For the power system to work effectively, the first thing that comes to mind is the RV batteries. Different travelers and battery manufacturers want a power cell that is effective and last for a longer time.
Therefore, several batteries including lithium-ion and lead acid come on the list. For every RV owner, the most important thing that matters is the dimensions of a battery. A battery with reasonable weight and size has more capacity to perform better than others.
However, there are some other factors as well which play an integral role in selecting the best lithium battery for RV solar systems. What are these factors? Let’s have a look!
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What Is a Lithium RV Battery?
Before going deep into the details of lithium-ion batteries, it is important to know what these batteries actually are? How does the mechanism work in them?
In general, a lithium RV battery is a type of power cell that is rechargeable and has a voltage of 12 volts in comparison to other batteries. Mostly lithium RVs are present in-house batteries and solar panels.
The reason is the environmentally friendly nature and sustainability of lithium-ion. With years of usage, these batteries are still available with the latest technologies and advancements.
How Do Lithium RV Batteries Work?
All lithium batteries contain lithium metal as the main element in their composition. Along with this metal, an electrolyte solution and two electrodes are also attached to the apparatus. Moreover, there is a separator that keeps the metal away from the electrolytic solution.
To move the electrons from one place to another, a chemical reaction takes place by connecting the two metal plates. In this way, a new chemical forms through the combination and chemical reaction.
Whatever the process is, the main thing that matters is the life span and battery management system. Hence, make sure the type of lithium battery you are using has an optimum long life span and high energy capacity.
How to Choose the Best Lithium Battery for Your RV?
Based on the functionality and work capacity, it is very difficult to select the best lithium battery to use in your RV. However, the following factors will surely help you in making the right decision:
Capacity
When it comes to capacity, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are at the top of the list due to the longer life span and higher usable power of these batteries. With a 12-volt marine battery, lithium-ion is the most efficient one to use in solar panels.
The 12 V DC power output makes these lithium batteries run on your home appliances and solar panels. However, some RV appliances might require an AC current to function properly.
Efficiency
The more efficient a battery will be, the more it will be easy to install it on different components. Therefore, lithium RV batteries provide benefits in terms of efficiency. They are highly powerful and contain ventilation to remove harmful substances.
After installing a lithium RV battery, you can easily use it in the temperature range of above freezing temperature. These batteries don’t work if the temperature is below 32 degrees.
Lifespan
Lithium RV batteries come with hard technology and can last for more than 15 years. The lifestyle and meta properties of these batteries made them last longer than others. In comparison to lead acid batteries, lithium RV does not drain much energy and can perform better for a longer time.
Depth of Discharging
Lithium RV batteries have a fast charging rate and are twice readily charged as other batteries in the market. For this reason, production managers find it the best option to use solar panels and other appliances. They are made in such a way that they discharge as much as 90% before a recharge.
Warranty
A battery with a good warranty is more effective than a battery with a limited warranty time. Hence, battery buyers consider it the most important feature before purchasing any power cell. In the case of a lithium RV battery, it comes with a long warranty of 10 years. That shows the high efficiency of this battery as well.
Weight
Lithium RV batteries are highly lightweight and are optimized to use for solar power. Due to this compact and lightweight nature, manufacturers find it easy to carry it anywhere they want. This does not affect the charging capacity or working ability of the lithium-ion cells.
Maintenance
To keep the terminals of the battery safe and clean, proper maintenance should be done on time. This is to ensure that battery cells remain protected from any external damage and dryness.
However, lithium RV batteries are easy to maintain and do not require daily charging cycles as other batteries. You can easily store it anywhere as they do not discharge gases.
Manufacturer or Brand
Different brands and companies manufacture high-quality lithium-ion batteries. Some of them are CATL, a popular Chinese battery manufacturer. Along with CATL, several others including TDSG, Toshiba corporation, and Suzuki Motors are also involved. There’s a list of the top 10 best lithium-ion battery companies in the world and in China, you can take a look and find out which is your favorite one.
Which Are the Best Lithium RV Batteries? (Top 3 Picks)
Are you still confused about which is the best lithium RV battery in the market? Given below is a detailed list of top lithium RV batteries that you must read before buying. Remember, all these batteries run under the Lithium-ion apparatus and contain lithium as the main metal.
However, before choosing any of the batteries, you should keep on the efficiency and power ability. Knowing the voltage capacity will make it easy for you to select the best for your RV appliances.
Battleborn 12V LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Based on a USA manufacturing company, Battleborn is one of the best-known lithium RV batteries due to its high quality. If you need a robust and durable battery for yor solar systems, then you must consider this battery.
The 1.2KWh power and 75% initial capacity of Battleborn make it a well-optimized battery to control heavy loads as well. It performs well under harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures. So, why not go for the one that is not only durable but also provides high energy.
