded Lead Acid Batteries

A flooded lead-acid battery (FLA) is the most common and most conventional RV deep cycle battery. These batteries operate on the idea that the battery cells themselves are covered in water and enclosed in the battery casing with vents on top to allow the batteries to breathe during their chemical processes.

They are the least expensive, but typically store less energy and require the most amount of maintenance. You should NEVER run these batteries lower than 50% of their capacity or else you risk damaging them.

If you are just starting off, these are likely already in your RV and you can consider keeping them or upgrading them. And if you do not spend much time RVing throughout the year then you’ll do well to save your money and purchase a lead-acid battery.

We installed a lead-acid battery in our truck and one in our camper connected in parallel and were mostly content with their performance for 2 years of full-time living on the road.

AGM Deep Cycle Battery

Absorbed Glass Mat, or AGM, deep cycle batteries are a step above the flooded lead-acid battery. These batteries are a little more complex in nature but hide their complexities inside a casing that is fully closed and secure.

This means that an AGM battery is literally maintenance-free, can be mounted sideways (and even upside down!) and can handle the bumps and bounces that leak water from FLA batteries.

They tend to be able to hold more energy and can be discharged down to as much as 60% of their capacity without doing damage to the battery. AGM batteries will also self-discharge quite slowly over time, meaning you can store them at full capacity and return even several months later to a mostly charged battery.

An AGM battery (or two) is a great option if you are price-conscious and want a great battery in a moderate price range. We decided to upgrade our batteries to two AGM deep cycle batteries in our 3rd year as we wanted to worry less about maintenance and wear and tear and have the ability to discharge the batteries deeper if needed.

And as an advantage over their otherwise superior lithium counterparts, AGM batteries handle a wide range of temperatures including those below freezing.

Lithium Ion Deep Cycle Battery

Lithium-ion batteries are quickly becoming the most sought-after RV deep cycle battery. The most advanced of all types of RV batteries, lithium ion deep cycle batteries can be discharged to 100% of their capacity and have a long life expectancy.

Like AGM batteries, they are also maintenance-free and can be mounted sideways or even upside down. Of course, these great features come with a much higher price tag, sometimes 2-3 times higher than even the best AGM batteries.

But if you want a battery that you install and then forget about because it does the best job possible, a lithium-ion battery is your best option. The self-discharge rate on lithium-ion batteries is incredibly low so they store well for infrequent RV use.

We opted against purchasing lithium-ion batteries simply because of their upfront cost. If we could afford the higher price tag of lithium-ion batteries up front we would likely make the upgrade.

However, this cost is negated over the thousands of charge cycles and full depletion these batteries can reach. If you can afford the upfront cost of lithium batteries then they will more than pay for themselves when they last 3-4 times longer than even AGM batteries.

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity is an important consideration when choosing a deep cycle battery for your RV. But you do not have to overthink this too much as most RV battery options have relatively similar amp-hour capacities.

Capacity for batteries is measured in amp-hours, more commonly expressed as amp hour rating. Typical deep cycle RV batteries will range between 80-120 amp-hours capacity.

Consider you own a battery with a capacity of 100 amp-hours. This means that you could use an appliance that draws 1 amp for a total of 100 hours before the battery would be completely depleted. Remember, FLA batteries should never go below 50% (50 amp-hours) and AGM should never go below 60% (60 amp-hours).

So when you are trying to determine what capacity you need in your RV battery you should consider the power draw of all of the appliances you expect to use throughout the course of a day and whether you can charge the batteries in the meantime.

For example, between running a vent fan, a few lights and charging an electronic device overnight you may draw 5 amps per hour. So over the course of an 8 hour night, you would use 5 amp x 8 hrs = 40 amp-hours. Thus a fully charged 100 amp hour battery would be at 60% capacity, or 60 amp-hours when you woke up.

As you can see, having the right type of battery or batteries can determine whether you are putting your batteries at risk by discharging them too far. In this situation, only FLA batteries would face the possibility of being damaged. AGM batteries would be OK, assuming you began charging them immediately as they are at the maximum recommended depth of discharge. And lithium batteries would be absolutely fine.

You can increase your capacity in a number of ways. First, you can buy bigger batteries with a higher amp hour rating capacity. Many companies offer a variety in the size of the batteries they offer.

Typically you will find a reduced price per amp hour if you do purchase a larger capacity battery. But these will clearly be more expensive and bulkier than their smaller counterparts.

Second, you can connect multiple batteries in parallel to increase their capacity. Doing this will maintain the same voltage but will double the amp-hour capacity.

When you connect 2 batteries in parallel you are connecting the positive terminal of one battery to that of the other and likewise with the negative terminals. This creates what is called a “battery bank” and you are able to connect as many batteries in parallel as you have the room and need for.

We always have 2 or more batteries connected in parallel to double (or triple) our capacity and allow us to use more energy before worrying about recharging.

Battery Voltage

RV deep cycle batteries come in two primary sizes: 6 volts and 12 volts. Six-volt batteries are your typical golf cart batteries and have been common in the past mostly among the larger Class A and Class C motorhomes.

Since most RV electrical systems are based on 12-volt power you would need to connect 2 six volt batteries in series (positive terminal in one battery to negative in the other, and vice versa). You could do this a second time and connect each set of 6-volt batteries in parallel to double the amp-hour capacity. Six-volt batteries used to be popular because they typically last longer than 12-volt batteries.

On the other hand, 12-volt batteries are standard for most RV electrical systems and are immediately compatible in most circumstances. This makes them far more common when shopping for the best RV batteries.

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