Going to public campgrounds can be stuffy, especially during peak season. Whenever I want a more serene atmosphere close to nature, I prefer boondocks. All I need is the best RV battery for boondocking so that I can keep all my lights, fridge, and other devices running for days.
An RV battery stores electricity to supply power for all devices conveniently. It’s not for one-time use only because you can charge it with solar power or a generator to bring back its full power. To ensure that you pick the right power bank, here are a few things to consider.
- Type: RV batteries come in different types, including flooded lead acid, AGM, and gel cells. Most of our choices are lithium-ion because they’re lighter, more efficient, and long-lasting. If you want the second best thing, AGM or gel cell are top alternatives.
- Amp Hours: To get an idea of the battery’s capacity, determine the amp hour rating. A higher value means more capacity to supply power on a single charge. In this review, all the batteries provide 100 amp hours.
- Size: You have two options here – 12 volts and 6 volts. Most RVs can run with a single 12-volt setup, although a six-volt model has more capacity. You can make a series of 12-volt batteries to increase power, since they’re more cost-effective.
Discover more about RV batteries in our buying guide below. We’ll also pick six products that we think are the best in the market right now. Without any further ado, let’s begin.
| Product name | Outstanding Features | ||
Top 1 |
Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 |
|
Details |
Top 2 |
SCREMOWER LiFePO4 RV Battery |
|
Details |
Top 3 |
WEIZE Deep Cycle GEL Battery |
|
Details |
Table of Contents
Top 6 RV Battery for Boondocking Reviews
1. Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
This Battle Born is a terrific deep cycle battery for camping because it’s stable and efficient. This 12V RV battery uses lithium-ion technology to deliver a maximum continuous current of 100 amps and 200 amps of surge current.
What I like most is its battery management system (BMS) because it protects against any irregularities like ground faults and over-discharging. It disconnects the battery from the circuit when it senses a low or high voltage situation. This aspect gives me peace of mind that the battery won’t get damaged even when I leave it charging overnight.
I love the unlimited mounting capability of these Battle Born batteries. I can install the unit upside down and not worry about any toxic chemical leaks. It uses lithium iron phosphate, which is solid and extremely safe.
Surprisingly, it’s lightweight as it doesn’t make towing my RV any different. More specifically, the battery only weighs about 29 lbs, which is lighter than my old lead acid battery bank. I can recharge the device many times, so it has a long lifespan for RV use.
- Offers a high 100 amps power capacity and 200 amps of surge current
- Built with a BMS system to protect against battery failure
- Can be mounted in any direction because of its safe components
- Lightweight to install in the van
- Has a significantly long lifespan
- A bit expensive
2. SCREMOWER LiFePO4 RV Battery
SCREMOWER is another deep cycle RV battery that I love to use with my solar panels off the grid. I operate plenty of LED lights nonstop, and this lithium battery works smoothly delivering 100 amps of maximum power.
Because this device has a built-in BMS system, I don’t have to worry about overcharging. The system disconnects the battery when it gets too hot or the current gets too high in the campground. This type of protection helps increase the longevity of this unit.
The best part is that this battery can hold a charge. I was running it to power my computers for five hours and was surprised that only a few percent were consumed. Also, it’s a bonus to have a free charger coming with the battery.
I’m most pleased to find two USB ports built into the product. They come in handy when I’m charging my gadgets when boondocking. As expected of a LiFEPO4 unit, this battery is lightweight to fit small caravans and any outdoor camping adventure.
- Works great with solar panels, offering 100 amps of capacity
- Integrated with a BMS system for damage protection
- Comes with a free charger to offer more value
- Built with two USB ports to charge other devices
- Can hold a charge for long hours of use
- Lightweight to use for any application
- Has no instruction manual
3. WEIZE Deep Cycle GEL Battery
WEIZE is a valve-regulated lead acid AGM battery that offers a 100Ah capacity and 1,200 watts in an hour. This rechargeable battery is sealed, meaning it’s spill-proof and can be installed in any position in the RV.
I like the solid construction of this sealed lead-acid battery. The lead plates support the glass fiber mats well, while the marine terminals are sturdy. Thankfully, the container is made of tough ABS material, so I’m not worried that the battery is going to break while on the road and away from shore power.
The package includes two zinc-plated bolts to help tighten the cable terminals during the wiring process. It’s also helpful to have the polarity marked on the ABS container because it makes setup much easier for a DIYer like me.
What I like most is the product’s versatility, as I can use it for my home electronics when I’m not boondocking. AGM devices like this make excellent RV batteries for solar power storage because it has a stable discharge to run my box fan and lights overnight. With a maximum of 1100A, it can endure the high startup current of my heater.
