Best RV Deep Cycle Battery

A Guide To Finding The Best RV Deep Cycle Battery: Top 8 Picks For 2024

An RV deep cycle battery is the key to keeping alive all the appliances and electronic devices in your travel trailer. It will keep the devices running off-grid when there is no 110-volt power supply. You can also use it for storing energy collecting from a different source such as solar panels.

Most campers can’t decide when it comes to choosing the best RV deep cycle battery for their trailer. Well, picking up the top-of-the-line products in the market needs some research. It’s important to know their types, features, and some other factors to understand which models will be suitable for your trailer.

Best RV Deep Cycle Battery: Top 8 Products

Best Deep Cycle BatteryVoltageAmperagePriceReview
Odyssey PC680 Battery12 V16 A$$$***
UB12350 - Editor's Choice12 V35 A$$***
Vmax SLR125 - Editor's Choice12 V125 A$$$$****
Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M12 V55 A$$$$***
Mighty Max Battery ML5512 V55 A$$$*****
Lifeline GPL-4CT - Best RV deep cycle battery6 V220 A$$$$$*****
Mighty Max Battery ML3512 V35 A$$*****
ExpertPower EXP1218012 V18 A$$****

The RV battery is an important component of the vehicle electrical system since it’s the primary energy supply when shore power is unavailable. Therefore, it’s good not to rush a purchase until you have a clear understanding of the products and your own demands. Buying without proper consideration could make you waste lots of money for little gain so be careful. To achieve a good decision, invest your time and effort into the selection process.

Everyone has unique needs and requirements which mean the best RV deep cycle battery to someone else may appear inadequate in your case. The entire thing could be tedious but it should offer you satisfaction in the end. With that being said, let take a look at some popular examples on the market. Check them out and see if you can find something that matches your taste.

1. Odyssey PC680 Battery | Tiny but Powerful

Odyssey PC680 Battery
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  • Voltage: 12V
  • Ampere: 16A
  • Dimension: 7.15 x 3.00 x 6.65 Inches
  • Weight: 15.4 Pounds

With long life cycle and stable voltage, Odyssey PC680 is a deep cycle battery that everyone is able to put to good use. Its cheap price tag would not strain your wallet while the accommodating 2-year warranty let you obtain replacements rather easy. In term of endurance, the battery is capable of withstanding impact shock, mechanical vibration and extreme working temperature so its overall durability is excellent. For mounting option, Odyssey PC680 is really flexible, you could install the battery in a wide range of position.

Thanks to the efficient construction, the battery has a fast charging time, a 100 percent recharge only take between 4 and 6 hours. Compare to conventional deep cycle batteries, Odyssey PC680 possesses a long lifetime, up to 70% longer than classic products.  At 80% DOD, the battery could last for 400 cycles, very nice for the average RV uses. As it’s a sealed non-spillable battery, Odyssey PC680 is simple and forgiving to handle. There is no need for regular maintenance and the battery should deliver constant charge for a long time. Its estimated service life is around 3 to 10 years depending on user habit and vehicle application.  

While it’s definitely not the most powerful example on the market, Odyssey PC680 compact profile and lightweight are well appreciated by many customers. Want to get the best RV deep cycle battery but don’t have a lot of time and money to spare? Then all you have to do is to simply grab some of these batteries and install them in your recreational vehicle. Since Odyssey PC680 is very cheap, it’s an economical choice for people with a tight shopping budget but still want something that is reliable and long-lasting.  

Pros

  • Take little time to charge
  • Lightweight and long cycle life
  • Admirable resistance and flexibility
  • Reasonable price and great warranty

Cons

  • Non-returnable
  • Not for sale in certain regions
  • Some customers receive damaged products

2. UB12350 Deep Cycle Battery | Flexible and Durable for the Price

UB12350 Deep Cycle Battery

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  • Voltage: 12V
  • Ampere: 35A
  • Dimension: 7.75 x 5.19 x 6.26 Inches
  • Weight: 22.5 Pounds

Able to support a variety of RV electrical appliances, UB12350 is a nice power source for your recreation trips. Produced by Universal Power Group (UPG), the battery employs a sealed construction that has no need for liquid refill across its entire lifetime. You can mount UB12350 in whatever ways you see fit which considerably enhances the product flexibility and associated applications. Due to the non-spillable design, you can conveniently handle and transport the battery without having to obey specific regulations and rules. The cheap acquisition cost makes it quite easy for the average Rver to obtain a couple of UPG batteries no problem.

