The Best RV Deep Cycle Batteries
Looking for an RV Deep Cycle Battery? The battery you use for your RV is like its lifeline. As long as it's working well, everything else should run fine, so make sure you get the best available.
A deep cycle battery is designed to provide power to your appliances continually for hours on end, and they do this much better than regular batteries. This is because RV deep cycle batteries store energy and discharge it more efficiently than regular batteries.
They're designed to be used in a deep cycling method, which means they can be discharged down to 20% without being recharged, although it's not recommended to go much lower than 45% too often. The best models can be used for powering RV appliances, and will ensure you have the power as you need it.
The best RV deep cycle batteries will keep your RV going without a doubt, and this review offers some of the best on the market.
After the reviews, we have included a buyer's guide where we take a closer look at RV Deep Cycle Batteries. We explain what they are exactly and how the differ from regular batteries. We look at the different types of deep cycle batteries available and what things you should look for when shopping for one.
If you prefer, you can scroll straight to the RV Deep Cycle Batteries Buyer's Guide by clicking the link...
Review of the Best RV Deep Cycle Batteries
Let's start with the review. Each one is reviewed in detail, so buckle up and let’s get started.
Best Overall RV Deep Cycle Battery:
Optima D34M BlueTop
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The reviews of this RV deep cycle battery detail how well it performs in general. Apart from that, it has been compared to other batteries and has been praised for how lightweight it is in comparison. It can be judged from the reviews that this is a high-quality battery that lives up to its claims.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This battery has a lot of things that stand out. Firstly, it is a dual-purpose battery which immediately sets it apart. Apart from that, it is a powerful yet considerably lightweight battery that is portable. Performance-wise, it is good too as it can work in harsh weather conditions without any problems.
Who Will Use This Most
The Optima D34M BlueTop is perfect for people who travel long distances and need that extra bit of power in their vehicle. It is also good for people who are often in harsher weather conditions. It’s also a great pick for especially those who are in areas with extremely cold temperatures.
Bottom Line
Even though this battery is considered to be lightweight, it should not be taken lightly. It delivers a great performance and is reliable to travel with. Apart from that, it is shock and vibration proof, which just makes it better. Definitely up there with the best RV deep cycle batteries.
Best AGM RV Deep Cycle Battery:
Universal Power Group AGM Battery
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This battery has been quite popular with buyers recently. The fact that it is so long-lasting is the primary reason so many buyers are satisfied with it. Apart from that, the overall quality of the battery has also been praised by many of the buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This 12-volt battery is one of the best by AGM. It is very versatile and can be utilized in a number of different ways. Since it is so flexible, it can be mounted in any way you want. In addition to that, it is very well made and is sealed to prevent any leakage and spilling.
Who Will Use This Most
As mentioned previously, this RV deep cycle battery is versatile. It can come in handy in a number of different situations. For example, it can be used in homes, at job sites, and of course, in recreational vehicles.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a good 12 volt AGM battery, this one is a promising option. It provides you with a stellar performance that will not let you down. Plus, it is well made, so there should be no issues with it breaking or getting severely damaged with regular use.
Best RV Deep Cycle Battery for the Money:
Odyssey PC680 Battery
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The overall performance of this RV deep cycle battery has been found to be very good by many of the buyers. Some have even posted updates on their reviews detailing how long the battery has lasted them without causing any problems. The only complaint was that the customer service was not very good. Apart from that, users had no complaints.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The value offered by this battery is something that caught our eye. It delivers an amazing performance at its price point. Apart from that, it is sturdy and reliable and will always be ready to use whenever as it can be charged quickly and with ease.
Who Will Use This Most
Buyers looking for quality on a budget would find this battery very useful. It is the perfect combination of functionality and affordability. Apart from that, it also has enough cold cranking amps to be useful for those who often find themselves in harsh weather conditions.
Bottom Line
This unit by Odyssey is a great option if you want a deep cycle battery that is affordable. Although it costs considerably less than a lot of deep cycle batteries, it manages to provide excellent performance, durability, and reliability.
