Last updated on July 27th, 2023 at 10:03 am
All of our reviews are based on exhaustive research, industry experience and whenever possible, hands-on testing. When you make a purchase using one of our chosen links we’ll receive a small percentage of the proceeds. This supports the site and keeps Jeffsetter running. You can read more here.
While RVs have always been designed to go off-grid, boondocking is the latest and greatest RV trend. Whether you want to find remote and private locations, or simply don’t want to pay high RV park rates, boondocking is a versatile way of RVing.
But how can you boondock without a reliable and efficient RV battery?
Having a source of electricity is key to boondocking safely, and you may be searching for the best RV battery for boondocking. We’ll cover everything you need to know about picking out the perfect battery, but if you just want to skip ahead and see what made the list you can see our favorites here:
Let’s get into it!
What Is Boondocking?
It’s worth knowing what boondocking is before hitting the road in your RV. Boondocking, also known as dry camping or dispersed camping, is the concept of camping for free, on public lands. These locations have no amenities or hookups, meaning your RV will have to be fully self-contained and able to operate without access to water, power, and more.
You’ll need to pack enough water, food, and other supplies for the duration of your stay. Many boondocking RVs have all-terrain tires for more remote locations, as well as solar panels or onboard generators for keeping power topped up.
There are many perks to keep an eye out for when shopping for a reliable boondocking rig, including the size of the tanks, tires, and clearance, as well as overall storage setups. Powering your rig should be a huge priority while boondocking. You don’t want to end up stranded somewhere with no electricity inside of your rig! While propane powers many RV accessories, having electricity is also important.
Many RVers turn to batteries to power their rigs, especially if they are only camping for a few days in between charges. Onboard generators require additional fuel to be carried, and solar panels only work with a battery to store their excess electricity.
No matter the form of electricity you plan on using for your rig, you will need a place to store that vital resource. That’s where a trustworthy RV battery comes into play.
What To Consider In An RV Battery For Boondocking?
Before you make your final purchase, there are a few things to consider in an RV battery for dry camping. Let’s take a look at some of the more technical needs and definitions of a proper RV battery.
Capacity
One of the most important considerations worth thinking about before purchasing a brand-new RV battery is the capacity you’ll need from it. This is the amount of amps or energy a battery can provide until the battery is depleted, along with how much a battery can handle per hour.
Batteries are powerful, but they aren’t miracle workers. Choosing to run every high-powered item in your trailer at once on just a single battery can be too much for it to handle. You’ll need to consider capacity first and foremost before you begin shopping, but how can you determine what capacity you need? This isn’t a one size fits all sort of item. You’ll need to do a bit of math.
Think about an average camping day, and how many appliances and electric items you plan on using at one time. I recommend budgeting for more than less, given energy surges and other people staying in the RV from time to time. Once you have an idea of what commonly used appliances you plan on turning on at the same time, find out the starting amps of all of these things.
Add up all of these combined amperages- don’t forget your air conditioner! Once you have your total, you’ll roughly know the capacity you need to be shopping for. So, you know the total amperage of all of your appliances and electronics, including the extra wiggle room? Great! This is just a jumping-off point while you are battery shopping. Let me tell you why.
Required Maintenance
To best maintain the life of your RV battery, you should choose a battery with nearly double the capacity of your total amperage. I know, you need to do some more math. However, the overall lifespan of your battery will increase if you only ever use half of the battery’s capacity.
This can mean a higher budget than you perhaps thought, either in the form of one very large capacity battery, or multiple batteries linked together. It’s never a bad idea to have an extra battery in case of emergencies, and I think it’s worth maintaining RV batteries to help save costs in the future from battery issues.
Voltage
There are two primary types of battery voltages- you will see it while you are shopping and you may wonder what the difference is. There are commonly 6V battery options and 12V battery options, and yes, you will need to choose which works best for you.
12-volt batteries are larger, and many RVers only need one 12V battery rather than many in a sequence. However, you can still hook up more than one 12v to another 12v- if you have the storage space. These batteries are quite large, and usually very heavy.
6V batteries are much smaller and more lightweight. While the average amp hours or capacity are not as high as 12V options, 6V batteries often fit better in your rig. If you have a tricky spot that you need a battery to fit into, a 12V may not be the way to go!
