How to Choose the Best RV Battery for Dry Camping & Boondocking?

Boondocking has become increasingly popular as the trend of going off the grid and living beyond societal norms has risen. It offers a thrilling experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers without spending money on campsite rent and utility hookups.

However, a reliable power source is essential for dry camping to survive in the wild. A common power source is your RV's batteries which saves you from the hassle of carrying extra devices like generators with you.

In this article, I will guide you through different types of RV batteries and how you can choose the best RV battery for dry camping.

What is boondocking or dry camping?

Boondocking means camping outside the campsites without any utility hookups while dry camping is just camping without any hookups. So, technically, all dry camping isn't boondocking while all boondocking is dry camping.

With that said, the difference between boondocking and dry camping is your location. If you're camping at a designated campground, even if it doesn't have a utility hookup facility, it wouldn't be called boondocking but rather dry camping.

Boondocking or dry camping is a great way for nature lovers or adventure seekers to experience what nature has to offer. While it can be a thrilling experience, being unprepared can lead to chaos.

In this technology-driven world, an efficient power source is a no-brainer. And since you won't be using any electricity hookups, ensure to take a reliable electric source with you. One of the options is your RV's battery. A good quality RV battery can supply energy over extended cycles.

Different types of RV batteries

This list of common battery types will help you pick the right kind for your needs.

1. Lead-acid batteries

A lead-acid battery is a long-lived technology that uses lead plates submerged in sulphuric acid to store a charge.

Lead-acid batteries are inexpensive, have high power output capacity, and can be recharged easily. However, they're heavier than other battery types making them less portable.

2. Lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are just like lead-acid; the only difference being the lithium plates instead of lead. There are several types of this kind and yours is most likely to be a lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4 battery.

Lithium-ion batteries can store more charge in a smaller space and have minimum risk of electric hazards. A LiFePO4 battery also has a very low self-discharge, which indicates that it'll still hold a charge if not used for extended periods.

3. AGM batteries

The absorbed glass mat batteries contain glass mats that protect the lead plates. Unlike flooded or conventional batteries, the electrolyte isn't free to move around in AGM batteries. Hence, they're sealed and spill-free, letting you set them up in any position.

4. Gel batteries

Gel-cell batteries are similar to lead-acid batteries except the electrolyte solution is replaced by gel. This means you won't have to maintain the battery frequently by adding distilled water.

Gel batteries are cheaper than AGM and lithium batteries and can operate in extreme temperatures. However, they're heavier than lithium batteries and are prone to overcharging.

Best RV batteries for dry camping in 2024

I've compiled a list of the best RV batteries for boondocking to save you from exhausting product research.

1. Renogy deep cycle AGM battery 12 Volt 100Ah

If you're a beginner with batteries or simply prefer a product that operates effortlessly, this Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery may be the right pick. Its integrated internal structure and sealed design save you from complex internal troubleshooting.

This battery also offers a variety of discharge temperatures for campers in extreme climates. Hence, it can operate safely in temperatures ranging from -4° F to 140° F. What's even better is that you can use this Renogy's battery in both series (no limitation) and parallel (up to four cells) connections.

2. 12V 100Ah core series deep cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate battery

Looking for something lightweight with a longer lifespan? No worries, I've got you covered. This Renogy 12V 100Ah Core Series LiFePO4 battery is 61% lighter and has up to 10 times longer lifespan than an average lead-acid battery.

While an average LiFePO4 battery offers a weaker peak output (mostly 280 amps at 5 seconds) and energy limited to 1200Wh, Renogy's 12V 100 Ah Core Series does more. It provides a peak output of 300 amps at 10 seconds to start the heavy loads and 6% more energy capacity (1356 Wh).

3. Core Mini - 12.8V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate battery

One of the flaws in many RV batteries is that you can't check how much power is left like you can for your phone's battery. It's a pretty cool feature to have, right?

Well, good thing that Renogy's Core Mini LiFePO4 offers this feature to save you from sudden blackouts. With Core Mini, you can remotely monitor your battery power using Renogy's 300A battery shunt.

Additionally, this battery is up to 50% smaller than Group 31 batteries making it portable. And, you can mount it on its sides to adjust in crowded spaces.

Driving your RV into remote areas for dry camping can be a bumpy ride. That's why this mini-sized powerhouse is vibration-resistant for improved outdoor performance.

How to choose the best RV battery for dry camping?

Choosing the right battery that fulfills your needs is essential for a hassle-free camping experience. Here are a few things to consider to pick the best RV battery for boondocking.

