7 Best RV Deep Cycle Batteries
Have you ever been in a situation where, in your RV, you’re unable to charge your phone, have proper ventilation or enjoy fresh air on a hot night just because you’ve run out of electricity? I was.
Worse still, you had to lessen the time used on the phone just because you know there is no alternative electricity source. Feels weird!
A good RV battery must have a powerful resistance capacity to keep your device’s Power ON over a long period.
One of RV batteries’ most important features is that they are designed for continuous discharging and recharging, which supports the typical RV’s condition.
If your RV has several electronics, investing in the following 7 best deep cycle RV batteries can help.
BUYING RECOMMENDATIONS
Best RV Deep Cycle Battery
1. Optima 8016-103 D34M deep cycle battery- Best Overall
Capacity: 55 Ah
Voltage: 12 voltages
Weight: 43.5 pound
Reserve Capacity: 120 minutes
The 12V battery is easy to use and maintain. Regardless of your RV condition, Optima 8016-103 D34M delivers the maximum power electricity you’ve always craved for.
Oh, and another exciting feature of this deep cycle RV battery is that it is lightweight ( despite its high voltage)
Keep in mind
As you know, RVs tend to vibrate when moving, which usually affects most batteries.
That’s exceptional to the Optima 8016-103 D34M – this battery is highly vibration-resistant. It is 15 times more vibration resistant than a typical battery.
- Dual functions
- Lightweight
- Vibration/shock resistant
- High reserve capacity
- May Damage when hit
- BATTERY SPECS: 12-Volt, 750 Cold Cranking Amps, Size: 10.06" Length x 6.88" Wide x 7.94" Tall, Weight: 43.5 pounds, Dual SAE & 5/16" Stainless Steel Stud Posts, C20 Capacity: 55 AH, MCA 870
- RESERVE CAPACITY of 120 minutes for constant performance. Faster charging capabilities.
- SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY: Spircalcell Technology with 99.99% pure lead delivers more power and consistently outperforms conventional flat-plate batteries. Optimal starting power even in bad weather.
2. Odyssey PC680 Battery – Runner Up
The battery can withstand constant pounding during the outdoor condition.
The AGM design is top-notch and can withstand vibration. The multiple lead plates boost the battery power supply.
This battery’s unique feature is that it can last longer than a typical deep cycle battery. What’s more: the vibration resistance is out of this world. Not only does this battery keep vibrations at bay, but it also tolerates the high temperature of the RV.
We also tested the recharging feature, and we’re happy the battery recharges on time.
Here’s the exciting part- Odyssey PC680 Battery can last from 3 to 10 years. And of course, it is incredibly flexible and can be mounted anywhere.
Keep in mind
We noticed that the manufacturing company’s technical support is not so impressive.
- Rugged construction
- Excellent AGM design
- Sturdy, reliable, and can withstand shock
- Recharges on time
- Unreliable tech support
- 170 CCA; Better warranty: Limited 2-year full replacement warranty, not pro rata; Longer service life: With 3-10 years of service life, ODYSSEY batteries save consumers time, money, and aggravation
- Longer cycle life: 70 percentage longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries, up to 400 cycles at 80 percentage depth of discharge- high stable voltage for longer periods of time
- Faster recharge: The highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market, capable of 100 percentage recharge in 4 - 6 hours; Mounting flexibility: Non-spillable design
3. Universal UB121000-45978 – General Purpose
It is also versatile as you can use the battery on scooters, motor homes, golf carts, and other gadgets. The AGM technology is pretty reliable – it reduces the effect of shock and vibration on the battery. Universal UB121000 also stores energy on the 12v battery.
We also love that the battery is properly sealed and will never leak or spill.
Keep in mind
The battery is sturdy and acid-proof to resist shock and vibration. However, there is a little downside – its stainless steel hardware is short, which prevents you from making extra connections.
- A multi-purpose battery
- Can be mounted in different positions
- AGM technology reduces vibration and shock
- Stainless Steel hardware is short
- Replacement for a Universal Power UB121000 (45978) 12V 100Ah Sealed Lead Acid Battery
- Voltage: 12V (12 Volts)
- Capacity: 100Ah
4. VMAX857 12-volt 35AH AGM Battery (exceptional strong and durable)
One of the high-quality features that caught our attention is its plate’s physical and chemical structure – thanks to the solid manufacturing process.
