Do I Really Need A Deep Cycle Battery In My RV?

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Do I Really Need A Deep Cycle Battery In My RV?

by Barry Grable
(Longwood, FL)

We only use our RV house battery to start the generator. Normally when we camp, we have provided electricity. When we dry camp, we use the generator. In that case, wouldn't a regular car battery work better for starting the generator rather than buying a more expensive deep cycle battery?

ANSWER Greetings Barry thanks for asking your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

The simple answer to your question is yes, you should always use a deep cycle battery as a house battery in your RV. Here are few reasons why.

1. Whether you use a deep cycle battery or regular car battery, it will not make your generator start any better.

2. You will end up replacing the car battery frequently. Deep Cycle batteries are designed to be charged over and over. Car batteries are not designed to be recharged that often. Every time you plug into electric or run the generator, the batteries are getting recharged. Since you will be replacing the car battery more often; you will not end up saving money in the long run.

3. In case of a generator or power failure, it will be nice to know that you can run your RV's 12 volt system for a greater period of time using a deep cycle battery rather than a car battery.

I realize that all of us are trying to save money right now, but in this case you may very well end up spending more money on constantly replacing the car batteries.

Take a look at the answer I gave to this question to get more information on Deep Cycle Batteries. What Is Causing The Problem With My RV's House Battery?

I hope this has helped you understand the importance of using Deep Cycle Batteries as house batteries in the RV.

If any of our visitors would like to weigh in on this topic, they can do so by clicking on the add a comment link near the bottom of this page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

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Do I Really Need A Deep Cycle Battery In My RV?

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Don't agree with #1 and #2
by: Anonymous

#1) a car battery is better designed to provide high-amps for a short period of time than a deep cycle battery. For starting a generator, a car battery would be both better AND less expensive.

#2) A car battery recharges every time a car runs. That hardly sounds like "Car batteries are not designed to be recharged that often." A properly-designed charging system will not overcharge the battery, regardless of whether it is a starting battery or a deep cycle, in a car or an RV. That said, if his RV has a charger designed for a deep cycle (which it likely does) using it on a car battery might be detrimental.

Editor's Note The reason I recommended a deep cycle battery, is because the battery that starts his generator is the same battery that powers the house portion of his RV. The best batteries for powering the house portion of the RV are deep cycle batteries, because they provide 12 volt power for longer and are designed for constant charge and discharge.

Furthermore RV generators are designed to start off of deep cycle batteries. The starters on RV generators do not draw near as many amps as the starter on an engine.

Finally the house batteries are constantly being charged when the generator is running or when the RV is plugged in (this is not the same type of charge a starting battery receives from an alternator). A normal starting battery would not be suitable for a situation where there is a constant charge and discharge. A normal starting battery would wear out quickly when used for this purpose. Hope this clarifies the point I was trying to get across.

RVing Al

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Submitted by: Anonymous

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#1) a car battery is better designed to provide high-amps for a short period of time than a deep cycle battery. For starting a generator, a car battery would be both better AND less expensive. #2) A car battery recharges every time a car runs. That hardly sounds like "Car batteries are not designed to be recharged that often." A properly-designed charging system will not overcharge the battery, regardless of whether it is a starting battery or a deep cycle, in a car or an RV. That said, if his RV has a charger designed for a deep cycle (which it likely does) using it on a car battery might be detrimental. <b>Editor's Note</b> The reason I recommended a deep cycle battery, is because the battery that starts his generator is the same battery that powers the house portion of his RV. The best batteries for powering the house portion of the RV are deep cycle batteries, because they provide 12 volt power for longer and are designed for constant charge and discharge. Furthermore RV generators are designed to start off of deep cycle batteries. The starters on RV generators do not draw near as many amps as the starter on an engine. Finally the house batteries are constantly being charged when the generator is running or when the RV is plugged in (this is not the same type of charge a starting battery receives from an alternator). A normal starting battery would not be suitable for a situation where there is a constant charge and discharge. A normal starting battery would wear out quickly when used for this purpose. Hope this clarifies the point I was trying to get across. RVing Al

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Do I Really Need A Deep Cycle Battery In My RV?

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Do I Really Need A Deep Cycle Battery In My RV?