The Best Lithium Battery for RV

If you like going out on adventures with your family in your RV camper, then you’d surely want to be able to use all (or most) of your RV appliances. This is especially true if you have small kids whom you want to instill a taste of adventure at a young age.

But if you frequently leave your home to go boondocking all year long, you’d need a battery that will last a long while. You would need one you can rely on even when you’re up in the mountains. You need one that would last you more than three years even if you frequently go off-grid. In short, you need to find a long-lasting battery. And there is nothing better than the best lithium battery for RV.

Lithium batteries can last for up to 2,000 cycles. This means if you go camping and charge your battery as often as 100 times in a year, your battery can last up to twenty years! Did that catch you interest? If it did, here are my highly recommended lithium RV batteries for you to choose from.

Top-Rated Lithium Battery for RV Reviews 2023

1. Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery

I needed two deep-cycle batteries to upgrade the solar power system I have in my RV, and decided to go for this lithium RV battery as I’ve been told that they have a longer service life. Fortunately, the Battle Born LiFePO4 deep cycle batteries did not disappoint.

I was using sealed lead-acid batteries before (and UPG batteries before that), but I heard from a friend that while the sealed batteries are a good option, I should consider a more long-term battery so won’t have to worry about finding replacements every few years. I usually camp off-grid near the mountains, and getting stuff delivered to me is not an option: so I would always have to go into town and pick up any deliveries.

The Battle Born battery is only 29 pounds – which is so much lighter compared to the 63-pound-apiece UPG batteries I used to have. Although they have almost the same dimensions, the extra weight on the UPG batteries is just an unnecessary load on my rig – which is why even though the AGM ones work just fine for my system, I prefer these LiFePO4 batteries now.

It is nice to not have to replace my batteries every 3 years or so, as convenience is a top priority for me. I don’t like that it is quite expensive, but I would much rather pay a few hundred bucks extra for a 10-year service life than having to risk not having a dependable power source (especially during the winter) and/or having to drive to town just to get new ones.

2. Weize 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery

Like many fellow RV owners, I love the Weize 12V 100Ah LFP Lithium Battery. It offers motorhome owners a more cost-effective solution to power many electrical appliances and gadgets in their RVs.

Although this 12V lithium RV battery only has 100 amp-hours, it outperforms even the most expensive lead-acid (LA) batteries. Its 50-amp standard charge also outclasses some high-end SLAs, making this battery the choice of RVers, boaters, golfers, fisherfolk, campers, and rescuers. It can also be an excellent power storage unit for RV solar system.

I love this battery’s 100% depth of discharge. Most lithium batteries cap their DoDs at 80%, while conventional deep-cycle LAs can only manage 50%. Discharging this battery to 100% reduces its charge-recharge cycle from 8,000 to 2,000. Still, it outclasses the 500 cycles of lead-acid batteries, outlasting them by 400% fully drained.

I will also never worry about overcharging, short-circuiting, and exceeding the battery’s current requirements because it has an advanced battery management system (BMS). It is the technology I need to make my RVing adventures more hassle-free.

Placing this battery in the RV is never an issue because it only measures 12.71×9.34×6.49 inches and weighs 26.4 pounds. I can mount it upright or on its sides and never fret about anything.

My only comment about this lithium battery is its odd battery terminal configuration. The conventional layout is red for positive and black for negative. This lithium battery reverses it, placing the negative on the red post and the positive on the black post.

3. ExpertPower 12V 10Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Rechargeable Battery

The ExpertPower 12V Lithium Deep Cycle RV Battery is an excellent choice for RV owners who want reliable, independent power for their power tools, small gadgets and electronics, and other handy electrical items. It is a nifty solution that outclasses some expensive SLAs.

Although this battery only delivers 10Ah, its 12.8V rating translates to 128 watts. It is sufficient to operate small RV and marine appliances and off-grid applications. Of course, it pales to the Weize’s 100 amp-hours, but it does not matter because its intended use is different.

What is more remarkable is this battery’s maximum cycle of 7,000. It is a thousand cycles short of the Weize. However, it is worth pointing out that this product only has ten percent of the Weize’s capacity, making the 2,500 to 7,000 charge-discharge cycle significant. This battery outclasses a similarly sized SLA by more than 1,000 percent.

