The Best RV Battery for Dry Camping & Boondocking in 2023

Graham Bogie

Finding the best RV battery for dry camping doesn’t have to be hard. Discover top-rated options that ensure you never run out of power.


If you’re an RV traveler who likes to camp in remote areas, you know the importance of having a reliable battery bank.

Many RV travelers are looking for the best batteries for dry camping and boondocking.

There are a lot of options out there, and it can be tough to decide which RV battery is right for you.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide – to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Well, look no further! We want to help you find the perfect battery so you can travel worry-free.

With the right battery, you’ll have all the power you need to run your RV without having to worry about finding an outlet or generator.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best RV batteries on the market today and tell you why they might be perfect for your needs.

We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right RV battery for your setup. So read on and learn more about these amazing power sources!

Having a reliable RV battery bank is essential when camping in remote areas.

With one of these bad boys, you’ll never have to worry about running out of power again.

What is Dry Camping?

Dry camping involves camping without hookups—no electricity, water, or sewer. It’s also known as wild camping or boondocking.

The main difference between dry camping and boondocking is that in dry camping you set up camp in a designated campground, while boondocking lets you set up camp wherever you please—on the side of a mountain, beside the lake, beneath a tree—and look for basic amenities like shelter and bathrooms.

Dry camping offers more security and specific amenities than boondocking, but some people find it more fun to explore the backcountry on their own and go off the grid for a few days.

An RV’s electrical system must be set up correctly to support boondocking and dry camping.

  • To start, you’ll need a deep-cycle battery to power all your electronics and appliances.
  • It would help if you also had an inverter, which converts the DC power from the battery into AC power so you can use appliances like TVs and microwaves.
  • It’s also important to have solar panels so that your battery doesn’t run out of charge if you’re camping in an area with no AC power available.
  • A battery monitor or regulator will help protect your RV battery from overcharging or discharging too quickly.

Setting up a system may seem complicated, but it gets easier the more you look into it, and you can always ask for help.

If your RV electrical system is a topic you don’t understand, or if you’re converting a van to a camper, we highly recommend buying the Campervan Electrics Handbook. It covers everything you need to know! 

Types of RV Batteries for Dry Camping & Boondocking

The most common varieties of RV batteries include:

  • Lead-acid deep cycle RV batteries
    • Flood Lead-Acid
    • Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)
    • Gel
  • Lithium-ion batteries

The variations in cell composition and voltage give you better control over your setup, but you need to know which direction you’re traveling in to start.

Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Batteries

Most RV batteries are lead-acid deep cycle batteries, although the industry is shifting more to lithium batteries now.

A lead-acid battery comprises lead plates that are submerged in a solution of sulfuric acid and water electrolytes.

The quantity of charge the battery can hold is determined by the size of these lead plates and the volume of the electrolyte solution.

It’s essential to make sure your RV’s lead-acid batteries are deep cycle and not starter batteries.

It’s also worth noting that most lead-acid batteries don’t take kindly to being discharged more than 50%.

There are 3 main types of lead acid battery:

  • Flood Lead-Acid
  • Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)
  • Gel

Flood Lead-Acid

FLA batteries use dated battery technology. Where once we’d have no choice but to use FLA’s for off-grid use, today, they’re the worst option available.

They’re less safe, not efficient, and becoming obsolete.

We recommend avoiding FLA batteries in favor of modern battery technology.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

AGM batteries are the newest innovation. While they are like lead-acid batteries, they use a mat of glass fibers instead of lead plates.

Their unique construction reduces the amount of maintenance you need to perform, usually down to zero.

AGM batteries ‌drain faster than lead-acid, and many RV owners would rather hold out until these batteries wrinkle out their shortcomings.

They are usually more expensive than other battery varieties.

Gel Batteries

Gel batteries are popular among serious off-roaders for their durability and resistance to hot/cold temperatures, but they come with a few drawbacks.

They’re expensive and can take a long time to charge.

