Choosing the best batteries for your camper or motorhome can be a tricky decision, especially if you’re planning long off-grid adventures. You will need to create enough battery capacity to reliably power all of your appliances and electronics, the battery capacity will need to match the performance of your solar panel (if you have a solar panel) and you will probably want to save budget and space. the same in the mind.
Of course, you have groups of power supplies that feed you from emergency risers. But they are of no use if you are traveling by road for extended periods of time and wandering around.
The best camper batteries allow solar power to be used to generate and store disposable power even when not connected to any terrestrial grid, which is extremely important for off-grid travelers. However, there are many types of batteries and their benefits.
There are so many options available: lithium iron phosphate batteries (not to be confused with the old lithium-ion), AGM batteries, flooded lead acid batteries, gel batteries, various voltages, and dozens of amp-hour ratings. In this article, we’ll explain some of the basics and then make a list of the top 10 camper battery options.
That’s where we enter. We’re here to get to know your camper and RV battery options and help you choose the best type of camper battery for your needs. This way you can spend more time on the road with friends and less time talking about being stuck without electricity. Let’s move on to the review of the best battery for camper van.
| Image | Product | Features |
 | Renogy 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery | Nominal Voltage: 12.8V; Rated Capacity (0.2C): 170Ah; Minimal Rated Capacity (0.2C): 161.5Ah; Energy: 2176Wh; Energy Density: 149.1Wh/L; Internal Resistance: ≤10mΩ; Cycle Life (0.2C, 20±5 °C): 80% DOD 2000 cycles; Specific Energy: 103.6Wh/ft. |
 | Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery | 100Ah 12v with Built-In BMS; 3000-5000 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery; Perfect for RV/Camper, Marine, Overland/Van, and Off-Grid Applications. |
 | OPTIMA OPT8016-103 D34M BLUETOP | Capacity: 75 Ah; Starting current: 975 A; Length: 325mm; Width: 165mm; Height: 238mm; Bottom mount: No. |
 | NPP HR12330W 12V 330 Watts | Capacity 350W 15-minute rate up to 1.67V per cell at 25 °C (77 °F); Designed specifically for UPS; Electrochemistry is designed for high performance; AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Technology VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid System); High discharge rate. |
 | 12V 100AH Battery for Solar Wind DEEP | Capacity, Ah: 100; Battery Type: Deep Discharge; Electrolyte type: Gel; Weight, ft: 30 ft; Voltage, V: 12; Dimensions, mm: 333x173x216. |
 | Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Solar Wind | Type: Multigel; Rated voltage, V: 12; Capacity, Ah: 102; Assembled Product Weight: 63.93 ibs; Assembled Product Dimensions (L × W × H): 12.17 × 6.61 × 9.13 inches. |
 | Ampere Time LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 12V 100Ah with Built | Voltage: 12 volts; Capacity, Ah: 100; Number of cycles: 4500; Item Dimensions L× W× H: 20.5 × 9.37 × 8.54 inches. |
 | BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB150 | Overload capacity: 1000W; Built-in Top-brand LG battery cell; All-in-1 power station with various outputs: 2×AC outlets for most household appliances under 1000W, 1×DC12V for car-powered devices, 1×PD Type-C (Max 45W) for USB-C devices, 4×5V3A(Max) USB; AC/Solar recharged: it takes 10hrs to be fully charged by the AC wall outlet; Charge time varies on the solar panel (higher power of the panel, shorter charge time); MPPT high efficient solar charging; Pure sine-wave; Battery management system (BMS), Multi-protection; Size & net weight: 14.6× 6.5× 14.4″, 37.9 lb; |
Table of Contents
The best battery for camper van
As seasoned van drivers, we understand that a long-lasting battery can make or break your battery life experience. That’s why we’ve looked at numerous factors that the best residential or camper batteries should have, including battery life, efficiency, safety rating, and price. Let’s dive into our list of the best motorhome batteries with our selection.
Renogy 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
If you’re looking for a maintenance-free deep cycle battery that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Renogy LiFePO4 battery. This battery is ideal for outdoor travel or camping in dry areas because, despite its compact design, it comes at a reasonable price. It can also be used as an additional source of energy by storing wind or solar energy, collecting it along the way.
