Best Battery for Camper Van

It might be difficult to choose the best campervan batteries.

No one solution suits all situations.

What works for one individual may not work for another.

Choosing the best campervan batteries for you will be aided by your knowledge of the many battery kinds, the capacity you want for your lifestyle in a van, the relative costs, and how to maintain them.

One of the most crucial components of any camper van conversion is the electrical system.

If you do it correctly, you’ll have enough energy to run your heater, camper shower, fridge, lights, computers, and camera batteries.

At worst, you’ll be in the dark if you get it wrong.

It’s just half the battle won when the ideal camper solar panels are installed, a B-2-B charger is available, and a hookup point is available.

You run the danger of running out of power and drinking warm beers in the dark if you don’t have the correct battery bank to store all that free energy.

Here is all you need to know to navigate the complexity and install the best camper battery for your requirements.

This article is a part of a series on the electrical systems used in campervans.

Take a look at our beginner’s guide to campervan electrics first if you’re unfamiliar with electrics or van construction.

Having Knowledge About Campervan Batteries

Understanding the many camper battery types is the first step in selecting the best batteries.

#1. Battery Starters

Your vehicle or camper won’t start if your battery is dead.

To power the starting motor, which turns the engine over, the engine requires a starter battery.

But rather than a trickle of energy, the starting motor requires a tremendous shock.

Starter batteries are designed to provide a large amount of energy quickly and may utilize up to 20% of their entire capacity at each start.

The starting battery is recharged by the alternator once the engine fires up, making it ready for the next time you start it.

Although an engine starting battery is required, these batteries are not suitable for powering the campervan‘s accessories, appliances, or lighting.

#2. Deep Cycle And Recreational Batteries

12v leisure batteries are another name for deep cycle batteries.

A deep cycle battery, in contrast to starter batteries, is designed to release energy gradually over a longer time.

They have the capacity to release a significant amount of energy during longer, deeper energy drains, which would quickly exhaust a starting battery.

Deep cycle batteries are the best option for storing energy for your camper van‘s electrical demands since they can endure hundreds or even thousands of discharges and recharge cycles.

An Overview Of Van Batteries

The greatest camper van batteries are, of course, entirely a matter of opinion.

It all comes down to how many Amp Hours you will need to keep your gadgets going, as well as how many items you will be plugging in and keeping on at any one moment.

What is acceptable for one person may not be suitable for another.

Assume for the moment that you don’t have any solar panels to recharge your batteries.

Your battery may store a smaller charge if its Amp Hour rating, or Ah, is lower.

If you have two 25Ah batteries and a light that draws 1amp from them, the light will be able to operate for 50 hours before your batteries run out.

Your batteries will run out in under 5 hours if you’re using a light and an inverter that draws 10Ah.

You get the concept, right? Okay, let’s continue.

Batteries exist in a wide variety of forms, dimensions, and power capacities, but the three most often used types are “Lead Acid,” “Lithium-Ion,” and “Lithium-Iron Phosphate.” In the previous phrase, I listed them in order of increasing price, but as we continue reading the essay, you’ll learn more about why certain varieties are less expensive than others.

You’ll sometimes hear me discuss AGM batteries as well.

AGM batteries, also known as absorbed glass mat batteries, contain precisely the appropriate quantity of liquid to keep the glass mat moist with the necessary electrolyte, preventing a river of liquid from gushing out into your shoes in the event that your battery breaks or fractures.

Best Battery For Camper Van of 2023

We are seasoned van lifers and are aware that a strong battery may make or break an off-the-grid adventure.

We examined a number of characteristics, such as battery longevity, efficiency, safety rating, and cost, that the best batteries for an RV or campervan should have.

Let’s start off our list of the top motorhome batteries with our top choice.

#1. Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery

The Battle Born LiFeP04 12v deep cycle battery is one of the most environmentally friendly options available.

It has a longer lifespan than many of its rivals and can charge more quickly because to the fact that it is entirely safe, non-toxic, and renewable energy-based.

Because of this, we believe it to be among the top batteries for campervan or RV owners.

For a campervan battery of this size, it has a capacity of 100 amp hours and a recharge cycle of 3,000 to 5,000 uses, which is really outstanding.

