When you’re camping, you all know too well how scarce electric sources can be. And when you’re dry camping, you will not have any access to electric and water lines. So you need the best RV battery for boondocking to supply energy to all of your gadgets and appliances.
Finding the best RV battery can be confusing if you are not well versed with RV batteries. You will feel lost in a jungle. The terminologies are enough to confuse you.
No worries! We have your back. We have collated the best batteries for your boondocking ventures! Keep scrolling to find out more about it.
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best RV Battery for Boondocking (A Product Review)
Quick Summary:
- ExpertPower is a workhorse. Our overall pick can last longer and it is packed with so much power. You can even use it to fuel your solar power system.
- If you have a huge need for power, the Renogy Deep Cycle RV Battery will serve you well. This battery has a high capacity for bigger RVs.
- The Renogy Pure gel battery can withstand harsh temperatures. If you’re going off somewhere where it’s particularly hot or cold, this RV battery can take on extreme temperatures.
- Weize deep cycle battery is quite versatile and can also be used for a variety of outdoor applications. And despite that, it doesn’t cost as much. You can still enjoy the same convenience without going off your budget.
- The Optima OPT8016-103 will give you more bang for your buck. It’s a dual function battery that can be used as a starter and for deep cycles.
| Brand | Type | Capacity | Button |
| ExpertPower | Lithium iron phosphate | 100 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| Renogy Deep Cycle RV Battery | Lead acid, AGM | 100 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| Renogy Pure gel battery | Lead acid | 100 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| Weize deep cycle battery | Sealed lead acid | 100 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| Optima OPT8016-103 | AGM | 55 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| Battleborn | Lithium Ion | 100 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| Renogy lithium-ion phosphate | lithium-ion phosphate | 100 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| VMAX SLR125 | AGM | 125 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| Trojan T-125 | Lead Acid | 240 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
| VMAXTANKS | AGM | 125 AH | Check Price on Amazon Read Full Review |
Going off the grid need not be inconvenient all the time. Here are RV batteries that will help you enjoy that hot cup of joe every morning.
1. ExpertPower- Best Overall
This has a longer service life for lead-acid batteries.
Either for boondocking or any outdoor activities, these lead-acid batteries will not fail you. Compared to other brands, it has a longer service life at a max of 7000 cycles.
This unit is locked with a lot of power and can also be used to fuel your solar power system. Moreover, it is very lightweight compared to other lead-acid batteries. It only weighs about 1/3 of that of the competition.
You also have lesser worries with this rechargeable battery. It has a built-in battery management system that prevents the system from overload, overheating, and short circuits. So you can enjoy a lovely sojourn in your RV without having to worry about the battery collapsing.
Also, it can entirely discharge without much effort on its capacity. So overall, this is a great performing battery. You will not have any complaints about it. Well, except for one thing. If you are going to use it in places with cold freezing temperatures, you have to use solar controllers and sensors.
Features:
- 12.8 Volts
- Weighs 22.6 Pounds
- Measures 13 x 6.8 x 8.4 inches
- 2500 – 7000 cycles
- 10 years warranty
- built-in Battery Management System
Pros
- Power-efficient
- Longer service life
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Not that efficient in colder weather
2. Renogy Deep Cycle RV Battery- Best Big Capacity
This reliable battery has a higher capacity for powering not just your RVs.
If you need a hefty battery that can power more than your RV vans, this is it. It boasts of a 12 V 100AH, so it can also power several of your gadgets.
It halos has lots going for it. One, in terms of safety, it will not pose any dangers of leaking. So it can be used for solar energy storage. It can convert up to 24 percent of solar energy to electrical power. So this is also a great option if you have solar-powered homes and mobiles. And two, it has overcharging protection.