I like the Weize’s 100% depth of discharge. However, I also appreciate this lithium battery’s 95% rating, which is 45% better than what conventional lead-acid deep cycle batteries offer. People can operate their gadgets longer between recharges, allowing them to enjoy a more pleasant RVing adventure.

Like the Weize, this battery has an integrated BMS that automatically manages any electrical issue undermining the battery’s functionality, integrity, and safety. Its 6×3.7×2-inch footprint and 2.7-pound heft also make placement anywhere a breeze.

4. AIMS 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery

Solar batteries should be long-lasting and durable. However, not all batteries for RVs are the same. If you are searching for a reliable battery for your solar power set up that is completely tough and maintenance-free, this product from AIMS will definitely satisfy you.

I really like this lithium RV house battery. It is really reliable and powerful. It has up to 4000 charge/discharge cycles. Moreover, it can discharge every bit of its energy without harming the components inside. It also can reach up to 200A peak for 10 seconds. Moreover, this battery recharges fast, especially in a solar power set up. In as quick as 4 hours, (and a cloudless sky) I have a fully-recharged battery. It also performs magnificently well under a very high temperature. With this feature, I don’t have to worry about this unit overheating.

While other 12-volt RV batteries last only up to 5 years, this one can last up to 10 years. This can definitely save a significant amount of money. Finally, it has a strong strap. It makes the task of lifting the battery easier. Other batteries have to be carried using a wheel cart. This one, however, has a reliable strap that allows me to lift and carry it easily.

What I don’t appreciate about this 12-volt RV battery is the price. This is definitely more expensive compared to similar batteries in the market today. If you have a limited budget, like me, this is going to be a tough choice.

RUIXU LiFePO4 Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Pack (Outdated)

Any modern-day technology that requires a battery to operate deserves to have a powerful one. If you are looking for an affordable yet powerful battery for your RV, camper, e-bike, or golf cart, then this one from RIUXU will provide all the energy that you need.

This China-made battery is indeed impressive. It is made up of four separate power cells that are extremely durable and powerful. In my opinion, this is a better alternative to lead-acid based batteries. It can certainly power up many things such as an RV, a golf cart, and an e-bike. To my delight, I’m surprised to see that it can also power a HAM radio.

Another impressive feature of this product is its cycle life. It can recharge and discharge up to 2000 times. Moreover, it can be hooked up with solar and wind power set up. This battery can certainly function as a very good power storage that can be used for emergency situations.

The only problem that I have with this product is that the instructions are only available on the company’s website. When I first purchased it, I cannot mount it immediately because there is no clear instruction on how to connect the four power cells.

GreenLiFE Battery GL100 12V Lithium-Ion Battery (Outdated)

Not all Lithium-Ion batteries are created equal. Some will only perform for half its intended lifespan even if you take good care of it. However, this product for GreenLiFE will make sure that you get your money’s worth. If you are looking for a long-lasting and powerful battery, then this one’s for you.

There are so many features that I like about this battery. In terms of design, this one is really impressive. It recharges fast and discharges slowly. In addition, the cells are bolted together for better strength, stability, and conductivity.

The performance of this Li Ion RV battery is equally impressive. Even after 3,000 cycles, this unit will still have around 80% of its storage capacity. Also, it uses Lithium-Ion instead of the conventional lead-acid. For me, this is safer because the battery won’t leak or drip if it gets accidentally damaged while the RV is moving.

I also really like that the company made an effort to place a protection system. This battery has a short-circuit protection system which could prevent your appliances and other electronic gadgets from being damaged. This is a feature that is not present with other similar products in the market these days. With this, I am confident that this battery will never become a cause of an unfortunate incident.

My only problem with this product is that the battery is quite bulky. I have great difficulty placing it inside the battery compartment because it is larger than the usual batteries that I have.

Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery (Outdated)

When it comes to safety and reliability, you could never go wrong with a LiFePO4 Renogy battery – apart from it being fully-sealed; it is a deep-cycle battery that lasts longer than the usual lead-acid types.