As long as you can properly look after UB12350, the battery should last for a fairly long time without fail. In fact, due to the robust spill proof body, the battery maintenance process is rather simple and straightforward. A well-maintained UB12350 could remain effective up to 7 years, this is an impressive number for its price tag. The humble dimension and limited weight of battery further enhance its attractiveness in customer’s eyes. All gases are processed deep within the battery case so you don’t have to worry about hazardous fumes and so on.

The UB12350 AGM technology permits the user to optimize its performance and regulate it by the valve. Beside RV application, the battery is also compatible with other devices as well. You can use it to power anything with an electrical motor from vehicles to tools. It could easily sustain electrical arrangements like lighting, UPS backup and alike too. Should your RV trips have no complex demands then UB12350 would prove to be the best RV deep cycle battery in the criterion of cost-effectiveness.  

Pros

  • Compact and light
  • Reliable and dependable
  • Great price and long lifetime
  • Capable of supporting many appliances

Cons

  • The delivery service is barely acceptable
  • Inconsistent performance between products
  • Quality control could use some improvements

3. Vmax SLR125 | Tough and Long Lasting Deep Cycle Battery

Vmax SLR125

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  • Voltage: 12V
  • Ampere: 125A
  • Dimension: 12.9 x 6.8 x 8.5 Inches
  • Weight: 75 Pounds

Manufactured from high-grade plate and top of the line tin alloy, Vmax SLR125 is a robust product with admirable performance. Its life cycle is more than enough for most of the time with 300 cycles at 100% DOD and 3,500 cycles at 10% DOD. The leak-proof non-spill body ensures stable operation without any risk of losing stored energy. Excessive gas accumulation is minimized through the battery regulating valve yet up to 99% of the gas is efficiently recombined. Because of the low self-discharge rate of 1% to 2% per month, Vmax SLR125 is substantially stronger than other AGM products and earns its place among the best RV deep cycle battery options. This is truly an ideal battery for RV use.

About temperature tolerance, the Vmax SLR125 battery would function properly anywhere between -4 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s good enough in most case. For storage, the ideal temperature is between 14 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides temperature, the battery is able to endure vibration and shock really well.  Minimal maintenance is needed so it should provide you with a worry-free experience for quite some time. Its body is compact though a bit cumbersome to some people. However, the battery handling characteristics remain acceptable nonetheless.   

To perform a recharge, a quality smart charger or an AGM charge controller that can offer the advised current and voltage would do. The excellent charging and recharging tendency of Vmax SLR125 allow it to be used with good results by almost everyone. While the price tag may turn away customers with tight budgets, the battery makes up for it with generous capacity and extended lifespan.  The estimated service life of Vmax SLR125 is around 8 – 10 years, much longer than other products. There are no free roaming fluids so you can install in any mounting position you like with no problem. As a result, you shall have little to no trouble installing the battery.

Pros

  • Sturdy and linear case
  • Simple to use and last for years
  • Could be stored with lots of energy
  • Quick recharge and slow discharge

Cons

  • A bit cumbersome
  • Slightly expensive
  • Connecting cables aren’t included

4. Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M | Excellent Resistance & Energy Capacity  

Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M

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  • Voltage: 12V
  • Ampere: 55A
  • Dimension: 6.88 x 10.06 x 7.94 Inches
  • Weight: 43.5 Pounds

Another choice for the best RV deep cycle battery is Optima 8016-103 D34MOffering its user with admirable igniting power even in harsh weather, the D34M battery from Optima Batteries is tough. It’s designed to achieve 15 times more resistant to shock and vibration compared to other market examples. To provide constant operation, the battery reserve capacity is enough to last for around 120 minutes. Because it’s a dual purpose design, D34M is an ideal choice for people that desire a reliable starting and strong cranking battery. The battery SpiralCell permits it to deliver stable and efficient charge across a wide range of working conditions.

It has a size of 6.88 x 10.06 x 7.94 inches and weighs 43.5 pounds, not the lightest of all but manageable. The battery also possesses Dual SAE and 5/16 stainless-steel stud posts as well. With 750 cold cranking ampere and 55Ah C20 capacity, it shall serve you with distinction during adverse weather camping trips. Due to its energy storing ability, D34M is suitable for RV application with substantial onboard accessory loads. The battery is really flexible, you should be able to mount it in virtually any position you like. In the case you purchase the battery and encounter a defect within 24 months, the manufacturer would give you a replacement free of charge.     

