5 Reasons You Should Choose Lithium Batteries For Your RV

Are you wondering which type of lithium battery is best for your recreational vehicle? Whether you’re in the market for an RV or simply looking to upgrade your existing one, this article will help you understand the benefits of lithium batteries and recommend options based on your RV’s size and power needs.

Benefits of Deep Cycle Lithium Batteries for Your RV

Weight

Lithium batteries weigh significantly less than lead-acid batteries—typically half the size and a third of the weight. This reduction can enhance your vehicle’s performance and increase its carrying capacity. For instance, traditional lead-acid Group 24 to 31 batteries weigh between 60 and 70 pounds each, whereas lithium batteries are usually less than half that weight. By switching to lithium batteries, you can save up to 280 pounds if you have a bank of eight batteries. This weight savings translates to additional cargo or more fresh water—ideal for boondocking without hookups.

Usable Capacity

Lithium batteries provide much higher usable capacity compared to lead-acid batteries of the same amp-hour rating. They maintain sustainable voltage levels and offer 99% usable capacity, giving you more time in your RV without needing a recharge. In contrast, lead-acid batteries typically only offer about 50% of their capacity to extend battery life. For example, four 100 amp-hour lead-acid batteries only provide 200 useful amp-hours before needing a recharge. Lithium batteries, however, maintain constant power at any rate of discharge, allowing you to potentially halve the size of your battery bank.

Charge Time

Lithium batteries charge much faster than lead-acid batteries due to their lower internal resistance. Lead-acid batteries take longer to charge as their internal resistance increases with discharge depth. In comparison, group 24 to 31 lead-acid batteries might take 6-12 hours to charge, whereas lithium batteries can be fully charged in just 1-3 hours. This efficiency reduces the time spent running a generator, thus decreasing noise and carbon emissions.

Partial State of Charge

Lithium batteries are not affected by partial states of charge (PSOC), a common issue with lead-acid batteries in RVs. Lead-acid batteries degrade if discharged beyond 50% of their capacity or if not regularly recharged to 100%. In contrast, lithium batteries can operate efficiently even if not fully charged and can be stored at a 50% charge for extended periods without adverse effects, losing only about 3% of their capacity per month in storage.

Cost per Cycle

Lithium batteries have a much longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries, lasting up to 10 times longer. While the upfront cost of lithium batteries is higher, their longevity makes the true cost of ownership significantly lower. Even high-quality AGM lead-acid batteries typically last between 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge and 800 cycles at 50%. With lithium batteries, you won’t need to replace them every 2-3 years, making them a more economical long-term investment.

Conclusion

Investing in lithium batteries for your RV offers numerous advantages, including reduced weight, higher usable capacity, faster charging times, resilience to partial states of charge, and a longer lifespan. By choosing the right lithium battery, you can enhance your RV experience, whether you’re driving a Class A motorhome or towing a small trailer.