To reach the 12V capacity of all RVs, you will most likely need two 6V batteries, so the storage solutions may be null and void considering the purchase of two batteries. However, many people mention 6V batteries as a more durable option when compared to 12V.
So which one is better for you? Hard to say- it will depend on your storage space, and how much rugged driving you plan on doing. You may find that a higher quality 12V battery is just as durable as two 6V batteries- there’s only one way to find out!
Discharge Rate
Some batteries are more efficient than others. This is why it is important to understand a battery’s discharge rate. This refers to the rate at which your battery expels energy, or power to your RV. All batteries have different discharge rates, and all battery manufacturers have different recommendations for how much a battery should discharge before being recharged.
For example, some batteries should be discharged halfway before recharging; others could be more, and others less. Recharging your RV batteries based on the recommended discharge rates is key to maintaining your batteries.
This is a key factor when you consider boondocking, and don’t necessarily have the ability to recharge your RV batteries. If you equip a solar panel to your rig or have an onboard generator, you will be able to properly maintain your battery for the duration of your trip.
However, if you are relying solely on your RV battery for dry camping, keep its capacity and discharge rate in mind. Depleting your batteries entirely is usually not recommended, especially if you would like your RV battery to work for years to come.
Temperature While Traveling
The temperature while you are traveling and camping can play a big role in what battery you buy, as well as how you best maintain it. Inclement or extreme weather can also deplete your battery life faster than you might expect. Suppose you are a more extreme boondocker looking for camping locations in areas known for extremely hot or cold temperatures.
In that case, you should consider an RV battery capable of tackling these temperatures. No matter what, a battery does not perform at its best in these extremes, but some batteries are built with varying temperatures in mind. You should err on the side of a more rugged battery, especially if you already know you plan on camping in rougher locations.
Just like temperatures, the overall weather conditions should also be considered. Choosing a battery that is capable of handling rain, snow, and winds is also important as an RVer. Your battery should never be fully exposed to the elements, however.
But there are some batteries that are tougher than others, so keep this in mind while shopping. You don’t want your RV battery to keep you from the camping destination of a lifetime!
Off-Roading Or Rough Terrain
As a boondocker, you are always searching for a camping location that is off of the beaten path. Given your adventurous spirit, you no doubt have an RV that can handle being off-grid as well as off of paved roads!
But can your RV battery handle it?
Did you know that some batteries can be dangerous on rough or rugged terrain? Some batteries can spill or shake enough to damage their internal workings, and that is the last thing you need right before a big camping trip.
Shopping for a tough and more rugged battery is a good idea, especially if you know that off-roading is on the menu. Some batteries have shake-proof housing and even vibration resistance.
Just like getting a tough battery for the weather, you should consider a more rugged battery for your adventures. Terrain made of dirt, gravel, or rocks can damage your RV and battery if you aren’t expecting it!
RV Amperage Usage
Separate from your battery’s overall capacity, you should consider your RV’s amperage usage. If you know that you have a large amount of amps needed to power your basic necessities, this will affect what battery (or most likely batteries) you need to purchase.
Since you shouldn’t allow your batteries to deplete more than halfway on a single charge, you should make sure you have plenty of power for your rig. This is easier said than done, especially if you plan on boondocking in a large rig with many power needs.
If you anticipate needing a large amount of power while boondocking, a battery (or even multiple batteries) may not be enough for you. You may need to consider solar or a generator option. But more on that later!
How Often You Plan On Boondocking
The frequency of trips you plan on making may affect your overall RV battery decision. You may be able to save some money on a battery that is built for shorter trips, with less capacity between charges.
However, you may choose to spring for a higher capacity and more reliable RV battery if you plan on boondocking frequently, and especially if you plan on dry camping full time. Full-time RVers, whether boondocking or not, should have a reliable battery.
Your budget limits are important, but purchasing a more expensive battery may treat you better in the long run. However, if you’re just a weekend warrior who boondocks on occasion, you may be able to purchase something a bit more affordable.
Types Of RV Batteries
Before you make your final purchase, it’s worth fully understanding the different types of RV batteries available on the market today. Your needs and wants will vary, and each of these battery types has something different to offer. Let’s take a look!