I was using two Renogy AGM batteries for my RV, and I was quite happy with them for years. However, I made the mistake of leaving the batteries uncharged and disconnected for a few months when I went to visit my mom and helped her move to assisted living. As I wasn’t sure when I will be back, I was worried that the batteries will be overcharged while I was away, but the opposite happened: they got deep-discharged that when I came back, they wouldn’t charge anymore.

I thought I could still revive the batteries, but then I thought I should just replace them with longer-lasting, deep-cycle batteries so I wouldn’t have to worry about this issue again. The Renogy LiFePO4 batteries saved me from my dilemma.

I am glad that this battery has a very low self-discharge rate that if I leave it disconnected and fully charged, it will still be okay even after a year.

I just wish they made sturdier handles for this battery because the externally-attached straps don’t look very durable to me. Also, for its price, I would expect a much better handle design in terms of function and aesthetics.

VoltXcell Volt LifePo4 100ah Lithium Battery (Outdated)

Batteries are very essential part of power set up of an RV. If you like being off-grid, you certainly need a reliable 12 volt lithium ion RV battery to help you supply your appliances with clean energy. This battery is none other than the one made by VoltXcell.

I am really impressed with this particular battery. In contrast to lead-acid batteries, this particular battery is so remarkable. The chemical makeup of Lithium-Iron-Phosphate or LiFePO4 significantly increases the recharge and discharge rate.

In terms of flexibility, this battery is truly unparalleled. This unit can store wind or solar energy. I have a small solar power set up in my RV and this unit is really efficient in storing energy. With this, I won’t have to purchase a separate battery just to store renewable energy. I also like the fact that this battery does not overheat.

What I don’t appreciate about this battery is its size and weight. It is really heavy and lifting it would be difficult especially if you have mobility issues. So far, the unit is fixed in its place, so I don’t have to lift it yet. But I dread the day when I have to replace this battery with a new one.

Shunbin 12V Lithium-Ion Battery (Outdated)

Switching to a Lithium-Ion battery is a pretty easy choice for me, as I’ve heard good things about this type of battery. The tricky part is choosing between the available options, and I eventually decided to get this Shunbin 400Ah 12V battery.

I was using four 100Ah Renogy AGM batteries in parallel, and although they worked great, I thought of replacing my system with LiFePO4 batteries due to its size and service life. When I got this battery from Shunbin, I realized that it even charges faster than my previous setup – and that is a huge plus for me.

Most batteries for solar applications only have a 1-year warranty, but this 12 volt lithium RV battery has a 3-year warranty. This battery is not cheap at all, but considering that it is a 400Ah battery with a built-in BMS, I only needed one for my system. Although the AGM batteries I used to have are already relatively smaller than others in the market, replacing those four batteries with this Shunbin one still saved me some precious space in the RV.

I am a bit disappointed at the way this battery looks, as it doesn’t look sleek at all (even though the material casing is very durable). At 98 pounds, it’s not the most portable battery (it adds to the load of the vehicle if you’re driving around), although it works well in fixed-location setups like the one I have in my RV.

What to Look for When Buying Lithium Batteries for RVs

Every RV owner worth his salt knows a thing or two about lithium batteries for RVs. Not to be confused with the actual lithium batteries which are non-rechargeable, RVs actually use lithium-ion batteries that are specifically made to store and supply power and then recharge again once the power has been dispersed.

Because a lot of owners nowadays are opting for what is faster, what is stronger, and what is more reliable on the long run, a number of both seasoned and new RV owners are opting for the lithium-ion RV battery.

With more and more destinations waiting to be traveled and more on-road activities waiting to be experienced, it is no surprise that there is a sudden surge in the demand for the efficient lithium battery for the RV. But with so many brands and variations out there, how do you choose? As a longtime RV owner and enthusiast, let me help you in presenting these factors to consider when buying the perfect lithium RV battery for you.

• The Right Weight

Generally, the first thing you need to consider when buying your RV battery is the weight. No matter the battery kind, you should first determine if it is the right weight for your RV. This is because it will have to be stored in your RV, and most of the time by the numbers, and you would need to make sure that you have enough space and engine power to carry it everywhere you go.

When storing energy, more is always better, especially when doing activities that will take you off the grid-like woodland camping and boondocking. Consider the number of batteries you need, and how much it would weigh for your RV.

