Choosing The Right Battery For Your Travel Trailer

When it comes to choosing a battery for your travel trailer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between a chassis or starting battery and a house or deep cycle battery. While a starting battery provides a quick burst of energy to get your engine going, similar to a car battery, a deep cycle battery is designed to provide consistent power over an extended period, operating your lights, appliances, and other electrical components when your trailer is parked. Deep cycle batteries are typically fully discharged before being recharged and are essential for reliable power, especially when camping off-grid.

Deep cycle batteries can be classified into four main types: Lithium-ion, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), Gel, and Flooded Lead-Acid. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's crucial to select the one that best suits your needs. Factors to consider when choosing a battery include capacity, depth of discharge, voltage, charging method, temperature tolerance, and the ability to withstand vibrations during transit.

Additionally, deep cycle batteries come in various sizes, such as group 24, 27, and 31, with larger batteries generally offering more amp hours. When deciding on a battery, it's important to assess your power requirements and select a battery that can meet those needs without compromising on performance or longevity.

Travel Trailer Battery Characteristics and Recommendations

Deep cycle batteries

Deep-cycle batteries are essential for travel trailers to power electrical components such as electric wheel brakes, lights, appliances, and water pumps. These batteries provide continuous power over a long period, making them ideal for travel trailers that need a steady power supply.

There are four main types of deep-cycle batteries commonly used in travel trailers:

Lead-Acid Batteries:

Lead-acid batteries are the most cost-effective option for short-term use. However, they have a shorter lifespan and require regular maintenance to prevent damage from sulfation and leakage. They are also quite heavy and can only be discharged up to 50% of their capacity.

AGM Batteries:

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries and can be discharged up to 80%. However, they are prone to overcharging, which can be a drawback.

Gel Batteries:

Gel batteries are an improved version of lead-acid batteries as they are sealed to prevent leaks. They perform well in extreme temperatures but have a slow charging rate.

Lithium Batteries:

Lithium batteries, specifically those made with lithium iron phosphate chemistry, offer superior stability, efficiency, and safety. They are the smallest, lightest, fastest-charging, and longest-lasting option for travel trailers. Lithium batteries are also maintenance-free, making them a popular choice for many travellers.

When choosing a deep-cycle battery for your travel trailer, consider factors such as power requirements, space constraints, and battery lifespan. The voltage required is typically 12V, but the amp hours will depend on the number of components you need to power and for how long.

Some popular options for deep-cycle batteries include the Renogy Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery and the Weize Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery, which are suitable for RVs, camping, and off-grid systems. Additionally, the Interstate Enhanced Flooded Battery and the Duracell Lithium 2450 Coin Battery are also recommended for travel trailers.

Lithium-ion batteries

Another benefit of lithium-ion batteries is their fast-charging capability. They can be charged directly from your alternator or solar array, and some models even include a built-in DC-DC charger. This makes them ideal for off-grid applications and boondocking, as you can rely on consistent power output even when camping in remote locations.

When choosing a lithium-ion battery for your travel trailer, consider the amount of power you need, the size and weight of the battery, and any additional features that may be beneficial, such as a built-in battery management system or safety features like a pressure release valve.

Some popular options include the RELiON lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, which offers high-power energy and is maintenance-free. The LightningVolt 400Ah RV lithium battery is another great choice, featuring a heavy-duty rugged case, a near-zero discharge rate, and a built-in DC charger.

When upgrading to a lithium-ion battery, it is important to ensure that your solar controller and onboard charger are compatible with lithium charging and monitoring. You may also need to replace your battery box if it is too small for the new battery.

Overall, lithium-ion batteries offer superior performance, efficiency, and reliability for travel trailers, providing ample power and peace of mind during your travels.

AGM batteries

AGM stands for Absorbent Glass Mat. AGM batteries are similar to flooded lead-acid batteries but do not use lead plates. Instead, AGM batteries use glass mats made of fibreglass. These batteries are sealed, making them low-maintenance, and there is nothing to spill out of them since the fibreglass absorbs the liquid inside. AGM batteries are also charged at a much faster rate than lead-acid batteries and can be dropped to a lower depth of discharge without causing damage.

However, AGM batteries are sensitive to the depth of discharge. This means that the deeper the battery is discharged, the fewer cycles it has. AGM batteries are generally recommended to only be discharged to 50% of their capacity to maximise their cycle life. This means that more batteries are required upfront, increasing costs and taking up more space. AGM batteries also have a shorter lifespan than lithium batteries and can overcharge easily.

Some AGM battery options include:

• Renogy Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
• Weize Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
• Interstate Batteries 12V 35Ah Sealed Lead Acid AGM Deep Cycle Battery
• Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 48-12v 70Ah

Gel batteries

One of the biggest advantages of gel batteries is their resistance to extreme conditions. The gelled electrolyte prevents spills, even when the battery is mounted on its side, making it ideal for RVs that may encounter rough terrain or extreme weather conditions. Additionally, gel batteries have a longer lifespan than AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries and require little to no maintenance. They are also safer than flooded lead-acid batteries since they do not emit hydrogen gas during charging.

However, one of the main disadvantages of gel batteries is their sensitive charging process. They have narrow charging profiles, and improper charging or charging at too high a rate can cause gas pockets to form on the plates, reducing the battery's capacity. As a result, gel batteries are not recommended for those without experience in handling batteries and chargers. Additionally, gel batteries are typically the most expensive type of deep-cycle battery.

When choosing a gel battery for your travel trailer, it is important to consider factors such as size, weight, capacity, and voltage. Gel batteries come in a variety of sizes and weights, and you will need to ensure that you have enough space and that the battery is not too heavy for your trailer. Capacity and voltage will depend on your power requirements, but it is generally recommended to choose a battery with a higher capacity and voltage to ensure a steady power supply.

Some popular gel batteries on the market include the MK Battery and Universal Battery brands, which offer a range of amp hours (from 30 to 225 Ah) and voltages (12V). It is important to carefully review the specifications and choose a battery that meets your specific needs. Additionally, seeking advice from experts or experienced users can help you make an informed decision.

Flooded lead-acid batteries

Flooded batteries must be stored in a well-ventilated compartment or a sealed battery box with an external vent. They also require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the terminals and equalizing charges. Distilled water needs to be added periodically as they lose water during the electrolysis process.

When choosing a flooded lead-acid battery, it is important to consider factors such as size, weight, power output, and maintenance requirements. They are a good option for those seeking a budget-friendly battery for their travel trailer, but they may not be suitable for those who require a lightweight or low-maintenance solution.

Frequently asked questions