And because it uses advanced lithium-ion technology, it uses less AGM and lead-acid batteries. Renogy has also developed security features to give you and your loved ones more peace of mind. High voltage protection, low voltage protection, current protection, high-temperature protection, short circuit protection, and auto leveling are just some of the features that make Renogy batteries one of the best deep cycles safe batteries.
The biggest problem with Renogy batteries is that they are not connected in series. However, if some cells are Renogy LiFePO4 cells, they can be connected in parallel.
Features:
- Nominal Voltage: 12.8V;
- Rated Capacity (0.2C): 170Ah;
- Minimal Rated Capacity (0.2C): 161.5Ah;
- Energy: 2176Wh;
- Energy Density: 149.1Wh/L;
- Internal Resistance: ≤10mΩ;
- Cycle Life (0.2C, 20±5 °C): 80% DOD 2000 cycles;
- Specific Energy: 103.6Wh/ft.
Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Of all the 12V internal cycle batteries on this list, the Battle Born Lifep04 is the most environmentally friendly. Being 100% safe, non-toxic, and made from renewable energy, it charges faster and lasts longer than many of its competitors. That’s why we think it’s one of the best batteries for a camper or motorhome owner.
It has a capacity of 100 amp-hours and 3,000 to 5,000 useful charge cycles, which is impressive for a camper with a battery of this size. Like the other lithium batteries on this list, the Battle Born battery is about half the size and weight of a lead-acid battery, which is great if you’re short on space in your camper.
If you’re looking for a deep cycle battery but need a little more power, Battle Born also offers a 50 amp model with all the same high-tech features. You can also connect these Battle Born Batteries to other batteries to provide enough power for your fridge, hair dryer, or whatever you need while camping!
While the price may be too high for some, this is still one of the best lithium batteries available today.
Features:
- 100Ah 12v with Built-In BMS;
- 3000-5000 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery;
- Perfect for RV/Camper, Marine, Overland/Van, and Off-Grid Applications.
OPTIMA OPT8016-103 D34M BLUETOP
The rugged Optima OPT8016-103 D34M is the ideal companion for an outdoor enthusiast or van lifer. Unlike other deep-cycle RV batteries on this list, the Optima is designed to be used as both a startup battery and a deep cycling backup power source.
That means you can use it to crank start your engine or power your fridge and campervan air conditioner while on the road. Optima batteries can be installed in almost any position, and the secure and spillproof case prevents them from causing any damage to those adventurous journeys.
And they’re engineered to withstand up to 15 times more vibrations than other rechargeable cycle batteries. Optima produces several different models of the BlueTop battery. While the D34M should be sufficient for most RV users, the BlueTop D31M offers more power for less than $100 more.
If you’re looking for the best dual-use battery bank for your RV or campervan that’s built to survive even the harshest of elements, then make sure to purchase one of the Blue Top Optima Batteries for your next trip.
Features:
- Capacity: 75 Ah;
- Starting current: 975 A;
- Length: 325 mm;
- Width: 165 mm;
- Height: 238 mm;
- Bottom mount: No.
NPP HR12330W 12V 330Watts
Highly efficient battery HR 12330W stationary lead-acid battery with high-energy capacity. The HR 12330W battery is made using AGM technology (electrolyte retained in glass fiber), so it does not require refilling with distilled water or another type of maintenance for the entire service life, can be installed in a vertical and horizontal position, and also has a minimum level of gas emission that is safe for use in the same room with people.
The HR 12330W battery consists of a plastic case and specially designed grid plates coated with a corrosion-resistant lead-calcium alloy to reduce internal resistance, facilitate battery recharging and increase power output by 20%. The battery is adapted for use in UPS and high-power equipment to provide backup power. It has a longer service life due to the greater thickness of the plates than the HR series.
Features:
- Capacity 350W 15-minute rate up to 1.67V per cell at 25 °C (77 °F);
- Designed specifically for UPS;
- Electrochemistry is designed for high performance;
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Technology VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid System);
- High discharge rate.