Battle Born batteries, like the other lithium batteries on our list, are roughly half as big and heavy as lead-acid batteries, which is perfect if you have a camper van with little room.

Battle Born also produces a 50 amp hour deep cycle battery with all the same high-tech features if you need something with a bit less power.

These Battle Born batteries may be connected with additional batteries to provide you the energy you need when dry camping to run your refrigerator, bathroom, hair dryer, and other appliances.

Although some may find the cost prohibitive, it’s still one of the most reasonably priced lithium batteries available right now.

#2. Zooms/Redodo LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery

Concerning: Zooms just changed their branding.

The name of the new branding is different, but the color palette is the same.

Redodo is now Zoom.

Sizes/AMP hours: The business provides 12 volt batteries with 50, 100, 200, and 300 amp hours.

The battery is smaller and more compact since it has the “Plus” designation.

#3. Mighty Max ML100-12 12V 100AH SLA Battery

One of the best-reviewed AGM batteries on our list, the dependable deep cycle Might Max ML100-12 Battery, is available for around $200.

You won’t need to rearrange your interior to make room for your RV house batteries since it also happens to be one of the smallest (12.17 inches x 6.61 inches x 8.30 inches).

The no-spill design can be installed anywhere in your camper (except upside down), and it can even be moved outside if you need a portable power source while exploring the great outdoors.

Additionally, they may be connected in parallel if our camper van needs extra electricity to power various appliances.

Although it may appear brief in comparison to other products, the reputed Mighty Max brand offers a 1-year battery warranty.

We would like it if Mighty Max batteries came with an extended warranty despite the fact that they are trustworthy, durable, and vibration- and shock-resistant.

It’s also important to note that the battery does not come with mounting hardware or a cable harness.

Those extra parts will have to be bought individually.

#4. WindyNation Deep Cycle

Another inexpensive van battery choice is the WindyNation Deep Cycle, but don’t let that deceive you into believing that the quality isn’t as high as other options on our list.

For anybody who is traveling in a van on a budget and needs all the power that a high-quality lead-acid battery can provide, the WindyNation 12 Deep Cycle is a reliable solution.

It may be used anywhere, like many other marine batteries, and is a dependable option when coupled with a solar array on your camper’s roof.

In a parallel connection, you can also easily link two or three power banks together to create a large power bank that doesn’t take up a lot of room and, more significantly, doesn’t cost the planet!

This WindyNation Deep Cycle battery, like many of the batteries mentioned above, can withstand deep drain and recharge.

It’s also a great option for anybody looking to engage in some light off-roading in harsh climates.

It can adapt to temperature fluctuations without becoming larger or losing its little battery mentality, giving you excellent performance whenever you need it.

The absence of a portable movie theater or a brand-new automobile as a basic feature is the only drawback I can see with this battery.

Along with that, repeatedly tossing it on the ground might cause the plastic case to shatter.

Just be careful not to misuse it—a it’s battery, not a toy!

#5. Interstate Batteries DCM0035

The Interstate DCM0035 are the all-purpose tool you need if you’re looking for something affordable and colorful for little chores.

These batteries are a wonderful option for anybody who needs a dependable power source without spending all of their hard-earned money.

They are used by everyone from farmers to surgeons using odd and mysterious technologies.

Interstate batteries are a safe choice for anybody who doesn’t feel comfortable poking around inside the component that ultimately keeps their beers cool in the refrigerator since they are all sealed and don’t need to be opened up and put through any regular maintenance checks.

You can be sure it will be strong, resilient, and able to withstand various variations in temperature and climate since it can be used in everything from modest travel trailers to an amphibious camper.

Even though Interstate batteries are powered by lead-acid, they can function well in snowy circumstances, but they can be a bit unreliable if you intend to spend a lot of time parked outside a log cabin in Alaska.

They are designed to sustain deep discharges and can handle any shocks and vibrations you may encounter when on the path or moving through the forest.

The bad news is that they aren’t really designed to power bigger objects, so you should probably just continue using your scrubba wash bag rather than adding an onboard washing machine.

#6. Optima OPT8016-103 D34M BlueTop

An outdoor enthusiast or someone who lives in a van may appreciate the tough Optima OPT8016-103 D34M.

