10 Super Simple Ways to Extend the Life of RV Batteries
RV batteries are the focal component in a big van and an ideal choice for boondocking. It is responsible for keeping the electrical functions within the vehicle going, such as providing power to HVAC systems, fans, and charging ports. Most RV batteries come with a battery life of six or more years. However, an RV battery user quickly changes batteries every two years as it is hard for them to extend the battery life. You can easily preserve the RV battery life using simple tips. We are going to talk about 10 super simple ways to extend the life of RV batteries. We are sure you are interested to know further, keep reading!
Ten ways to extend RV battery’s life
There is no rocket science behind battery-life preservation, and we are sure you can incorporate these tips easily. Let’s have a look at some ways that can help you get prolonged use out of an RV battery:
1. Recharging battery occasionally
RV batteries can last about 5 to 7 years, but people end up replacing them every year or two. One of the reasons for fast battery discharge can be not charging the battery occasionally. It is essential to keep track of the battery discharge and recharge it once the battery hits 50% or less charging levels. Charging your battery frequently can shorten its life. Hence, it is crucial to be strategic when it comes to charging it.
2. Using less volt electrical appliances
RV boondocking is common, and people enjoy it more than regular camping. RV batteries can bear a heavy electricity load. Frequently using heavier appliances on the RV battery can drain it faster. A user must try to use manual methods rather than excessive use of electricity. You can use a stove to heat water rather than a kettle if you wish to prolong the RV battery life. If you are a coffee person, then trying the cheaper French press machine with boiling water is worth a try. It may seem like these small changes make no difference. However, you will notice its effects in the long run.
3. Do not overcharge
Some people are overly obsessive with charging batteries, thinking it will keep them running for longer. However, we would like to bust this myth because excessively charging your battery can reduce your battery life or keep it the same if not prolonged. Some people tend to overcharge their batteries by mistake or thinking it would last them longer. However, overcharging can slowly deteriorate the RV battery and cause it to drain faster. Always charge your battery when they reach 50% or less; charging it more frequently can shorten its life. Similarly, if you charge after the battery is fully drained, it can hurt your battery’s overall life.
4. Use generator temporarily
Do you use heavy appliances such as a hairdryer, a microwave, a pancake maker, and a coffee maker often? While there is no denying that RV batteries can handle a load of heavy appliances, they cause them to drain faster. If you use an RV battery to use all of these appliances, then you can expect to replace it sooner than you think. One way to preserve its battery life for longer is to use a generator to use heavier appliances. The generator is ideal for bearing a heavier load while taking the stress off of the battery.
5. Store batteries or vehicle under shade
The hot temperature is not feasible for RV batteries as it can drain water and electrolytes faster. If you store the battery inside the vehicle, make sure it is parked under a cool and shaded area. It helps in maintaining the battery temperature and keeps it from draining without usage. When you are storing a battery outside of the vehicle, it is essential to observe the temperature. Cover the battery with a cloth to prevent dust from entering and keep it in a cool, dry place. Extreme freezing temperature can also cause battery cells to freeze and drain the battery automatically without use.
6. Keep the battery clean
Many people ignore battery maintenance as they think it is necessary or does not prolong its life. The battery corrosion can damage its health and cause the voltage to drop. Hence, it is pivotal to clean the battery at least once a month to keep deterioration at bay. Take ¼ cups of baking soda and 1 ½ cup water. Apply it over the battery, take a wire brush and scrub it thoroughly. You can leave the mixture on the battery for 5-minutes and wipe it clean or wash it with low-pressure water.
7. Disconnect switches when storing
When storing a battery, it is essential to take a few measures to ensure your battery will not drain in its static state. Batteries tend to drain even when not in use; hence, it is vital to disconnect the switches to restrict electric discharge. Temperature also plays a pivotal role, do not store the battery below 0-degree Celsius and above 27-degree Celsius. Always charge your battery above 75% when keeping it, and never leave it on trickle charging for more than a day.
8. Switch off inverter
The battery inverter provides power for everything inside the RV, from your hairdryer to the charging port. A lot of battery power is required to use these appliances. The battery drainage depends on the size of the inverter. However, the best way to preserve the battery is to turn the battery off when not used. Even if your appliances are not in use, the battery will drain itself. There is no specific electrical formula to calculate the battery drainage, especially in its static state. Hence, it is better to be cautious and turn it off when not in use.
9. Reduce the battery’s depth of discharge
If you want to increase your battery’s life, it is a great tip to reduce its depth. Use half around 50% battery each day rather than draining it fully. Fully draining the battery can hurt it and makes it reach rock bottom very soon. If you reduce the depth of discharge, the battery will last you more than it would if it reaches 20%. Never let the 12 volts RV battery discharge below 12 volts. If its discharge is below 12 volts, it indicates that the battery has reached below 50%.
10.Use vent caps
Nowadays, RV batteries are fully sealed, but you must keep them on if your battery comes with a vent cap. You must always keep the vent cap on to avoid bubbling and water evaporation which can faster discharge the battery. If you are taking off the cap to check the electrolytes, make sure you put the cap back on quicker and tighten it. The water of the battery turns in gas faster which can lead to electrolyte loss.
The average life of an RV battery is between 5 to 7 years, and most users have to scrap their batteries before that. People unconsciously indulge in activities that cause their batteries to drain faster. We hope this article is valuable to educate you on preserving RV batteries for longer and extending their lives.