12V 100AH Battery for Solar Wind DEEP
A great addition to the list of the best AGM deep cycle batteries is the PowerStar 12v RV rechargeable battery. The sealed design can be installed anywhere, and the maintenance-free design means you don’t have to check electrolytes’ gravity levels. Trust us, the best batteries for campers and RVs are the ones that don’t require constant maintenance!
At 32 pounds, this is one of the lightest 100 amp-hour deep cycle batteries on this list. And given that it’s capable of overcharging, over-discharging, vibration, and shock, we think the PowerStar is one of the best RV battery systems of its kind.
The only downside to this deep cycle AGM battery is the limited two-year warranty. Powerstar may be a reputable recreational vehicle battery company, but we would appreciate a longer warranty in case something happens to their AGM batteries.
Features:
- Capacity, Ah: 100;
- Battery Type: Deep Discharge;
- Electrolyte type: Gel;
- Weight, ft: 30 ft;
- Voltage, V: 12;
- Dimensions, mm: 333×173×216.
Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Solar Wind
For under $200, you can get the Might Max ML100-12 Long-Life Deep Cycle Battery, one of the most popular AGM batteries on this list. It’s also one of the smallest (12.17″ × 6.61″ × 9.13″) so you won’t have to redo your interior just to fit in your motorhome battery.
The spill-proof design can be installed in any position in your camper (but not upside down) and can even be taken outside if you’re looking for a portable source of power while camping outdoors. They can also be connected in parallel if you need more current to power various appliances in our van.
Your battery has a 1-year warranty under the well-known Mighty Max brand, which may seem short compared to other models. While the Mighty Max batteries are reliable, durable, and resistant to shock and vibration, we would have preferred an extended warranty. Also, worth noting is that the battery does not come with a wiring harness or mounting accessories. You will need to purchase these parts separately.
Features:
- Type: Multigel;
- Rated voltage, V: 12;
- Capacity, Ah: 102;
- Assembled Product Weight: 63.93 ibs;
- Assembled Product Dimensions (L × W × H): 12.17 × 6.61 × 9.13 inches.
Ampere Time LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 12V 100Ah with Built
With its ultra-lightweight and compact design, the Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO 4 battery is one of the most popular batteries for use in trolling motor batteries, inverter batteries, solar batteries, RV batteries, etc. But like any other LiFePO 4 battery, it must be charged with special 12V lithium battery chargers or chargers with a special 12V lithium battery charging mode.
With a nominal voltage of 12.8V and a continuous discharge current of 100A (and 280A for 5 seconds!), the Ampere Time 12V 100Ah lithium battery can be used as an excellent inverter battery. For example, when a 1000W inverter with 85% efficiency is connected to the battery, the inverter draws ~1180W from the battery, which should not be a problem for a new, fully charged Ampere Time 12V 100Ah lithium battery for at least one hour.
In addition, with a surge current of 280A/5s, the battery is able to provide enough power for surges up to 3000+W. So, if you have an inverter with a maximum output of 1000W and a pulse output of up to 3000W, consider Ampere Time 12V 100Ah lithium battery as your next inverter battery.
Features:
- Voltage: 12 volts;
- Capacity, Ah: 100;
- Number of cycles: 4500;
- Item Dimensions L × W × H: 20.5 × 9.37 × 8.54 inches.
BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB150
The Bluetti EB150 is a HUGE CAPACITY portable power station with a lithium-ion battery capacity of 1500Wh (LG Li-ion battery cell, 101,351mAh/14.8V (equivalent to 405,405mAh 3.7V) 1000W pure sine wave output, PD Type-C Quick Charge (Max.45W).
Two ways of recharging (solar / wall). Unlike other small-capacity power stations, it has a broader capacity and can charge higher power devices like an electric drill, hair dryers, and blenders (make sure the max power of your device is no more than 1000W). Once fully charged, the EB150 power station’s huge 1500Wh capacity ensures that your device will last much longer, and you won’t need to recharge it over again.