Sometimes, the weight is influenced by the design of the RV battery. Consider the dimensions these designs bring forth, and how they would affect the way you store them in the RV. The space they will occupy should be considered at times.

Generally, owners opt for options that are compact and lightweight. This is for better storage and also better for both the battery and the RV as they face numerous bumps along the road.

• Usage Ease

Most of the time, we are so enamored by the great weight and storage manageability, that we often forget to factor in the ease in the battery’s usage. One of the things to look for when factoring in the usage ease is its flexibility in charging.

It will definitely be an advantage for you to get a lithium battery that is compatible to multiple power sources for its charging. Whether it is from charging in a residential or RV park power supply, charging from a generator, or even in special ways like wind and solar charging, an RV lithium battery that is able to store energy from numerous sources can help you on the road.

Ease of use also pertains to the operating abilities of the battery. Does it function well even with the engine running, or will you only use it when the RV is parked? If you are planning to use it frequently and while driving, get a lithium battery that can support such activity. It will surely make you trip experience better, with no hassles and bumps!

One thing that most owners overlook is the ease of the battery’s energy reading. No owner should have a hard time determining the current state of the battery’s power, something that could be potentially affect your trip. Consider this when you think of the battery’s overall usage ease.

• Great Durability

I have seen a number of RV owners in my time overestimate the strength of the RV, while only basing it on the engine. What makes the RV experience better is knowing that the RV is only as good as the battery powering it, for what good is an RV that is stuck powerless?

In choosing the right lithium RV battery for you, consider products with great reputation when it comes to travel durability. In some cases, the materials used in manufacturing the products influence the very function it performs. This means that high-quality materials make the better products, especially in products specifically dealing with power and energy.

Travel durability is determined by how many bumps and vibrations the battery would survive on the road, as you face challenging terrains. Whether driving through old and forgotten country roads or misty beaten paths, your battery should be able to handle all these external factors that can affect its internal functions. This will also spell out the general life span of the battery, which tells you how long your battery can help out your RV.

The durability of the lithium RV battery can also be alluded to the product’s design. Special features are sometimes achieved with different designs, features that can help the RV battery survive the challenges ahead. Some of the most famous features are airtight housing, sturdy housing design to avoid tumbling and spillage, and various handling features.

• Power

Determining the power aspects the lithium RV battery is probably the most important in this list. When looking at the battery’s power aspects, there are three main things to be considered. The first is the speed of the battery’s charging. The charging speed affects your entire travel timeframe because how far you get depends on your stored energy. Consider the charging time you are willing to accommodate in order you use your batteries because it will affect your trip overall.

After determining the charging speed, the second thing to consider is the capacity of the battery itself. Find out how much energy can your lithium RV battery store, because this dictates the functions it can support. Find out how much can it disperse within a certain period of time for the usage of your appliance and gadgets.

The last thing to consider in terms of powers is the duration of the energy storage. Find out how long your lithium RV battery can keep the unused charges inside it, which can be later on utilized when you are on the road.

• The Right Price

After considering everything above, this is the time to consider the price. Balance out every factor, determine the RV activity you want, and then choose what is the best for your situation. Buying a Lithium RV battery is a longtime investment so the pricing is indeed a factor, but it is a great choice to make for your RV.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is an RV lithium battery?

The RV is an incredible modern marvel. For years it has brought joy to countless families by being a great means of travel to experience the awesomeness of nature and the outdoors. Being a home away from home while at the same time being the family vehicle that brings you from Point A to Point B, the RV requires the help of a number of RV-specific products. One of these RV-specific equipment is the lithium RV battery.

Not to be confused with the ‘actual’ lithium batteries, which are non-rechargeable in function, RVs mostly utilize the use of lithium-ion batteries for a great travel experience. The lithium RV battery, as it is famously known by both new and seasoned owners, is one of the best battery options out there. There are a number of reasons why choosing this battery is often the decision of most RV owners.

For one, the lithium battery option is able to topple the complications and weaknesses of the traditional lead-acid batteries. With the lithium variation, the instance for battery failure is greatly reduced and eventually eliminated.

