Best battery for campervan electrical systems & power storage

What is the best leisure battery for a campervan?

The best battery for campervan electrical is LiFeP04 or Lithium Iron Phosphate deep cycle RV battery.

Here are some reasons why LiFeP04 deep cycle is the best battery for Campervan electrical:

• Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry allows these campervan batteries to hold a charge longer than others
• They can be discharged fully and recharged without damage to the cells
• They tend to last for as many as 4000 charges
• They provide consistent, clean power
• The technology is being used and adapted by many companies, so there are a lot of LiFeP04 campervan battery options on the market
• Lithium Iron Phosphate campervan batteries are being manufactured in a wide range of Amp Hour options, from 50 Ah to as many as 300 Ah
• On the surface, Lead acid batteries seem to cost less, but the reality is that the many limitations of lead acid chemistry (read more about this, below) make them more expensive in the short and long term.

This post will guide you in choosing the best battery for campervan and RV electrical systems for your on board power supply and storage needs.

Our Top Picks for Best Battery for Campervan Electrical Systems  Click here to see recommendations, comparisons + pros and cons
#1 Top Pick Renogy 12V 100AH SMART LiFeP04 Battery	Our rating
Ampere Time 12V 100Ah iFePO4 Campervan Battery	Our rating
Battle Born LiFePO4 100AH Battery	Our Rating

 

What kind of battery do I need for my camper van?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. After reading this post, you’ll be able to choose the best battery for your camper van build.

What do you use your electrical system for?

Do you plan to spend a lot of time off grid, or will you be mostly plugged in to shore power?

Will you be doing a lot of cooking with electricity? Running an air conditioning unit, some fans or both?

How is your electrical system designed?

Are most of your appliances running off 12/24 volt DC power, or are you relying heavily on an inverter to convert 12/24 volt power to AC 110/240?

How are you charging your battery?

Are you using solar panels, a relay or plugging in to shore power to charge, or, like most people, a combination?

Read on to learn about the different types of batteries, sizes, uses and how to calculate battery size for your unique power needs.

What are the different types of deep cycle batteries?

Battery chemistry has come a long way in the last few years. While there are many exciting innovations being developed, there are basically two technologies in common use for campervans; Lead Acid and Lithium Iron Phosphate

FLA or Flooded Lead-Acid

With FLA batteries, the plates are submerged in water which needs to be checked and topped off every month or so.

FLA batteries release hydrogen and oxygen gasses that must be properly ventilated as they are very dangerous.

SLA or Sealed Lead-Acid

There are two types of SLA batteries: Absorbent Glass Mat or AGM and Gel, which have lower charge rates and output.

The advantage of SLA is that they require very little attention or maintenance. The disadvantage is that they take longer to charge and output less power.

Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFeP04

Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFeP04 is the chemistry of choice for many campervan builds.

LiFeP04 allows for more power usage before recharging and requires no maintenance or venting of gasses.

LiFeP04 batteries cost more, but the advantages add up to KW hour savings in the end, more actual use of the battery, time saved not performing maintenance and simplified power system build.

Which battery technology is best?

Battery technology gets vastly better as you spend more money.

In other words, there’s no technical advantage of lead acid batteries (the least expensive) over lithium (the most expensive).

LiFeP04 batteries require no maintenance, are easier to use, charge faster, last longer, produce higher quality power… than other commonly available technologies.

It’s a no-brainer that LiFeP04 is better than lead acid, gel, or hybrid batteries, in terms of performance.

But not everyone needs or can afford the best.

If your power needs are minimal and you’re okay dealing with the particular installation and maintenance issues of SLA batteries, you can save some money.

If you need more power, want easier installation, don’t want to deal with maintenance and can afford it, get LiFeP0 batteries.

If you’ve only got a couple hundred dollars for batteries, then lead acid or gel are best.

But if you can spring for the LiFeP04, you should, because it’s the best over all.

RV builder compares Battle Born LifePO4 batteries to used Tesla batteries

In this video, an innovative RV traveler talks about his experience with installing used Tesla Lithium Ion batteries in his RV, and why he now uses Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Batteries instead.

If the video doesn’t display below, click here to view it.

What size deep cycle battery do I need for my Campervan?

This might be the most important question of all when it comes to the best battery for campervan power storage.

If you only need a battery to charge your phone and laptop and run a string of low wattage LED lights at night, you can get away with a 100Ah (or smaller), inexpensive FLA deep cycle battery.

Of course Power needs increase as you add appliances and accessories to your campervan electrical system.

So to answer this question for your unique camper van build, you’ll need to calculate your specific power use needs based on the gear in your van.

What is the longest lasting deep cycle battery?

Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFeP04 battery technologies allow for thousands of more charges than lead acid, gel and hybrid batteries.

It’s our opinion that the higher upfront cost of lithium is well worth the extra power output, charging cycles, simplicity of use and longevity.