Lead-acid chemistry also limits their useable power to 50% of the battery’s total Ampere-hour rating, meaning 100Ah battery can only supply up to 50Ah.

Maintenance is easy as gel batteries don’t require any liquid maintenance.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

These batteries ‌power your phone and laptop, but the shift to bring them to your RV has made them more popular.

Simpler than lead-acid, they require less maintenance, and you can fully deplete their charge without causing damage.

These cost more and only come in 12V options for RVs, but those that can afford them usually don’t regret the decision.

Over the past 2 or 3 years, lithiums have become notably more affordable. They’re still a little more expensive than lead-acid, but the gap is closing, for sure.

Plus, the advantages for dry camping and boondocking far outweigh the higher price tag.

What is the Best Type of RV Battery for Dry Camping & Boondocking

When it comes to powering your RV while boondocking, there are certain types of batteries that you’ll want to consider.

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are a popular choice and offer excellent performance when it comes to providing power in remote areas and over long periods of time.

They have a low self-discharge rate, so they can be left off the grid for extended periods of time, and they have a high cycle life—meaning they can handle thousands of charge cycles before needing replacement.

Gel batteries are usually more expensive than AGM batteries but offer similar performance in terms of cycle life and charging efficiency.

Lastly, lithium batteries are the best option for boondocking because they provide the longest run times and most efficient charging options.

They are also lightweight and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for frequent travelers who prefer to ‘live off the grid’.

Lithium batteries have become the go-to choice for RVers looking to dry camp or boondock.

This is because they provide an unparalleled combination of power, weight, and life cycle compared to other types of RV batteries.

The lightweight construction of lithium batteries makes them ideal for RVers who want to minimise the overall weight of their vehicle.

They are also remarkably efficient and have extremely long life cycles, meaning each charge will last much longer than traditional lead-acid batteries.

In terms of powering your RV appliances and electronics, lithium batteries can provide plenty of juice without weighing you down.

Additionally, they require very little maintenance due to their sealed case design; this means less time spent on upkeep and more time enjoying your trip!

Why do you Need a Good Battery for Dry Camping?

A good battery is important for boondocking because it provides power to your RV’s electrical system.

This means that you can run your lights, refrigerator, and other appliances without having to worry about finding an outlet.

Additionally, a good battery will help to keep your RV’s electrical system running smoothly, which is important when you’re camping in remote areas.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best battery for boondocking in an RV.

First, you’ll want to choose a battery that has a high enough capacity to meet your needs.

This means that it will be able to store enough energy, which is important when you’re not hooked up to an external power source.

Also, make sure that the battery you choose is compatible with your RV’s electrical system and your battery charging methods.

With these things in mind, you can be sure to choose the best battery for your needs and have a great boondocking experience.

What to Look for when Buying an RV Battery for Dry Camping

Boondocking and dry camping are are increasingly popular ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

With advances in consumer technology, RV owners can now explore further and stay for longer with the help of a good RV battery.

But what should you be looking for when selecting the best battery for boondocking?

Voltage

RV batteries are available in voltages of 6v, 12v and 24v.

Assuming you want to charge your batteries while driving, it is best to stick to the same voltage as your alternator. Most RVs are 12v, but some are 24v. Check the voltage of your starter battery if you’re unsure.

You can buy batteries of a lower voltage than you electrical system and wire them is series to increase the voltage.

Although 6v golf cart batteries were popular in RVs at one time, large capacity lithium and lead-acid batteries are readily available. So, we recommend sticking to 12v or 24v batteries.

Capacity

Capacity refers to how much power a battery can store. It is measured in amp-hours (AH).

The higher the capacity, the more power you could have to sustain your journey. The main point is to calculate how much usable battery you need in total.

Remember, you can use 100% of a lithium batteries before it need recharging. A lead-acid alternative would be damaged if you use more than 50%.

