Caravan Battery

Want to make caravanning extra fun with a few comforts like ice-cold beers and maybe some music? Upgrade it with a quality caravan battery. This is actually a must-have too, especially if you're going on a road trip for a couple of days-it's not really fun to drive around and sleep inside your oven-hot vehicle afterwards, or eat a meal that has gotten cold already. When choosing a battery for your caravan, make sure that aside from efficiency, you look at its longevity as well. Recreational vehicles are usually used for off-grid camping and if this is also your plan, you need a battery pack that can be used for a longer period of time without requiring a recharge. If you want, you can opt for a solar battery too, and pair it with a set of solar panels mounted on your roof so you can store energy in your battery during the day and use it in the evening.

What Type of Batteries Can Be Used In Caravans?

Inarguably, the best battery for caravans would be deep-cycle batteries because of their 80% DoD. They're perfect for long-lasting use not just for caravans but as marine batteries too. For caravans, however, deep-cycle batteries can be classified into three categories: AGM battery, gel battery, and lithium battery. 

AGM deep-cycle batteries by far are the most popular for 4x4 recreational use especially when paired with solar. These batteries are sealed hence they are "unspillable," making them a safer option for caravan owners. They can also weigh as little as 9.35kg depending on the capacity so they're easy to fit in most RVs. In terms of performance, AGM batteries are pretty decent plus, they retail for an affordable price which is why they are highly preferred by a lot of campers. The next type is gel batteries. Just like AGM, these come in sealed form as well and can last for an extended period of time too, if properly charged and cycled. However, the problem with AGM batteries is that they’re a bit complicated to top off and may require a special charger due to their sensitivity to voltage spikes. 

Lastly, we have lithium-deep cycle batteries. These are the most recommendable out of the three. For one, lithium makes an excellent battery component, especially the lithium iron phosphate battery or simply LiFePO4. They don’t catch fire or explode even when punctured, so that’s a plus point on safety. More importantly, LiFePO4 batteries have an integrated battery management system (BMS) that helps balance each cell in your battery for optimal performance. It also protects against overcharging, undercharging, overheating, and short circuits, so you only need minimal maintenance for this. Lithium batteries are 50% lighter too, have a 15% higher charging efficiency, and a longer lifespan as well. They're basically a win in every department except for the price. Lithium battery prices are usually higher than conventional batteries, although, given its overall quality and longevity, it makes a great investment for avid campers.

How Long Does a Caravan Battery Last?

Most caravan batteries are built to last for around 5 years. A deep-cycle caravan battery might last for even longer, as these typically have a lifespan of seven years if properly maintained. One surefire way of making sure your lithium caravan battery or any caravan battery stays in good condition is to use the correct charger when topping it off. A lot of battery issues start with improper charging, so following your manufacturer's recharging instructions and using the appropriate charger makes all the difference. In terms of how long it will last without recharging, this will depend on your load and the amount of time you'll be running each of the appliances you wish to power. If you want to extend your battery’s life during camping, you can try some caravan battery management tips like turning off the appliances that are not in use or limiting the use of equipment that demands a lot of power.

Can You Use a Normal Battery On a Caravan?

It's possible to use a normal car battery on a caravan but this is not recommended. A car battery is designed for 100% capacity use, delivering short, concentrated bursts of power. Using this on a caravan that requires a deep-cycle will result in a shorter battery lifespan-not a good idea when you're camping or even as a battery backup. This is also the same case in boats. You can't use a starter battery for everything or else you'll end up with a flat battery in no time. It has to be either a marine battery or a dual battery system with a starter battery and deep-cycle battery installed.

More from Outbax

Here at Outbax, we have some of the best lithium batteries for caravans. All of our LiFePO4 batteries work excellent for deep-cycle applications, great for any caravan battery setup. Whether you need a 12V battery system for a caravan or even caravan solar panels to pair your battery with, Outbax is the online store for you. We specialise in affordable outdoor equipment particularly portable power sources so whether it's for your boat, RV, or campsite, we have something to keep your essential appliances/devices up and running. We even have the best caravan generators for sale here! Shop now and upgrade your caravan without draining your wallets!