Most people assume that if they get a new battery for their RV, it will automatically last as long as a car battery. However, RVs can be a little bit harder on batteries than your standard vehicle. Follow these 5 tips to make sure your RV battery lasts as long as possible.
Top #1: Keep your RV battery clean
Regularly check and clean your battery posts, cables, and hold-downs. Check for any corroded, loose, or broken terminals, and make sure the battery box is clean and dry. A dirty battery causes increased resistance, so it won’t charge properly.
Tip #2: Store your RV battery properly
The key is regulating temperature, which impacts the chemical reaction that occurs when your RV battery is charging or discharging. When the temperature is too low, the chemical reaction slows down and your battery won’t charge properly; when the temperature is too high, the internal components of the battery can overheat, causing permanent damage and potentially a fire.
Tip #3: Use a battery maintenance system
A battery maintenance system does several things; it maintains your battery at full charge when it’s not in use. It also protects your battery from being overcharged or drained too far. Some systems even condition your battery so it can hold more charge overall.
Since the system will protect your battery from overcharging and draining, it will add years to the life of your RV batteries.
Tip #4: Choose the right RV battery
It’s important to get the right battery for your RV. If you have a Class A or C motorhome, you’ll want to get six-volt golf cart batteries. These are usually found in pairs and can easily be installed. For smaller RVs, such as camper vans or travel trailers, you can use marine deep-cycle batteries. These may be 12 volt or 6 volt depending on your needs.
Tip #5: Charge them up regularly
This is the single best thing you can do for your RV’s batteries. Lead-acid batteries have a natural self-discharge rate of approximately 2% per month. You can combat this by charging up your batteries every week or two, even if you’re not using them. If you’ve got your rig plugged in, this will be automatic, but if you’re boondocking with solar panels or a generator, you’ll need to hook the system up manually.
Contact the team that loves RVs!
Hopefully, this blog has provided you with a few ideas on how to extend the life of your RV batteries. If you have any questions or inquiries about maintaining and purchasing RV batteries, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We recommend replacing the batteries at least every two years, but even this will not be enough if you do not take steps to let them rest and charge properly.