The Optima is intended to be used as both a starter battery and a deep cycling backup power supply, unlike other deep cycle RV batteries on this list.

This means that when traveling, you may use it to crank start your car or to power your fridge and campervan air conditioner.

The safe and spillproof casing of the Optima batteries allows for nearly any installation configuration while preventing any harm to those adventurous journeys.

Additionally, compared to conventional rechargeable cycle batteries, they are designed to tolerate up to 15 times greater vibrations.

The BlueTop battery is available in a number of different variants from Optima.

The D34M should be enough for the majority of RV owners, but the BlueTop D31M gives additional power for just a few dollars extra.

Make sure to get one of the Blue Top Optima Batteries for your next vacation if you’re seeking for the greatest dual-use battery bank for your camper or RV that will withstand even the toughest weather conditions.

#7. Odyssey PC680 Battery

The Odyssey PC680 is a tough AGM battery that, in the world of RVs, can withstand twice as much power as a traditional lead acid battery even in the most harsh climates.

It also offers the fastest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market since it can be completely recharged in only four to six hours.

The Odyssey PC680 is a sealed led battery that is resistant to stress and vibration, much like the other camper van batteries on our list.

Therefore, if it tips over during your journey, you won’t have to be concerned about any potentially dangerous contents pouring out.

To ensure that this battery is safe and sturdy within your campervan or travel trailer, we advise attaching it.

The Odyssesy PC680, weighing just more than 13 pounds, is the ideal tiny size battery for a camper or RV with minimal room.

We think it’s a reliable battery type for intrepid RV and campervan travelers given that it can survive both hot and cold conditions and go through 400 cycles at 80% discharge depth.

#8. Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery 170 AH

Consider the Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery if you’re seeking for a low-cost, maintenance-free deep cycle battery.

Since they can carry a lot of charge despite their small size, they are perfect for off-grid travel or dry camping.

Since they can readily store wind or solar energy gathered while traveling, they may also be utilized as a backup power source.

Additionally, compared to the more affordable AGM and lead acid batteries, it is twice as efficient since it makes use of cutting-edge lithium-ion technology.

To provide you and your loved ones peace of mind, Renogy has also created improved safety measures.

Renogy batteries are among the safest deep cycle batteries we’ve encountered thanks to features like high voltage protection, low voltage protection, over high current protection, high temperature protection, short circuit protection, and automatic equalization.

The inability to link Renogy batteries in a series is one of their main drawbacks.

As long as the other batteries are likewise Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Batteries, it may be linked in parallel.

#9. Dakota Lithium Batteries

About: Dakota Lithium batteries advertise their durability.

They claim that their tough North Dakota lifestyle is the source of their endurance.

Their most audacious claim is that their batteries are four times more durable, weigh half as much, charge five times quicker, and have double the power of conventional batteries.

Dakota Lithium batteries are available in a variety of sizes and AMP hours.

Batteries with 12, 24, 36, and 48 volts are available from Dakota.

Battery sizes range from 7 amp hours to 200 amp hours.

#10. VMAXSLR125 AGM Cycle 12V 125AH Battery

The VMAXSLR125 is one of the top RV deep cycle batteries available for many boondockers.

That’s because it has a lengthy lifespan for heavy-duty RV travelers, lasting between 8 and 10 years in float mode (where the voltage is maintained after the battery is completely charged).

Although you shouldn’t worry about that with a sealed, spill-proof RV deep cycle batteries like this one, there are no hazardous vapors or gases.

Additionally, with 125 amp hours of power capacity, you can travel the nation without worrying about running out of juice or having to depend only on your RV’s solar panels.

The VMAXSLR125 is substantially heavier than comparable AGM battery types, which is the only drawback we could find.

Its dimensions (12.9′′w x 6.8′′d x 8.5′′h) are not enormous, yet it weighs a hefty 75 pounds nevertheless.

That can be a problem if your campervan has a small cargo or needs many batteries.

You would have a difficult time locating any battery type that lasts as long as an AGM battery.

#11. Lion Energy Lion Safari UT

About: Lithium batteries are produced by Lion Energy for use in boats, RVs, vehicles, and vans.

Additionally, they provide solar setups for homes and businesses as well as solar generators, power banks, and installations.