Therefore, if you need 200Ah of power, you need at least 200Ah of lithium batteries or 400Ah of lead-acid batteries.

Once you’ve determined how much capacity you need to buy, you can consider how to configure the battery bank.

For example, if you need 200Ah of lithium batteries, you could install:

  • 1 x 200Ah lithium battery, or
  • 2 x 100Ah lithium battery wired in parallel, or
  • more – no one ever complained about having too much power when boondocking).

Most important, is if you intend to install more than one battery, they mist all be the same type of battery and capacity. You shouldn’t mix say a 100Ah with 2 x 50Ah batteries.

Maximum Continuous Charge Current

Maximum continuous charge current refers to the amount of current that can safely flow from a charger into a battery continuously over time without causing damage.

In terms of RV batteries, most will have at least 30 amperes of charge current.

Higher capacity lead-acid batteries and most lithium batteries will accept more than this.

In practice, this means that the chargers you use don’t need to be any larger than the charge current the battery can accept.

It won’t do any harm, but it’s a waste of money.

Secondly, when you couple a battery with a high maximum continuous charge current with a charger to match, you can recharge your batteries in the fastest possible time.

For example, a 200ah lithium battery with a 100a maximum continuous charge current, is 50% discharged.

It needs 100ah to bring it back to 100% charge.

By using a 100ah charger, it is possible to recharge it in an hour. If the battery charger is 50ah, it will take 2 hours.

Similarly, if the battery had a 50a maximum continuous charge current, it will take 2 hours to charge with a 50ah charger.

How to Charge RV Batteries when Boondocking

Keeping your RV battery bank powered up doesn’t have to be a hassle.

With the right setup, you can charge your batteries while plugged into a mains power supply, while driving with an alternator, or by running a generator.

Here’s a quick summary about how to charge RV batteries safely and easily below!

Charging a Battery using Shore Power

Charging an RV battery using shore power is the perfect way to make sure your RV is running smoothly when you hit the road.

It’s easy to install, doesn’t require much effort, and provides peace of mind that your rig will be ready to go when you need it.

Most RVs already come with a shore power hook-up facility, and you can expand it by adding a battery converter or charger for an extra boost.

With this setup, you can charge your battery bank before leaving home, as well as take advantage of campground connections whenever needed.

Charging RV Batteries with Solar

Charging RV batteries with solar is a great option for dry camping or boondocking due to its renewable, free energy source.

You need two main components: solar panels and a solar charge controller.

Solar panels come in various sizes and prices and can sustain your energy needs when combined into an array.

The controller regulates the energy from your panel array and ensures it never exceeds the safe limit for your battery system.

There are two types of controllers – PWM (pulse width modulation) and MPPT (maximum power point tracking).

While PWM controllers offer basic efficiency and protection, MPPT controllers provide superior performance, up to 30% more efficiency, optimization features, and temperature sensing capabilities.

Charging RV Batteries with a Generator

Generator charging is a reliable way to charge your RV battery bank.

The process is similar to hooking up to a mains supply, but you plug the generator into an outlet instead.

It’s important to install a transfer switch so that your generator and main hook-up are never connected simultaneously, as this could cause serious damage to both your RV and other appliances in the area.

Charge RV Batteries while Driving

Alternator charging is a simple way to keep your RV batteries powered while driving.

There are two common methods of using the alternator’s output:

  • Split charging involves connecting an auxiliary Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR) between your alternator and battery, optimizing charging according to voltage level.
  • A battery-to-battery charger, which connects two vehicle batteries in parallel and allows one to charge the other. Alternators can only provide so much power, so if you have higher energy needs it’s best to use them as an extra boost.

1. Renogy 200Ah Lithium Battery – Overall Best RV Battery for Dry Camping & Boondocking

Specifications

  • Voltage: 12V
  • Battery Cell Composition: Lithium-Ion
  • Item Weight: 31 lbs
  • Item Dimensions: 20.55 x 9.45 x 8.62 in

The Renogy 200Ah Lithium Battery is an excellent choice for camping in remote places due to its durable build and high capacity.