- Can be installed in any direction, thanks to its spill-proof construction
- Has a solid construction of plates and terminals
- Made with an ABS material to prevent breakage
- Includes two bolts and polarity markings for easy installation
- Versatile to use for home and RV applications with 100Ah and 1100A
- Has a stable discharge and can work with solar systems
- Heavy to move
4. ExpertPower Lithium LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
ExpertPower is another reliable battery setup for travel trailer purposes, providing 100 amps of maximum continuous discharge current. This lithium battery promises to offer a long life, which can turn into great savings in the long run.
Like many LiFePO4 models, this one’s easy to handle with its lightweight construction. Also, it has a BMS to protect the battery from any damaging irregularities related to charging and loading. I like the fact that the system disconnects the battery when the temperature gets too hot or cold to conserve its power.
What I like most is its low self-discharge rate. I can store this option in my garage during the off-RV season for many months without affecting the capacity too much. It saves me the hassle of charging the battery too often.
Surprisingly, this unit is more budget-friendly than most LiFeP04 models. It’s a relief to know that I can put two of these batteries in a series to generate more power in my travel trailer off-grid.
- Offers a long life for cost savings
- Easy to handle with its lightweight construction
- Built with BMS for current and temperature protection
- Has a low self-discharge rate to maintain capacity
- Available at a low price
- Can be installed in a series to supply more power
- May not work with a standard charger
5. Optima D34M BlueTop Batteries
The BlueTop AGM battery isn’t only perfect as RV house batteries but will also work for boats. I prefer the one with the light gray case because it serves two purposes – starting and deep cycle batteries.
This deep-cycle marine battery is sealed, allowing me to set up the battery in any position. There’s no way that the lead acid can escape, adding safety to the setup. I think it can hold a charge because it was able to run all my lights for two whole nights without any problem.
I like its dry camping battery power because it remains consistent even when the charge has nearly depleted. I can run this battery down to 10% and would never notice a drop in power. Because the plates are well-packed next to the glass mat, the battery remains steadfast to vibration and shock.
With a cold cranking power of 750 amps, it can instantly start my boat even under terrible weather. The product’s definitely a great improvement from my previous starting battery, which takes about six turns to run the engine.
- Has a strong engine starting power
- Can be used as both a starting and deep-cycle battery
- Securely sealed to prevent the acid from leaking
- Holds a charge and delivers consistent power
- Vibration and shock-resistant
- Needs a designated AGM charger
6. HWE 12V Lithium Battery
HWE is another of my favorite RV batteries for boondocking. This is a pack of two 100Ah lithium RV batteries, so I like to connect them in a series to increase power capacity.
Thanks to its BMS, the battery is resistant to low-temperature discharge, overcurrent, and overloading. I don’t have to worry about overcharging because the management system will protect the cells from damage. As for its performance, it’s powerful enough to run my small fridge nonstop for a few days.
What I like most is that this battery is fully sealed. That means it’s technically waterproof and safe to set up outside the RV for a night barbecue with family. Lifting it outside is easy because the battery is lightweight and comes with a strap handle.
I’m pleased that I can use any normal SLA charger to restore the battery capacity to full. I don’t need to spend more money and time looking for a special charger. For its price, this open offers great value as it includes two batteries already.
- Includes two batteries in a package to provide great value for money
- Easy to carry with its built-in straps and lightweight size
- Built with BMS for battery protection against irregularities
- Offers reliable 100 Ah to run RV appliances, supports serial connections
- Waterproof battery housing, perfect for an outdoor setting
- Compatible with any normal SLA charger
- Has short terminal bolts
What to Know Before Buying RV Battery for Boondocking
Choosing the right RV battery is crucial for boondocking because it’s what keeps your appliances running in an uninhabited area. Here’s what you should learn before you go shopping for an RV battery.
The Different Types Of RV Batteries
The first thing that you need to know is the different battery types to help you choose the right one. Each has its components, usage, and life cycle.
- Starting Batteries
This type is your typical car battery that cranks power for starting engines. It tries to produce a large power burst in an instant, so you can get the vehicle running with just a single turn of a key. Compared to deep-cycle RV batteries, they have thinner and softer plates to generate more power.
- Deep Cycle Batteries
These batteries are what supply power to your RV appliances like lights and TV. Instead of short bursts of power, they provide steady current over long durations. They also tend to be more robust than their starting counterparts.
Deep-cycle batteries have undergone many developments over the years. Here are the subclassifications of deep-cycle models.
- Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
A flooded lead acid battery is the most budget-friendly option. However, it needs to be mounted upright to prevent the free-moving electrolytes from leaking out of the caps. Electrolytes can go low over time, so ensure to add distilled water every two weeks or so.