Pros
● This battery has a storage capacity of 1.2KWh
● It contains high-quality materials in its composition
● It is a highly durable and robust battery among all
● This battery has a discharge rate of 3500 cycles
Cons
● It is not budget-friendly
● Unlike other models, it is heavier in weight
ExpertPower RV 12V Lithium Deep Cycle Battery
Among the brand new RV battery lines, Expert Power is on the top. It is the number one sealed lead acid battery and is widely used by different companies. The material present in these batteries is lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) which provides perfect energy solutions.
More to this, the 100 amp voltage power has made this battery the best option for solar panels and portable power stations. With a 12-volt energy capacity, its battery contains a battery management system to function effectively.
Pros
● This battery has a longer service life
● The depth of discharge rate is 7000 cycles
● It is best to use in portable power stations
Cons
● Expert Power is not available at a cheap price
Etekware 12/24V 200Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery
Being equipped with Blade technology, Etekware battery company provides effective LiFePO4 batteries. These batteries contain lithium and iron phosphate instead of cobalt manganese. According to the latest research, lithium iron phosphate batteries are now dominating other batteries available in the market.
Therefore, with the Etekware deep cycle LiFePO4 battery, you are in a better position to run your home appliances on it. It is simply an LFP battery that is mainly used in power tools, and energy storage applications.
Pros
● Etekware is one of the best rechargeable batteries
● It has an operating temperature range of 20-60 degrees
● The working and nominal voltage is also high
Cons
● Has a slower rate of capacity than others
Here’s a table showing the comparison between LFP and other rechargeable batteries.
| Chemistry | Voltage | Energy Density | Working Temp. | Cycle Life | Safety | Environmental | Cost based on cycle life x wh of SLA |
| LiFePO4 | 3.2V | >120 wh/kg | -20-60 °C | >2000(0.2C | Safe | Good | 0.15-0.25 |
| rate, IEC Standard) | lower than SLA | ||||||
| Lead-acid | 2.0V | > 35wh/kg | -20 – 40°C | >200 | Safe | Not good | 1 |
| Ni/CD | 1.2V | > 40wh/kg | -20 – 50 °C | >1000 | Safe | Bad | 0.7 |
| Ni/MH | 1.2V | >80 wh/kg | -20 – 50 °C | >500 | Safe | Good | 1.2-1.4 |
| LiMnxNiyCozO2 | 3.7V | >160 wh/kg | -20 – 40 °C | >500 | better than LiCo | OK | 1.5-2.0 |
| LiCoO2 | 3.7V | >200 wh/kg | -20 – 60 °C | > 500 | Unsafe w/o PCM | OK | 1.5-2.0 |
FAQs about Lithium RV Batteries
Are Lithium Batteries Better for RV?
As RV appliances use more energy so they need a battery that is highly energy efficient and can store large power output. For this, nothing is better than lithium-ion batteries. Due to the low internal resistance of lithium cells, it is easy to charge and operate the battery.
Moreover, if you are traveling or outside the house, these lithium batteries work wonders everywhere. With a 12 V power supply, this battery is the powerhouse of the motorhome and fifth wheels.
Can I Replace My RV Battery with a Lithium Battery?
Yes, it is possible to replace your RV battery with a lithium battery. However, you would need a few things to function the battery properly. One of these things is a 12 V lithium battery charger so you can charge both cells.
In addition, different lead acid batteries are also taking place of RV batteries with the help of replacement techniques. So, it is now easier to convert RV batteries into lead acid or lithium-ion power cells.
What Lithium Battery Size do I Need for my RV?
For most purposes, a 12 V RV battery size is more than enough to do the job effectively. Therefore, to replace any battery cell with an RV battery, you must have an external charger of 12 V voltage capacity.
This is to make sure that the lithium cells can easily carry a heavy load of more than 1200 Wh. In addition, a current of 100 amperes is also necessary to operate the lithium battery. However, for lead acid batteries, the ampere current should be double so they can function properly.
How Long Will a Lithium RV Battery Last?
The depth of discharge for lithium RV batteries is 5,000 cycles. That means they can last 20% more than the discharge capacity. Moreover, the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is more than 10 years. They come with 11 years warranty than other batteries.
In comparison to lead acid batteries, the life span and discharge rate of lithium RV batteries is 10 times higher. This significantly increasing time span makes lithium the best choice for RV appliances and solar panels.
Do lithium RV Batteries Require a Special Charger?
For general operation, the RV batteries require a charger than can convert AC current into DC. However, For using as camper house batteries, the DC to DC current provides 14.6 volts capacity to run the charging apparatus.
Hence, you can charge the RV battery with a normal DC to DC charger as well which has enough power to optimize the cells. However, some chargers have enabled an acquisition mode that needs to turn off while charging the RV battery.
Conclusion
Best of all, you don’t have to worry about the RV battery at all because it is now easy to replace them with lithium and other batteries.
In the end, deciding the best RV lithium battery has become much easier as you get the basic technical details and specifications of most batteries. If you are thinking about whether I should spend money on lithium batteries or not, then stop thinking. Just go for it and you will never regret your decision.