Features:
- Overload capacity: 1000W;
- Built-in Top-brand LG battery cell;
- All-in-1 power station with various outputs: 2×AC outlets for most household appliances under 1000W, 1×DC12V for car-powered devices, 1×PD Type-C (Max 45W) for USB-C devices, 4×5V3A(Max) USB;
- AC/Solar recharged: it takes 10hrs to be fully charged by the AC wall outlet;
- Charge time varies on the solar panel (higher power of the panel, shorter charge time);
- MPPT high efficient solar charging;
- Pure sine-wave;
- Battery management system (BMS), Multi-protection;
- Size & net weight: 14.6 × 6.5 × 14.4″, 37.9 lb.
What type of battery is best for a campervan?
Regardless of the specific type, it is important to choose a deep-charge battery for the camping trip. This means they are designed for fast and frequent bursts of power (large amounts of energy in a short amount of time) and fast charging. This is important in a camper because you need a variety of appliances such as a stove, air conditioner, refrigerator, fan, microwave, etc. So let’s take a look at some types of deep cycle batteries.
Flooded lead acid battery
Flooded lead acid batteries (also known as wet batteries) have been around for a long time and are often used in a variety of applications because they are inexpensive and readily available, but they are not ideal for camping. They contain lead plates immersed in a liquid electrolyte and release toxic gases when charged.
They also require regular maintenance – water needs to be topped up regularly to replenish spent electrolytes, or the battery will fail forever. It also works well with staged loading, which is slower than ideal. So, technically, you can put such a battery in a cart, but you better not.
To avoid poisoning, you need to move the battery from the inside of the truck to a completely enclosed area. The location of the battery must be clearly visible and easily accessible so that the battery can be checked and replaced regularly. Lead-acid batteries should be kept flat and straight to absorb moisture, but they can still leak, which is not good in a moving vehicle.
Gel battery
A gel battery is a type of lead-acid battery, but the electrolyte is not liquid, but gel, and since the battery case is sealed, you do not need to add water. This eliminates leaks and maintenance issues as no gas escapes, so no ventilation is required. Since there is no liquid spill, it can be placed in any position.
These batteries are clearly an upgrade to flooded lead acid batteries, but AGM batteries have higher energy density and faster charge times and will age.
AGM batteries
Absorbent Glass (AGM) batteries are the latest and greatest version of lead-acid batteries, but they have been rare since their introduction in the 1970s. I replaced all these batteries with gel batteries because they store more energy and charge faster. All liquid electrolytes go into the fiberglass mat, which means no spills or outgassing.
However, AGM batteries must be discharged no more than 50% to maintain their life cycle. Thus, the more batteries are discharged and the more times they are charged to less than 50% capacity, the fewer charge/discharge cycles they can complete. In fact, to achieve this usable capacity, AGM batteries must be used at twice the nominal capacity.
This means more space is required and can be very expensive, eventually requiring the purchase of two batteries to get the actual capacity of one. The general life of the conference is 3-5 years, and it comes out daily. But one advantage of AGMs is that they are not as sensitive to temperature as lithium batteries. They can withstand low temperatures and are more efficient.
They’re also cheaper than lithium batteries, so if you want to keep your motorhome fresh all year round, or don’t want to use a lithium battery right away, they can be a good option.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries use lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO2) as the cathode, which has a very high energy density but is prone to overheating. The same principle applies to lithium-ion RV batteries, so new, safer lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have been developed.
LiFePO4 batteries are non-flammable, and more chemically and thermally stable. They are also made from non-toxic material, while LiCoO2 is dangerous and therefore more difficult to dispose of safely. In addition, LiFePO4 batteries provide almost twice as many charge/discharge cycles as Li-ion batteries and have a longer life.
They are also cheaper, lighter, and last longer than older lithium batteries. Although they are not cheap, they are considered the gold standard for motor batteries. However, basic calculations show that they are actually cheaper per charge/discharge than the best AGM batteries.
This is because lithium iron phosphate batteries can be discharged to 80-90% instead of 50%, so you will need to buy fewer batteries to achieve usable capacity. In addition, they serve much longer: from about 10 years to 3-5 years. So, you can pay $800 for a 12V LiFePO4 battery for 100 hours and only $200 for a 12V AGM battery for 100 hours.