Lithium
If you are looking for one of the top-of-the-line battery options available to RVers these days, you should be shopping for a lithium battery. These batteries are indeed the most expensive option out there, but the upfront cost may be worth it.
These batteries are designed to be long-lasting, lighter than most, and safe to operate. They are less affected by extreme temperatures and don’t diminish in capacity when the weather is too hot or cold.
While the sticker shock is real with these batteries, they are a fantastic long-term investment. If you plan on boondocking often or are a full-timer, they are the most obvious choice.
Lead Acid
On the opposite end of the budget lies lead acid batteries. These options are generally inexpensive and common, making them a great choice for those of you not planning on boondocking very often or for very long.
These batteries can handle over-charging pretty easily, but they can’t handle extreme temperatures very well. They are also bulky, heavy, and require liquid top-offs from time to time. This top-off process can be dangerous if precautions aren’t taken.
Given lead acid batteries and their overall maintenance level, it may be worth it to spring for a higher-priced option with less maintenance. However, these batteries can handle high amperage rates, and you can store these for a long time out of your RV.
Gel
Similarly to lead acid batteries, gel batteries run on a similar liquid electrolyte product. However, unlike lead-acid batteries, their liquid fuel is completely contained and requires no top-offs or hazardous maintenance.
What else makes gel batteries reliable? Given that their liquid is fully contained, you can bring gel batteries off-roading with you, no problem. They continue to be rugged, as they are very resistant to high and low temperatures.
Gel batteries, therefore, are not cheap, but they aren’t as expensive as lithium options. The other main downside of this type of RV battery is that they take quite a long time to charge, and can be picky about their charging process.
AGM
What does AGM even stand for!? Well, let me tell you: absorbed glass mat. What exactly does that mean? It has to do with the fuel found inside these batteries.
Basically, AGM batteries are fully contained lead acid batteries- similar to gel batteries, their fuel is completely contained, meaning you can hit the road without worrying about the bumps along the way. The fuel has been absorbed by glass mats!
These batteries have a lot to offer: they may have some sensitivity to charging, but they are more affordable than gel batteries and lithium batteries. They also are very efficient, with a low discharge rate, and can handle varying temperatures.
What Affects RV Batteries While Boondocking?
Is there anything else to consider before hitting the road with your brand-new RV battery? Boondocking relies heavily on batteries, and there are many things that can affect them. Keep the following things in mind before you depart on your next camping trip:
- Battery voltage (6V or 12V options, and how you hook them up)
- Temperature
- Charging options
- Rugged terrain
- Amperage usage
- Electrolyte usage (meaning you need to pack distilled water)
Before choosing your final RV battery, you should also consider some accessories that may maximize your boondocking experience. Let’s go over those now.
Additional Accessories For RV Batteries
While some RV accessories are more important than others, these in particular are perfect for maximizing your battery life and overall boondocking experience. Consider purchasing some of these things for your RV, should your budget allow.
Battery Charger And Maintainer
If you are purchasing an RV battery, you should absolutely purchase a way to charge and maintain it! There are many different types of battery chargers, depending on the type of battery that you have. However, there are some more portable options that are perfect for RV life.
You should always opt for a battery charger that operates at a trickle- something that slowly maintains your battery’s charge rather than overloading it all at once. This type of charging works best for all battery types.
I recommend a battery charger like this one, from Noco, available on Amazon. It is easy to use, extremely temperature resistant, and can even tell you when your battery is beginning to decay. These are a must for boondockers and RVers alike!
Generator
If you are boondocking or dry camping in a remote or highly off-grid area, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. This is especially true if you are camping somewhere very hot or very cold- you don’t want to risk losing climate control in the middle of nowhere!
If your battery goes out for whatever reason, you may consider purchasing a generator for your RV. Most RVers choose a generator that matches their rig or tow vehicle fuel type, but you can choose any style of generator that meets your needs.
If you’re looking for a starter generator, I recommend this lightweight Champion generator on Amazon. It’s a great backup option for many RVers, just in case of an emergency. You don’t want to be without power out there in the middle of nowhere!
However, a generator like that can’t possibly power a large fifth wheel or Class A, especially if you are hoping to run your AC unit (god forbid run two air conditioners!). You should definitely read up on some of the best generators for RV ACs here.
