Recreational Vehicle (RV) batteries are one of the most important things you take with you on the road when you travel. After all, they’re largely the reason that you get from Point A to Point B. Most have a deep cycle design, and they are designed to provide tremendous amounts of power so that you can go for long periods of time in between charges. If you’re new to owning an RV or want to learn more about your RV’s batteries, the experts at Northeast Battery gladly explain.
Types of Batteries
An RV battery comes in two basic varieties, which is either “deep-cycle” or “lithium.” Deep-cycle batteries are made of lead-acid. They are similar in composition to batteries found in golf carts and boats. Deep-cycle models produce a steady volume of power over a fairly long period of time. A car battery, in contrast, produces a larger volume of current over a shorter period of time. Lithium batteries are smaller and lighter in weight than deep-cycle models. They are ideal for solar power and other basic uses while camping.
Finding the Right Power
Most RV owners want to know what battery is best for their vehicle and their needs on the road. Deciding how much power you need ultimately involves understanding the different battery sizes. The two most common groups of RV batteries are called “Group 24” and “Group 27.” These groups are also called “house” groups because they primarily supply power to the appliances and equipment within your RV. They are generally ideal for powering smaller accessories for a shorter period of time. If you require larger volumes of power, Group 31 batteries are an ideal option.
Battery Maintenance
Knowing how to maintain your RV battery is also critical when you’re on the road. A battery will last about 5-7 years with proper maintenance. To maintain your battery, you should clean the cables and clean the connections before putting it back together. Look out for leaks as well, and refill the battery with distilled water as needed to make sure the battery stays fully charged.
Battery Storage
Storing an RV battery properly is essential for longevity and optimal operation. Keeping your battery stored properly protects it from temperatures that are too hot or too cold and therefore leads to it not operating at full capacity or requiring replacement sooner than necessary.
Battery Charging
One of the most common reasons that an RV battery fails is charging problems, which includes both overcharging and undercharging. In either case, the battery may wear out prematurely, which means you’ll have to replace the battery sooner than expected. As a general rule of thumb, a battery shouldn’t be allowed to drain under 50 percent of its charge if you want to avoid damage.
For more tips on RV batteries, contact Northeast Battery today.