Pros

  • Strong enough to endure abuse
  • Straightforward installation process
  • Perform well in bad weather condition

Cons

  • A bit pricey to some people
  • May require cable revisions in some arrangements

5. Mighty Max Battery ML55 | Great Value Deep Cycle Battery

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  • Voltage: 12V
  • Ampere: 55A
  • Dimension: 9.02 in x 5.43 in x 9.13 Inches
  • Weight: 38.58 Pounds

The presence of state of art calcium alloy provides Mighty Max Battery ML55 with stable performance and long service life. Since it’s an AGM valve regulated battery, you can use it in enclosed space without having to worry about leak or maintenance. The battery toughness, maintenance-free design and economical price of ML55 allow the battery to be used in a variety of configuration without fail. All products are manufactured and delivered to the customer in a timely manner so you should be able to receive the freshest stock available.

Mighty Max Battery has a generous 30-day refund policy with no question asked, you can return the battery within a month after purchase no trouble. Just give them a call and then they would take care of the rest, simple and straightforward. As long as the returned product is in its original configuration and clean, there should be no problem. However, if you have damaged, scratched or altered the merchandise in any way then the refund policy would not be honored. Usually, you would be refunded after 2 days by the same method you use to purchase.  

Pros

  • Customer friendly refund policy
  • 1-year warranty against all defects
  • Deep discharge recovery

Cons

  • Inconsistent performance
  • No harness or accessories included

6. Lifeline GPL-4CT | Expensive but Worth Every Penny

Lifeline GPL-4CT

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  • Voltage: 6V
  • Ampere: 220A
  • Dimension: 10.28 x 7.06 x 9.92 Inches
  • Weight: 66 Pounds

Made in the USA, Lifeline GPL-4CT is among the best RV deep cycle battery available for purchase due to its reliability and durability. Using this excellent product for your vehicle means an extended battery runtime along with lots of recharge across many platforms and working conditions. Should you RV facilities and appliances often drain the battery quickly then Lifeline GPL-4CT would be the perfect solution for a power source. Commendable vibration resistance, efficient energy transfer and short recharge time make the battery a joy to use. You don’t have to worry too much about the battery and instead could concentrate on other aspects and activities of the trip.

With the use of premium grade material and robust performance, the battery is widely popular in the RV world.

As proof of its respectable quality, Lifeline GPL-4CT is routinely used on US Coast Guard and Military vessels.

By meeting the strict demands of US Armed Forces, you can expect to have comfortable time using the Lifeline battery without fail. While the acquisition cost is a bit high, Lifeline GPL-4CT would never make you feel regret about getting it in the first place. So if you want to get the best RV deep cycle battery in the AGM category, you better take a look at Lifeline GPL-4CT.

Lifeline batteries are manufactured by Lifeline, a spin-off of Concorde Battery Corporation which is a US family owned and operated battery manufacturer. Headquartered in San Dimas, the company has overwhelming success in the battery industry due to the top-notch performance of their products. All Lifeline batteries are fully backed with a nice 5-year warranty which clearly shows the manufacturer confidence in their products.

Pros

  • Consistent operation
  • Require little maintenance
  • Dependable and long-lasting
  • Compatible with almost all electrical arrangements

Cons

  • A bit pricey compared to other products
  • Not exactly powerful to some people    
  • Fairly heavy to handle

7. Mighty Max Battery ML35 | Perfect Battery for Small RV

Mighty Max Battery ML35 Battery

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  • Voltage: 12V
  • Ampere: 35A
  • Dimension: 7.68 x 5.16 x 7.13 Inches
  • Weight: 23.15 Pounds

Quite similar to its ML55 cousin, Mighty Max Battery ML35 is also an excellent LA / AGM non-spill battery. While the energy capacity not as high as ML55, ML35 has a much more compact dimension along with lighter weight. These traits considerably improve the battery mobility and its handling characteristic. Shock and vibration remain sufficient to withstand the average working condition. The battery should function without trouble in high and low temperature. Same as ML55, ML35 is backed with a no question asked 30-day refund policy and 1-year warranty.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Compact and light
  • Nice post-purchase policy

Cons

  • Not very powerful
  • The battery is delivered with damaged posts in certain cases

8. ExpertPower EXP12180  | Perfect Replacement Battery For The Price

ExpertPower EXP12180 Battery

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  • Voltage: 12V
  • Ampere: 18A
  • Dimension: 7.1 x 3 x 6.6 Inches
  • Weight: 12 Pounds

One of the most compact and lightweight batteries available for purchase, ExpertPower EXP12180 is very simple to handle. The nonconductive ABS plastic case provides the battery with high impact resistance and long shelf life. Its installation process is relatively simple, not to mention there is little needed for maintenance. As a whole, it’s good energy supply for security and UPS system. It’s surely not the strongest battery in term of battery but it should offer commendable performance in the right application.