Solar Panels
Getting an RV that is built for boondocking will most likely involve some solar panels in this day and age. If you are buying a brand new rig, you should definitely opt for a solar package should they offer one.
Most RVs these days have non-standard solar panels as an option- some more luxurious rigs come with solar hookups and panels standard! However, if you have an older rig that you are transforming for boondocking, you may be hoping to install solar panels yourself.
Check out this kit from Renology on Amazon– while the cost may seem high, going solar can be a life-changing purchase for most RVers. This kit has simple instructions and can get your RV dry camping ready!
How To Maintain RV Battery For Boondocking?
Maintaining an RV battery is a key part of purchasing a brand-new battery. You should know how to take care of it, whether it’s learning how to store one properly or simply trying to extend the battery’s charge and overall lifespan.
For tips on that you can check this video:
Here are some of the main issues facing your battery, and how to best maintain it so that you can be ready to boondock at any time.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
While many RV batteries are built to withstand varying temperatures, you should still take care to avoid camping in very hot or very cold weather.
Almost all of your RV isn’t particularly designed to withstand impossible temperatures, even though you can purchase AC units and tank heaters. Your battery will perish much faster if it is constantly put through high or low temps.
You should also avoid setting your battery in direct sunlight. Your battery should always be covered while hooked up to your RV, and always store your batteries in a garage or other enclosed area.
Watch Out For Sulfation
The primary maintenance you will need to perform on your RV battery? The cleaning and removal of sulfation. This blue-green stuff forms on your battery as part of the natural discharging process, and is nothing to panic over.
However, letting sulfation go without proper maintenance isn’t good for your battery as well as the connections to the battery. This is the primary cause of damage and decay in lead acid batteries, despite this being a normal part of the charging and discharge cycle.
Charge Batteries Correctly
Each type of battery is different in terms of how they like to be charged. For example, some battery types are more sensitive to over or under-charging, leading to a shorter lifespan overall.
Your RV’s converter is capable of producing a charge to your RV battery, but this charge can often be a single, low-volt charge that doesn’t start or stop when the battery is low or full. This can lead to overcharging very quickly.
A battery maintainer with trickling properties as well as the ability to stop charging your battery when it is full is key to properly maintaining your batteries in the long run. You should also take care to not deplete your battery by more than half during a single trip.
Store Batteries Properly
Just like charging your batteries properly is key, you should also take the time to store them properly too. Many RVers opt for storing their batteries in their garages when not in use, hooked up to an efficient battery charger.
However, every battery is different, and you should check in with the manufacturer to determine how best to store your battery. You should always take care to store your batteries under cover to avoid moisture, preferably in an area that doesn’t get too hot or cold.
Top Off Batteries
If you are planning on purchasing a lead acid battery, you should know that it needs to be regularly topped off and maintained with distilled water. This is one of the easiest ways to prevent sulfide buildup as well.
Check your battery’s instructions or contact the manufacturer to best determine when to top off your battery. Remember, this isn’t a concern for every single type of battery, but it is very important for lead acid types.
Clean The Batteries When Needed
Removing sulfation is one part of cleaning your batteries. The other is simply making sure there isn’t much dust or debris building up, especially while your battery is in storage.
RVing can get dirty, very quickly. Your batteries, while usually covered or sealed in some way, will get dusty, and dirty, and spiders often make their homes in battery compartments. Take the time to clean them off every so often, to best maintain them.
Maintain RV’s Converter And Inverter
Many RVers blame their batteries for any power problems they may encounter. But it isn’t always the battery’s fault! Don’t forget about your RV inverter and converter, two key pieces of your electrical system.
Your RV’s converter and inverter have a lot to do with any and all possible malfunctions in your RV’s electrical system. You should maintain and check on these systems often, but make sure you purchase a multimeter before you get to troubleshooting.
The Best RV Battery For Boondocking
Ready to take a look at some of my top RV batteries for boondocking recommendations? Let’s get started, so that you can get ready to hit the road!
