RVing is at an all-time high, with 11 million RV owners camping in North America last year alone.
If you're new to RV ownership, you may not realize how important the battery you choose is. Everything from your appliances to the lights and air conditioning all run off a deep cycle battery. Unless you buy a good one, you could end up without your favorite RV luxuries.
Today, we're going to tell you everything you need to know when buying an RV battery. If you take all the following into consideration, you'll end up with the best battery for your vehicle. Keep reading and purchase an RV battery that works.
Types of Batteries
There are three main types of RV batteries to choose from - AGM, Flooded, and Gel batteries. Which you end up with will depend on the type of RV you have and the type of trips you take it on.
AGM
Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries have separators that keep the positive and negative plates apart. The mat holds the electrolytes and stops them from flowing freely in the battery, making it low maintenance. AGM batteries also charge faster and have a longer lifespan than other types.
Flooded
Flooded batteries are made up of lead plates in sulfuric acid. They're meant to give a low but constant flow of power and need to be constantly charged and discharged. For that reason, they require some maintenance, but they're the most common RV battery on the market.
Gel
Gel batteries are lead-acid batteries that are valve regulated. They don't require any maintenance, but they charge slowly and at a lower voltage. It's important to be careful when charging gel batteries, as overcharging can damage the cell permanently.
What to Consider When You Purchase an RV Battery
There are a few key things you need to think about when choosing your RV battery. Things like capacity, charging capabilities, and depth of discharge are all crucial to RV owners.
When it comes to capacity, you need a battery that can handle longer trips and reserve its power. Look for batteries with high ampere-hours if you're going to be doing trips away from powered campsites.
You must look into the battery's charging mode to determine whether a power inverter is necessary. If you want to use your TV, computer, coffee maker, or microwave in the RV, you'll need to convert the AC charge to DC.
Depth of discharge refers to the amount of power that your RV battery discharges during regular use. Most RV batteries handle up to 50% depth of discharge, but some go up to 80%. It's an important metric to understand because it directly affects the performance and lifespan of the battery.
Getting a New Battery from a Trusted Retailer
If you're going to get the perfect RV battery for your needs, it's best to consult with a trusted RV battery retailer.
At Prairie Battery, we've been serving the needs of RV owners across the prairies and the GTA. To discuss your RV battery options with a dedicated professional, get in touch with us today.