We love that the battery is reliable and strong to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The performance is excellent. AGM technology keeps the battery safe as it traps the electrolyte.
Many users have commended the longer life span of the VMAX857 deep cycle battery.
Keep in mind
This battery requires no extraordinary maintenance. You can use it for a long time without the need for maintaining operation.
But, here’s the drawback – VMAX857 does not hold a charge longer unlike most 12v batteries.
- The plate is strong and durable
- Shock and vibration resistance option
- AGM design for hazard prevention
- Tough protective tank
- The battery doesn’t hold a charge longer than most 12v batteries.
- Dimensions: L=7.7 inch W=5 inch H=6.1 inch
- Heavy Duty Grids: VMAX heavy duty lead tin alloys provide an extra margin of performance and service life in either float or cyclic applications, even after repeated over discharges.
- Maintenance Free Operation: There is no need to check specific gravity of the electrolyte or add water to VMAX tanks during float service life. In fact, there is no provision for this type of maintenance.
5. Renogy 12-volt 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery – General Purpose
More than for RV use, this battery serves a general-purpose, such as for motorcycles, electric vehicles, golf carts, portable tools, and lots more.
You can also use this battery as a backup or even for daily use.
One of the things I also love about this 12v battery is that it is maintenance-free, leak-free, and spill-free. The Renogy deep cycle battery also prevents discharging, which is pretty good.
Keep in mind
The Renogy 12-volt 100Ah is a little heavy, so you should keep that in mind.
- Serves general purpose
- Useful for daily use or backup
- Maintenance-free, leak-free, spill-free.
- Prevents over-discharging.
- A little heavy
- Renogy AGM Batteries: Trusted Worldwide, Exceptional Safety, Extreme Performance! Support series (No limitation), parallel (Up to 4P) connections.
- 【Leading AGM Batteries】Renogy Deep Cycle AGM batteries have earned widespread trust with over 230,000 units sold worldwide in the past six years.
- 【Exceptionally Safe Chemistry & Minimal Troubleshooting】Compared to batteries made of other chemistries, Renogy Deep Cycle AGM batteries offer exceptional safety due to their higher chemical stability. Their integrated internal structure and sealed design spare you from intricate internal troubleshooting, a feature not shared by lithium batteries.
6. WindyNation 100AH 12-volt AGM – budget option
On top of that, the battery is properly sealed, which means there’s no leaking or spilling issue. And unlike some batteries, the WindyNation 100AH 12-volt AGM does not emit fumes that can be harmful to the body.
The battery is also maintenance-free and requires no special care.
Another excellent part of the plastic made battery is that it is reasonably priced. Plus, it is reliable for off-grid applications.
It also features a heavy-duty plate, which is perfect for deep discharge.
Keep in mind
We noticed that the hub terminal is a little short (which is common among RV batteries, though)
- Perfect for RV and solar charging
- Property sealed. No leak. No-spill
- Supports off-grid application
- Heavy-duty plates
- Housed in ABS plastic material
- Short hub terminal
- WindyNation 100 amp-hour, 12 Volt heavy duty deep cycle AGM sealed lead acid batteries with heavy duty plates are designed for deep, repetitive discharges.
- Ideal for all types of off-grid power: Solar Systems, RV's, UPS, Off shore Marine power, Telecommunications, Portable tools, etc.
- 99.995% pure virgin lead allows for an extremely low discharge rate and maximum power storage (lower quality batteries often use recycled lead). Float life is 10 to 12 years at 25 degrees Celsius
7. Odyssey PC925 Battery
We are also impressed with the recharging efficiency. What’s more, the sealed design keeps the battery durable and reliable, preventing spills and leaks.
Odyssey PC925 Battery churns out 330 cold-cranking amps, which is easy to start your RV or appliance.
The non-spillable design protects the battery from shocks and vibration.
Odyssey PC925 Battery is rugged and performs excellently under any weather condition.
You can also position this battery anywhere. It also supports and performs well under extreme temperatures.