Best Overall: Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
- Light weight, quick charging and easy to install
- Backed by a 10-year warranty
I find it wise to invest in high-quality items for my rig, as it tends to avoid future expenses from products going wrong. That’s why this deep-cycle lithium battery from Battle Born takes our best overall spot for a boondocking battery! Battle Born is a big name in the RV battery game, and I trust their products to be long-lasting and efficient.
I’m not going to ignore the high price of this battery, and I recognize it’s a bit of an investment. However, it boasts impressive features such as the customer Battle Born ‘Battery Management System’ which products the battery from common causes of battery failure. This includes temperature changes, ground vaults, and more, making it a great option for heading off the grid or boondocking.
The BMS regulates the amount of power taken out of the battery and acts as a shut-off system to protect the li-ion cells (and you) from unsafe operating conditions. This is a very important safety feature not found in many RV batteries, and stands out to me as safety is a non-negotiable in my eyes as I live full-time on the road!
Unlike lead acid batteries, Battle Born’s deep cycle lithium-ion batteries have unlimited mounting capability, impressive longevity, and are more cost-effective in the long run. Plus, Li-Ion batteries are an ultra-safe option, arguably safer than lead acid batteries that don’t tend to have protection against ground faults.
I love that Battle Born batteries are made from 100% safe, non-toxic, renewable energy, as I like to play my part in being kinder to the planet. These batteries last for more cycles, can be charged and discharged repeatedly, and also charge faster than pretty much any other battery! I would just recommend hooking it up to a battery maintainer when the battery isn’t being used to keep it in optional condition.
At just 31 lbs, this 100Ah 12V battery weighs in at only 1/3 the weight of lead-acid batteries! And with no acid in the battery, I can safely mount this beasty battery in almost any position. It’s this flexibility that makes li-ion batteries ideal for marine, RV, campers, golf carts, off-road and off-grid situations!
As these batteries are designed and assembled in Reno, Nevada, I feel good supporting a US company, and since Battle Born tests every battery they ship, I trust their products are reliable. This is a significant battery to fork out for, but with an industry-leading 10-year warranty, it sure seems like a great option for boondocking to me!
You can learn more and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
Best For Full Timers: Redodo 12V 200Ah LiFePO4 Battery
- Long lasting and reliable
- Excellent customer service
The last few years have seen me go on plenty of adventures in my rig, and I’m not sure I would’ve been able to venture far and wide without the support of my solar system. That’s why this Redodo12V 200Ah LiFePPO4 is a fantastic option for full-timers as it can be used in conjunction with a solar RV system. It’s also a bit more budget-friendly than its Battle Born counterpart but still packs a punch.
Redodo’s lithium iron phosphate battery can be recycled up to 4000-8000 times, and provide upwards of 10 years of life in an RV. This is the type of longevity I need from camper products as RVing costs enough already!
Because of its safety and stability, this Redodo battery can perfectly replace a traditional lead acid battery, upgrading the overall electrical system of any rig, making off-grid excursions possible, and extra comfort guaranteed.
This model uses prismatic lithium cells with better stability, higher energy density, and lighter weight, making the batteries good enough at high-temperature performance, high power output, and low self-discharge rate.
These capabilities all make this battery an awesome match for boondockers like me. This Redodo battery possesses industry-leading technology with this model having trusted reliability and performance with sufficient battery capacity.
I love that this battery can be repeatedly charged and discharged without any memory effect as this is typically what happens with RV batteries. As the battery can be charged and remain in use even if it’s in a low-power state, it means I don’t have to stop using appliances and wait around for the battery to be full again.
Redodo’s lithium battery is a green option, with no heavy or rare metals, making it more environmentally friendly. This is a safe and dependable battery, capable of powering an off-grid rig for years to come.
You can check out more reviews along with the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
Best For Extreme Temperatures: ExpertPower Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
- Lightweight and reliable across a wide range of temperatures
- Lithium-style battery usually has a long life
We all like to picture RVing in the bright sunshine and blue sky, but often this isn’t the case! I’ve been caught out in rain and thunderstorms on many occasions, so I find it wise to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw my way! This lithium battery from ExpertPower is safe, trustworthy, and a solid option for boondocking through all four seasons.
I love the convenience this battery brings, as the proprietary lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry lends itself to easy maintenance and power utilization.
