RV House Batteries | Everything You Need To Know About RV Batteries
Just getting started in RV life and wondering about your RV house batteries? We break down everything you need to know about you RV batteries in this post!
Have you ever seen your RV lights flicker or perhaps you’ve heard a strange beeping noise coming from your battery monitor? Ever experienced a power outage during a camping trip?
The culprit is likely your RV house battery bank. RV batteries are the heart of any recreational vehicle as they provide power to the living area of your RV, ensuring that your appliances and devices remain functioning when you’re off the grid. When you are camped and not plugged into shore power, anything and everything you power up must be fueled by your RV batteries.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types of RV house batteries, their roles, differences from chassis batteries and how to select, maintain, and troubleshoot them for optimal performance.
We’ll also outline reasons why our lithium RV batteries are more than 5x better than other kinds of deep cycle batteries and help you make the best choice in upgrading or replacing your RV batteries.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- House batteries are RV batteries that provide power to lights, fans and other essential appliances inside your RV and are different from your vehicle starting battery.
- Select a battery with necessary specifications for optimal performance, taking into account battery capacity needs, power requirements, weight and maintenance.
- Consider upgrading to lithium house batteries as they offer longer lifespan, lighter weight and deeper discharges among other benefits. Ensure compatibility with existing systems before investing in installation process.
Understanding RV House Batteries
RV house batteries, also known as RV deep cycle batteries or “leisure batteries,” are responsible for supplying power to the living area of your RV, powering lights, water pumps, and other appliances.
Depending on your RV battery setup, you may have one or more batteries connected in parallel or series, to provide power throughout your RV. This is commonly referred to as your “battery bank,” as it acts similar to a bank in which you can either deposit or withdraw energy throughout the day.
RV house batteries must be deep cycle batteries, meaning that they are designed to experience a deep depth of discharge often between 50-100% of the battery capacity.
An RV deep cycle battery will discharge and recharge many times over its lifecycle and it is important to understand the limitations on how much power you can discharge as well as the variety of recharging methods available to ensure proper battery health and safety.
To guarantee the smooth operation and longevity of these batteries, maintenance and monitoring are required. Recognizing the significance of house batteries in an RV is key since they power the appliances and devices that contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
The Role of House Batteries
House batteries provide power to various components within the living area of an RV, such as interior lights, water pumps, vent fans, and other devices. Selecting the ideal RV battery that fits your power needs and preferences is crucial for optimal performance.
Key specifications to consider when assessing an RV battery include group size, type of battery and battery capacity (in amp-hours) and depth of discharge. Other features, such as size, weight, durability, mounting positions and expected lifespan should also be considered when selecting the best RV battery.
A standard starting battery, like those found in traditional vehicles, is not capable of providing prolonged power over an extended duration. Car batteries such as these are typically a form of flooded lead acid battery that is designed specifically to deliver large amounts of power over a short timespan and they are not intended to discharge lower than a certain amount before being recharged.
This is where deep cycle RV batteries come into play, as they are specifically designed to provide continuous power for your RV’s needs.
Familiarizing yourself with the specifications and disparities between a starting battery and a deep cycle battery is vital for maintaining the power and functionality of your RV’s living area during your travels.
How House Batteries Differ from Chassis Batteries
In a driveable RV, there are two main types of batteries: chassis (or vehicle) and house batteries. Chassis batteries are designed for starting the engine and supplying energy to auxiliary systems, similar to car batteries.
As discussed, they should not be discharged very far before being recharged and you may be interested in different traits for these such as cold cranking amps and reserve capacity.
On the other hand, house batteries are intended for continuous power delivery rather than one big burst of energy and as deep cycle batteries, they are designed to be cycled between 50-100% of their capacity.
RV House Battery |
Chassis Battery |
|
Used For |
Powering appliances inside the RV or trailer |
Starting the vehicle |
Type |
MUST be deep cycle |
Usually flooded lead acid |
Depth of Discharge |
Can have deep discharge |
MUST NOT be discharged too much |
How to Recharge |
Solar, Shore Power, Generator |
Vehicle alternator |
Additionally, the vehicle’s alternator ensures that the chassis battery, typically a lead-acid battery, remains fully charged during operation. On the other hand, you can recharge your RV batteries by a variety of methods including shore power, a solar system, generator or the alternator.
Selecting the Right RV House Battery
The selection of the right RV house battery takes into account factors such as capacity needs and the benefits of various battery types.
For example, lithium batteries are lightweight, durable, require little maintenance, can have a deep depth of discharge and have several thousand recharge cycles.
In contrast, flooded lead-acid batteries and lead acid batteries such as AGM and gel cell batteries are more affordable but require regular maintenance, may require venting and are much heavier and bulkier than their lithium ion counterparts.
You must also take into account the capacity needs of your RV house battery, particularly if you intend to use several batteries in your system. Ensuring that your battery has the capacity to meet your power requirements will prevent unexpected power outages and keep your RV’s appliances functioning optimally.
Related: Learn more about the different types of 12 volt batteries.