Features:
- Lead-acid battery
- 200Ah
- 12 V
- Measures 20.5 x 9.4 x 9.4 inches
- weighs 12.9 lbs
- Made with thick absorbent glass mat (AGM) separators and advanced valve regulated technology,
- Has a built-in pocket that is a zipped closure
- Comes with a canvas case with metal eye holes
- Improved electrolyte formula
Pros
- Doesn’t leak or spill
- Has solar power storage capacities
- Recharges fast
Cons
- Can be heavy
3. Renogy Pure Gel Battery- Best for Harsh Environments
This pure gel battery is the most tenacious. It can withstand harsh weather.
If you’re looking for batteries that can bear the heat and the cold, this is a perfect choice. It’s also packed with a lot of safety features.
One, it’s constructed with electrolytes. And this prevents leakage and spillage. The electrolyte also prevents moisture from entering the unit.
Two, its construction also makes it safe from any fire that might occur inside the battery. It has explosion-proof features.
Features:
- Weighs 67 lbs
- shelf life of nine months when stored at 25 degrees Celsius.
- Measures
- 14.2 x 8.07 x 11.4 inches
- Lead-acid battery
- Proprietary plate composition and patented gel electrolyte
- Manufactured with gel suspended electrolyte and advanced valve regulated technology
Pros
- Maintenance-free
- Can bear harsh weather
- Pros ListHas a lot of safety features
Cons
- Doesn’t have any handle
4. Weize Deep Cycle- Best Budget
It’s easy on the pocket and can be used for a variety of off-the-grid applications.
The Weize deep cycle batteries can give you more value for your moolah. It costs far less than the competition. But it’s also very versatile. Aside from boondocking, you can use it for a variety of outdoor applications and off-the-grid situations.
Moreover, it has an anti-leakage feature that will ease your worries. You’ll also be happy to hear that it can also be used for portable power tools and a golf cart. Use it, even your lawnmower.
It also charges easily despite the affordable price.
Features:
- 12 V
- measures12.95 x 6.77 x 8.42 inches
- 12V 100AH
- Sealed lead acid
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology
- heavy-duty, calcium-alloy grid
- Weighs 57 pounds
Pros
- Affordable
- Has anti-leak features
- Vertical
Cons
- Shorter shelf life
5. Optima OPT8016-103 – Best Dual Function
These durable batteries can nonfiction as a starter battery and a deep cycle battery.
This unit is also perhaps one of the most durable ones on our list. And since it’s dual function, you’ll be getting more out of this unit.
We particularly love its spiral cell design. This enables the battery to produce electricity safely. It also has a large capacity. So it can fare better than most batteries in the market.
Features:
- Measures 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches
- Weighs 43 lbs
- SpiralCell design
- 12 V
- Dual SAE & 5/16 inches Stainless Steel Stud Posts.
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes for constant performance
Pros
- Safe and clean energy
- Lightweight
- Dual function
- Big recharge reserve
Cons
- Won’t last as long if completely drained
6. Battleborn- Best Lithium Batteries
These lithium-ion batteries are more cost-effective than lead-acid batteries.
That’s one of the advantages of lithium-ion batteries And they can last longer too. And the Battle Born is the best lithium-ion battery in the market that you can buy for off-the-grid applications. It can also be recharged and discharged continuously.
Moreover, it’s the greener option. It’s made from renewable energy. That’s why it’s cost-effective. And at the same time, you’re doing Mother Nature a favor.
And since it doesn’t have any acid in it, you can mount it in any position. So it’s suitable for RVs and mobiles that do not have a proper boondocking battery setup.
And it can hold its recharge without trickling. Thus it’s ideal for unattended use. It also has lots of safety features that make it a safer option.
Features:
- Lithium ion
- 12 V
- 10-year warranty
- 10-year service life
- Measures 12.75 x 6.88 x 9 inches
- Built-in battery management system
Pros
- Greener option
- Several safety features
- Cost-efficient
- Longer service life
Cons
- Housing could have been better
7. Renogy lithium-ion phosphate- Best Premium
It can provide 100AH of power best for powering your heavy-duty appliances.
