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Knowing the right battery solution to use to power your Recreational Vehicle (RV) can be a challenging task, especially given the different chemistries that are available on the market today. When this topic arises, we find that some customers have many more questions than answers. Below, please find a few of the commonly asked questions we receive and our team’s advice to help achieve optimal RV battery performance — whether boondocking or vacationing with family and friends.
As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and direct any questions to your battery professional.
What is the best battery to use for my RV?
Typically, it’s best practice to invest in a battery that will meet the demands of how you use the RV.
For instance, if you use your RV for boondocking, camping or extended periods of use, you will want a battery that can cycle many times, charge quickly and efficiently, support all the loads present for the required period and fit into the available space within the cabin. A dual-purpose, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) battery, such as the ODYSSEY® battery from EnerSys, is an excellent option for powering your vehicle and meets all the qualities listed above.
Is it possible to oversize my RV battery?
No; technically speaking, you cannot oversize your RV battery. However, you could have excess capacity you are not using and that would not be cost-efficient and would take up unnecessary space and add weight.
Can an RV battery charger be capable of charging more than just one battery chemistry?
ODYSSEY® battery chargers from EnerSys can charge a variety of popular battery chemistries including traditional flooded lead acid, AGM, AGM with TPPL technology (AGM2) and lithium-ion. They are lightweight, highly portable and compatible with most 12-volt battery models.
What is the right way to charge my RV battery?
Most batteries should be kept fully charged and with little to no parasitic losses. This will maximize your battery life and overall performance. This is especially true with lead-based products.
Should I use more than one battery chemistry to power up my RV as well as the onboard electronics?
It might make sense to use independent systems to manage house loads and chassis loads. This could lead to a path where multiple chemistries are used, however, keeping to solutions that are simple and interchangeable will have the greatest benefit for remote use and reliability. Dual-purpose batteries have the largest benefit across applications you typically would have on an RV.
What should I do if one of my batteries fails while boondocking off-grid?
Remove the inoperable battery from the battery pack. During this time, you may need to modify your use of power to fit with the reduced battery capacity. For instance, try to limit your use of high-energy electronics such as in-cabin entertainment centers or kitchen appliances. Additionally, it’s beneficial to have an emergency plan in place on how to get to the closest service or replacement center.
Should I have a back-up battery stored on my vehicle in case the one installed suddenly fails?
Battery failure is always a risk but using multiple batteries in parallel installed in your RV allows for natural back-up power and removal of the failed unit. Added capacity can also lead to reduce cycling on the battery bank so having an extra battery stored onboard is usually not necessary. Your still viable, fitted batteries should be able to get you to a service center for additional technical support.
Check out our websites at www.odysseybattery.com and www.eu.odysseybattery.com for the latest ODYSSEY® battery global news and updates.
You can also connect with us on social media using the hashtag #MYODYSSEY by following us on the below platforms based on region:
United States — Instagram, X and Facebook
European Union — Instagram and Facebook
ABOUT ENERSYS
EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, designs, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. The company goes to market through four lines of business: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty and New Ventures. Energy Systems, which combine power conversion, power distribution, energy storage, and enclosures, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, portable power solutions for soldiers in the field, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. New Ventures provides energy storage and management systems for various applications including demand charge reduction, utility back-up power, and dynamic fast charging for electric vehicles. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability at EnerSys is about more than just the benefits and impacts of our products. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we manage our own operations. Minimizing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: https://www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability/.