Capacity Requirements
Determining the capacity needed for your RV house battery involves assessing your power usage and desired runtime. While the capacity of an RV house battery can vary, a typical deep-cycle RV battery is rated at approximately 100 amp-hours. How much of this capacity you can use depends on the kind of battery that you have. And it is also possible to add multiple batteries together in parallel to multiply the total battery bank capacity.
However, before you purchase your next deep cycle battery, it is important to estimate the required capacity for your specific needs. To do this, you will need to consider your daily power consumption and the runtime you desire when not connected to shore power.
For example, if you have a residential refrigerator in your RV that consumes 130Ah per day, it’s suggested to have a minimum of 200 amp-hours of usable battery capacity. This estimation ensures that a good RV battery can provide sufficient power for the refrigerator and other appliances during your camping adventures.
This is a great example of a calculator you can use to estimate the amount of power you will use on a given day and the type and amount of deep cycle battery or batteries you may need to purchase.
Battery Types and Their Advantages
Comparison of the pros and cons of various battery types like flooded lead-acid, AGM, and lithium batteries is critical when choosing an RV house battery. Flooded lead-acid batteries are cost-effective, but require regular maintenance, may emit dangerous gases, are generally much heavier and can only be discharged to 50% to prevent damage to the battery.
On the other hand, AGM batteries are maintenance-free, can endure deeper discharges (up to 60%), and are more expensive than flooded lead-acid batteries.
Lithium batteries, including lithium ion batteries, offer numerous advantages, such as a longer lifespan, lighter weight, maintenance free and the ability to manage deeper discharges (up to 100% of the battery without causing damage).
But they do come with a higher price tag than other battery types so you must have an understanding of value when it comes to upgrading to lithium RV batteries.
At Enduro Power Batteries, we make batteries that are Endurance Rated, meaning they are built to last and can survive and thrive in the harshest of conditions. RVs can take you anywhere you want to go. And not worrying about whether or not your RV batteries are going to keep up with your power needs is the difference between a great trip and one in which you spend much of your time worrying.
CHECK OUT OUR ENTIRE LINE OF BAJA SERIES LITHIUM RV BATTERIES!
Maintaining Your RV House Battery
Maintaining your RV house battery properly is key to guaranteeing its long life and peak performance. This includes the following best practices and proper care:
- Adhering to charging and discharging guidelines
- Regularly monitoring and testing your battery (and knowing its limitations such as self-discharge rate when not in use)
- For flooded lead-acid batteries, routine maintenance is necessary, such as inspecting the cells to ensure the proper water levels and replenishing with distilled water when needed.
Monitoring and testing your RV house battery can help detect potential issues and guarantee optimal performance. By implementing proper maintenance practices, you can prevent unexpected power outages during your camping trips and ensure that your RV’s appliances and devices remain functional.
Our lithium RV batteries are 100% maintenance free. We incorporate a state of the art battery management system to ensure that the batteries charge and discharge at appropriate levels and prevent other issues from arising. When RV owners invest in our Enduro Power Batteries, they will never have to worry about their batteries again as all of our RV batteries are backed by our 10 year warranty.
Charging and Discharging Guidelines
Following optimal charging and discharging practices is necessary to extend the life and maintain the performance of your RV house battery. This is more important with lead acid batteries that require high to low maintenance depending on the battery type.
For example, it’s advised not to allow a deep-cycle flooded lead acid battery to drop below a 50% state of charge (60% for an AGM battery). Similarly, overcharging can result in water loss and corrosion, rendering the battery inoperable and unreliable.
Leaving a battery discharged for extended periods can also lead to it not functioning correctly. By adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions and employing a battery charger specifically designed for RV house batteries, you can ensure that your battery remains in optimal condition and provides reliable power for your RV’s needs.
Once again, our lithium RV batteries are designed to be low maintenance with a self-discharge rate under 3% and a battery management system capable of ensuring that the battery shuts off before it causes harm to itself or appliances.
Monitoring and Testing
By keeping a close eye on your battery’s health and addressing any issues as they arise, you can prevent unexpected power outages and maintain the functionality of your RV’s appliances and devices. Proper maintenance and monitoring not only extends the life of your battery, but also ensures a pleasant and worry-free camping experience.
Consistent monitoring and testing of your RV house battery is essential to detect potential problems and guarantee peak performance. To monitor and test your battery, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage and identify any irregularities.
Additionally, in the case of a flooded lead acid battery, a hydrometer can be employed to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell, helping you determine the state of charge of the battery.
This can be complicated and more than the average RV owner may want to deal with. Once again, this leads to why our Baja Series lithium RV batteries are the best deep cycle batteries for your RV application.
Upgrading to Lithium RV House Batteries
As technology advances, lithium deep cycle batteries have become an increasingly popular choice for RV owners. These batteries offer numerous advantages over traditional lead-acid and AGM batteries, such as longer life, increased efficiency and lighter weight.
However, upgrading to lithium house batteries also involves some considerations, such as compatibility with your existing system and the initial investment cost.
This section will cover the benefits of switching to lithium RV house batteries and the factors to weigh when deciding to upgrade. By understanding the advantages and potential drawbacks, you can make an informed decision on whether upgrading to lithium house batteries is the right choice for your RV.