RV batteries get put through their paces as they need to be capable of being used at various random times and still perform optimally. The lithium chemistry of this ExpertPower battery cuts the weight of typical lead-acid batteries to under half. It cleverly does this whilst providing a huge boost in performance and capacity so no run-time is missed.
Weighing just over 20 lbs, I’m confident I can lift this battery to where I want it and be able to remove it if I ever need to. This battery was designed as more than just a power store. ExpertPower has created a battery that’s able to provide peace of mind thanks to its durability. Since it’s an LA-based company, I’m proud to support a US business, that dates back to 1987!
This battery provides 2500- 7000 cycles and a 10-year lifetime compared to 200- 500 cycles and a 3-year lifetime present with lead acid battery chemistry. The weather, temperature, and maintenance of this battery also won’t affect its lifespan, though I do recommend storing the battery in appropriate conditions when not using it in the RV.
One of the most impressive features of this battery for me is the built-in low-temp cut-off that prevents charging less than 23 °F. Safety features are a must with all equipment, but especially batteries in a rig for the whole family to enjoy.
However, this feature may be a bit of a pain for RVers living in particularly cold areas. But to overcome this, I’d recommend charging the batteries up in a relatively warm place.
You can learn more and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.
Most Compact: ECO-WORTHY 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery
- Super simple installation
- Reliable long lifespan
Knowing how much weight your RV can handle is critical in ensuring you don’t overload your rig. That’s why I always lean towards lightweight, and small products wherever possible. This compact ECO-WORTHY 12V 100Ah lithium battery is a perfect fit for small rigs or those requiring space-saving purchases.
Lead-acid batteries usually only last 300-400 cycles, while this lithium-iron battery can continue for more than 3000 cycles and maintain 80% capacity after 3000 deep cycles. This results in a service life of over 8 x that of lead-acid batteries, so although it may seem a big upfront cost, this battery will save money across its life in an RV.
Like others on this list, this ECO-WORTHY lithium battery has a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) able to protect from overcharging, deep discharge, overload, overheating and short circuits, whilst also maintaining a low self-discharge rate.
I love that it only weighs 23 lbs as it means I don’t have to call friends for help during the installation, and instead, I can lift the battery around and install it easily, as talked about in the video below:
The battery can be connected in series or in parallel, making it valuable for larger off-grid rigs and futureproofing for potential upgrades over time. When connected in a series, up to four identical batteries can be connected to create an ultra-powerful and efficient system.
Parallel connection is unlimited, and this ECO-WORTHY beast can also support fast charging or solar panel charging, making it perfect for boondocking!
Check out more reviews and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
Most Rugged Option: Ampere Time Deep Cycle Battery
- Rugged, waterproof and able to function in a wide range of temperatures
- Lightweight
This was a difficult one to not choose for our best overall spot, given this battery’s capabilities and price point. This Ampere Time lithium battery is a great choice for more rugged campers, at a great price- for a lithium battery, that is!
These lithium-ion batteries have exceptional quality thanks to the automotive-grade lithium cells used in manufacturing. These cells have increased energy density, offering subsequent optimal performance, stability, and heightened power. Based on a UL Testing Certificate, this battery has achieved the highest level of safety, something that’s a massive draw for me as RV electrics need to work well and safely.
Ampere Time batteries provide 4000+ cycles depending on battery maintenance, along with a 10-year lifetime compared to 200-500 cycles and a 3-year lifetime in the average lead acid battery. These warranties are all super reassuring in my eyes, as it proves Ampere are confident with their products and aim to create batteries to last years of RVing fun with the whole family!
This is another lightweight battery, weighing 25.35 lbs which although is a humble weight, it’s still more than other batteries I previously talked about on this list such as the ExpertPower or ECO-WORTHY boondocking batteries. This battery’s flat discharge curve holds above 12.8V for up to 95% of its capacity usage, this means longer running time and more stable power production.
Without any memory effect, this battery can be used as soon as it’s charged, and much like our best overall pick, this battery has built-in BMS to protect it from overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short circuit with an excellent self-discharge rate too.
I’m also really grateful that this battery is waterproof and has a fantastic operating temperature range, with the ability to be charged anywhere from 0°C-50°C, and discharges between -20°C-60°C.