One advantage that sways RV owners to choosing a lithium RV battery is its performance. More than other average RV batteries, the lithium RV battery is known to have a fast charging speed. All RV owners know that the speed of the battery’s charging determines the timeframe of your activities, meaning it affects your travel experience as well as the functions it needs to serve. And since time is of the essence as always in RV activities such as camping off the grid and even boondocking, the faster the battery charges, the better.

Another important factor to know about the lithium RV battery is its capacity. Lithium RV batteries are known to have higher battery capacity than other options out there. This pertains to two things. The first one is the lithium RV battery’s capability to store higher percentages of energy inside as it charges. Since the battery has a higher limit than most, it can store more energy that can, later on, be dispersed and used in numerous activities.

The second thing it pertains to is the lithium RV batteries ability to disperse energy at a higher hourly rate than most battery options. What this means is that as a power supply it allows for a more consistent and sustained energy dispersal, so that motor-related problems are avoided when instances like power surges and drainages happen.

And just when you think it stops there, it gets better. Another advantage of the lithium RV battery is that it is capable of storing energy for a longer time, while it is still unused. This means that the energy you have spent a chunk of your time storing will not be wasted just because you have not used it immediately right after charging to full capacity. This means that you can still rely on the battery’s stored energy even in long travels.

The lithium RV battery is the next big thing in the battery side of the RV scene.

How does it work?

Lithium RV batteries work in a much faster and more efficient way than the other traditional RV batteries. Basically, it utilizes the movement of the lithium ions (through the electrolytes) from the negative electrode (also called a cathode) and to the positive electrode (called an anode) and vice versa depending on the situation. If the battery is providing an electric current, which happens if it is supplying power or discharging, the movement of the lithium ions is from the anode to the cathode. The opposite happens when the battery is plugged in or getting charged.

Most lithium RV batteries are also wide-ranged when it comes to charging. There are multiple variations for different charging options like traditional residential or RV Park charging, where you plug into a stable power source system or the generator charging which is currently being used by a number of RV owners. One of the most famous trends currently is the opportunity charging, with creative and convenient ways such as wind power and solar power charging.

What are the different types of lithium RV batteries?

While there are a number of lithium-based batteries, basically all lithium ion batteries for RVs are the same. However this might be, there are still two factors in which these lithium RV batteries are different.

• Factor #1: Battery’s Cycle Life

One of the most defining factors of a particular battery is its cycle life. Especially for lithium RV batteries, cycle life is supposed to be thoroughly evaluated because as you might or might not know, the battery’s life is not measured in years but rather in how many cycles it can make before it expires or stops working.

A whole battery cycle is the total process duration of storing, dispersing, and re-storing of a certain amount of energy to the battery itself. This is the main reason why the deep-cycle variation of the lithium RV battery is the oftentimes the choice for RV boondocking batteries. Choose a lithium RV battery with a higher expected cycle life if you want a long term investment for your RV.

• Factor #2: Battery’s Cycle Depth

The depth of a battery’s cycle is something you need to learn about as you use your RV battery’s power. It pertains to the energy consumed from the battery before it is be refilled. Basically, it determines how much percentage of its energy should be consumed before it needs to be recharged.

This matters in the bigger picture because as we have discussed earlier, the life of the battery is determined by how much cycles it can make. So the less frequently it needs to do a full cycle, the slower the battery ages. This is why deep-cycled lithium RV batteries are the best for boondocking.

Now, the different RV batteries available in the market would have these two basic differences.

Why do you need a lithium battery for RV?

Although RV lithium ion batteries are expensive (they are actually the priciest ones), it is for good reason. The following are some of the major benefits of a lithium battery for campers:

• Can operate on various temperatures — whether you are traveling to places with hot temperatures, or to areas with cold temperatures, you can rely on this type of battery to work.
• Has a long life — this type of battery can last up to 2,000 cycles, which is about four to six times an average RV battery. If your typical battery lasts you two to three years, the lithium-ion one
• Is maintenance-free — there is no need to refill with water or do other maintenance tasks with this battery.
• Constant voltage — whenever one appliance needs more power at any one instant (such as when refrigerators cycle up), there will be no fluctuation.
• Recharges quickly — unlike other RV batteries which take anywhere between ten to 24 hours to fully recharge, lithium ion RV batteries can recharge within two to four hours.