Benefits of Lithium House Batteries
Lithium house batteries have multiple benefits compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Here are some key advantages:
- Longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements
- Lighter in weight, making them easier to handle and install in your RV
- Can manage deeper discharges, providing more usable power for your RV’s needs
- Can experience thousands of recharge cycles, up to 10x more than traditional lead acid batteries
- Durable, requiring no maintenance and able to withstand all the bumps in the road
- Can be installed in smaller areas and in any orientation except upside down, making them compatible with most RV battery compartments
Upgrading to lithium house batteries also offers several benefits.
- Eliminates battery anxiety, as these batteries can store and output more power compared to traditional lead-acid batteries
- Allows you to enjoy your camping trips without worrying about running out of power
- Removes the need to constantly monitor your battery’s state of charge
Considerations When Upgrading to Lithium RV batteries
There are numerous factors to consider before upgrading to lithium house batteries. First, ensure that the battery you choose is compatible with your existing system, as some older systems may not be designed to work with lithium batteries. This is particularly important with the power converter that may not be compatible with lithium RV batteries.
Another factor to consider is the installation process. Ensure that you have the necessary tools and expertise to install the new battery, or enlist the help of a professional if needed.
Additionally, consider the initial investment cost, as lithium batteries are generally more expensive than lead-acid or AGM batteries. Our batteries are priced competitively with other lithium battery brands. But our US-base of operations and excellent customer service allows us to provide even more value to you as a consumer of our Baja Series lithium batteries.
By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision on whether upgrading to lithium house batteries is the right choice for your RV and your specific power requirements.
Troubleshooting Common RV House Battery Issues
Like any component in your RV, house batteries can experience issues that may affect their performance and lifespan. Some common problems include undercharging, overcharging and a general lack of maintenance.
Recognizing the symptoms of a failing battery and taking the necessary action is important for identifying and resolving these issues.
This section will tackle common RV house battery issues, provide tips for identifying signs of a failing battery, and offer practical advice for addressing these problems. By staying vigilant and addressing issues as they arise, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your RV house battery.
Signs of a Failing House Battery
Signs of a failing house battery can vary, including:
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Appliances that are hard to start
- Low voltage
- Sluggish or weak power output
- A swollen or leaking battery (see our article on battery terminal corrosion)
These symptoms may indicate that your battery is deteriorating and requires attention.
By keeping a close eye on your battery’s performance and addressing any issues as they arise, you can prevent unexpected power outages and maintain the functionality of your RV’s appliances and devices. Or, alternatively, consider investing in one of our Baja Series RV batteries and leave all the worry behind!
Resolving Battery Issues
There are several steps to consider when dealing with battery issues to resolve the problem.
- Assess the battery’s charge level and ensure it’s being charged correctly.
- Inspect the battery for any visible damage, such as swelling or leaking.
- If you have a flooded lead acid battery, clean the battery connections with a wire brush and baking soda if needed (see our post on the dangers of battery acid)
- If the issue persists, consider replacing the battery or seeking professional help.
By addressing battery issues promptly and employing proper charging practices, you can prevent further damage to your battery and ensure the continued performance of your RV’s appliances and devices.
Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to extending the life of your battery and ensuring a pleasant and worry-free camping experience.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding and properly maintaining your RV house battery is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. By selecting the right battery type, adhering to charging and discharging guidelines, and incorporating solar power, you can prolong the life of your battery, reduce your environmental impact, and ensure reliable power for your RV’s appliances and devices.
With the knowledge gained from this guide, you can confidently embark on your next camping adventure, knowing that your RV house battery is well-equipped to power your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should house batteries last in an RV?
Deep-cycle RV batteries can last up to 6 or more years with proper maintenance, allowing you to enjoy extra RV trips and save money in the long run. Flooded lead acid batteries will last between 3-5 years with AGM and gel gell batteries lasting 4-6 years. Our lithium batteries will last a minimum of 10 years with our guarantee.
Proper maintenance of your RV battery can help you get the most out of your investment. Regularly checking the water levels, cleaning the terminals, and ensuring the battery is fully charged can help extend its life. Additionally, you can store your battery in a cool place.
What is the house battery on an RV?
The house battery on an RV is a type of deep cycle battery that supplies 12 volts of direct current power (DC) and powers home appliances like the microwave, refrigerator and TV.
Common types include flooded lead-acid, AGM and lithium-ion batteries.
What batteries should I use for my RV?
You should use a deep cycle RV battery with enough amp hours to power your essential accessories. This battery is separate from a vehicle or chassis battery that is used in starting your vehicle or motorhome.
What is the difference between a house battery and a chassis battery?
The house battery provides power for the living space in an RV or motorhome while the chassis battery is used to start the engine. You will need two different kinds of batteries to safely and properly have each.
What is the main purpose of an RV house battery?
The main purpose of an RV house battery is to provide power to the living area, allowing lights, water pumps and other appliances to be used.
These appliances can be powered by either AC or DC power, depending on the type of RV. AC power is typically provided by a generator or shore power, while DC power is provided by the house battery.