Best 12V RV Deep Cycle Battery:
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to reviews, this RV deep cycle battery performs very well, especially when it is hooked up in a parallel connection. It is a high-quality battery with a high capacity. Plus, it can work for extended time periods. The only issue that buyers reported was its weight. However, they were willing to overlook that fact for the performance it provides.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This battery has many aspects that allow it to stand out. First, let’s talk about its capability of preventing over-discharge. Performance-wise, it also works very well. That said, it is convenient to use and easy to handle as well.
Who Will Use This Most
The Regony Deep Cycle AGM Battery is very versatile. It has a lot of different applications, which is why it appeals to a wider audience. Apart from being useful to power an RV, it can also be suitable for cabins, emergency lighting, and it can also be used for backup.
Bottom Line
Overall, it is a really good RV deep cycle battery, and it can come in handy in many different situations. Yes, it is heavy and a bit bulky, but that is to be expected of a 12-volt deep cycle battery. Keeping in mind the customer reviews, it seems to be a great investment.
Best 6V RV Deep Cycle Battery:
Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This battery has received a lot of positive reviews. Buyers find it to be very useful as it can work for extended periods of time and does not need to be recharged frequently. Updated reviews also detail how the battery continues to provide excellent performance over time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The consistency of this battery is what we appreciate most. It is able to function well over time and has enough power to sustain your recreational vehicle reliably. Apart from that, it is convenient to use, and it is a safe option as it does not produce any dangerous gases that could cause the people near it any harm.
Who Will Use This Most
This RV deep cycle battery is quite powerful and can be used in many different ways. However, given its specifications, it would be best for those who have to travel nonstop over long distances. The weight of this battery needs to be kept in mind. If your vehicle is capable of handling it, then it will prove to be very useful for you.
Bottom Line
The Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 is great and definitely one of the best RV deep cycle batteries. It is well made with sturdy material, and you will not have to worry about maintenance with it. We agree that it does weigh a bit much; however, do not let that discourage you from taking advantage of this deep cycle battery!
Buyer’s Guide
Now for the buyer's guide. Here we look at RV Deep Cycle Batteries in greater detail. We start by explaining what they are exactly and how the differ from regular batteries. We look at the different types of deep cycle batteries and what things you should consider before getting one. We end the guide with an FAQ section, so you should know all there is to know by the end.
What is a Deep Cycle Battery?
A deep cycle battery is definitely different from your regular battery. It is mainly made from lead and provides your vehicle with sustained power for extended time periods. It is much more reliable compared to a regular battery, as it can be recharged time and time again.
It runs without any issues until it at least is 80% discharged. After reaching that point, you will have to recharge it. One thing to keep in mind is that many manufacturers do not recommend discharging below 45% as it could reduce the life of the battery.
How Does a Deep Cycle Battery Work?
Deep cycle batteries are constructed a little differently from other batteries. They use thick plates that allow the battery to discharge down to 80%. These batteries are made for charging and discharging multiple times. That is why they do not sustain any damage while other batteries do.
The one thing that really sets deep cycle batteries apart from your average battery is that they have solid lead plates and not sponge plates. Unlike starter batteries, deep cycle batteries do not provide short, high-current bursts and discharge a fairly small part of their capacity. Instead, they are more consistent.
How to Choose a Deep Cycle Battery
It is essential to know how to pick out a deep cycle battery for your vehicle. There are a few different types; however, we will touch upon that later. This section will just focus on the factors you need to consider before you choose a battery for yourself.
Size
These batteries are usually measured in group sizes. These group sizes are 24, 27, and 31. Typically, the bigger the battery is, the more AH and RC it has. The size of the battery can have an effect on the amp hours as well as other functional aspects of the battery.
Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is another important aspect that you should check out before making your choice. It is important to know how long your battery will last you. After that, you can even take steps to stretch its life. Although the exact life expectancy depends on the type of battery you are using, a good deep cycle battery will last you at least six years on average.
Power
The power of the battery is another integral factor that needs to be considered. Power for deep cycle batteries is measured in amp-hours or AH or by its reserve capacity, which is abbreviated as RC. You need to remember all the complications with these units. All you need to know is more is better.