But given that you need to buy almost two AGMs for every LiFePO4 to get the same capacity, then assuming you have a 5-year lifespan for your common assemblies, double that number to get a 10-year lifespan for your total assembling a lithium iron phosphate battery.
Now you spent about the same amount of money at the end of the decade, but you always had less space in your RV and had to overcome the hassle of changing batteries with just four AGMs instead of one LifePO4.
You may also be interested in: how to find best places for free dispersed camping near you.
FAQs
What is the best size leisure battery for a campervan?
There are 4 types of leisure batteries on the market: flooded lead acid (FLA), gel batteries, absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Each uses slightly different chemistry, so the way they work and perform is different too.
What size battery do I need for van?
This may be the most important question when it comes to the best campervan battery pack. If you only need a battery to charge your phone and laptop and run a string of low-power LED lights at night, you can opt for an inexpensive 100Ah (or less) deep-cycle FLA battery. Of course, power should increase as you add appliances and accessories to your camper’s electrical system.
So to answer this question for your unique van, you will need to calculate specific energy needs based on your van’s equipment.
What is a battery?
Batteries use chemistry to take the energy you harvest and store it as potential energy, ready to be used later. When a battery is connected to a device, a chemical reaction occurs that generates electricity. In rechargeable batteries, this chemical reaction is reversible when current is applied to the battery.
What is the longest-lasting deep cycle battery?
Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFeP04 battery technologies deliver thousands more charges than lead acid, gel, and hybrid batteries. In our opinion, the higher initial cost of lithium justifies the extra power output, charge cycles, ease of use, and durability.
Are AGM batteries suitable for campers?
AGM batteries are good for vans if budget is a concern and if you plan on traveling part-time with your van.
Will lithium batteries work in my existing camper rig?
Yes! Battleborn Lithium Home Batteries are designed to replace conventional lead-acid or AGM batteries. However, leisure lithium batteries are not plug-and-play and will require certain components to work with an existing system.
Verdict
My girlfriend and I had three 100Ah AGM batteries in the van, and we actually chose this one because they were cheap, and we didn’t really know what we were doing. Now, three years later, after countless heated conversations with other people and hours of research, we hope to move on to LiFePO4 batteries soon.
Our AGMs are obsolete after three years, especially since we accidentally broke them and put solar panels on the bus (long story). Now that we know all the hype around LiFePO4 batteries, if we were to purchase a new battery, we would definitely choose a few standalone items from this list.
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- Inside of a camper van interior
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What type of battery is best for campervan?
The best type of battery for a campervan is typically a deep cycle lithium-ion battery, as they are more efficient, lighter, and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
What is the best size of leisure battery for a campervan?
The best size of leisure battery for a campervan depends on the specific power needs and usage habits of the campervan, but typically a 100Ah to 120Ah battery is sufficient for most setups.
How to choose a battery for a camper?
When choosing a battery for a campervan, consider the following factors:
Power requirements: Determine the total power consumption of your appliances and electronics.
-Type of battery: Choose between lead-acid, AGM, or lithium-ion batteries.
-Capacity: Select a battery with sufficient capacity to meet your power needs.
-Voltage: Make sure the battery is compatible with your electrical system.
-Weight: Consider the weight of the battery if weight restrictions apply.
-Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the battery.
Is 100AH battery enough for camper?
A 100Ah battery may be sufficient for a campervan, depending on the specific power needs and usage habits. To determine if a 100Ah battery is enough, consider the total power consumption of appliances and electronics, the duration of time between charges, and the type of battery used. It may be necessary to use multiple batteries or a larger capacity battery in some cases.
Can I run 2 batteries on my camper?
Yes, it is possible to run 2 batteries on a campervan. Running two batteries in parallel or using a dual battery system can provide increased capacity and longer run time for appliances and electronics. It is important to use compatible batteries and properly connect and maintain the battery system for safe and efficient operation.
Are camper batteries the same as car batteries?
No, camper batteries are not the same as car batteries. Camper batteries are typically deep cycle batteries designed to provide sustained power over a longer period of time, while car batteries are designed to provide a quick burst of power to start the engine. Camper batteries include lead-acid, AGM, and lithium-ion batteries, while car batteries are usually lead-acid batteries.