This lithium-ion battery is packed with a lot of power. And compared to the competition, it has a longer shelf life of more than 2000 cycles.
It’s also safe to use and will not leak or spill. All thanks to the fully sealed design, that’s going to be the least of your worries. It’s also compact and portable. It will not eat much space. Also, it’s rather lightweight, you do not need to flex a muscle when moving it from one place to another.
Features:
- 10.2 x 6.2 x 9.7 inches
- Fully sealed design
- Weighs 28.1 Pounds
- 12 V
- Lithium-ion batteries
- The life span of more than 2000 cycles
- Built-in battery protection system
Pros
- Triple sealed construction
- Portable and lightweight
- Low self-discharge
Cons
- Bolt size isn’t industry standard
8. VMAX SLR125- Best Long Lasting
This 12 V battery can last for 10 years if well maintained.
This will give you a longer service life than any other batteries!
And what we love the most is that it will not produce any toxic fumes or gasses. And It can power pretty much everything you need.
It’s also maintenance-free. So you don’t have to sweat it out for 8-10 years. And with the sealed design, you don’t have to worry about leaks and spills.
Features:
- 12 V
- Military Grade custom made plate
- Designed for 99% recombination capabilities;
- Weighs 75 lbs
- Charging current of 30 amps
- Sealed design
Pros
- No maintenance
- Longer service life
- Sealed housing
Cons
- Has heft to it
9. Trojan T-125- Best for Solar Applications
These flooded batteries are best for solar applications, but they can also be used for a variety of applications.
They are also used for a majority of stand-alone alternative energy systems
It can be used in RV vans and even sports venues. It has large vent caps that prevent the incidence of leakages.
Features:
- 6 V
- 10.38 x 7.13 x 10.88 inches
- Compatible with solar appliances
- 240mAh,
- Flooded battery
- 10.38 x 7.13 x 10.88 inches
Pros
- Anti-leak features
- Long track record for solar use
Cons
- High maintenance
10. VMAXTANKS- Best for Long Term Boondocking
And out of all 6 V batteries, this is the best for LONG term boondocking.
It’s also maintenance-free and can last for 8-10 years. Thus, it’s pretty much what you need if you want to stay in the RV for a longer period.
It can also perform consistently in low-temperature conditions. And can even recharge better than some 12 V batteries in the market. It can also charge up to 5 times faster than the flooded batteries.
Moreover, you can mount it in any way you want. It’s ideal models for RVs that do not have a dedicated space for their batteries. It’s also great for powering solar equipment.
Features:
- 6 V
- 9.5 x 7.3 x 11 inches
- Lead-acid AGM batteries
- The lifespan of 8-10 years
- heavy duty lead-tin alloys
Pros
- Can be mounted in any way
- Can withstand lower temperatures
- Longer shelf life
Cons
- Can be quite heavy
What to Look for When Buying the Best RV Battery for Dry Camping (A Buying Guide)
The best RV batteries are ones that can supply your needs and power the appliance that you need. Let’s see our buying guide below.
Capacity
The capacity of a battery is measured in the amp. And it refers to the amount of electricity that a battery can provide per hour. So what you have to do is to gauge the total energy that all your appliances will need to run.
It’s also best to add a bit more to the total energy consumption so you have a little leeway. It can also prevent deep charges that can shorten the lifespan of your batteries.
Types of batteries
There are four main types of batteries for RV. You have to consider what each type of battery has to offer, its pros and cons. We have dedicated a section in the article to discuss the different types of batteries.
Cranking amps
Cranking amps are the energy needed to start your RV engine. Though if you will power just the appliances and not your RV, this is of the least concern.
The battery will show cold-cranking amps and regular cranking amps. Cold-cranking amps are the energy provided at 0 degrees Fahrenheit while regular cranking amps measure the energy of current at 0-32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Discharge cycles
This indicates how the battery is depleted. You have to be able to manage this as it can affect the longevity of your batteries. You also must not exceed the recommended depth of discharge.
