Introduction
So, what is the best RV battery for your needs? Well, the short answer is, “It depends.”
When you’re planning on an RV house battery replacement or upgrade, the first thing you need to do is determine the amount of power that you need the battery bank to supply.
The second consideration when choosing the best battery for RV use is the type most suitable for your situation. Check out our article for more information on the various kinds of batteries used in RVs.
Finally, the budget you dedicate to your battery bank is essential, as the price of an RV battery configuration can range from a single battery in the low $100s to large lithium battery banks that can cost several thousand dollars.
Over the years as an RV parts technical rep, I’ve helped hundreds of RV owners configure their electrical systems from solar & batteries to inverters & converters. I’ve assembled a list of my top best RV battery recommendations for different needs and applications.
Best RV Battery by Class
Best RV Deep Cycle Batteries Under $200
Here are my top-rated RV deep cycle batteries under $200 that you might find suitable for your needs:
Mighty Max ML100-12 12V 100AH SLA Battery
- Price: Under $200
- Features: AGM technology, maintenance-free, spill-proof design, compact size, and resistant to shocks and vibrations.
- Pros: Affordable, durable, and reliable for various RV applications.
- Cons: They have a lower-than-average warranty and do not come with additional hardware.
Renogy 12V 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Price: Under $200
- Features: Maintenance-free, no acid leakage, corrosion-resistant, deep discharge recovery, and works well in extreme temperatures.
- Pros: High discharge capacity, durable, and versatile for various climates.
- Cons: Heavier compared to other options
PowerStar 12V 100AH AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- Price: Around $200
- Features: Maintenance-free, spill and leak-proof design, and lightweight for its capacity.
- Pros: Reliable, durable, and easy to install.
- Cons: Limited two-year warranty
WindyNation 12V 100AH AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- Price: Around $200
- Features: Maintenance-free, non-spillable, made with pure lead for low self-discharge rate, and built for off-grid power.
- Pros: Long battery life, deep discharge reliability, and sturdy build.
- Cons: Only charges to 90% after repeated cycles
Universal UB121000-45978 12V 100AH AGM Battery
- Price: Around $200
- Features: AGM technology, maintenance-free, spill-proof, and versatile mounting options.
- Pros: Reduces vibration and shock, multi-purpose battery, and reliable performance.
- Cons: Slightly short stainless-steel hardware.
These AGM batteries are well-regarded for their performance and reliability, making them excellent choices for powering your RV at a lower cost.
Best AGM Deep Cycle Battery for RVs
The best RV battery list above of batteries under $200 were all AGM-type batteries, so this list may seem redundant. However, here are some premium 12V deep cycle batteries (AGM) to consider if you have the budget:
VMAX 12V 125Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- Features: Long lifespan, maintenance-free, can be mounted in any position, and ideal for boondocking and dry camping.
- Pros: High charge cycle rating and durability.
- Cons: Heavy and might not fit standard RV battery boxes
Weize 12V 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- Features: Maintenance-free, vibration-resistant, and UL & CE certified.
- Pros: Lower self-discharge rate, durable, and reliable in various weather conditions.
- Cons: Requires careful charging to avoid overcharging issues
Renogy AGM 12V 200Ah Deep Cycle Battery
- Features: High capacity, maintenance-free, shock and vibration-resistant.
- Pros: Great for solar setups, flexible installation, and long-lasting.
- Cons: Extremely heavy and may require significant storage space.
These batteries will be reliable and perform well in any application. They are excellent choices for higher-tier AGM batteries.
Best RV 6-Volt Deep Cycle Battery
A common moniker for these batteries is deep cycle 6v golf cart batteries because they are used extensively in those smaller vehicles. By using multiples of the best deep cycle 6v golf cart batteries, you can enjoy more power relative to the battery bank footprint than with 12-volt equivalents. So here are our choices for the best six-volt deep cycle batteries:
Vmaxtanks 6V AGM Battery
- Capacity: 225Ah
- Features: This battery uses AGM technology, is maintenance-free, and is suitable for various applications, including RVs, solar setups, and trolling motors. It offers high capacity and reliability but is quite heavy.
- Pros: High capacity, maintenance-free, versatile.
- Cons: Considerable weight.
Lifeline Marine AGM Battery
- Capacity: 220Ah
- Features: AGM technology, maintenance-free, spill-proof design, suitable for marine and RV use. Offers a 5-year warranty.
- Pros: Durable, no maintenance, versatile for different applications.
- Cons: Relatively expensive.
NPP 6V 225Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Capacity: 225Ah
- Features: AGM technology, maintenance-free, high durability, and a 1200-cycle rating. It is ideal for RVs, boats, and solar applications.
- Pros: Durable, high capacity, can be connected in parallel for 12V output.
- Cons: Heavy.
Mighty Max Battery ML200-6 6-Volt 200AH SLA Battery
- Capacity: 200Ah
- Features: Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) technology, maintenance-free, spill-proof, and excellent shock and vibration resistance. Ideal for four-season camping.