Keep in mind
The Odyssey PC925 Battery can be a little heavy.
- Long battery life
- Impressive recharge efficiency
- Can be mounted in different positions
- Non spillable design for shock/vibration protection
- Performs well under extreme temperature
- Can be heavy
- WindyNation 100 amp-hour, 12 Volt heavy duty deep cycle AGM sealed lead acid batteries with heavy duty plates are designed for deep, repetitive discharges.
- Ideal for all types of off-grid power: Solar Systems, RV's, UPS, Off shore Marine power, Telecommunications, Portable tools, etc.
- 99.995% pure virgin lead allows for an extremely low discharge rate and maximum power storage (lower quality batteries often use recycled lead). Float life is 10 to 12 years at 25 degrees Celsius
Buyers guide
What Are The Factors To Consider When Buying A Deep Cycle Battery For RV?
Capacity
Capacity, rated in ampere-hours, is the specific amount of current that a battery can deliver within a certain time. For example, a 200AH battery will deliver 200A in 1 hour.
Batteries with high capacity store more Power and last longer. In a nutshell, the higher, the better. Also, remember to check the size and weight of the battery for storage purposes.
When choosing battery capacity, make sure you consider your energy requirement. Measure your daily power input.
Here’s also good news: some battery supports solar power recharging.
Quick tip- If you’re planning to go off-grid, make sure you choose a battery that can support you for the long term.
Discharge depth
The depth of discharge is another critical factor to consider when buying a deep cycle RV battery. Discharge depths are usually measured in percentage. Deep cycle batteries usually have a higher discharge depth.
Voltage
Voltage measures the electrical differences. A typical deep cycle battery has a voltage kg 12V.
Some PV owners even connect 2 6 volts batteries in series to equal the 12V requirement of a deep cycle battery. Just make sure you consider your RV system when doing this tweaking.
Remember, most charging kits are configured to work on 24V batteries. So you need a power booster to convert DC to AC for an effective battery function.
Charging methods
Another factor to consider is how you want your deep cycle battery to be charged – is it through the generator, solar, or shore power?
You can even combine these three.
Withstand vibration
An RV deep cycle battery’s ability to withstand vibration is an important factor to consider before buying an RV deep cycle battery. Batteries that are built to be strong and sturdy tend to withstand vibration.
Make sure you go for batteries that are shock and vibration resistant.
All the deep cycle batteries reviewed above are shock and vibration resistant. Going for batteries without this feature might cost you more money on repairs in the future.
Frequently Asked Question
This section answers the most frequently asked questions from potential buyers.
What is an RV deep cycle battery?
Water pumps, Air conditioners, microwaves, and a lot of appliances in the recreational vehicle depend on RV batteries for operation. And that’s because they provide current consistently.
These batteries are designed to discharge into 70% of their total capacity.
What are the types of RV batteries? Which is best for me?
Deep cycle batteries are commonly used for recreational vehicles. And that’s mostly due to their designs – deep cycle batteries can withstand frequent recharging and discharging.
Engine starting batteries cannot last as long as the deep cycle battery.
The lightweight lithium battery is the best and most popular type of deep cycle battery because it is maintenance-free.
However, it is costlier. Gel, conventional flooded gel, and absorbed glass mat are other great options.
Which charger is the best for an RV battery?
RV batteries have a battery charging system. But some of them perform poorly.
Some are designed to top up the battery—however, some batteries damage from overcharging.
That’s why you should be careful with the type of charger to use.
Converter chargers are the best type of charger to use for your RV battery. They convert 120 volts of shore power to 12 volts DC power.
Conclusion
All the RV deep cycle batteries reviewed are the best in the market. Our editor’s choice is the Optima 8016-103 D34M deep cycle battery.
It is a dual-purpose battery (functions as a deep cycle and a starting battery), easy to use and maintain, shock and vibration resistant, delivers maximum power electricity, and lightweight (despite its high voltage).
If you’re looking for a deep cycle battery with rugged construction and long battery life, our runner-up, the Odyssey PC680 Battery, is a great choice.
Our budget option is the WindyNation 100AH 12-volt AGM. Overall, all of our reviewed products are unique in their ways.
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API