The 6 Best Lithium Ion RV Battery Options for 2021

Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Chris and Lindsay

Shopping for the best lithium ion RV battery can be challenging. But we’ll help you understand what to look for in lithium batteries and share a few of the top products that will keep your RV powered up at all times!

Lithium RV batteries are all the rage, especially now that the technology is becoming increasingly more efficient and the prices are starting to come down quite a bit. But there are a few kinds of lithium batteries, which can make shopping for one a little challenging.

If you are looking to buy a new RV battery, then you have come to the right place. In this post, we will talk about the best RV lithium-ion batteries and what makes them great options for your RV electrical system. We will also give some tips on how to choose the best lithium-ion RV battery for your needs!

Pair a lithium battery bank with a great solar setup and you will not worry about the power in your RV at all!

What are the best lithium RV batteries? There are a lot of options, but you need to know what your specific power needs are. We’ll help you learn about the top options and what they can do for you.

Lithium-ion batteries have some great features that make them worth considering, like their compact size and low weight. They also offer long life cycles so they won’t wear out as quickly as other types of batteries might over time, which saves money on replacements down the road too!

Of course, there’s more to it than just those few things… read on for all the details!

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.

TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BEST Budget

Mighty Max 12V 100AH

Great price

Cycle life of up to 2,500 deep cycle times

Our Pick

Renogy 100 AH Lithium

Built-in BMS protects against overcharging, temperature, over-discharge, short circuit, and over current

Lightweight

Long lifespan of 4000 cycles

Wide operating temperature range

BEST OVERALL

Battleborn LiFePO4 100 AH

Powerful battery with green renewable energy

Industry-standard

Great customer service

Best Product // Our Top Picks at a Glance

Amp Hours

Charge Cycles

Weight (lbs)

Dimensions (inches)

Price Range

100

3000-5000

31 lbs

12.8 x 6.9 x 9

$800 - $1,000

100

4,000

26 lbs

11.4 x 6.8 x 7.4

$700 - $900

100

4,000+

31 lbs

‎13 x 9 x 6.7

$650 - $750

100

2,500

30 lbs

13 x 6.8 x 8.7

$400 - $500

100

2,000+

24 lbs

11.8 x 6.8 x 8.4

$300 - $400

100

2,000+

15 lbs

7.8 x 6.5 x 6.7

$300 - $550


The Best Lithium Ion RV Batteries

If you are considering investing in a lithium RV battery, it is important that you spend your money wisely. The best way to do this is first to consider what types of things your RV will be used for and what type of power requirements those activities require.

Take care when selecting the right battery for your needs because they can make all the difference in how your RV performs! And with the right selection, you can count on many, many years of worry-free RVing!

Below we share some of our top recommended LiFePO4 lithium-ion batteries for RVs as well as cover the things to consider before buying a lithium-ion battery.

PRODUCT

WHAT WE LIKE

WHAT TO CONSIDER

OUR RATING

BEST OVERALL

Battleborn LiFePO4 100 AH

  • Powerful battery with green renewable energy

  • Can be mounted in any direction

  • Great customer service

  • Extremely pricey

  • Some customers complained of batteries not recharging after batteries were in storage for a short amount of time

RUNNER UP

Renogy 100 AH Lithium

  • Built-in BMS protects against overcharging, temperature, over-discharge, short circuit, and over current

  • Lightweight

  • Long lifespan of 4000 cycles

  • Wide operating temperature range

  • Some customers noted issues with shipping and batteries arriving damaged

  • Cannot be connected in series

SECOND RUNNER UP

AIMS 100Ah LiFePO4

  • Can withstand over-charging and over-discharging without hurting the battery

  • Has a peak instant discharge current for 10 seconds at 200 amps

  • Can not charge battery below 32 degrees

BEST BUDGET

Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH

  • Great price

  • 2,500 charge cycles

  • Customer service is below par to almost non-existent

  • Warranty is not that great

  • Heavier than other lithium batteries

BUDGET RUNNER UP

Chins LiFePO4 100ah

  • Produces non-toxic green energy

  • Cycle life of up to 2000 deep cycle times

  • Cannot be connected with batteries of different capacities

  • No short circuit protection

BEST COMPACT BATTERY

Renogy 50 AH Lithium

  • Lightweight and compact

  • High quality

  • Extended lifespan of over 2000 cycles

  • Can only be used in parallel with identical batteries

  • BMS does not have a low-temperature charging cut off


BEST OVERALL: Battleborn LiFePO4 100 AH

The cost of these LiFePO4 batteries sets a very high standard, but the performance features used on these devices back up the promise time and time again.