With top-notch materials, heavy-duty casings, and stainless steel terminals, this battery offers reliable performance and easy installation.

They can be mounted in any position withno risk of leaking harmful liquids, gasses, or fumes, and you can use them inside or outside, as long as the ambient temperature is between 0° and 60°c.

What We Like

The Renogy 200ah lithium battery is made with heavy-duty casings, providing a robust build and long service life, so you get more out of your investment.

There’s no need to worry about these RV batteries getting bashed while you’re driving.

The easy-to-install system makes it a breeze to set up this battery in your RV or other off-grid application.

You can also purchase multiple batteries and connect them in parallel to power your system together. Creating an efficient and cost-effective energy storage solution.

The Renogy 200ah lithium iron phosphate battery is perfect for any RV or off-grid application. With a robust build, long service life, plenty of capacity, and affordable upfront cost, this battery will meet all your needs and expectations.

What We Don’t Like

The Renogy 200ah lithium battery is only suitable for 12v systems becuase it cannot be connected in series.

For RVers running 24v or even 48v systems, this isn’t the battery for you.

Pros

  • Durable
  • High capacity – stores up to 200Ah
  • Easy installation
  • Can connect up to 8 multiple batteries in parallel
  • Affordable upfront cost

Cons

  • Cannot be connected in series
  • No terminal covers are included
  • Limited warranty

2. Battle Born 100 Ah LiFePO4 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery – Popular RV Battery for Dry Camping & Boondocking

Specifications

  • Voltage: 12V
  • Battery Cell Composition: Lithium-Ion
  • Item Weight: 31 lbs
  • Item Dimensions: 12.76 X 6.86 X 8.95 in.

The Battle Born battery is a 12V replacement for your typical lead-acid setups, and it features a 100 amp continuous output and 200 amp surge output.

Battle Born states the lifespan of the battery as a whopping 3000 to 5000 cycles, with some lab results extending even further.

These deep-cycle lithium-ion batteries can be mounted in any position.

There is no risk of leaking harmful liquids, gasses, or fumes, and you can use them inside or outside, as long as the ambient temperature is between 0* and 50*c.

What We Like

Battle Born batteries charge quickly and last a long time, two details that make it easy to forget that you’re dry camping or boondocking.

Because they are lithium-ion batteries, you don’t need to worry about draining them down to 0%, so you can have a much smaller RV battery bank than with the traditional AGMs or GEL batteries.

The low weight of the batteries is another major bonus. These are the lightest batteries on our list, and you’ll be pressed to find a lighter power source. 

Their slighter size and weight also help you mount the batteries in whatever position works best for you, another bonus for RV living.

What We Don’t Like

The most immediate concern is the higher up-front cost of these RV batteries.

While their performance and lifespan certainly back up the price, this might not be an option when setting up your battery bank on a budget.

While we love the extended warranty offered by Battle Born, it requires back and forth with the company.

On the off chance there is an issue with one of your batteries; you need to have the time to wait to send the battery back for inspection and repairs.

This is not ideal for anyone relying on that battery while boondocking.

Pros

  • Quick charge
  • Long lifespan
  • Lightweight
  • Ten-year warranty

Cons

  • High up-front cost
  • Lengthy warranty process
  • Rare issues with irregular voltage oscillation

3. Renogy 12V 200AH Rechargeable Deep Cycle Hybrid Gel Battery – Best Non-Lithium RV Battery for Long-term Boondockers

Specifications

  • Voltage: 12V
  • Battery Cell Composition: Lead-acid
  • Item Weight: 63.9 lbs
  • Item Dimensions: 12.9 x 6.8 x 8.7 in.

Renogy is a name that you’re probably familiar with, and their 12V 200Ah rechargeable deep cycle hybrid GEL batteries hold up to that reputation.