Lion Energy batteries are available in 12 volt, 105 amp hour, 56 amp hour, and 20 amp hour sizes.

Types of Batteries

#1. Starter Battery

Start batteries, as the name suggests, provide your engine’s motor a quick boost of power.

To start the car, these batteries must use around 20% of their total energy.

A start battery is necessary to keep your camper running, but it’s not the correct kind of battery for your gadgets, lighting, or camping gear.

#2. House Battery

A house battery, sometimes referred to as a leisure battery, is required if you wish to power your campervan‘s appliances and accessories.

These are the batteries needed to run your van‘s refrigerator, lighting system, water pump, and electric toilet.

Alternators, solar energy, and shore power connections may all be used to recharge house batteries.

Types of Campervan Batteries

In order to assist you in making the best choice for yourself, we have published a detailed blog article comparing lithium vs. AGM batteries.

Here, though, we’ll focus on the technological variations.

#1. Flooded Lead Acid

Lead and liquid sulfuric acid are combined in flooded lead acid (FLA) batteries to provide a chemically charged current.

FLA batteries are the most popular choice due of their extended lifetime and low initial cost.

They were formerly the most popular choice for RV and campervan owners since they are the oldest kind of battery technology.

However, FLA batteries have various drawbacks that might be hazardous.

The battery itself holds liquid sulfuric acid, which if it leaks, may damage or cause corrosion.

Because of this, it’s crucial to always maintain the battery in an upright posture.

The battery releases particles of oxygen and hydrogen as it charges.

It’s crucial to have enough ventilation in your vehicle since these gases are very harmful if breathed.

Additionally, while FLA batteries may be less costly initially, their long-term maintenance costs might be high.

They need to be topped up about every month, which is an additional expense and time restriction you should consider.

Their battery life and efficiency may start to decline if they aren’t properly cared for.

Check out these FLA battery care recommended practices.

#2. Gel

When gel cell batteries were originally developed, many of the difficulties involved with owning and using a FLA battery were reduced.

They use the same technology as FLA batteries, but instead of using liquid electrolytes, they utilize gel electrolytes.

Greater safety is among the advantages of gel.

The sealed lead acid battery prevents fumes from escaping, so you don’t have to be concerned about harmful vapors flowing within your vehicle.

Additionally, these batteries often include a protective container that is sealed to prevent leakage in the event of an accident.

Additionally, they need less upkeep, which is perfect if you only travel sometimes and have a limited amount of free time.

However, gel batteries provide less power than conventional FLA batteries, which might be a concern if you need to operate several appliances.

Additionally, they are often more costly than FLA batteries and AGM batteries.

Gel batteries often don’t last as long as other types of campervan or RV batteries.

It’s crucial to recharge your gel batteries correctly if you want to increase its lifespan.

Gel batteries burn up extremely fast if a charger made especially for them is not used.

#3. AGM

One of the most often used battery technologies for RV, boat, and car manufacturers is an AGM deep cycle battery, also known as an absorbent glass mat battery.

Similar to gel-style sealed lead acid batteries, but with electrolytes suspended in wet glass fibers as opposed to gel.

Because of this, if an AGM deep cycle battery is pushed over, no dangerous chemicals will leak or spill.

They also don’t need ongoing maintenance as FLA batteries do.

For many campers, this makes them one of the top RV battery models.

But regrettably, purchasing an AGM RV battery has its drawbacks.

AGM batteries have a low energy output, similar to gel batteries, which causes them to lose efficiency over time.

Additionally, you could find that an AGM battery doesn’t function as well as a FLA battery if you’re traveling through colder regions.

#4. Lithium

The ideal battery for an RV or campervan is a lithium (LiFePO4 / Lithium-ion / Li-ion) battery, which is regarded as the most reliable campervan battery technology.

They perform better than the other RV batteries on our list in terms of lifespan, charging speed, and maintenance requirements.

Yet many campervan and RV owners are discouraged from making the first purchase due to the fact that they are much more costly (many lithium batteries may cost upwards of $2,000).

If they aren’t being used all year, you also need to ensure sure they are constantly charged more than 20%, which does require some kind of supervision.

That, in our opinion, is a reasonable amount to pay for a battery of this quality.

