our RV “house” batteries (the ones powering the 12 volt systems throughout your rig) are the heart of your home-on-wheels. Depending on their type, size, and age, your house batteries will have a finite lifespan. So, let’s explore how to extend RV battery life to avoid being powerless and having to buy new batteries any sooner than necessary.
“If you take good care of your RV, your RV will take good care of you!” You rely on your batteries whenever you are using or living in your RV. As full-time RV travelers, you will depend on our batteries 24/7/365.
With proper care and usage, your RV batteries will perform at their best and last several years.
What Type of House Batteries Do You Have?
Source: Erik AndersonThere are several types of batteries typically used in RVs. Each battery type performs differently and they all require proper care and maintenance.
Each of these general RV battery types has it’s pros and cons:
- 12v Deep Cycle Flooded Lead Acid (FLA or “Wet Cell): These are a common battery type supplied in a majority of RVs coming out of the factory. This is primarily due to cost as FLA batteries are the least expensive choice.
- Pros: Least cost; Easily obtainable
- Cons: Heavy; Must remain in a vertical position; Contain caustic acid; Require regular checking/filling of battery cell water; Can vent harmful gasses known as “battery gassing”, so must be in an outside, ventilated space; Very deep discharges (> 50%) can cause irreparable harm. Typically they last around 400-500+ discharge/charge cycles.
- 6v Flooded Wet Cell “Golf Cart” Batteries (also available as lithium):Pros: Durable, vibration-resistant, and longer-lasting, 500-1,000+ cycles; Usually higher capacity; Less costly than AGM or lithium batteries.
- Cons: Required in pairs and wired in “series” to have 12v output; When one malfunctions, the other can’t be used for the RV’s 12v system; Require regular cell water checking/filling.
- 12v Deep Cycle AGM Batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat; also available in “gel” type):
- Pros: Sealed/Maintenance-free; No battery gassing or leaking; Longer lasting, about 500-1,000 cycles;
- Cons: More expensive than FLA batteries; Heavy; Very deep discharges can cause damage affecting charging and performance.
- 12v Lithium Ion Battery (LiFePO4):
- Pros: Lightweight, roughly 65% less heavy than flooded lead acid; Maintenance free/sealed; Can be mounted in any position; Safe for enclosed spaces; Longest lasting: 3,000+ cycles and 10+ years; Deeper discharges – ability to use nearly all of rated capacity making them a good option for boondocking.
- Cons: Most expensive; Some cold-weather limitations for safe charging.
Regular care will help extend RV battery life and they will perform better. Make sure to charge them regularly and fully according to your battery type’s optimal charging requirements. For example, flooded lead acid batteries charge differently than lithium batteries, which usually require a specific lithium-optimized setting on the converter/charger, plus higher voltage.
Avoid overcharging RV batteries as that can also adversely affect their lifespan. Carefully review the manufacturer’s specific recommendations on proper charging for your battery type.
Check your battery terminals and clean them periodically. A battery terminal protection spray can prevent unwanted corrosion which can negatively affect performance.
Inspect the battery housings for any signs of corrosion or damage, such as cracking or bulging of the casing. You’ll also want to ensure that they are not too warm, or even hot, to the touch. Any of these issues could indicate internal damage.
If you have flooded lead acid (wet cell) house batteries, you should check their cell water levels monthly to make sure they have enough water. Refill each cell as needed up to the “fill indicators” using only distilled water. Allowing battery water levels to remain too low can cause serious damage, such as sulfation, acid corrosion, overheating, lead plate warping, and decreased capacity. These issues can be permanent and shorten the life of your batteries.