Pros

  • Cheap price
  • Small and slim
  • Lightweight and rugged

Cons

  • Tend to get hot
  • Some products fail to hold a charge after some time in use

What Is RV Deep Cycle Battery?

To be precise, an RV deep cycle battery is a device that supplies a steady amount of current over a long period. It is different from the starting battery as the latter one provides high spurts of current for shorter periods.

RV deep cycle battery
This battery is necessary for off-grid energy supply.

The deep cycle batteries release 50-70% of their deposited energy and restore it from an external source. They are essential for running the water pump, refrigerator, space heater, and other electronics when there is no other electricity source to use. They can also power up small vehicles such as golf carts and electric wheelchairs.

The deep cycle units have thicker plates than their starting counterparts. The thickness helps them to release current over a long period and supply the deposited energy to a specific limit repeatedly.

Types of RV Deep Cycle Batteries

To get the high-quality performance and longer battery life, choose the best RV deep cycle battery. You have to have a deep knowledge of their types to select the right model. It is necessary because one type is not suitable for all types of RV applications.

Generally, the RV batteries could be of four types:

Lead Acid

Also known as wet cells, they are the most popular if not the best RV deep cycle battery type available in the market. As the name suggests, the battery plates remain completely submerged in an electrolyte fluid (a mix of water and sulfuric acid).

RV deep cycle lead acid battery.
RV deep cycle lead acid battery.

They discharge hydrogen and oxygen gases during the charging, which are later released into the atmosphere. Regular maintenance and off-season charging don’t go in their favor but they last for a long time and offer the lowest per-amp hour cost than other options.

Gel Sealed

RV deep cycle gel sealed battery
RV deep cycle gel sealed battery.

The gel technology comes before the AGM type but loses the popularity contest due to charging the highest cost per-amp hour among all types. The electrolyte used in these batteries is a kind of gel, so it does not spill. The charging needs to be done at a slow rate though because a high rate decreases their capacity by forming gas pockets between the plates and the electrolyte.

Sealed Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)

Deep cycle AGM battery.
Deep cycle AGM battery.

In most cases, you can consider AGM the best deep cycle battery option for your RV. The electrolyte used in these units are contained in fiberglass mats. They need absolutely zero maintenance, charge very quickly, and handle higher temperatures better than any other types. Also, there will be no spillage no matter wherever you place it since the electrolyte is contained within a glass structure.

The only weak point is AGM batteries are sensitive to overcharging. So, you will need to use a charge controller for safe operation of them.

Lithium-ion

A lithium-ion RV deep cycle battery is the best option if you consider the performance. However, they are still not the most popular because of the high price tags.

Lithium-ion deep cycle battery.
Lithium-ion deep cycle battery.

The electrolyte in these batteries is Lithium iron phosphate that lasts for a long time, is safe to handle, and does not require maintenance. You can charge them up quickly and they show high resilience under extreme heat and cold. The lifetime value of these units is likely to overcome the high upfront cost.

Best RV Deep Cycle Battery Shopping Instructions

Because of convenient onboard facilities and appliances, riding on an RV is quite an excellent way to travel around in relative comfort. Compare to a tent, a recreational vehicle is much more expensive but it should let you enjoy the wilderness with modern day benefits. Yet in order to get the most out of the vehicle devices, you have to pay attention to the RV source of power. When you are in the middle of nowhere, you would definitely want to use a reliable battery to power for your camping usage. Thus, buying the best RV battery for boondocking is a must. Here are top key factors you should pay attention on to make sure you’re making a wise purchase on deep cycle battery for your RV:

1. Energy capacity

The higher the capacity, the longer the battery can last, this makes the battery energy capacity an important factor to think about. It’s often rated in Ampere hour, or Ah for short. The energy capacity of the battery would tell you how much electric current the battery is able to transfer as time goes by. Batteries with high energy capacity would last for a good amount of time because they can store lots of power. But everything comes with a price, in exchange for runtime, high capacity batteries tend to be bulky and cumbersome. As a result, you have to take into account the battery dimension and the available space.  

Depleting the battery completely could be harmful, you should calculate the average power consumption beforehand and leave room for extra. That should narrow down your choices and extend the overall lifetime of the battery.

