When you’re RVing, everything relies on batteries to function. Without RV batteries, many appliances, AC and lights wouldn’t work and you would be basically camping in a very fancy tent. RV batteries are deep cycle and designed to store large amounts of power so you can go camping in remote places for long periods of time without having to worry about power. When you’re RVing, everything relies on batteries to function. Without RV batteries, many appliances, AC and lights wouldn’t work and you would be basically camping in a very fancy tent. RV batteries are deep cycle and designed to store large amounts of power so you can go camping in remote places for long periods of time without having to worry about power.
But how much do you know about your RV batteries? We reveal the top five things you need to know about your batteries – including the best way to store them and make sure they last as long as possible.
1.) Battery Basics
With so many types of batteries available, it can be difficult to know which type you need for your towable. Depending on how much power you need, there are various battery sizes – the most common are the group 24 batteries and group 27 batteries, also known as “house batteries.” The group 24 battery is a good choice if you are limited on space or rarelydry camp and have smaller accessories you need to power. Or, if you need a large amount of power and have a decent amount of storage, a group 31 battery is the perfect option. A good rule of thumb is that the larger the battery, the more amp hours you get.
2.) RV Battery Maintenance
One of the best ways to make sure that your RV battery will last for years is to maintain it during the camping season as well as the off-season. These batteries tend to have varying lifespans depending on the size, type and brand, but in general should last 5 to 7 years – if taken care of properly.
Maintenance of your batteries should include cleaning the cables (making sure to disconnect them before you clean them), and also cleaning the connections before securing them back into place – negative connection first then the positive connection.
PRO TIP: For battery maintenance, check for any kind of leaks and keep an eye on electrolytes in your battery. You’ll need to refill with distilled water when needed to prevent your battery fully charged.
3.) RV Battery Storage
Proper storage of your batteries is incredibly important! Not only does regular maintenance help them last for a long time, but storage also plays a key role. Improperly stored batteries can freeze or overheat and lead to either not running at full capacity or needing replacement.
Also, if you don’t have enough storage for your batteries you may have to carry several batteries in your car or RV, taking up precious space that you could use for other items. Not to mention, moving and installing heavy batteries is a hassle.
In comes the HiddenPower under vehicle battery mount! Its name gives it away – this battery mount is installed underneath the vehicle bed and can be used for all types of group 24, 27, and 31 twelve-volt batteries, ranging from lead acid, AGM, sealed, or gel cell.
The HiddenPower mount is completely no-drill and installs in minutes. Adding an extra battery that is tied to your truck’s electrical charging system will not only keep the extra battery charged and ready for use with little to no maintenance, but also keeps your truck battery charged. This will save you time when you have to hassle with pulling out batteries and connecting them. Preventing your batteries from being undercharged, the HiddenPower also saves you from getting stranded with adead battery while you’re boondocking in remote areas.
4.) RV Battery Charging
The two most common causes of RV battery failure are these two issues – undercharging and overcharging. This may cause you to have to pay for battery replacement sooner than you have to. This costs you both time and money that you could have used toward your camping trips. A good rule to go by is to never let your batteries go below 50 percent charge. Anything lower than 20 percent will lead to damage and the battery won’t be able to function at full power again.
When batteries go long periods of time with no charge, sulfate material hardens into crystals. This results in batteries losing the ability to hold a charge, which is also known as sulfation. If left on a charger for too long, overcharging can occur. Overcharging the battery causes severe water loss and plate corrosion, leaving you with a fried battery… and an empty wallet from having to replace the battery.
One of the best ways to prevent overcharging and undercharging your batteries is to trickle charge when you’re not using them and making sure the connection is clean and tight. Another storage option is the PowerArmor and PowerArmor Solar battery boxes. One of PowerArmor Solar’s many features include a Zamp solar panel that extends battery life up to 400 percent and helps prevent premature battery replacement due to its ability to slowly trickle charge. It’s like having RV solar panels but for your batteries! This means that you prevent overcharging and undercharging your batteries when the panel is exposed to minimal sunlight – making your batteries last much longer than they normally would in any other storage condition.
The PowerArmor boxes come with a heavy gauge diamond plate that features a black high-impact powder coated frame. Boxes can bolt directly to your RV, boat, trailer tongue, camper bumper and more. It also allows electrical wires to pass through the side wall of the box, easily connecting the RV batteries to your electrical circuit system and keeping the batteries locked safely inside – giving you easy access wherever you store it.
5.) Connecting Multiple Batteries
If you find that you need more than one RV battery or might need a full bank of them for more power – then you will need to connect them together. When you join 6-volt batteries together in a series it allows you to keep the same amount of amps but adds to the voltage or power. To connect multiple 6-volt batteries you’ll need a jumper wire to connect the positive terminals to the negative terminals. Then the other remaining positive and negative terminals connect to whatever you are connecting your batteries toin order to gain power.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure your RV batteries are the same voltage, amp rating and the same age. If you try to connect an old RV battery to a new one, it will drain the new battery to keep the old one working. Then you’ll end up having to replace the newer one sooner than you should have to.
For more information on proper battery storage or questions about the HiddenPower and PowerArmor, contact our tech support at 800.246.8132. If you’re interested in storing your RV batteries in one of these battery boxes, you can find a Certified Dealer near you and purchase one or both today for all your camping needs!
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.