Guide to RV Battery Selection

Introduction

• Hook: Highlight the importance of a reliable battery for an enjoyable RV experience.
• Purpose: Outline the guide's aim to help readers choose the best RV battery.
• Overview: Briefly mention the main points covered in the blog.

A reliable RV battery is important to enjoying an RV to its full potential. With so many options available, it can become overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s why we at Sunrich Energy have curated this guide to RV battery selection, so you can be informed when you decide to make your next purchase.

Understanding RV Battery Basics

Understanding the basics of RV batteries is crucial for staying informed about which RV battery you choose. There is plenty of information to understand when choosing which battery you’ll go with, such as the type of battery and basic terminology.

Type of Battery

When it comes to RV batteries, no two are the same, and each comes with unique benefits and disadvantages. The three most common types of RV batteries are flooded lead-acid batteries(FLA), absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries, and lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries.

Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries: FLA batteries are budget-friendly RV batteries. They are typically larger and require more maintenance than the other types of batteries. These batteries are known to spill and leak acid on occasion and must be regularly monitored.

Absorbed Glass Mat Battery: Another lead acid battery, however, AGM batteries are sealed and require little to no maintenance. They are more compact and can store more energy but come with a higher price tag than the FLA.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: A relatively new type of battery, LiFePO4 batteries offer customers a high-performance, lightweight, compact, and long-lasting battery. They are more expensive and have stricter charging requirements than the other batteries but offer many more benefits, such as deep-cycle charging/discharging, temperature protection, and more.

Basic Terminology

Knowing what a battery can do is important for your solar RV setup. Although the terminology can seem complicated, it’s actually quite simple. Here’s a quick list of the most important terminology you’ll need to know when choosing your next battery.

• Amp Hours (Ah): a unit of measure for the charge/energy (A) that’s supplied for an hour (h)
• Watt Hours (Wh): A unit of energy that measures how much power (W) is used over an hour (h)
• Voltage (V): Voltage (V) is the “pressure” that pushes electricity; a standard RV battery has about 12.8V

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing your RV battery, there are several factors to consider such as your energy needs, the battery capacity, charging options, and the durability/lifespan of the battery. Since no two batteries are the same, understanding what you need and the differences between batteries will help you make informed decisions.

Capacity

Evaluate your daily energy consumption of the different appliances you use. Most appliances will explain - either in their instruction manual or on the appliance - the energy usage consumption. You can use that to calculate how much energy you use for a day. You can use the Silicon Valley Power’s Appliance Energy Use Chart as a way to begin estimating your energy consumption.

Don’t forget to consider how much time you’re going to be using your RV. If you’re decent at maintenance and only use your RV on occasion, then you may get away with a more cost-effective option. However, if you use an RV consistently, then a LiFePO4 battery should be the only one you consider.

Battery Size

One thing to consider is the size of your battery. Although this can apply to a battery’s physical dimensions, you’ll more commonly see the size referring to the voltage of a battery. The most common sizes for RV batteries are:

• 12V
• 24V

Other sizes like the 6-volt or 8D batteries are available. Not everyone will need the largest battery, and not every RV will handle 24V batteries, so it’s important to know the size your RV is designed to handle before purchasing.

Lifespan

The lifespan of an RV battery is important for many reasons, but the most important one is its longevity compared to its use. For instance, if you’re using your RV battery to be off-grid, a longer life, you need something you can trust to provide power for a long time. RV batteries can typically last 5-15 years, depending on a variety of factors. LiFePO4 batteries will last the longest, which is something to consider.

Cost

When all is said and done, the cost of a battery will be one, if not, the biggest factor in your decision-making process. Everyone wants the best RV battery around at the best possible price.

Sunrich Energy’s selection of 12V 100 Ah LiFePO4 battery and 12V 200Ah LiFePO4 battery offers many features, such as long lifespans, five times the charging capacity, self-heating, overcharge protection, and much more, all at an incredibly affordable price.

Battery Maintenance and Safety Tips

RV batteries require proper care and maintenance to work properly and function to the best of their abilities. Understanding how to care for your RV batteries is essential for worry-free battery use.

General Maintenance:

Before use, always read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. Most batteries come with a warranty, and improper use of the battery could void the manufacturer's warranty.

Some general maintenance that works on all batteries includes regular inspections to make sure there is no corrosion appearing on the battery. FLA batteries will require consistent inspections of the water levels and cleaning. AGM batteries require less supervision but will still require regular cleanings. Lithium batteries are low-maintenance and don’t require consistent cleaning or inspection. It’s still a good idea to regularly check up on them for any potential issues.

Storage

Store batteries in a cool, dry place, ideally between 32°F and 80°F. Avoid storing them in any place that gets too hot or too cold and keep them away from direct sunlight.

Proper Charging/Discharging

To get the most out of your batteries, proper charging and discharging standards should always be practiced. When charging your battery:

• Review the user manual
• Use a charger designed for your battery type (FLA, AGM, or LiFePO4)
• Charge the battery to the recommended voltage
• Do not overcharge the battery

Completely discharging batteries is never recommended, as this can drastically reduce the effectiveness of the battery and shorten its lifespan. Here are a few tips regarding RV battery discharge:

• Avoid deep discharge (dropping below 12V)
• Use a quality battery monitor to keep track of the charge/discharge rate
• Don’t leave batteries in a discharged state for any extended period of time

The most important thing to remember when selecting your next RV battery is to remember that it’s all part of the process. That said, having a general knowledge of what you’re purchasing can help during your decision-making process.

If you need help finding out what battery your RV needs, contact Sunrich Energy. All the customer service representatives are trained to help you find exactly what you’re looking for to fit all your daily needs.