The higher capacity works best for long-term boondockers with an adequate solar system, allowing you to dry camp as long as you want.

You can connect up to 4 Renogy RV batteries, but keep in mind that the company only recommends using Hybrid GEL and not mixing it up with Pure GEL.

Their unique construction limits the required maintenance and takes care of any worries you have about acid leaks.

By using gel instead of liquid in a sturdy ABS case, Renogy has unlocked a number of benefits.

What We Like

Renogy takes a fresh approach to the traditional lead-acid design by using gel instead of liquid.

Not only does this limit the amount of maintenance you need to perform on the batteries, but leaks are pretty much non-existent.  

Lead-acid batteries don’t do well if you accidentally deplete their charge below 30%.

While other batteries struggle to recover, the Renogy batteries use a unique plate and gel electrolyte composition to get back to normal working conditions quickly. Just don’t make a habit of it!

The batteries last 12 years on standby, but they also hold up to 750 charge cycles (often more) when properly maintained.

What We Don’t Like

As advanced as these are, the Renogy batteries are still limited to maintaining 50 percent capacity like all other lead-acid varieties.

We would also like to see moves by the manufacturer to allow you to connect to more than 4  GEL batteries,  so you can have larger RV battery banks.

Despite the gel interior, you still cannot install the batteries upside down. Mounting on their sides is fine, but installation options are limited by the cell composition.

Pros

  • Limited maintenance
  • No acid or toxic gas leaks
  • Faster deep discharge recovery
  • Extended service lifetime

Cons

  • Must keep the battery above 50 percent
  • Connections limited to Hybrid GEL
  • Limited installation options

4. Weize Deep Cycle RV Battery – Most Budget-Friendly Battery for Dry Camping & Boondocking

Specifications

  • Voltage: 12V
  • Battery Cell Composition: AGM
  • Item Weight: 57lbs
  • Item Dimensions: 12.99 x 6.73 x 8.43 in.

What We Like

The Weize battery has a reputation for affordability backed up by thousands of reviews. Not only can you buy it at a low price point, but the battery has a longer shelf life.

The lower upfront cost and extended use work nicely to give you the most bang for your buck.

The Weize battery is also light, despite a heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid.

You can move it around with ease, store it almost anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about the battery getting beat up with travel.

What We Don’t Like

Weize has a more limited warranty than its competitors.

Pros

  • Affordability
  • Longer shelf life
  • Not as sensitive when fully depleted

Cons

  • Limited warranty compared to other options
  • The data sheet lacks specs
  • Remanufactured batteries may have a lower output

5. Optima RV Batteries 8016-103 Deep Cycle Marine Battery (12 Volt) – Best RV Battery for Short-Term Boondockers

Specifications

  • Voltage: 12V
  • Battery Cell Composition: AGM
  • Item Weight: 43.5 lbs
  • Item Dimensions: 10.06 x 6.88 x 7.94 in.

Optima RV batteries were the original deep cycle batteries historically used on overland and exploration vehicles at the turn of this century.

That said, they are still safe and durable batteries even in today’s world. 

Optima BlueTop batteries will operate as a deep cycle and as a cranking/starter battery, so they could be dual purpose. 

The deep-cycle version they are the same as the historic Optima yellow top batteries, except the terminal posts are different. 

Bookdockers benefit most from the dual-purpose RV battery. This might have a lower output for cranking, but it is worth the higher reserve capacity and poor weather performance.

If you’re a boondocker exploring more remote regions, this starter capability increases the vehicle’s resilience.

BlueTop uses a SpiralCell design to give its batteries an edge over the competition, leading to higher vibration resistance.

You can also mount these RV batteries in any position, thanks to their leak-proof design.

What We Like

Poor weather can put a damper on any dry camping experience, so having a battery proven to hold up is always a good idea.

These BlueTop batteries cover as many bases as they can to serve your needs in a short-term boondocking experience.

The SpiralCell design mentioned before involves individually spiral-wound cells.