Battleborn only makes RV lithium batteries, ensuring the companies sole focus is getting the most discharge out of this groundbreaking battery technology.

It can be used in any voltage inverter system from 12-48 and only weighs 31 pounds, only a third of a lead-acid battery’s weight.

This figure stands out as incredibly lightweight for a battery with this much power capability. It doesn’t sacrifice any performance for portability, with a max surge current of over 200 amps.

We really like that this battery packs in a battery management system built to protect your investment from extreme temperatures and ground faults and unlike lead acid AGM batteries, can even regulate the amount of power being withdrawn from the deep cycle battery.

Battleborn not only produces batteries capable of working with green energy charging systems like solar panels, but the company also builds its batteries with green energy in mind. And this LiFePO4 battery is wholly made from renewable electrical sources.

We also like that from design to customer service, each step of the building process is 100% handled in the USA. What sets Battleborn products apart is their industry-leading 10-year warranty.

This confidence carries forward to the buyer, who may enjoy a relaxing, maintenance-free life with this battery bank charging their RV applications off-grid. 

On the downside, this is a pricey battery. And, like all lithium batteries, you’re going to want to keep it in temperatures warmer than 32 degrees Fahrenheit as it can be easily damaged if used in sub-freezing temperatures.

PROS

  • Powerful battery with green renewable energy
  • Can be mounted in any direction
  • Great customer service

CONS

  • Extremely pricey
  • Some customers complained of batteries not recharging after batteries were in storage for a short amount of time

RUNNER UP: Renogy 100 AH Lithium

These deep cycle Renogy lithium-ion batteries are the standard 100 amp-hour version and come with a built-in battery management system to help protect your investment.

This system makes this lithium iron phosphate battery smart, and the materials used in construction make the battery tough.

It can charge in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit, and if you find yourself parked in temperatures lower than that, we strongly suggest you disengage the E-brake and find warmer weather.

We really like that this lithium battery has a waterproof rating of IP54 and is safe enough from dust to use in the most extreme off-roading situations. It goes further by protecting itself from extreme temperatures, overcharging, overcurrent, over-discharge and short-circuiting.

The only thing this battery can’t defend itself from is good old-fashioned user error. The Renogy sticker on the front implies it’s already built to work with solar panels or solar battery banks.

The extra amp hours on these RV lithium batteries mean they are more than capable of replacing your lead acid AGM batteries to provide full-time power, whatever voltage and charger you use. 

On the downside, Renogy struggles with ratings on its customer service. We have NEVER had an issue, personally. But the company is developing a bad reputation if you need any kind of technical support or other assistance.

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.

PROS

  • Built-in BMS protects against overcharging, temperature, over-discharge, short circuit, and over current.
  • Lightweight
  • Long lifespan of 4000 cycles
  • Wide operating temperature range

CONS

  • Some customers noted issues with shipping and batteries arriving damaged
  • Cannot be connected in series

SECOND RUNNER UP: AIMS 100Ah LiFePO4

Take aim and fire up your devices without fear with this powerful RV lithium batteries option.

AIMs hopes to provide you with the last battery you’ll ever need to order, as this battery is expected to last more than ten years in proper conditions, years more than the leading lead acid batteries can offer.

It comes with surge amp current ability, capable of discharging power at 200 amps for up to 10 seconds.

The RV lithium batteries have fused each cell so that if an individual cell fails, the lithium battery will automatically isolate the defective cell, and the discharge cycle will continue unperturbed.

It is protected enough to power your inverter through cold weather and a hot desert summer and does all this while still weighing only 30 pounds. It ships ready to replace any lead-acid battery set up and has one of the most extended lifespans of any lithium battery on the market.

On day one, it will fit seamlessly into any charge controller or solar panel charging system. AIMS Power has hit the jackpot with this lithium-ion battery option, and any RV can head off from home for a longer off-grid time with confidence if this LiFePO4 battery to plug up into its coach system. 

PROS

  • Can withstand over-charging and over-discharging without hurting the battery
  • Has a peak instant discharge current for 10 seconds at 200 amps

CONS

  • Can not charge battery below 32 degrees

BEST BUDGET BATTERY: Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH Lithium

Mighty Max has provided a Lithium battery bank that won’t break your budget.

The highlight of this battery is the low price point, and if you want to replace your travel trailer lead acid AGM batteries with lithium batteries but don’t want to shell out big bucks, this battery is still more than capable of giving you high capacity power on the road.