Therefore, a lithium battery is the greatest RV battery you can purchase in terms of performance and efficiency provided you don’t mind the high upfront cost.

Related Also: 10 Best 6 Volt RV Battery of 2023

Considerations For Buying Campervan Batteries

#1. Power Of Battery

It’s crucial to consider the battery size while looking for the best RV batteries.

A battery’s size is expressed in amp-hours (Ah), which represent how much power the battery can provide on a single charge.

To start, figure out how many amp-hours you’ll need for your RV’s equipment.

One appliance, for instance, will use one amp hour if it draws one amp of current for one hour.

Therefore, if the device ran continuously for 24 hours, it would use a total of 24 amp-hours of electricity.

In this case, you should opt for an RV battery with a bigger amp hour capacity that can adequately power all of your accessories if you have many appliances that take power from a single battery source.

#2. Physical And Weight

You should think about the battery’s actual size and weight before spending a lot of money on the largest and most potent battery available.

In general, a typical 12 volt 100 Ah battery weighs around 44 pounds (or 20 kg).

Additionally, some RV owners may choose a twin battery bank setup, which doubles the weight of your van construction.

This may not seem like much if you have a large cargo.

However, if you have a small camper van, batteries might be one of the heavier items.

Leisure batteries tend to be small despite being relatively heavy, especially when compared to other appliances in your van.

You shouldn’t have any trouble fitting one or two batteries inside your camper if you have a lot of room.

#3. 6V vs. 12V

Whether to get a 6 or 12 volt battery is one of the first queries you’ll have while looking into the best RV batteries.

In contrast to 6v batteries, which are more expensive and difficult to source, most RVs and camper vans come standard with 12v batteries.

When linked in series, 6 volt batteries have a higher amperage and may be recharged more often.

In comparison to the typical 12 volt home battery, they feature thicker plates, greater area per cell, and a deeper discharge, which all contribute to their propensity to survive longer.

While you’re at it, be sure to go over our in-depth guide to 12 volt TVs for RVs.

Recommended reading: 12 Best RV Battery Monitors of 2023

#4. Parallel Or Series Connection

A bigger power source may be produced by connecting several RV batteries together.

You may do this by connecting them in either a parallel connection or a series connection.

You can connect the batteries in a series if you want to maintain the same amperage while increasing the voltage in your battery bank.

Consider two 6 volt batteries with 10 amp-hours each as an example.

Jumper cables may be used to connect the negative and positive terminals, creating a battery bank with a 12 volt output and a 10 amp-hour capacity.

A parallel connection, on the other hand, will result in an increase in current while maintaining the same voltage.

You may raise the amperage of two 6 volt batteries with 10 amp-hours each to 20 amp-hours by connecting their positive and negative terminals.

However, since they drain evenly while in operation, you’ll still have a power reserve of 6 volts.

#5. Lifespan

No matter where your travel takes you, the best battery for RV usage ought to last the test of time.

However, various battery types have varied life lengths, so it’s crucial to remember this if you don’t want to keep replacing your buy.

Flooded lead acid batteries have a lifespan of four to eight years, although they need frequent maintenance to be functional.

AGM deep cycle batteries have a similar lifespan and often start to lose their power capacity after seven years.

Even though an AGM battery has a mediocre lifespan, it still needs a lot less upkeep than a flooded lead-acid battery, which is why many van lifers prefer it.

It may seem short, but the typical lifespan of a gel battery is between two and four years.

On the other hand, if taken care of correctly and sufficiently charged using a gel-specific charger to avoid burnout, they may survive up to 15 years.

You should get a lithium battery if you want a reliable battery with a possibly long lifetime.

These guys have a lifespan of seven to twenty years, so you won’t have to worry about changing your battery for a long time.

Related Also: 10 Best Solar Chargers For RV Battery of 2023

Conclusion

When it comes to campervan batteries, like with many other things, you certainly get what you pay for.

However, the kind of battery you should choose will depend on your budget, available space, and anticipated electrical use.

For the majority of van lifers, the optimum performance to cost ratio may be found in AGM leisure batteries.

However, spending extra money on a more costly lithium battery might be the best course of action if you know you’ll keep your van for at least ten years or if you’re planning to spend a lot of time traveling to really cold areas.