Types of Deep Cycle Batteries
There are a few different types od Deep Cycle Batteries for RVs, and in this section, we will find out how these types differ from each other.
Flooded Batteries
These are by far the oldest rechargeable batteries that are still being used. Flooded lead-acid batteries are also known as wet cell batteries. Such batteries contain a liquid in a container that is unsealed. To use this battery, you must be careful to place it in an upright position and in an area that is well ventilated. This is so that the hydrogen gas produced by the batteries can be disposed of safely.
Gel Batteries
A gel battery, or gel cell, is a sealed and valve-regulated lead-acid deep cycle battery. It has a gel electrolyte and doesn’t have to be placed upright like the flooded batteries. With this type of deep cycle battery, you do not have to worry about evaporation, spillage, or leakage. In fact, these batteries are more resistant to shock and do well in harsh weather conditions.
AGM Batteries
AGM is the abbreviated version of Absorbent Glass Mat. This kind of lead-acid battery absorbs the electrolyte into a fiberglass mat. AGM batteries can have two types of plates. They can be flat, and they can also be wound in a tight spiral. Furthermore, they can handle higher temperatures as they have lower resistance and, as a result, discharge more slowly.
Conclusion
All in all, the article talks about different RV deep cycle batteries, each with their own special qualities as well as their ups and downs. However, each one comes with the features that matter the most, which are size, power, and life expectancy.
After that, it is up to the buyer to decide which one of the batteries fit their criteria the best. Be sure to look for other features like sturdiness and durability as well. RV deep cycle batteries can come in handy in many different situations. Hence it is not a bad idea to invest in one!
People Also Ask
This section is dedicated to frequently asked questions about deep cycle batteries. Let’s take a look at what these questions are as well as the answers to them. We hope this section will help you sort out any confusion you have about such batteries.
How Long Do Deep Cycle RV Batteries Last?
The life expectancy for deep cycle batteries can differ depending on the type of the battery. However, on average, it will last you anywhere around six to ten years.
Is it OK to Leave Your RV Plugged in All the Time?
If there is a need to leave it plugged in, then there is no harm in doing that. However, there is one thing you should be careful of, and that is monitoring your house batteries. Check the electrolyte levels and make sure they are not low, or the electrolyte has not completely dried out.
Can You Overcharge Deep Cycle Battery?
Overcharging may not be the best decision for your battery, as it can cause a serious amount of damage. Overcharging as well as under-charging your battery can cause its life expectancy to be shortened drastically.
How Often Should You Charge a Deep Cycle Battery?
Charging is very important for deep cycle batteries, as inactivity can prove to be very dangerous for them. If you are not using your battery frequently, be sure to give it a boost charge so it can maintain a good condition. Deep cycle batteries should be charged more often in warmer climates; once a month would do. For colder climates, it needs to be charged every 2-3 months.
How Long Should You Charge a Deep Cycle Battery?
Deep cycle batteries can have a longer charge time as that aids a deeper discharge. On average, it can take 10-12 hours. However, the charging time will depend on the size of your battery as well as your charger. One thing to be careful about while charging the batteries is the temperature. If it gets too hot, your battery could be damaged.
Should You Trickle Charge a Deep Cycle Battery?
Trickle charge is not recommended for deep cycle batteries at all. It could end up severely damaging it. There is a chance that your battery could end up completely destroyed.
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Hello, fellow wanderers! I’m Alyssia. Since 2008, my husband and I have called an RV our home, journeying through life one mile at a time. Our nomadic lifestyle has led us to over 70 countries, each with their unique tales that have shaped our own.
I share our stories and insights right here, hoping to inspire and guide you in your own adventures. Expect tips on RV living, our favorite camping spots, breathtaking hiking trails, and the joys and challenges of an ever-changing view from our window. Alongside, you’ll also find practical advice on outdoorsy stuff, designed to equip you for any journey. Join us as we continue to explore the vast, beautiful world on wheels!