The price doesn’t mean the lithium-ion battery isn’t capable of living a longer life, with a cycle lifespan reported over 2,500 charges.

It means to serve as a high-performance new power source, safe to plug in with a charge controller of any size you already may have used in your charge system.

It doesn’t come with any wire harness or mounting accessories necessary for the lithium-ion battery to work on its own. The replacement battery is designed to work in parallel cycles, allowing you to hook up four batteries for maximum charge.

It weighs only 30 pounds and fits into all sorts of different electrical inverters made for a lead-acid battery. It may surprise you to find out that this less-cost option still includes an in-depth battery management system to protect your RV lithium batteries from the elements.

Mighty Max has offered up this battery to prove you don’t need to pay a high price for a high-quality voltage capacity.

PROS

  • Great price
  • 2,500 charge cycles

CONS

  • Customer service is below par to almost non-existent
  • Warranty is not that great
  • Heavier than other lithium batteries

BUDGET RUNNER UP: Chins LiFePO4 100 Ah

Wise RV owners looking to save money on their Lithium batteries could do a lot worse than choosing this Chins LiFePO4 battery to boost their battery bank.

These lithium batteries have an internal battery management system like more expensive battery options on this list and can withstand high temperatures by breaking down their charging cycle.

It’s a lightweight lead-acid battery replacement option ready to be used in 12-48 volt systems.

The 2000 deep cycles promise a longer lifespan than most other batteries on the market, so investing in two of these options should mean they’re the last batteries you buy for a while.

Suppose you don’t need your battery to promise the world and are only looking for a consistent, reliable substitute for an existing lead-acid battery system. In that case, you will feel confident with this lithium-ion battery option. 

PROS

  • Produces non-toxic green energy
  • Cycle life of up to 2000 deep cycle times

CONS

  • Cannot be connected with batteries of different capacities
  • No short circuit protection

BEST COMPACT BATTERY: Renogy 50 AH Lithium

Renogy has combined portable solar panels with affordable lead acid RV batteries to carve out a firm place in the RV battery niche.

Any company that wants to be known as one of the best options for your mobile home needs to take it a step further, and Renogy answered that call with this lithium iron phosphate battery.

At only 50 AH, it doesn’t pack the same discharge as other RV lithium batteries on this list, but it also comes at half the price as the other more powerful options.

If you would like to replace your lead-acid batteries with lithium batteries built to last long but don’t have extreme energy needs, you won’t need more than the 50 amp hours available on this lithium battery.

Its slim capacity is reflected in its less than 15 pounds of weight and comes to your doorstep ready to work with a solar charger, ensuring compatibility. These RV lithium batteries can last over a decade of everyday use, and it has been built to be the ultimate solution for solar energy storage.

The deep cycle lithium iron phosphate doesn’t play well with others and is best paired with a complete Renogy energy set-up. It comes with a five-year warranty, so any travel trailers or recreational vehicle lovers who want to get more out of their solar energy systems can rest easy knowing this affordable and powerful lithium option will get the job done. 

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.

PROS

  • Lightweight and compact
  • High quality
  • Extended lifespan of over 2000 cycles

CONS

  • Can only be used in parallel with identical batteries
  • BMS does not have a low-temperature charging cut off

How to Choose A Lithium Ion Battery for Your RV

With lots of options out there, here are some things to consider when choosing a lithium-ion battery for your RV:

Battery Capacity / Amp Hours

The first thing to consider when buying a lithium ion RV battery is its amp-hour storage capacity. This indicates how much power the battery can store at any given time before it needs to be recharged.

The higher the number, the more energy capacity you’ll have and thus less time charging will take. However, this doesn’t mean that a lithium battery with lower amp hours isn’t any good. In fact, we included 2 smaller, 50 amp hour batteries on our list in the event you have a small battery compartment.

Lithium-ion batteries have an exceptional depth of discharge compared to other types of batteries. So if you’re looking for better longevity then look at lithium Ion batteries with 100 amp-hours.

The lithium ion battery’s amp hour capacity is also important because it determines how long the appliances in the RV can run before needing a charge and should be matched with a great solar panel system to keep them consistently recharging.

Depth of Discharge

The depth of discharge (DOD) indicates how deeply you can discharge or drain the battery without damaging it. Lithium batteries are designed to be discharged by as much as 90% or more before needing a recharge.

This is not the case with lead-acid batteries, which can only provide between 50% – 60% of their capacity. In general, a lithium battery will last longer and charge faster than flooded lead-acid and AGM options. 

