Best Rated RV Battery for Boondocking: Reviewed by RVers
If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best RV battery for boondocking is, then we recommend the Battle Born LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery.
Thinking about taking your RV boondocking off the grid for your next camping adventure? If so, then you’re going to need a good quality battery that can handle the challenge. It needs to be reliable and be able to store large amounts of energy. After all, you’ll be depending on it as your primary source of power!
However, if you are new to RVing, you may not be familiar with what to look for in a battery. In this article we not only give you a few recommendations on batteries (including our TOP PICK), but we will also give you a detailed buying guide on what to look for in an rv battery, helping you make a more informed buying decision.
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top 3 Picks…
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The 5 Best RV Batteries for Boondocking: Product Reviews
Battle Born LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
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The Battle Born LiFeP04 is one of the sturdiest and most durable RV batteries on the market. It offers a great number of advantages and benefits.
To top the list of advantages is its long lifespan. Since the Battle Born is a lithium battery, it’s designed to deliver from 3000 to 5000 cycles. That’s more than most other batteries. As a bonus, Battle Born offers a warranty that lasts up to eight years on its batteries.
Combined with its 100 Ah power capacity, this battery is surprisingly light and easy to carry. It’s almost half the weight of other AGM batteries of the same capacity.
To maintain its safety and yours, the Battle Born battery is designed with a built-in ‘Battery Management System’. This exclusive system protects against excessive temperatures, high currents, and short circuits.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight for its power capacity
- 100 Ah power capacity with a 200 A surge output
- Recharges quickly
- Long lifespan of 3000 – 5000 cycles
- Built-in BMS
- Comes with an 8-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
WindyNation Sealed Lead Acid Battery
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The WindyNation battery has a high 100 Ah capacity rate. Its AGM design, bulky weight, and big size make it almost the same as all the other 100 Ah RV available on the market.
But there are a couple of features that make it take the lead when it comes to RV batteries. The WindyNation boasts a 99.9995% pure virgin lead. This percentage is the highest of all the batteries.
Its high lead percentage is what allows for its extremely low discharge rate. It also boosts its power storage.
Pros
- Has a low discharge rate
- High lead percentage
- Impressive resistance to cold temperatures
- Sealed design
- Helps offer a smoother ride
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Inadequate resistance to hot temperatures
- A bit pricey
Universal Power Group VRLA Battery
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The Universal Power Group RV battery is capable of providing enough power to operate a variety of electrical appliances. It’s a great power source for large RVs that are packed with different devices. The Universal is also a smart option for smaller RVs as well.
This battery is a 100 Ah AGM spill-proof and maintenance-free battery. But the one feature that makes it stand out from its competitors is its ability to hold up pretty well against cold temperatures. Another of its features is it can be mounted in any position, giving you more freedom and versatility.
It weighs 64 lbs., which is pretty heavy for an RV battery. But when you consider its power, features, and capabilities, it doesn’t come as a surprise.
Pros
- Resistant to cold temperatures
- 100 Ah power capacity
- Can withstand shocks and heavy vibration
Cons
- Not as capable of standing up to hot temperatures as other RV batteries
- Heavy
Renogy AGM Battery
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The Renogy 100 Ah AGM battery is built for average use. While it may appear similar to other types of batteries, it wasn’t designed to maintain constant or heavy use.
At the same time, it’s reliable enough to power many appliances, such as your microwave, coffee maker, and other devices.
One of its best features is that it’s maintenance-free because it’s heavily sealed. It’s also spill-free, which makes it easy to conserve and care for.
Another great feature is that it’s designed with a built-in integrated circuit (IC) to get the most out of its charging time to speed up its speed.
Pros
- Sealed and maintenance-free
- Charges quickly and efficiently
- 100 Ah power capacity rate
- Can hold up to cold and hot temperatures
Cons
- Doesn’t stand up to hot temperatures
- Bulky and heavy
- Price is higher than other RV batteries
Odyssey PC680 Battery
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The Odyssey PC680 is built with compact and lightweight in mind. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and spill-proof.
It has a small capacity of 16 Ah and boasts of a 70% longer cycle life compared to other batteries. Plus, it’s fast-charging and reliable.
But it does have its advantages over those big, powerful batteries. It’s built to stand up to all kinds of extreme weather. Another great feature is it’s not affected by the thuds and thumps of driving your RV on bumpy roads.
Those who own a smaller RV will admire the fact that it can fit anywhere without taking up too much space.
Pros
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Unaffected by extreme temperatures
- Can hold up to vibrations
Cons
- Somewhat lower battery capacity rate compared to other batteries
Why Are RV Batteries Important for Boondocking
When you’re dry camping, or boondocking, you’re miles away from anything. That’s the whole point of your RV trip. You want to be away from the stress and the noise of the real world. So you literally go off-grid.
Dining out beneath the stars, listening to the calming sounds of the wildlife surrounding you, and enjoying the serenity of being part of nature are all part of the amazing experience of camping.
But, at the same time, you still want to enjoy a few comforts of life, such as electricity for your appliances, lights, and other amenities.
Even though it may be an exciting experience with stunning views, there’s the part that’s not so glamorous.
You have to prepare yourself that once you’re out there, you’re going to be disconnected from external power sources, sewer services, and water facilities.