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries
Also known as a type of sealed lead acid battery, an AGM battery is an improvement from the flooded versions. These sealed lead acid batteries are leak-proof, so they can be mounted in any position. They also have a low self-discharge rate with a shock-resistant construction, but a more expensive price tag.
- Gel Batteries
These gel batteries use a gel paste to replace the electrolyte inside the case. Just like AGM, these batteries are sealed and leak-free. They also have stronger battery terminals with a slower discharge rate, but they can be overcharged.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries or LiFePO4
Lithium RV batteries are a great upgrade to lead acid batteries. They use lithium-iron phosphate, so they don’t leak out like a lead acid battery does with sulfuric acid. Thanks to lithium-ion technology, these batteries offer more efficiency and power capacity at a more lightweight construction.
The only downside is the high price upfront, but it can be evened out with its long lifespan.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of RV Batteries For Boondocking
Many camper owners cannot stay in an RV park all the time. If you’re one of them, you’ll need a battery for boondocking because it helps power your camper appliances and devices in the most remote areas.
Without it, you can’t use your lights or fridge when going off-grid for days. These batteries can store plenty of electricity, so you won’t have to rely on an electric outlet.
The only drawback is proper maintenance and care. You need to use the correct charger and keep the connections tight and corrosion-free. If you’re using a flooded or wet cell battery, it requires a lot of work as you need to keep the cap secure to prevent leaks.
What To Look For In A Good RV Battery For Boondocking
The best batteries for RV boondocking should be reliable and long-lasting. Here’s a guide to features to consider when buying an RV battery.
- Amp Hours Rating: This feature can tell the battery’s capacity. The best RV batteries have 100 amp hours rating at least to power most essential appliances like a small fridge, lights, and TV.
Keep in mind that the size is directly proportional to the Ah rating, so choose one that’s big enough to run all your devices.
- 6-volt vs 12-volt: Many RV owners prefer a 6V RV battery for boondocking because it’s lighter and has higher amp hours. However, they’re expensive. The 12-volt models are more cost-effective, but you need to use multiple batteries if you want to increase the capacity, which can create a bulky setup.
- Lifespan: You constantly charge RV batteries, so you want your battery for dry camping to last for many cycles. The best models, especially the lithium ones, can work for up to 10 years with proper maintenance.
To protect the battery from damage, look for a BMS feature that disconnects power each time it senses any irregularity.
What Size Battery Do I Need for Boondocking?
Your choice of battery size depends on your needs. If you own a small RV, a group 24 battery is the ideal choice for boondocking. To power more devices, choose a group 29 or 31 or 6-volt battery.
How Much Battery Power for Boondocking Will I Need?
A capacity of 100 amp hours is enough to power the basic electrical devices in your RV for a day. If you want to be certain, you can make a simple calculation using the formula watts=volts x amps.
To get the total Ah, divide the watt rating of each device by 120 volts AC and multiply the quotient by 10 and the number of hours used. Let’s say you’re computing the total amps for a water heater and a microwave that uses 1500 and 500 watts, respectively.
Water heater= 1500/120= 12.5; 12.5 x 10 x 0.5 hour usage= 62.5 amp hours
Microwave= 500/120=4.16; 4.16 x 10 x 0.5 hour usage=20.8 amp hours
___________________________________
Total = 83.3 amp hours
In the example above, a 100Ah battery will suffice.
How to Set Up an RV Battery for Boondocking?
For a travel trailer, the best battery setup is with a lithium battery and solar panels. You’ll want a reliable boondocking battery setup because it will provide all the power you need to operate everything in the rig.
First, install solar panels on your RV roof. You might need to drill on the roof and apply a flexible sealant.
If you have some old batteries, pull them out and replace them with new lithium ones. Use one battery or multiple batteries in a series for more power.
How Long Will the RV Battery Last Boondocking?
Depending on how many appliances you use, 12-volt RV batteries for boondocking can go for two days max. To extend battery life, turn off devices when they’re not in use. Choose energy-efficient appliances to consume less power.
Furthermore, if you are interested in other products that support your RV power systems, don’t forget to visit the following reviews:
- Top 5 RV Converter Reviews
- Choosing the Most Trusted RV Surge Protectors to Protect Your RV Electrical Devices
- Top 2 RV Autoformers Every RVers Should Own
Conclusion
An RV battery will surely make your boondocking a lot more comfortable, even if you camp in the most remote areas for days. All things considered, we pick the Battle Born LiFPO4 as the best RV battery for boondocking because it’s a reliable product. It’s well-made and can last for many years.
When shopping for your own set of RV batteries, ensure that it’s capable of supporting all your appliances. Look at its size, efficiency, and ability to hold a charge. You don’t want to lose power in the middle of nowhere.
Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.