See more reviews and today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.
Best Set Of Two: WindyNation Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Acid Battery
- 200 amp hour kit
- Comes with a battery strap and high amp cables
As I’ve said a few times already, lithium batteries are a substantial investment and are not always an option for all RVers, especially those sticking to a budget. Therefore, this lead acid battery kit from WinyNation is a fantastic offering for getting hooked up and parked up off the grid. BattaMax Series Batteries by WindyNation are true deep-cycle AGM batteries, designed with off-grid power in mind, with a sealed and maintenance-free design for RVs.
I was immediately drawn to the sealed, non-spillable design as it allowed me to easily store it, and it also means that maintenance is solely down to a battery maintainer, but only when needed!
BattaMax batteries are designed specifically for deep-cycle performance for applications where the battery will be discharged and recharged hundreds or thousands of times. This is exactly the kind of battery I want for RVing, as it’s one that understands the irregular and often spontaneous need for power in RVs.
This particular kit includes two 100 amp-hour, 12V batteries, as well as one pair of 2/0 gauge, 9-inch battery interconnect cables rated at 320 amps. I like that everything needed comes with this kit, and I don’t have to worry about getting extra bits and pieces from the hardware store.
The 99.995% pure virgin lead used with these batteries allows for an extremely low discharge rate and maximum power storage with a float life of around 10-12 years at 25 degrees Celsius, making it very efficient.
Unlike the past few batteries I’ve mentioned that have long warranties and guarantees, these batteries only have a 1-year warranty which I found a bit disappointing. However, if they are used and maintained correctly, they should last a substantial length of time.
You can see more reviews and the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
Highest Capacity: Renogy 12V 200Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Hybrid Gel Battery
- Efficient gel system provides large capacity
- Durable and leak-free
Each RV needs a different electric setup, as every RVer has varying power needs! So, this Renogy 12V 200Ah battery is a great option for those not looking to hook up multiple batteries in a series. Shockingly, though, this is a mighty beast of a battery as it weighs over 200 lbs! I wouldn’t be able to set this up alone due to the heavyweight, but pushing that aside, there are plenty of bonuses with this Renogy power box.
I like that this battery is protected from acid leakage and regular maintenance as it’s made with gel-suspended electrolyte and vale-regulated technology.
Convenience is something I need from new additions to be rig, and this Renogy deep cycle hybrid gel battery definitely ticks that box. It even has resistance to sulfates, and corrosion-resistant grids that result in a design life of nearly 12 years, with over 750 charge and discharge cycles in cyclic applications- all this to say, it’s going to last!
Made of high-purity materials, this Renogy deep-cycle hybrid gel battery reduces the monthly self-discharge rate in various temperatures, making it efficient while on the road, no matter the season.
This is a battery that maintains its charge and therefore requires less maintenance and attention. The proprietary plate composition and patented gel electrolyte, ensure optimal recovery after a big deep discharge, meaning if I drain the battery of power completely, its memory won’t be affected.
This is a battery able to be fitted onto a wide range of RVs and can even be hooked up to form a series of batteries, ideal for a solar system and large-scale rigs. However, weighing 127 pounds, this battery may be too much for some trailer tongues to handle, especially when purchasing more than one!
Learn more about this battery and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.
Best On A Budget: Weize 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Safer AGM design with anti-overheat cover
- Easy on the budget
Driving across the country sets me back quite a few pennies, so I don’t have an endless budget for RV batteries! Therefore, this Weize 12V 100Ah AGM battery is a welcomed addition to this list! It’s a budget-friendly boondocking battery that has a lot to offer.
Along with a heat-protective cover, this 12V 100Ah deep cycle battery uses a state-of-the-art, heavy-duty, calcium-alloy grid able to provide the best performance possible with both float and cyclic applications.
With the addition of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology, I can use this battery in both internal and external environments. The best thing is that I don’t have to worry about leakage or maintenance, meaning more of my time can be spent making memories with my partner and dog. The safety of the AGM battery is appealing to me, and given the more cost-effective price point, it’s a tempting buy!
I like the addition of the lead-plated terminals, as it results in an efficient, stable connection, and regular power supply. This kit only includes the battery, but RVs should have a way to attach to these terminals without too much of a problem.