Here are just a few examples of why RV batteries are a necessity when you’re dry camping:
- Provide a stable source of power
- Can be easily charged through charging stations and even solar panels
- Are durable and reliable
- Store large amounts of energy
The Best RV Battery for Boondocking: A Buyer’s Guide
When you’re boondocking, your RV battery could very well be the most important item you purchase before your boondocking camping trip.
Read ahead for tips on what to look for in an RV battery so you can enjoy an exhilarating, worry-free camping trip.
The right type of RV battery should be able to:
Buy The Right Type
There are 4 main types of RV batteries.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are the most basic type of batteries. They’re inexpensive, can withstand overcharging with no problem. They’re a dependable source of power when you’re boondocking.
One of their disadvantages is that they don’t work well in freezing temperatures. Plus, they’re high-maintenance because you have to keep an eye on the liquid solution at all times.
If you go boondocking for a couple of days now and then, then lead-acid batteries are the perfect choice for you. They’re reliable, sturdy, and will provide plenty of power to last the entire weekend.
Gel Batteries
Gel batteries are considered to be safer than acid batteries because they’re made out of gel electrolytes. They’re quite thick in texture, which makes them spill-proof.
One feature of gel batteries is that they’re completely sealed. This makes them resistant to gas leakage during charging or when you’re using them.
Gel batteries require almost no maintenance. They’re great at holding up to high temperatures.
The downside to gel batteries is that they require a special charging profile different from those of other batteries. Plus, they’re a bit slow to charge fully.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery Cells
AGM batteries are lead-acid batteries that have been coated and sealed. First introduced in the 1970s, they’re making a comeback, especially among those who enjoy RV boondocking.
One of the best features of AGM batteries is that each liquid electrolyte is tightly packed and contained. This makes them spill-proof and, therefore, maintenance-free.
Another great feature is that their charge time is relatively lower compared with gel or lead-acid batteries. One reason for this is these cells are sealed. This means that there’s no opening for the gases to leak through, either during charging or as you’re using it.
They’re highly resistant to cold temperatures. Plus, they have a minimal self-discharge ration.
The one disadvantage to AGM batteries is with overcharging. So make sure you set a timer when you’re charging your battery.
Part-time boondockers will do just fine using AGM batteries. They’re versatile, easy to use, and provide lots of power for a few weeks at a time. Just make sure you don’t drain them too much.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium batteries are known for their durability. They’re also safe to use, which is why they’re the most popular type of battery.
They have a long battery life and provide high energy density. Also, lithium batteries require little maintenance and upkeep.
Their only problem is that they’re more expensive than other types of batteries.
However, if you’re a full-time boondocker who spends most of the year RVing, then lithium batteries are your best choice.
Handle Constant Use for a Long Time
Long-lasting to be able to keep everything up and running for days at a time. You don’t want to risk being stuck at a breathtaking remote campsite without a power source.
Produce Ample Amounts of Power Capacity
Not only that, but a reliable battery should create enough electricity to operate each one of your appliances without a hitch.
It’s one of the most important aspects of any type of battery. It’s measured by the amount of electricity a battery can produce in a certain amount of time.
For example, if a battery is capable of delivering 100 amperes (A) in one hour, then we say it’s a 100Ah battery.
To find what the right power capacity for your RV battery should be, you should consider all the energy needs of your appliances and devices.
Not only that, but you must think of which devices you’ll be using at the same time, and which will be used one at a time.
The number that you come up with should be between 50 and 60% of the battery’s total capacity. Add some extra room to protect the battery. This also prevents heavy discharges from shortening the life of the battery.
Provide the Proper Voltage
Even though there are different kinds of battery voltages, almost all RV batteries usually have 12V DC (direct current) voltage.
When choosing the right voltage, you should look for the voltage that corresponds to that of your devices and appliances.
Otherwise, you’ll have a problem. If the voltage is too low, your appliances won’t get the right amount of power to operate. If it’s too high, they may blow up from an excess surge of power.
Resist Vibrations
A well-built battery should be able to resist all types of vibrations, thumps, and thuds of your RV journey. This is especially important if your trip is going to be a long one.
Also, if you usually drive through the woods, a battery that resists bumps and vibrations will last for longer. This helps you save money on repairs or replacements.
Withstand Extreme Temperatures
Being prepared is one of the most important things you can do before packing up your gear and heading off on an adventure in your RV.
This goes double when you’re boondocking because you’re away from any real power source. Using and conserving power becomes a hot topic when you go RV camping off the grid, especially in extreme weather.
For your home away home, it’s vital that you pick a battery that can hold up to all kinds of weather. You need a battery that can deliver the same amount of power at high and low temperatures.
Having a temperature-resistant battery isn’t for everyone, but you should consider investing in one. It’ll go a long way when you’re boondocking in your RV.
You’ll be glad you did if the weather suddenly takes a change for the worse.
Conclusion
Your RV battery can make or break your boondocking adventure! That’s how important RV batteries are. The last thing you need is a battery that’s going to let you down when you need it the most.
Since you have a lot on your plate, we thought we’d make the whole process of choosing the best type of RV battery for your boondocking experience that much easier.
While we recommend the Battle Born LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery as the best RV battery for boondocking, any battery on this list will serve you well.
