Choosing The Right RV Battery - Your RV Battery Buying Guide

There are few choices that are as important as choosing the appropriate battery when it comes to powering your RV adventures. Be it a weekend camper or a full-time nomad, your electrical system in your RV relies on a source of reliable energy. Here we will concentrate on one such line of battery, the TOKUSHIMA battery line and the difference between lithium and lead-acid to ensure that you are on the road.

Understanding RV Battery Basics: Deep Cycle is Key

An RV uses a deep cycle rv battery that provides a lot of power over several hours, unlike a good car battery that is made to provide power in bursts of short power to start an engine. This drives your lights, water pump, fridge and electronics. There are two major chemistries in the realm of shopping: the old lead-acid and the new lithium (LiFePO4). TOKUSHIMA provides both of them, however, they are used to meet different needs. A marine and rv battery may have a combination of starting and deep cycle characteristics, however to live in pure RV, a deep cycle design is recommended. When you need to start a generator or outboard motor as well, a dual purpose marine and rv battery can probably work, although when it comes to house loads, deep cycle is the way to go.

TOKUSHIMA Lithium vs. Lead-Acid: Head-to-Head Comparison

We will now compare the lithium batteries of TOKUSHIMA to the standard lead-acid deep cycle batteries.

Weight & Space: A TOKUSHIMA lithium car battery (or deep cycle version) is approximately 50-70% lighter than a similar lead-acid battery. That translates to greater carrying capacity of your gear.

Usable Capacity: To prevent damage, the discharge of lead-acid batteries should not exceed 50 percent of its rating. A 100 Ah lead-acid deep cycle rv battery provides only 50 Ah of usable capacity. TOKUSHIMA lithium batteries can be discharged 80-100 percent, meaning that a 100Ah lithium battery can deliver up to 100 Ah of discharge - virtually twice the power.

Lifespan: Lead-acid has a lifetime of 300-500 cycles. TOKUSHIMA lithium usually provides 3,000-5,000 cycles, and thus, it is the best deep cycle battery for rv to be installed in the rv of those traveling a lot.

Charging Speed: Lithium charges 5x faster, thus you spend less time charging or operating a generator.

Price: Lead-acid is cheaper initially. Lithium will be expensive at first, but it will pay off in the long run.

Choosing the Right Size: Group 31 and Other Options

A Group 31 rv battery is often sought after by many RV owners as it is a great combination of capacity and footprint. One Group 31 lead-acid battery can be used to store 100-120Ah (50-60 usable Ah). A pair of TOKUSHIMA Group 31 lithium batteries, wired in parallel, would provide more than 200 usable Ah - enough to power a few days off-grid camping. With smaller RVs, one TOKUSHIMA lithium Group 24 or 27 is recommended. Always ensure that you look at the size of your battery compartment before you purchase. And keep in mind: to replace lead-acid with lithium, a matching converter or charger can be required. Most new RVs already have lithium-ready charging profiles.

Maintenance and Service: Auto Battery Service for RVs

Proper auto battery service practices apply to RV batteries as well. Batteries made of lead-acid should be checked on a regular basis in water levels, cleaning of terminals, and equalization charges. They are also hydrogen gases venting devices, and thus should be constructed in ventilated spaces. The TOKUSHIMA lithium batteries do not require any maintenance, do not emit any gas, and can be installed in any position (even sideways). In the case of auto battery service centers, the lithium batteries do not require as much attention, however, they also require a charger with lithium profile. When changing your old marine and rv battery to TOKUSHIMA lithium, you may want to have a professional check to see whether or not your system will be compatible. Lithium upgrades are now a standard feature offered by many service shops.

Which is right for you then? In case you are a light camper, and prefer the minimal initial expense, a good lead-acid deep cycle rv battery of the traditional line, by TOKUSHIMA, will do you right. When you are living in your RV full-time, boondock frequently, or just sick of having to replace the batteries after every few years, TOKUSHIMA lithium series is the best deep cycle battery to have in your RV In the case of those who require a Group 31 rv battery that has enormous usable capacity, lithium is the definite choice. And a final thought: regardless of the type of battery you use, be it lead-acid or lithium, regularly replacing auto batteries can be used to increase battery life. With TOKUSHIMA batteries (through JOZOKING (TIANJIN) TECHNOLOGY Co.), LTD. you receive professional support and adaptation of the North American, European and Australian markets. Safe travels and happy camping!