So even if it is more expensive than others, the benefits outweigh the price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are good RV lithium battery brands?

Although Lithium-Ion batteries are relatively new in the batteries arena, they are quickly gaining fame because of its high quality, minimal maintenance, and long life. Here are some of the best brands for this type of battery:

• Battle Born Batteries – this well-known battery company whose main office is located in Reno, Nevada. All their products are manufactured and tested in the same facility. Their products work well with renewable sources such as solar and wind energy.
• Renogy – this brand not only manufactures batteries but also other RV-related and solar power system accessories. It has been part of the 500 fastest growing companies hailed by Inc. 5000. It’s a reliable brand that has received multiple great lithium ion RV battery reviews.
• AIMS Corp – similar to Renogy, this company’s products focus more on solar power systems. They have a complete set of inverters, solar panels, batteries and more. This company was established in 2001 and sells their products worldwide.
• GreenLIFE Technologies – as their name implies, this company focuses on green technological solutions for people on the go. It’s available in 30 countries around the world. All of their batteries have what they call a Battery Management System which helps in preventing shorten a battery’s lifespan. Best of all, most of their products have five-year warranties, which say a lot about how confident they are.

What lithium battery size do I need for my RV?

The size of a lithium battery an RV owner needs for his motorhome depends on his vehicle’s power requirements.

For example, a 12-volt, 50Ah lithium battery might be sufficient to run a 14-foot camper’s lights, electronic gadgets, a small fan, and radio. Adding power tools and a small electric cooler to the power consumption requires a larger 100 amp-hour capacity battery.

On the other hand, a 28-foot motorhome with lights, a stove, a medium-size fridge, large fans, electronics, a large TV, and a radio might require a pair of 200Ah lithium batteries.

RV owners must determine the power requirements of each fixture, appliance, and gadget the lithium battery will operate. They must also calculate the average daily runtime for each item to assess the RV’s power requirements. For example, a large 1Ah Smart TV might only run for five hours, requiring five amps per day.

People can use their calculations to determine the correct size lithium battery for their motorhomes. They can choose from 50Ah to 500Ah and 12, 24, and 48-volt forms.

How to choose the right size?

Batteries are very integral to RVing. It runs the most basic electronic features of the RV such as the lights and appliances, up to the most sophisticated ones such as the furnace, water heater, jacks, the slides, and many more. It is therefore important to choose the right battery size in order to provide the right amount of energy that your RV needs.

Here are some ways that can help you choose the right RV battery size:

• If you have a limited budget, this is the right choice for you. Flooded lead-acid batteries are usually the cheapest among the existing battery types these days. If this is maintained properly, this can last up to 5 years. The only drawback in choosing this battery is that you have to maintain it regularly to prolong its lifespan.
• Low maintenance. If you are looking for a battery that doesn’t need to be maintained, the best ones are the deep cycle batteries. This type of battery discharges power slowly, so you have more time to power your appliances. Also, if you have a solar power set up, deep cycle batteries and chargers are the right choice for you.
• Premium choice. This is definitely better compared to lead-acid and deep cycle batteries. However, this is also the most expensive out of all the choices in the market. This one uses Lithium-Iron-Phosphate or LiFePO4. This type of battery recharges fast and discharges at a slow rate, maximizing every bit of energy inside.

Can I replace my RV battery with a lithium battery?

Yes, people can replace their RV batteries with lithium batteries as the principal power source for their motorhome appliances.

However, these batteries are unsuitable for starting the RV’s engine because such an operation requires a massive power burst.

On the other hand, lithium batteries provide campers, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and other RVs a power option with a higher capacity and greater depth of discharge.

If a conventional lead-acid deep cycle battery has a DoD of 50%, a lithium (LiFePO4) battery can drain itself up to 20% before recharging.

Lithium batteries for motorhomes make perfect sense because they weigh half lead-acid batteries and have a smaller footprint for easier RV placement.

These batteries can last the RV’s lifetime without requiring any maintenance. They also discharge deeper (up to 20%) than lead-acid batteries while lasting more charge-discharge cycles (up to 8,000 cycles).