2. Battery voltage

Another important thing to consider when searching for the best RV deep cycle battery is the battery voltage. To keep it short, voltage is the difference in electric potential, the typical voltage of deep cycle batteries is 12V, similar to starter batteries. Ordinary 12V batteries should serve you well but many RVers also consider combining 6V batteries to assemble 12V batteries sets. For normal RV travels to the park and alike, two 12V batteries should be sufficient. But in dry camping or boondocking trips, four to six 6V batteries are advised because you would need as much energy as possible.

3. Type of battery    

There are many deep cycle battery variants with different construction material and performance characteristics. A normal deep cycle battery would usually belong to one of four battery types: Flooded, AGM, Gel and Lithium-ion. These types have their own pro and cons so do remember to include your shopping budget and personal preferences

Flooded batteries are affordable and could remain effective for quite some time but there are several risks like accidental spillage or gas built up.  On the other hand, AGM batteries utilize a sealed, maintenance-free design though they are sensitive to overcharging. Gel batteries employ a similar design as AGM but take longer to charge and require specific charge controller. Finally, Lithium-ion batteries have a long life cycle, safe operation and short charging time. In return, they are among the most expensive batteries you can buy on the market.

4. Charging tool

To charge the deep cycle battery, you can use three methods in total: Shore power, Solar and Generator. You could combine all of them too but you would need to get a charge controller which certain batteries require their own designs. Base on the charging profile of the battery type, the charge controller transfer the right charge to the battery at the right time. The charging current and its voltage are automatically adjusted to match the battery so your RV battery is well protected from any harm.  

Video: Best RV deep cycle battery tips you should know!

Lifeline GPL-4CT is the number one choice?

The battery is indeed expensive but Lifeline GPL-4CT has excellent energy capacity and effective lifespan. If you have money to spare and want to get the best RV deep cycle battery, you won’t go wrong with Lifeline GPL-4CT. It would reliably sustain your RV appliances and facilities for a good amount of time.

Editor’s Recommendation: UB12350

In case your limited budget renders you unable to afford Lifeline GPL-4CT, UB12350 would be a quality alternative. It’s tough, reliable and the energy capacity is adequate for the average camping needs. The battery is able to power up a multitude of electrical devices as well. It’s undeniable that UB12350 is the best RV deep cycle battery for the price!

Another best value RV deep cycle battery we should go for is Vmax SLR125. This option won’t let you down!

Best Sellers

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FAQs about RV Deep Cycle Battery

Installing even the best deep cycle battery for RV does not guarantee that you will get the highest performance from it. Why? It is because you may don’t know how to get the most out of it. This FAQ section will give you some effective ideas and educate you on some important facts about deep cycle batteries.

What is the lifespan of deep cycle batteries?

RV deep cycle battery
The lifespan will be longer with proper care and maintenance.

It really depends on the maintenance, usage, surrounding temperature, and some other factors. You can lose a battery within a short period due to overcharging and fluid loss or have an extended service because of careful use. So even you do research carefully to purchase the best RV deep cycle battery – an optimal option for your RV, still you have to pay a good care and maintenance for it to prolong its lifespan which can save you a fortune. Normally, the standard lifespan is:

  • Deep cycle (L-16 type): 4-8 years
  • AGM: 4-8 years
  • Gelled sealed: 2-5 years

What is the impact of temperature on the batteries?

The temperature does not have much effect on lithium-ion and AGM models. However, the lead acid batteries are much more sensitive. High temperature decreases their lifespan and low temperature affects their capacity. In fact, battery capacity drops 20% at the freezing point.

How to estimate the energy needs?

A standard RV deep cycle battery delivers 12V DC (multiply with ten to convert it to alternating current). Calculate how much current the appliances and electronics in your trailer consume individually and as a total.

If the TV requires 7A DC, running it for three hours will warrant 21Ah. Similarly, you can calculate your total energy needs.

Does an RV need more than one battery?

It solely depends on your energy needs and the amount of power you want to store. The more appliances you use, the higher the consumption needs will be. Besides, if you want to conserve a great amount of solar power, you will need more than one units.

best RV deep cycle battery
We can use multiple batteries depending on energy needs.

You can increase the battery voltage by wiring a number of units in a series. You can even build a power bank by wiring several units of the same capacity in a parallel combination. The battery capacity is rated in Ah (ampere-hours). So, you can easily calculate your requirements.

From the above discussion, it seems that the lithium-ion type could be the best RV deep cycle battery in terms of performance and value for money. However, the AMG models offer a balance of everything. However, you can go for the flooded lead acid type if the budget is a concern.

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Last Updated on January 1, 2024

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