5 Tips To Extend the Lifespan of RV Batteries

Recreational vehicles don’t run on gas alone. Batteries play a big part in helping them keep rolling and providing power during long trips. Batteries aren’t inexpensive, but when you invest in a 12-volt lithium RV battery, you want it to last as long as possible. Fortunately, with a little basic upkeep and careful use, you can ensure your RV’s batteries provide plenty of power for years to come. Here are five tips to extend the lifespan of RV batteries.

Keep Cool

One of the biggest destroyers of batteries is heat. Whether it results from hot weather, overcharging, or overuse, a hot battery is a short-lived battery. After you charge your battery, remove it and give it a chance to cool down before reinstalling it. Most rechargers shut off when the cycle is done, but it’s still smart to shut it all down, disconnect it, and let the battery sit before reinstalling it. Likewise, keep batteries in a shelter or shade and out of the hot sun.

But Not Too Cool!

Cold weather can also affect lithium-ion batteries. When the temperature drops and the RV isn’t in use, disconnect the batteries and bring them indoors to keep them warm. If it’s a cold but bright day, leaving the batteries to sit in the sun can also warm them up. If you bring them inside, keep them in a safe space, away from activity and heat sources such as furnaces, radiators, and vents. Storing them in the basement is the best option.

Keep Them Steady

When you’re on the road, there’s not much you can do about vibrations. But your batteries are mostly safe from shocks and the like when they’re installed. Regardless, go easy over those bumps and potholes. When the batteries are not in the vehicle, move them carefully. Drops are dangerous to the contents and can cause cracks and leaks, rendering your battery useless. When transporting the batteries, make sure they’re secure and will not tip.

Keep It Dry

Batteries are sealed tightly for several reasons, but a big one is that water and electricity don’t get along. If the battery is submerged in water or moisture is allowed to infiltrate the casing, the contents can be rapidly oxidized, causing corrosion, ruining leads if there any, and bringing performance levels down to zero. Keep your battery away from water sources. Going underwater, exposing the battery to rain, and even coming into contact with spilled beverages can destroy a perfectly good battery.

Watch the Charge

Here’s the last of our five tips to extend the lifespan of RV batteries: keep track of the charge. Overcharging is bad, but so is letting a battery drain fully before recharging it again. It may seem counterintuitive, but too little or too much power can reduce the battery’s ability to recharge in the future. Look for a happy medium and note performance after each charge. Remember that a battery can only take so many charges in its lifetime. Check your batteries’ spec sheet or manual to see how many charges it can handle in its lifetime.