However, people living in colder regions might find lithium batteries less than ideal.

Although these batteries discharge efficiently in cold weather, one cannot recharge them in freezing conditions. Doing so can cause irreversible damage.

Do I need a special charger for lithium batteries in my RV?

Yes, people need a special charger for lithium batteries in their RVs. Conventional chargers for lead-acid batteries deliver power in three phases – the bulk stage, the absorption stage, and the float stage.

The charger’s absorption phase is crucial because voltage increases to compensate for the increased resistance, slowing down the charging process.

On the other hand, a charger designed for travel trailer lithium batteries does not have an absorption phase because these batteries have low internal resistance. The design allows lithium batteries to breeze from the bulk stage (up to 97% state of charge) to the near-negligible absorption-float phase at full speed.

People can use an existing battery charger to recharge lithium batteries if it has programmable settings.

Lithium batteries require 14.6 volts to recharge, while lead-acid batteries need only 14.4 volts. They also differ in chemistry, with lithium batteries free from sulfation.

Ideally, the charger must allow users to dial the correct settings for their lithium batteries. It must have a switch for LiFePO4. If not, it is advisable to buy a charger specific to lithium batteries.

How much do lithium batteries for an RV cost?

The cheapest lithium RV batteries can cost RV owners $400, while budget-friendly lead-acid batteries can cost about $50.

The standard 100 ampere-hours (Ah) LiFePO4 battery can cost about $1,000, give or take a few tens of dollars. It remains more expensive than a high-end lead-acid battery.

The price also increases with an increase in Ah capacity. For example, a 200Ah lithium battery for RV might cost RV owners $1,500. Chinese brands offer more price-friendly alternatives, pushing the cost for a 200Ah battery down to $900 to $1,000.

Despite its prohibitive initial cost, lithium batteries remain a cost-effective power solution in the long term. These batteries can last the RV’s lifetime, eliminating the need for periodic battery purchases (every three to five years).

They also have a deeper depth of discharge without damaging the battery, allowing users to get the most out of their power rigs.

The battery’s cost-effectiveness extends to its maintenance requirements and energy efficiency. Unsurprisingly, many RV owners who discovered lithium batteries’ many advantages no longer want to revert to lead-acid batteries because there is no need to.

How long do they last?

Most batteries typically last around 5 to 6 years, depending on how you use it. However, as technology advances, more innovations and improvements come along. Latest designs of deep cycle and Lithium-based batteries can now last up to 10 years.

How to set up?

Here are ways to set up your RV battery:

1. Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) signs in the wingnuts of the battery.
2. Your RV has two cable leads with lugs or eyelets. Connect the red one to the positive (+) wingnut first and the black, or sometimes white, to the negative (-) wingnut of the battery next. Make sure to check the instructions on your unit to verify the correct color of the cables.

If you have mistakenly crossed the positive to the negative terminals, you will immediately know it if you see a spark.

How to use?

Batteries are more than just an energy storage. It is also meant to increase the energy supply inside the RV in order to run more appliances or electronic gadgets at the same time.

To use your RV battery, make sure to connect the right terminals. Before connecting the battery, keep in mind to disconnect all the power pulls first. This is to prevent any accidents while connecting the battery to your RV.

How to care and clean?

RV batteries usually need little to no maintenance at all. The only time that you will need to clean it is when the surface gets dusty. The collected dirt can be wiped off using a dry cloth.

When wiping the surface of an RV battery, make sure that you use dry cloth only. Wet cloth will increase your likelihood of getting electrocuted while cleaning it. Also, wet cloth may also cause the whole electrical connection to short circuit.

Conclusion

The RV lithium battery is an innovation in the battery side of the camper scene. It is a strong power source that can withstand long hours and many deep cycles. It is efficient when it comes to storing energy, and it charges faster and better among the rest.

If you want to make a serious investment in your RV, start with opting for the best lithium battery for RV. With this, you won’t be stuck deep in the woods without power as Lithium-Ion is as reliable as it gets.

William Turner

Hi, I am William Turner, a junior color consultant. My work is to create designs that make visual impacts as desired by clients. I am here to introduce you to the current color trends and combinations that create the right mood for your rooms.