1. Battery capacity

The first step is to assess your power requirements. So, what appliances will you be running, and for how long? For instance, if your RV has a refrigerator that consumes 140Ah a day, you may want a 220Ah battery for a stable power supply. When adding to that, other electronics like laptops, a TV, lights, etc a battery capacity of 500Ah to 700Ah would be sufficient.

However, if your power needs are more or less, this number can vary for you.

2. Weight and portability

Dimension is one of the key factors when choosing a battery for your RV. Since a camper van has limited space, a lightweight battery with a smaller size will work best. You can look into Core Mini LiFePO4 Battery options as they are more portable than traditional ones.

3. Lifespan and durability

A battery with a longer lifespan can bear plenty of charging cycles without its performance being significantly affected. So, it is important to get a long-life battery that'll be reliable for your off-the-grid camping and cost-effective in the long run.

4. Maintenance requirements

Some batteries require more frequent maintenance than others. If you want to save yourself from the maintenance fuss, consider the options that don't need servicing often. For instance, lead-acid batteries require you to frequently pour in distilled water to keep the battery running while gel-cell ones don't.

5. Charging efficiency and compatibility with solar panels

Another thing to consider when buying an RV battery is its charging efficiency and if it's compatible with solar panels. Solar power is one of the most cost-effective options that save you from fuel expenses in the long run. Therefore, try to find one that's compatible with solar panels.

Benefits of lithium-ion batteries for dry camping

lithium-ion batteries are one of the most reliable options for boondocking, as they provide numerous benefits over traditional lead-acid ones.

• LiFePO4 battery's key advantage is that it offers more usable power capacity than lead-acid at the same amp-hour rating.
• A lithium battery's lightweight and small design makes it a better option than other larger batteries since an RV is already pretty cramped.
• Lithium-ion batteries offer a lesser charging team due to their lower internal resistance.
• LiFePO4 batteries are more expensive but last longer. An expensive long-lasting battery is better than the cheaper option, which requires replacement every 2-3 years.
• When going to extreme temperature locations with a LiFePO4 battery, no need to worry since it can withstand extreme weather.
• Lastly, Lithium-ion batteries' chemicals don't leak into the environment while this may happen with other kinds. Therefore, a LifePO4 battery lets you explore nature's beauty in your RV without leaving a trace behind.

Which is the best RV battery for you?

Still confused about which battery fits right for you? Let me explain which kind will be the correct pick in what scenarios.

For budget-conscious campers

Looking for batteries with lower upfront costs? Traditional lead acid may be it. However, if you can deal with an expensive upfront but want the battery to be cost-effective in the long run, Lithium-ion batteries are excellent. Plus, if you choose one with solar panel compatibility, you can significantly cut down on electricity costs.

Long-term boondocks

Lithium iron phosphate batteries work great for long-term boondocks, because of their longer lifespan and ability to store more charge in less space.

RV battery for extreme climates

Two types of batteries can be the right pick for campers in extreme temperatures. Gel-cell batteries can operate safely in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 131°F. LiFePO4 batteries are another option and can operate in temperatures from -4°F to 140°F. That said, gel batteries are suitable for colder regions while lithium ones are durable in hotter environments.

In conclusion, each battery has its strengths and weaknesses that make it appropriate for different conditions. So, choose wisely.

Conclusion

Since boondocking involves arranging a power source for camping and not relying on campground hookups, picking the right source is essential. For this, RV batteries are a hassle-free and reliable option.

RV batteries are divided into different types, each having its perks for certain scenarios. For starters, the best RV battery for dry camping would be lithium-ion batteries for their fast charging, extreme weather tolerance, and longer lifespan.

However, when considering battery options for your RV, assessing your camping habits and power needs can narrow down the long list of options.

Frequently asked questions

What size battery do I need for dry camping?

The battery size depends on your power requirements. I recommend adding up the amp-hour consumption of the appliances you plan to use while dry camping and picking a slightly larger battery.

For instance, if you require 400 to 500 Ah, you may want a 550 to 600 Ah battery for a stable power supply.

Can I use solar panels with my RV battery?

If your RV battery is compatible with solar panels, yes you can. It's a cost-effective option to charge your battery.

How long will an RV battery last dry camping?

How long an RV battery lasts when boondocking usually depends on your power consumption and your battery's capacity and charge. Generally speaking, a 12V RV battery can last for a day or two provided you're using the energy smartly. Using heavy appliances for longer will drain the battery faster therefore, it's essential to make smart choices when it comes to power consumption.