Best RV Batteries: Electrify your Adventure

RV batteries are certainly not all created equally, so the top picks for the best RV batteries were selected by taking an in-depth look at their construction, design, cold-cranking amps, reserve capacity) and price. Overall reliability and performance, as well as manufacturer reputation and trustworthiness, were also big factors in selecting the best RV batteries. Only companies with a solid track record of delivering reliable and durable products were chosen for this list. For more information on selection criteria and methods, check out this link to The Drive’s Gear About page, which explains our methodology further.

If you’re in the market for a battery that delivers all-around great performance no matter where you are or what the weather is like, the Optima Batteries RedTop Starting Battery is a great option. Delivering optimal starting power in even some of the harshest environments, this battery stands out among the competition. It’s a dependable AGM 12-volt car battery that delivers 720 cold-cranking amps and has a reserve capacity of 90 minutes. 

Measuring 9.38 x 7.69 x 6.75 inches, this battery comes in a heavy-duty polypropylene case with SAE terminal posts. The battery’s construction is 15 times more resistant to vibrations, which helps with durability. And the high power delivery of this battery makes it a great choice for your RV but it’s also great in trucks, SUVs, and high-performance cars. Just keep in mind that if you drive your rig infrequently and let the battery sit for most of the year, it may shorten the lifespan of the battery. Having a trickle charger to keep it juiced up is a good idea.

The EverStart Maxx Marine and RV Battery is the ideal solution for those who are looking for an affordable, budget-friendly option that won’t let you down at the worst times. This particular model boasts 30 percent greater cycling capability than many other competitors’ models in the same category, which translates not only into more reliable, powerful starting capability, but also allows you to run your RV’s accessories and electronics longer with the engine turned off. 

This model is not just for use in your RV but is also suitable for use in boats with trolling motors, giving you plenty of versatility. The best part? It’s under $100, so you can enjoy lots of reliable function without breaking the bank. This battery comes backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, which isn’t as good as it used to be, but for this stellar price point, we’ll take what we can get.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in reliability, efficiency, and versatility, don’t look past the Banshee Deep Cycle Lithium-Ion RV Starting Battery. This beast of a battery is suitable for use in 24, 36, and 48-volt applications, making it one of the most versatile RV batteries on the market. Because it’s lithium-ion powered, it’s also super energy efficient and one of the most lightweight batteries on the list. In fact, it weighs up to 60 percent less than typical lead-acid batteries.

With a large 900 amps of cold-cranking power, if you can’t get your rig started with this battery, it’s time to call it for the season. This battery also comes equipped with an emergency start function that will ensure it fires up, even if you’ve accidentally over drained it. It’s designed to get you wherever you want to go. The main drawback to this battery has to be its exorbitant price point. It’s the most expensive option featured on the list. However, given the fact that it boasts a lifespan that is up to three times greater than most of the competition, it’s well worth the added cost.

The Optima Batteries D34M BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery is well-known among RV enthusiasts to be a dependable and versatile starting battery that’s also a good value. This particular model boasts up to three times more recharging capabilities than other pricier RV batteries, and it’s also a great option for marine use. With more than 15 times the vibration resistance of comparable models, this battery will also withstand some rougher roads with ease.

Since it’s an AGM battery, this model is also maintenance-free, giving you added peace of mind when it comes to worry-free function and care. Inside, the battery is comprised of two 99.99 percent pure lead plates that are precision coated with lead oxide to promote optimal performance and reliability. With an impressive 870 CCAs, there’s not much this battery won’t do. One thing to note is that there is some concern regarding long-term reliability when compared with some other models on the market.

For your smaller RVs with less CCA demand, there’s the DieHard Silver Marine RV Battery. This brand has long been known among consumers to be a durable, powerful, and reliable option that’s also super affordable. This RV battery boasts a CCA capacity of 600, which is plenty to meet the starting demands of most small to mid-size RVs. With a reserve capacity of 160 minutes, this is one of the longer-lasting batteries on our list. It will allow you to run lights and radio for a while without needing a recharge.

This battery is easy to install and comes with solid, corrosion-resistant terminals for quick and easy connect and disconnect. This model is also maintenance-free and comes in a rugged and heavy-duty polypropylene case that’s designed to withstand harsh marine environments and tough weather. One drawback: this battery is heavy. At over 50 pounds, it’s one of the heaviest on the list. The one-year warranty is also pretty measly, but it’s better than nothing.

This Odyssey Automotive Battery may be a little on the pricey side compared to some others on the list, but it’s worth the extra investment if you’re looking for a product that uses top-quality materials and design cues. This battery model delivers a very respectable 850 amps of cold-cranking power and offers a decent 130 minutes of reserve capacity. With plates made of virgin lead and more plates overall compared to a lot of its competitors, this battery offers more plate surface area for twice the overall power and three times the lifespan of conventional batteries. 