- Pros: Reliable in extreme weather, long service life, good customer service.
- Cons: It does not come with mounting accessories.
Trojan T-105 6-Volt Battery
- Capacity: 225Ah
- Features: Flooded Lead Acid technology, high durability, thicker lead plates, and low self-discharge rate. Ideal for 24-volt systems or as a reliable power source for RVs.
- Pros: Durable, long lifespan, low self-discharge rate.
- Cons: Expensive and requires regular maintenance.
- Personal Note: I’ve had these batteries in multiple coaches and can attest to them being rock solid and very reliable.
These best deep cycle batteries (6V) enjoy high ratings for their performance, reliability, and suitability for various RV applications. The downside is that you will need more available space to enjoy the extra power.
Best Lithium Battery for RVs
Lithium-ion RV batteries (often called LiFePO4) are known for their long lifespan, high efficiency, and light weight. LiFePO4 batteries can be more deeply discharged than lead-acid batteries without damage. Therefore, they provide more usable amp hours (AH) with equivalent ratings to a lead-acid battery. They offer a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) that provides monitoring and protection, making them the best RV battery type for safety and efficiency.
Here are some of the top-rated 12 lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries for RVs not previously mentioned:
WEIZE 12V 100AH LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
- Price: Affordable
- Features: Long lifespan (up to 8000 cycles at 50% depth of discharge), built-in Battery Management System (BMS), lightweight, maintenance-free, and cold weather protection.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, 10-year warranty, versatile applications.
- Cons: High upfront cost, variable build quality
ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
- Price: Mid-range
- Features: Built-in BMS, low-temperature cutoff, lightweight (22.6 lbs), flat discharge curve.
- Pros: Long lifespan (up to 7000 cycles), comprehensive safety features, maintenance-free.
- Cons: Lower continuous discharge rate (70 amps), 1-year warranty
Dakota Lithium 100Ah
- Price: Premium
- Features: High discharge temperature range, 2000 cycles, 11-year warranty, lightweight (31.9 lbs).
- Pros: Durable, quick charging, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Higher cost
Ampere Time 200Ah 12V LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
- Price: Premium
- Features: High cycle life (up to 15,000 cycles at 60% depth of discharge), IP65 water protection, wide temperature range.
- Pros: Long-lasting, versatile, 5-year warranty.
- Cons: Requires specific chargers for optimal performance
Redodo 200Ah 12V LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
- Price: Premium
- Features: High storage capacity (2560Wh), robust BMS, IP65 water protection, up to 15,000 cycles at 60% depth of discharge.
- Pros: High performance, durable, 5-year warranty.
- Cons: Heavy (45.8 lbs)
These lithium-ion RV batteries are highly rated for their reliability, long lifespans, and safety features, making them excellent choices for powering your RV. Their features make this class the best RV battery group overall for those with a higher budget.
Best RV Batteries for Boondocking
Here are some top-rated RV batteries for boondocking highly recommended for their performance and reliability:
ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
- Type: Lithium-ion
- Capacity: 100Ah
- Features: It is lightweight (22.6 lbs), has a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) for protection, operates in extreme temperatures, has a long lifespan (up to 7,000 cycles at 50% DoD), and is maintenance-free.
- Pros: Excellent longevity, efficient charging, and durability in various conditions.
- Cons: Higher initial cost.
- Ideal for: Serious boondockers who need a robust and reliable power source.
- Price: Around $600
Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
- Type: Lithium-ion
- Capacity: 100Ah
- Features: Lightweight (31 lbs), built-in BMS, green energy, long lifespan (3,000-5,000 cycles).
- Pros: Fast recharge, environmentally friendly, can be mounted in any position.
- Cons: No handle, higher price point.
- Ideal for: Eco-conscious RVers looking for a lightweight and durable battery.
- Price: Around $925
Weize 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Type: AGM
- Capacity: 100Ah
- Features: Maintenance-free, valve-regulated design, heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid.
- Pros: Cost-effective, good performance in cyclic and floating applications, lightweight for its capacity.
- Cons: It lacks advanced security features and has a shorter shelf life.
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious RVers who need a reliable battery for off-grid applications.
- Price: Around $200
Renogy Pure Gel 12V 200Ah Battery
- Type: Gel
- Capacity: 200Ah
- Features: Triple-sealed build, heavy-duty lead-calcium grids, long service life, low self-discharge rate.
- Pros: Reliable performance, suitable for harsh environments, long shelf life.
- Cons: Higher weight, larger size.
- Ideal for: RVers needing a high-capacity, durable battery for extended boondocking.
- Price: Around $400
These best RV battery selections for boondocking offer a range of options depending on your specific needs, budget, and the conditions in which you’ll be off the grid.