These comprise two pure lead plates coated in lead oxide, and they lead to better performance and precision related to battery controls, such as temperature or certain automated processes.

What We Don’t Like

While these batteries work well in poor weather, their cranking power is actually lower than most of the competition.

They are more specialist batteries, and you need to be sure of the capacities you need for deep cycle and starting.

You should also pay attention to the market price for these batteries. Details like SpiralCell technology, durability, and reputation are well worth the money, but they won’t fit into every budget.

Pros

  • Great for poor weather starting
  • Dual-purpose battery
  • Unique Spiral Cell design

Cons

  • Low cranking power when compared to other starting batteries
  • Expensive versus competition

6. VMAX XTR6-235 6 Volt 235Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery – Best 6v AGM Battery RV Battery for Dry Camping

Specifications

  • Voltage: 6V
  • Battery Cell Composition: AGM
  • Item Weight: 78 lbs
  • Item Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.1 x 10.8 in.

While AGM batteries are an older technology than lithium batteries, companies like VMAX have not hesitated to keep their technology relevant.

These are the best option for those wanting to try AGM batteries, as well as those interested in a 6V setup.

The VMAX XTR6-235 batteries boast a capacity of 235Ah and operate in almost any weather condition (-4°F to 140°F).

This heat and weather resistance, combined with their supportive military-grade alloys, leads to a sturdy build ready to tackle your power needs.

What We Like

While most AGM batteries cost more than a traditional battery, the VMAX has a very modest price point.

This is helpful when creating a dry camping or boondocking setup on a budget.

The battery dimensions are quite small, and the handle on top helps you maneuver them wherever they are needed.

When you combine this with the sealed casing, it makes for a small RV battery that can be mounted pretty much anywhere you need it.

What We Don’t Like

While these are some of the smaller batteries out there, they come with a hefty weight.

It can also take longer than you would expect to get a full capacity charge, so you need to pay close attention to your charge capabilities and how much energy you’ll draw when dry camping and boondocking.

The VMAX batteries boast a lifespan of about 3 to 5 years, but most users note their batteries reach their end of life closer to 3 years.

We prefer to see batteries that go above and beyond, so this is definitely something to watch out for.

Pros

  • Can used in smaller areas
  • Sealed casing
  • No maintenance

Cons

  • Heavy
  • It takes a bit longer to charge
  • Shorter lifespan
  • 6v setups are a dated approach

FAQs

How Long Will A Battery Last Dry Camping?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the RV battery, the type of battery, how much power is used, and how often the battery is recharged. However, in general, an RV battery should last for several days or even a week or two, depending on use.

With a well-sized electrical system to support your energy demand and with enough solar panels for the weather conditions, you can quite easily live without ever needing a hookup to shore power.

How Many Amp Hours Do I Need For Boondocking?

When it comes to boondocking, there is no one definitive answer to the question of how much battery capacity you need.

This is because the amount of power you’ll need depends on a variety of factors, including the size and features of your rig, the climate conditions, how much power you use, and more.

Remember, your RV battery is only an energy store, so you can only use as much as you can put into it. Say you have a 100ah lithium battery and expect to use about 50ah each day. 

Without any recharging, that could last almost two days. But if you have a solar topping that up fully, it could last indefinitely.

The reality is more likely to be something in between, so you need to install enough battery to meet your needs, taking into account how much you can recharge it by – then add some extra contingency.

Graham Bogie - Expert in RV & Campervan Electrics - Mowgli Adventures

Graham Bogie

Graham is a seasoned marine electrical engineer with two decades of experience designing customized electrical systems for plant machinery and converting campers and overland vehicles. His expertise has led him to author the reputable Campervan Electrics Handbook and become the chief designer of the RV Wiring Design Tool. As a knowledgeable figure in the field, his YouTube channel, blog, Facebook group, and newsletter, offering electrical advice and product reviews, reach more than a million users each year.

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