Does my campervan house battery charge while driving?

If your camper van has a “split charge relay” (aka battery isolator or relay isolator), then yes, your campervan battery does charge while you drive.

If your van doesn’t have this device, then your house battery is not charging while you drive.

Split charge relays are among the easier electrical components to install and they provide a high payoff for the initial investment.

To check if your van has a relay isolator, follow any leads from the positive side of your alternator and look for a component like that pictured here. Or ask your mechanic to check for you.

What is a split charge relay or relay isolator?

A split charge relay diverts excess power from your vans alternator to charge your house battery.

It does this without drawing down the engine battery, by delivering power to the house battery only when the engine battery is fully charged.

The split charge relay also protects your house battery from pulling power from your engine battery when the engine is turned off.

Split charge relays are available in a range of amps to match the max output of your alternator and your overall charging needs.

Our Best Battery for Campervan Power Top Picks

Every van build is different and has different power needs.

We recommend that you choose your campervan house batteries very carefully.

Also, read the reviews carefully and look for others who use the battery in ways similar to your particular needs.

This can save you a lot of hassle with returns or other issues.

#1 Top Pick Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate 100Ah Battery
Take your deep cycle battery experience to the next level by investing into Renogy’s LFP Battery, combining superior lithium-iron phosphate technology to provide a better solution to solar energy storage. Weighing at just a bit over 25 lbs, Renogy’s LFP battery surpasses expectation by being lighter, compact, and more powerful than its lead-acid battery counterparts of 100Ah. Designed to replace conventional solar battery storage units such as sealed Sealed, AGM, or Gel batteries, utilize your LFP battery in power-sport applications, off-grid applications, solar energy storage, and more! Take a step into the right direction by pairing your solar system with one of the safest and highest-cycle battery chemistry yet. Lightweight BMS protection Low Self-discharge Triplex Sealed Construction Patent Designed Construction 10.24X6.22X9.68 In 28.1 lbs
		Our Rating
Pros	Cons
The usual list of pros for both Renogy and LiFeP04 Cost: A bit less costly than some LiFeP04 batteries of similar quality Safety: Built to be extra safe, a good battery for off road Weight: Super light at 25 lbs. Compare that to the SLA’s 5 year warranty	Configuration: Cannot string in series. Only for parallel with identical batteries. Renogy is very careful to point out that you should “avoid too high a voltage difference between paralleled batteries, despite the auto-balancing function, to avoid triggering the over-current protection.” We appreciate well thought out instructions, especially when powerful, expensive gear is involved.
Click here for pricing and availability of the Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate 100Ah Battery

 

Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Sealed Lead Acid Battery
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology for excellent performance. Valve regulated, spill proof construction allows for safe operation in any position. 12.17″ x 6.61″ x 9.16 inches: 63.93 Lbs SLA, AG Maintenance free and spill proof battery Rechargeable battery Can be mounted in any position Resists shock & vibration 1 Year Warranty
		Our Rating
Pros Cost: A great battery at an affordable price point Mounting: SLA allows you to mount in any position Maintenance: Low maintenance for a lead acid battery	Cons Weight: SLA batteries are heavy Charging: Lead acid requires more frequent charging Longevity: Neither the charges nor the overall life of the battery will last nearly as long as Lithium Management: Lead Acid takes more time and effort to get the maximum number of uses Warranty: Only 1 year
Click here for pricing and availability of the Universal Power Group 100Ah SLA Battery

 

Renogy 12V 200Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Hybrid Gel Battery
Looking for a reliable, high performing battery with practicality in mind? Renogy’s 12V Deep Cycle Hybrid AGM Battery is an excellent choice for standby or daily power needs. Built tough with a leak-proof design, this maintenance-free battery was designed with solar energy storage applications in mind and provides optimum performance even at freezing temperatures. Ensure that your vehicle or off-grid solar system stays powered on with Renogy’s AGM batteries. Renogy’s AGM batteries are designed for solar energy storage. Leak-proof, spill-proof and maintenance free, The ideal candidate for meeting quality performance whether for daily use or backup power in your campervan. Nominal Voltage: 12V Maximum Discharge Current: 2000A (5S) Nominal Capacity: 200Ah@10hr-rate to 10.8V @25°C Maximum Charging Current: 80A Float charging Voltage: 13.5 to 13.8V Operating Temperature: Discharge: -15~50°C Charge: 0~40°C Container Material: ABS Terminal: 3/8th M8 bolts with 1.25mm thread pitch Dimension:20.5X9.4X9.4 In. Weight: 128.97lbs
		Our Rating
Pros 200 Amp Hours! That’s a lot. Price. Hard to find this much battery at this quality at this price Excellent, quality SLA allows for minimal maintenance and installation options. 5 year warranty	Cons Weight: 128.97 lbs! Some reviews mention technical issues with AGM and SLA batteries that could’ve been easily overcome with basic battery maintenance knowledge. Please spend some time in the Renogy customer portal to get educated and choose the best battery for your needs.
Click here for pricing and availability of the Renogy 200Ah Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery

 

Battle Born 100AH LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Weighing in at a sleek 31 lbs, the 100 amp hour, 12 volt Battle Born Battery dances circles around the competition. The Battle Born Battery also requires no new hardware to run in your boat, RV, trailer, or golf cart. Just pull out that grungy old lead acid battery (use two hands, those suckers are heavy), drop in this elegant upgrade, and get yourself out there. All Battle Born Batteries are designed and assembled in the USA. 100 Amp Hour, 12 Volt Battery LiFePO4 Chemistry 3000- 5000 Cycles 100 Amp Continuous Current 200 Amp Surge Current (30 Seconds) 1/2 second surge for higher loads Acceptable Voltages 14.4 – 14.6 for bulk charging 10 Year Warranty Designed and Assembled in the USA 12.75 x 6.875 x 9  (L x W xH) 31 lbs Bolt set included: 5/16″ x  1″, 5/16″ x 1-1/4″
		Our rating
Pros 10 year warranty! Total quality peace of mind Quality of power; The point of a battery is to provide an ongoing power supply of high quality. The Battle Born get’s this done! Charge cycles: 3000 to 5000 thousand cycles of charging! This one factor annihilates the lead acid competition and makes the high cost worth it. Virtually zero maintenance Long history of quality and success: So many van builders swear by these batteries.	Cons Price: While we’ve made it clear that the overall value is much greater than lead acid, it’s still a lot of money to drop on a battery. That said, the Battle Born is the best in class for many reasons.
Click here for pricing and availability of the Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery

 

Ampere Time 12V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 Rechargeable Battery
While SOK is still a lesser known brand, we’re glad to see them on Amazon, and with great ratings. Built-in (BMS) Smart Battery Management System. 4000~8000 Cycles Life Span Maintenance free 26 lbs. Replaceable BMS and Cells Connect in series for 24V or 36V or 48V Battery Bank Connect in Parallel for Larger Capacity 5 Years Warranty
		Our Rating
Pros	Cons
Cost: A lot less than some LiFeP04 batteries of similar quality Build quality: Solid, heavy duty case, handle and posts Weight: Reasonable weight at 26 lbs. Compare that to the SLA’s Warranty: One of the best in the biz at 5 years Can be wired in parallel or series Great price for what you get in power and charge cycles Available in 6AH, 50AH, 100AH 200 AH and 300AH	Not as many buyer experience reviews as some other batteries of similar price. But those that are available are very good.
Click here for pricing and availability of the SOK 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 Battery

 

RENOGY The Vansage Top Pick for LiFeP04 Batteries Click for pricing & availability

Okay this is a departure from the rest of this post and we have a lot to say about fully self contained portable power stations in future posts. But I wanted to give an example for contrast. These things are incredible and people tend to really love them. The cost doesn’t tend to be higher when you consider 1500ah, includes it’s own BMS AND 1000 watts of pure sign output. Maxoak Bluetti 1500 Watt Hour Lithium Battery for Campervan power storage
The MAXOAK Bluetti EB150 is a HUGE CAPACITY portable power station with 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 station, it has broader capacity and can charge higher power device like electric drill, hair dryer, blender (make sure the max. of your device is no more than 1000W) Once fully recharged the power station EB150, the huge capacity 1500Wh ensure your device has a much longer charge time, no need to recharge it time and time again. 1500Wh/1000W Overload capacity: 1000W Built in Top-brand LG battery cell All-in-1 power station with various outputs:2*AC outlets for most household appliance 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 ACwall 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. 12 month replacement or maintenance warranty.
		Our Rating
Pros Simplicity: Fully self contained for those who don’t want to mess with a lot of the complexities of power systems Portability: if you need to remove/move your power system as in for medical gear 1500ah massive output Highly rated and deeply loved by it’s users	Cons Lithium iron phosphate is preferred over Lithium Ion for a number of reasons in Campervans, including safety and durability. Learn more here.
Click here for pricing and availability of the Maxoak Bluetti 1500 Watt Hour Lithium Battery Pack

 

Recap

• Campervan house aka leisure batteries power everything in your van but your engine starter motor
• The kind of battery you need depends on your unique power needs
• The two primary types of campervan battery are Lead acid and LiFeP04
• LiFeP04 is the best kind of battery, all things considered
• The size of battery for your van needs to be based on power use calculations
• The longest lasting battery is LiFeP04
• A split charge relay charges your house batteries while you drive your van

Thanks for reading

We answer more questions about the Best Battery for Campervan Electrical like

• What does a campervan leisure battery do?

Please comment below to share questions or experiences with the best batteries for campervan power storage