Best Batteries for RV Solar
Here are some of the top-rated RV batteries for solar systems that we haven’t mentioned yet:
Battle Born LiFePO4 RV Battery
- Price: Around $874
- Features: 100Ah capacity, built-in Battery Management System (BMS), rated at 5,000 cycles, lightweight at 29 lbs, and a 10-year warranty.
- Pros: High durability, long lifespan, and excellent customer support.
- Cons: High initial cost
Weize 100Ah LiFePO4 RV Battery
- Price: Approximately $329
- Features: 100Ah capacity, built-in BMS, rated at 8,000 cycles, and weighs 26 lbs.
- Pros: Affordable lithium option with long life and minimal maintenance.
- Cons: There may be some issues with build quality and customer service
ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
- Price: Around $349.99
- Features: Built-in low-temp cutoff, BMS for protection, lightweight at 22.6 lbs, rated to last up to 7,000 cycles.
- Pros: Great for cold climates with low-temp cutoff and a long lifespan.
- Cons: Lower continuous discharge rate and no series connection capability
Miady 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery
- Price: Around $279.99
- Features: Lightweight at 20 lbs, rated to last up to 2,000 cycles, and maintenance-free.
- Pros: Very lightweight, stable power output, and safe design.
- Cons: It may not charge entirely with some SLA chargers
Relion RB100 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery
- Price: Typically around $900
- Features: Built-in BMS, 5-year warranty, fits in Group 27 battery box, and can be connected in series and parallel.
- Pros: Durable, long-lasting, and suitable for solar setups.
- Cons: No low-temperature cutoff
Lithium-ion is highly regarded the best RV battery choice for performance in solar systems and provide reliable power, long lifespans, and minimal maintenance, making them ideal for RV enthusiasts looking to optimize their solar energy setups.
These batteries offer the best balance of affordability, durability, and performance, making them excellent choices for RV solar systems.
Best RV Deep Cycle Batteries Overall
Here are the top five choices for best RV battery overall that provide the best value based on their features, durability, and cost-effectiveness:
Weize 100Ah LiFePO4 RV Battery
- Price: Approximately $329
- Features: 100Ah capacity, built-in Battery Management System (BMS), rated at 8,000 cycles, weighs 26 lbs, and a 10-year warranty.
- Pros: Affordable, long life, minimal maintenance, and high capacity.
- Cons: Some issues with build quality and customer service.
Renogy 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Price: $185.99
- Features: Maintenance-free, no acid leakage, corrosion-resistant, deep discharge recovery, works well in extreme temperatures, and weighs 66 lbs.
- Pros: High discharge capacity, durable, and versatile for various climates.
- Cons: Heavier compared to other options.
ExpertPower 12V 100Ah
Price: Around $349.99
- Features: Built-in low-temp cutoff, BMS for protection, lightweight at 22.6 lbs, rated to last up to 7,000 cycles.
- Pros: Great for cold climates with low-temp cutoff and a long lifespan.
- Cons: Lower continuous discharge rate and no series connection capability.
Miady 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery
- Price: Around $279.99
- Features: Lightweight at 20 lbs, rated to last up to 2,000 cycles, and maintenance-free.
- Pros: Very lightweight, stable power output, and safe design.
- Cons: It may charge partially with some SLA chargers.
Mighty Max ML100-12 12V 100AH SLA Battery
- Price: Under $200
- Features: AGM technology, maintenance-free, spill-proof design, compact size, and resistant to shocks and vibrations.
- Pros: Affordable, durable, and reliable for various RV applications.
- Cons: It has a lower-than-average warranty and does not come with additional hardware.
FREE Battery Bank Calculator
Use this tool to determine what minimum amp hour capacity each of the batteries in your battery bank should be to provide sufficient power for your coach’s needs.
Best RV Battery Roundup
Selecting the best RV battery hinges on understanding your power needs, the battery type, and your budget. Different scenarios call for specific battery types, whether deep cycle batteries under $200, AGM, 6V, or lithium batteries. I categorized the best choices for each type, listing the top picks for affordability, performance, and reliability. For instance, the Mighty Max ML100-12 stands out as an affordable, durable AGM option under $200, while the WEIZE 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 shines in the lithium category for its long lifespan and eco-friendly features.
Premium AGM and lithium batteries offer enhanced durability and capacity, making them the best RV battery for those with higher budgets or specific requirements, . The VMAX 12V 125Ah AGM battery and the Battle Born LiFePO4 are notable examples, catering to boondocking and solar applications. These batteries offer longevity, maintenance-free operation, and the ability to withstand various environmental conditions. However, they come with higher initial costs and weight considerations.
I hope you used the RV battery size calculator and that it was helpful. I developed this as a reliable tool to help RV owners determine their daily power needs and the required battery capacity to fuel their fun times. This tool is essential for planning and optimizing your RV electrical system, ensuring you have enough power for your adventures.
This guide provides comprehensive insights into selecting the best RV battery from the various battery types available giving you the confidence that you are making an informed decision. Please comment below if you found the calculator helpful or have any other suggestions on improving this guide.