Recreational vehicles (RVs) are incredible vehicles that one can have—adventurers and campers know what I mean here. Over 376,673 RVs were sold in North America back then in 2022—that's insane. In fact, RVs are somewhat comfortable homes for most Americans as approximately 1 million Americans live in recreational vehicles full-time.
Owning an RV is crazy—you dive into adventures whenever you want. However, going far from home means you need a good energy source to power up the dark—and RV batteries are just what you need.
In this guide, I've reviewed the best deep cycle RV batteries that will carry you throughout your adventures.
What is an RV Battery?
In a nutshell, an RV battery is one that powers up the whole recreational vehicle. They exist in two forms with each serving its purpose.
Starter Battery (Chassis Battery)
This is just the normal battery that comes with the recreational vehicle. Its primary function is to crank the engine to start the RV and provide power to the vehicle's electrical systems while the engine is running. These batteries are designed to deliver a short burst of high current.
House Battery (Deep Cycle Battery)
This is the battery that provides power to all the electrical appliances and systems inside your RV when it's not connected to external shore power (like plugging into a campground outlet). Deep cycle batteries are designed for sustained use and can be repeatedly discharged and recharged without damage, unlike starter batteries.
| Feature | Starter Battery | House Battery (Deep Cycle) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Starts the engine and powers electrical systems while the engine is running | Powers appliances and systems when not connected to shore power | |
| Design | Delivers short bursts of high current | Designed for sustained use and deep discharges | |
| Maintenance | Generally maintenance-free | May require periodic maintenance (depending on type) | |
| Lifespan | Shorter lifespan | Longer lifespan with proper care |
Also Read: Best RV Dealers That Finance Bad Credit Near Me
Best Deep Cycle RV Batteries
Now we all know what RV batteries are, the different types, and how each works, we can proceed to the best options available in the market.
Now the best deep cycle RV battery for you might not be that of someone else because each and everyone has a preference. This simply means that choosing the right deep cycle RV battery for you will depend on a couple of factors, which include the battery type, capacity, budget, and durability.
With that said, my team and I have tested and reviewed many options in the market then grouped the best RV batteries below based on these factors to help you make an informed decision.
- Weize 12V 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery—Overall Best
- Trojan Battery T105 Flooded Deep Cycle Battery—Budget-friendly
- Battle Born LifePO4 Battery—Performance Best
- Lifeline AGM Battery—Durable Option
1. Weize 12V 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery
The Weize 12V 100Ah AGM battery is definitely one of the best deep cycle RV battery you can get in the market. It combines performance and durability into one to offer the best power you should expect from an RV battery. We tested this RV battery on a type C RV and it works just as well as expected. Also, I had it tested on a friend's class A motorhome and it works well though it doesn't last that long.
When you come across this batter at first sight, you might think it's expensive right? Well, no—the Weize 12V 100Ah AGM is very affordable for the power it carries and it costs between $159.99 and $239.99. I'd definitely go in for this one if I were to go camping or for an adventure with the big fam.
2. Trojan Battery T105 Flooded Deep Cycle Battery
If you're familiar with RV batteries you must have certainly come across the Trojan Battery 105 Flooded deep cycle battery—which appears to be the most affordable option in the market. While it combines cost-effectiveness and performance, its durability, however, depends on regular maintenance. So if you don't bother maintaining it regularly, you should definitely go in for it.
A friend of mine had this one and I tested it on my mum's caravan and this one happens to work well as we went camping. It literally powered us up the whole journey.
As for its price, the Trojan Battery T105 Flooded deep cycle battery is the cheapest option you'll find on this list as you should expect and you can get it between $150 to $200 depending on the retailer selling it.
The Trojan Battery official website features a location tool that lets you search for the best nearby trojan battery sellers. This way you'll be buying the battery from the recommended sellers by the manufacturer itself.
3. Battle Born LifePO4 Battery
Just as its name predicts, the Battle Born LifePO4 battery is known for its top performance among its top contenders such as the Weize 10V 100AH AGM battery. I believe it is a good merit, owing to the fact that this battery was manufactured by one of the top brands out there, Dragonfly Energy.
If we are to break the abbreviation on its name, LifePO4;
- Li means Lithium
- Fe means Iron
- PO4 means Phosphate
The combination of these three elements has scientifically proven to offer the best performances in terms of safety, reliability, and stability when it comes to power supply.
The only downside I can highlight for this battery is its cost. However, you should expect that good performance definitely comes at a cost. The price for the Battle Born LifePO4 battery ranges from $649 (for 50Ah 12V Group 24 batteries) up to $2,499 (for 270Ah 12V GC3 batteries). However, you can get a 12v 200Ah LifePO4 battery from Walmart at $369.99, which is very affordable.
So if you're going in for this battery, you should get your budget prepared and be assured that you're going in for the best performance option.
4. Lifeline AGM Battery
If you're looking for a durable RV battery, the Lifeline AGM battery is what you need. Yes, Lifeline is not a trending name when it comes to RV batteries, however, they are known to offer industrial-grade AGM batteries that are highly regarded for their durability and performance. Plenty of RV owners out there don't know much about Lifeline AGM batteries but they are equally good options to go in for. Plus, they are maintenance-free and provide a good balance between capacity and price.
Just like other RV batteries, the Lifeline AGM battery comes in different sizes and capacities, which determine their different prices. The lowest price for a Lifeline GPL-24T (12V, 80Ah) is at around $362. However, if you're fortunate enough, you can fall on a used battery that costs around $225 at stores like vanlandstore.com.
What to Consider When Buying a Deep Cycle RV Battery
We all know the top players right now and most of you might be confused about the option to choose. However, before choosing, you should always consider the purpose first. Do you need a performing RV battery that won't dig deep into your pocket? Or do you simply need something that will combine power and stability? Just consider your expectations first and that will help you choose. To assist you better, here are a few factors to consider:
- Budget: FLAs are the most affordable, followed by AGMs, with Lithium being the priciest.
- Maintenance Needs: For a hassle-free experience, AGMs and Lithium are your heroes.
- Battery Capacity (Amp Hours - Ah): Higher Ah translates to more power reserve. Choose based on your energy needs (lights, appliances, etc.).
- Discharge Rate: This indicates how quickly the battery delivers power. Opt for a higher rate for powering high-demand appliances.
- Weight: Lithium batteries are significantly lighter, ideal for weight-conscious RVs.
- Lifespan: Lithium batteries offer the most cycles (discharges and recharges) before needing replacement.
Final Thoughts
There are many different RV batteries out there and each is best for what it was built for. If you need a budget-friendly RV battery that has good performance, the Trojan Batter 105 Flooded and the Weize 12V 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle Batteries are good options for you. However, if you're more interested in performance the Battle Born LifePO4 deep cycle battery is what you need.
The key to choosing the right deep cycle RV battery is to consider your expectations first. If you get confused, you can always come back and check my review of the best deep cycle batteries in the market to help you make an informed decision.