Their deeper depth of discharge allows them to provide double the energy of flooded lead acid batteries, making up for their higher initial costs.

Charge Cycle Rating

This is the number of times a battery can be fully drained before it needs to be replaced. It’s important for RVs because you may use a lot of power while camping, especially if you are full-time.

In this case, your charge cycles will add up and the cost of having to replace lower charge cycle batteries may not compare to the upfront cost of a high-cycle lithium-ion RV battery.

A high cycle rating means that you can go for a long time without having to worry about your batteries needing to be replaced. Lithium batteries can provide upwards of 7,000 charge cycles, approximately 10 times more than lead-acid models.

Maintenance

Lithium battery maintenance requires little more than making sure the terminals on each cell of the battery stay clean and dry. They also don’t need periodic charging cycles as do lead-acid battery types, which makes them easier to maintain.

Because they are sealed and do not discharge gases like flooded lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries can also be stored virtually anywhere and mounted any way except upside down. Although it is always good to provide some ventilation wherever you install them.

Weight

Lithium ion RV batteries are relatively lightweight compared to AGM and Flooded Lead Acid batteries. These battery cells can weigh 20% less than lead acid models. But this varies from model to model.

In general, it is a good principle to keep your weight as low as possible on your RV. So if you can shed a few pounds with lighter lithium ion batteries in your RV then this will work out in your favor on the road.

Warranty

A warranty is important because even if everything else is perfect, the upfront cost of purchasing a lithium RV battery is substantial and a good warranty protects this investment.  

It’s always best if you purchase one with a warranty that matches or exceeds its expected lifespan so that if anything goes wrong during use you will be covered by warranty coverage.

Price

The price of lithium-ion RV batteries will vary based on a number of factors. Generally speaking, lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive kind of RV battery.

But they last longer and have no memory effect so it’s less likely a lithium battery will go dead in the long run. They also provide more charge cycles and have a deeper depth of discharge which can offset their upfront costs over time.

And when you combine all of the benefits we’ve mentioned above you’ll see why lithium-ion batteries are the best choice for the long term for your RV.

Wrapping Things Up

RV batteries are a crucial component of your vehicle. They provide power to the electrical systems and other components that make your RV function.

Lithium-Ion RV batteries have become increasingly popular in recent years because they offer many benefits over traditional lead acid batteries. Among others, these include lighter weight, increased energy density, and longer life span.

However, not all lithium batteries are created equal so it’s important to know what you should look for when shopping for one.

Lithium Ion RV Batteries FAQ

Why are lithium ion batteries are better than AGM or flooded lead acid batteries?

Lithium-ion rechargeable RV batteries last much longer than any traditional lead acid battery available on the market, they are lighter in weight and have no memory effect. Another thing to note is that there is virtually no self-discharge with lithium-ion RV batteries so if you don’t need it immediately recharging isn’t necessary. They typically provide more power and can last longer. Because they don’t discharge gases like lead acid models, lithium ion RVs can be stored virtually anywhere as well.

How long do lithium ion batteries last?

Typically lithium ion RV batteries can last between 3,000-5,000 cycles, which is around ten times more than flooded lead acid and AGM batteries as long as you maintain them properly by following standard procedures. This equates to a possible lifespan of 20-30 years as opposed to 3-5 years with their counterparts.

Do I still need to charge lithium battery after use?

Even though lithium ion batteries can be discharged to virtually nothing, and have minimal loss when they are not used, they should still be charged regularly. There is virtually no self-discharge with lithium ion RV batteries so if you don’t need it immediately recharging isn’t necessary.

How heavy are lithium ion RV batteries?

They vary from model to model, but lithium ions are relatively lightweight compared to AGM and Flooded Lead Acid batteries, coming in around 1/3 of the weight. You still need to use precautions when lifting and mounting lithium batteries because they still range in weight between 20-40 lbs in general for 100 Ah battery capacity.

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2 thoughts on “The 6 Best Lithium Ion RV Battery Options for 2021”

  1. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of rechargeable batteries. They are used in many devices such as laptops, cell phones, and electric cars. Lithium-ion batteries have built-in safety features that prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating. It was nice of you to share this blog with us and list out some of the best lithium ion rv batteries with their pros and cons.

    Reply
    • Thanks for the feedback! Lithium is definitely the best RV battery value out there. And as the technology changes quickly and more companies produce them, the price is coming down and there are lots of great options out there!

      Reply

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