The anti-overheat battery cover makes this little guy ideal for traveling and should do its part to keep you safe while installing and handling it. The only drawback is the pretty hefty weight of around 60 lbs, so I’d advise tackling the installation with an extra pair of hands!
You can see more reviews and today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.
Most Convenient: Xantrex 12V 125Ah Lithium Ion Battery
- Lightweight at just over 30 lbs
- Easy LED monitoring
- Bluetooth and app monitoring
- Lasts up to 6,000 cycles
There’s a lot of thinking needed as an RV owner to help prevent issues in the future, as well as RVing regrets! Purchasing reliable equipment is important for making life in the future a little easier, and this Xantrex 12V 125Ah battery is no exception. It’s ultra-convenient, with a remote panel, LED monitoring, and a Bluetooth feature so I can check how the battery is doing by simply taking a look at the app.
The battery options from Xantrex use UL2580/UL1642, and UL1973 certified cells, making them safe for RV installation and operation. I like that these batteries are designed to withstand the often gnarly environments of RVing and marine situations such as bumpy tracks and uneven ground. They even have the capability of stacking four batteries in parallel which is awesome for those requiring a super powerful RV setup.
I love that I have the ability to check in on the battery whenever I want to with the Bluetooth connection, as this means I can learn more about my RV electrical system and understand the needs of my battery. It weighs just over 30 lbs which isn’t the lightest option on this list but is still light enough that I can maneuver it around easily enough.
The only drawbacks with this battery are the price and the fact that I found the installation slightly tricky as the remote outlet sticks out a little. But it’s still absolutely possible to fit this battery in most places, a small cut-out just might be needed!
As for the price, this battery from Xantrex is a hefty investment and one of the most expensive options on our list of great boondocking batteries for RVing. If you have the budget for this beauty, this is a battery able to support many years of RVing adventures, whilst operating safely too!
You can check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
Best Boondocking Solar Set-Up: Jackery Solar Generator 1002Wh Capacity With 2 x SolarSaga 100W Panels And 3x1000W AC Outlets
- Clean, renewable energy
- Quiet and unintrusive
- Full kit with panels and outlets
I would be lost without the solar setup in my rig! I use it for practically everything; from making smoothies to charging gadgets like my camera, phone, and laptop. This Jackery Solar Generator with 1002Wh capacity isn’t quite a boondocking battery, but it’s an option well worth considering for boondockers wanting to opt for a solar setup.
Renewable energy sources are key to a green future for our planet, and investing in solar for RVs is a great place to start. The smart MPPT controller and two SolarSaga solar panels are a big part of the success of this solar kit. I love that even though there’s an initial brief setup of the solar panels when the power station needs to be charged, it only takes 6 hrs to achieve full charge status!
Jackery is a brand that has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and they are now making waves with RVers looking to support their rigs for off-grid exploration. Meeting UL safety standards, I trust the cylindrical batteries to power me through plenty of ogg-grid situations. Weighing a little over 40 lbs, the portable power station requires a bit of bicep power, but it isn’t enough for me to need an extra hand!
Along with the ability to charge various appliances with 1000W AC output power, the station has 8 outlets, ranging from USBs to a car port outlet. This means that I can charge various devices at one time without interfering with one another, which I think makes this a great option for families.
Even though this Jackery station offers plenty of power, it’s quiet and not disruptive so I can still enjoy the gentle sounds of nature, even when it’s in use.
As I said earlier, this isn’t a battery to be installed in your rig, but instead is a system great for taking along on adventures and supporting power usage remotely from harnessing the sun’s energy.
This is by no means a cheap option and is in fact higher priced than many of the batteries on this list, however, once the initial purchase has been made, the electrical capabilities are pretty much endless, as long as the sun is shining!
For reviews and the latest price on Amazon, click here.
Conclusion
Choosing an RV battery able to handle boondocking, dry camping, and heading off-grid in the wilderness can be a bit of a task! Hopefully, our comprehensive boondocking battery guide will help you decide on the best option for you and your RVing needs.
There are many different options available, all varying in capability and price, so rest assured there’s a battery out there for you and your rig! It’s just a matter of working out exactly what you need from a new RV battery, calculating your budget, and shopping around!