You will also get up to 400 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge, making this a long-lasting and economical choice. Extra perks such as corrosion-resistant brass terminals, internal cell connections designed to prevent vibration damage, and flame-retardant cell containers make this battery robust. One drawback to this model is its higher price point. It’s also known to be a challenge to get your battery repaired or replaced if there’s a warranty issue.

If you’re looking for an excellent balance between reliability, power, durability, and price, our top pick when it comes to the best RV battery is the Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery. This impressive battery provides a respectable 720 CCAs to give you powerful starts and consistency, even in unpredictable or harsh weather conditions. For a great budget-friendly pick that doesn’t sacrifice power for the price, check out the EverStart Maxx Marine and RV Battery.

Since all RVs aren't created equally, neither are the batteries used to power them. Getting just the right battery for the job is key in having a long-lasting, reliable option to ensure your rig starts right up every time. We’ve put together some of the must-have features and considerations that will help you choose the right RV battery to suit your needs.

This is one of the most common types of RV batteries on the market. It’s also one of the oldest. This affordable and budget-friendly battery type is a wet-cell battery that uses a liquid electrolyte blend that includes water and sulfuric acid. A flooded lead-acid battery is reliable, but it does require maintenance, and you’ll need to resupply its electrolyte solution every so often. A flooded lead-acid battery can only be installed upright. Otherwise, it can spill. 

A gel-cell battery is a step up from the typical lead-acid option as it’s a spill-proof, maintenance-free choice. This type of battery also comes in an improved format that’s also known as a dry-cell battery. Instead of requiring a liquid electrolyte solution, this battery features calcium along with lead plates and silica, which turns the electrolyte solution into a gel. These batteries typically feature an increased lifespan and can handle vibrations better. However, they aren’t very common. 

Absorbed glass mat, or AGM, batteries are quickly becoming the battery of choice among most consumers. They’re more efficient, maintenance-free, and are able to handle higher energy demands, which makes them one of the most popular choices for today’s electronics-heavy vehicles. AGM batteries are similar to flooded lead-acid batteries, but they feature a glass mat (a fiberglass separator) that absorbs the battery’s electrolyte solution to keep it securely inside. With faster charging, a much longer cycle life, and the ability to recover energy better in start-stop applications, it’s a solid performer. The drawback to these batteries is that they can start to get really pricey.

Lithium-ion batteries are the cream of the crop when it comes to being energy-efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly. These batteries are not common for RVs but are usually seen more in hybrid vehicles and EVs, as they can store more energy and recharge faster than conventional car batteries. They’re lightweight and can offer better travel distance on a single charge. Lithium-ion batteries are super expensive, but they can last 3-10 times longer than typical lead-acid batteries and they usually come with longer warranties. 

The power requirement, known as a battery’s cold-cranking amps, is probably the most important key feature when selecting the best RV battery to meet your needs. Cold-cranking amps refer to the amount of energy needed to start your vehicle at a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit, and it helps indicate how powerful a car battery is. Generally, the larger your rig, the more power you will need to start it. Look in the range of 500-1,000 CCAs. 

Reserve capacity lets you know how long a battery can run on its own power when the engine is off. Basically, it tells you how long you can run your lights and radio before you’ve drained your RV battery too low to restart on its own. Maybe not the most critical key feature, but it’s helpful to have a long reserve capacity in the event you leave your lights on or experience issues such as an alternator failure or engine trouble. You’ll find reserve capacity measured in minutes, usually between 120-160.

Getting the proper battery size for your RV is another crucial box to check. Since RV batteries come in various sizes, it’s important to check out your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine which size is the right fit for your needs. You want your battery to fit perfectly under your hood without potentially causing damage to the surrounding components when vibrations happen.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!

A: Most RV batteries range anywhere from $100 to $300, with more premium options costing between $300 and $750. The price variation largely comes down to the performance and construction of the battery, a Lithium-Ion battery is going to cost more than an AGM battery, so take time to consider how much performance you need from a battery.

A: Expect most middle-of-the-road lead-acid RV batteries to last between 5-6 years before needing to be replaced. With good care, some can last upwards of 10 years. Lithium-ion batteries should last you a minimum of 10 years or more.

A: The obvious answer to this is that your RV won’t start if the battery is bad. However, there are also more subtle signs to look for, including broken or corroded terminals, bulges, cracks, or dents in the case, discoloration, and leaking of acid. Always inspect the battery thoroughly before firing your RV up at the start of each season. Replace at the first sign of damage.

A: You should charge your RV’s battery a minimum of every three months. That said, it’s an even better idea to fire up your rig at least once each month to stay on top of things. Alternatively, you can purchase a trickle charger or battery maintainer, which ensures a constant charge on your RV battery when you have to leave it sitting for weeks to months on end.