Temperature
Not all RV batteries can be used in extreme temperatures. Some may function well but will not be able to tolerate very cold temperatures. So check for the battery’s optimal ranges and compare it to the range temperature of the parking space.
Terrain
Boondocking involves traveling through rugged trains. So you must choose a battery
that will be able to withstand the shaking, wobbling, and rocky road hills. It must be able to bear vibrations.
Types of Batteries
Here are four main types of RV batteries and what the pros are.
Lithium-ion batteries
There are several types of lithium-ion batteries. But the most popularly used for boondocking is lithium-ion phosphate batteries.
These batteries can get very huge charges and are relatively maintenance-free. They are also very light and compact. And they can also charge even at low temperatures. The main advantage of these batteries is that they are very reliable and suitable for full-time boondocking. They are also the safest to use long-term.
The downside is that they have a higher upfront cost.
Gel batteries
These are made from viscous gel electrolytes. They are safer than lead-acid batteries. And they do not give off fumes or gases and are completely sealed off.
They can also be used in very high temperatures, thus they are resistant to harsh environments. And gel batteries relatively are zero maintenance.
The downside is, they tend to have an oversensitivity to charging. And they also have a higher upfront cost. And some brands may require a specific charging profile.
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AGM or acid glass batteries
These are sealed lead-acid batteries. All of the liquid electrolytes in these batteries are soaked into fiberglass mats, which makes them spill-proof. Thus, it makes them more spill proof than lead-acid batteries. They require no maintenance.
The downside is they are very sensitive to charging. And they are also more expensive than lead-acid batteries. But it’s cheaper than gel batteries,
Lead-acid batteries
This Is the cheapest of the bunch. These are built from lead plates or grids that get immersed inside a liquid electrolyte.
Aside from the lowest cost, they can also tolerate overcharging.
The downside is, these units are heavy and bulky. And they cannot withstand low temperatures.
How Do you Maintain your Batteries when not Boondocking
Some types of batteries require no maintenance. But if it has been sitting in your storage for a longer period, it can deteriorate. The metal plates inside will die if they are not charged.
So to prevent this, you have to maintain the charge even if you’re not boondocking or camping. You can use the built-in solar panels or use a battery charger.
Why Do you Need Batteries for Boondocking
When you’re boondocking, you won’t have any access to power or water lines. That’s why it is called dry camping. And you will be needing a battery to power your RV and all the gadgets and appliances that you are using, even your hot water for your coffee.
FAQ’s:
Can you use car batteries in an RV?
No. Your RV will need a deep cycle battery to provide power for a longer period. Car batteries can only provide power for a shorter period.
How long do RV batteries last?
The high quality brands can last 8-10 years with minimal maintenance.
Can you store an RV battery in your house?
Yes. All types of RV batteries can be stored in your house. For safety precautions, store it in a well-ventilated room. And keep it away from any heated surfaces such as or the oven. Don’t also place it in an airtight container.
What is boondocking?
It refers to traveling in an RV unit and parking in free space for a certain amount of time. You will not be able to connect any water, sewage, or electrical service. Thus it’s also called dry camping.
What type of battery is best for long-term boondocking?
Long-term boondocking for those that live off the grid will benefit the most from lithium-ion batteries.
Final Say
Boondocking can be quite an adventure. And for those who are permanent boondockers, you all know too well how important the suitable battery choice is. It can mean convenience or a total disaster. How else will you be able to enjoy a warm bath or a hot cup of joe in the morning?
Our list of the best rv batteries for boondocking will not disappoint you. The best choice will give you more value for your money.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATIONS
ExpertPower
The ExpertPower deserved the best spot on our list, it’s versatile, powerful, and long lasting batteries that can offer as much as 7000 cycles. And it practically has every good feature that most of our best picks have. It’s also safe to use and not that expensive.