7 Best Lithium RV Batteries 2024

Lithium RV batteries are revolutionizing the world of RVs and mobile living. With massive improvements in performance, lithium batteries are the ideal power source for RVs. Read this guide to learn all about lithium RV batteries – how they work, why they are better than traditional lead-acid batteries, and a review of the top lithium battery brands and models for RVs in 2023.

Lithium batteries offer a game-changing upgrade for RV owners. They provide more usable power, faster recharging, reduced maintenance, improved safety, and longer overall battery life compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. With the right lithium battery, you can enhance your RV experience with more off-grid camping, better performance of electrical appliances, and reduced worries about running out of power.

Review of all 7 best lithium RV batteries can be found at the bottom of this article, or click on the table of contents, however, our top 3 picks are as follows:

What Are The Benefits of Lithium RV Batteries?

Lithium batteries provide some major advantages over conventional lead-acid batteries for RVs:

• More Usable Capacity – Lithium batteries offer up to 3-5x more usable capacity than comparably sized lead-acid batteries. This allows you to go longer between charges and run more appliances off-grid.
• Faster Recharging – Lithium batteries can be recharged in a few hours, versus 8-12 hours for lead-acid. This allows you to quickly top up your battery bank when shore power or solar is available.
• Longer Lifespan – Lithium batteries typically last 5-10x longer than lead-acid batteries. You can expect to get 5-15 years out of a lithium battery if properly maintained.
• Lighter Weight – Lithium batteries weigh around 60% less than comparably sized lead-acid batteries. This reduces vehicle load and improves fuel efficiency.
• Improved Safety – Lithium batteries are much less susceptible to damage from overcharging/over-discharging. They also don’t emit dangerous hydrogen gas like lead-acid batteries.
• Low Maintenance – Lithium batteries require no regular maintenance like topping off fluid levels or equalization charges. This saves you time and hassle.

How Do Lithium RV Batteries Work?

A Lithium battery for RVs works differently than the lead-acid batteries which are commonly used. Here’s a quick look at how they work:

• Lithium-ion Cells – Lithium batteries use lithium-ion cells like those found in phones/laptops, but larger format. Cells are combined in series/parallel to achieve desired voltage and capacity.
• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) – Most lithium RV batteries use LiFePO4 chemistry, known for stability, long life, and safety. Other lithium chemistries can be less stable.
• Built-in BMS – Lithium batteries have a battery management system (BMS) to monitor cell voltage/temperature and prevent damage from over-charging or excessive discharge.
• Higher Voltage – 12V lithium batteries usually have 4 cells in series. This results in a higher nominal voltage around 13.2-13.4V versus 12.5-12.8V for lead-acid.
• Faster Discharge Rate – Lithium batteries have a very low internal resistance allowing them to deliver full rated current (100A+) if needed. Lead-acid batteries have much higher internal resistance.

What to Look for in a Lithium RV Battery

Not all lithium batteries are created equal. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a lithium-ion battery:

• Capacity (Ah) – The amp-hour capacity determines how long a fully charged battery will last before needing a recharge. Lithium RV batteries range from 50Ah to over 300Ah. Choose a capacity to suit your typical power needs.
• Max Amps (A) – Shows the maximum current in amps that the battery can provide continuously. Look for at least 100A, or higher for running multiple large appliances.
• Lifepo4 Chemistry – Get a battery using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry for optimal stability, safety and cycle life. Other lithium chemistries don’t perform as well long-term.
• Built-in BMS – Ensure the battery has a built-in battery management system to protect the cells and prevent damage. BMS is mandatory for safe lithium battery function.
• Reputable Brand – There are many new/unknown lithium battery brands. Stick with an established, reputable manufacturer that provides a solid warranty.
• Price Per kWh – Compare battery options on a price per stored energy basis. Generally $250-350/kWh indicates a good quality lithium RV battery.
• Warranty – Look for at least a 5 year warranty, 10 years is ideal. This shows the company has confidence in their product’s lifespan.

Maximizing the Life of Your Lithium Battery in an RV

Here are a few tips for maximizing the life of your lithium battery in an RV:

• Avoid deep discharging: The minimum discharge level for lithium batteries is the level for which they should not be discharged. Going lower than the discharge level can irreversibly harm it and reduce its life.
• Charge the battery regularly: Even if you aren’t using the battery, it is a good idea to charge it frequently to help prevent it from draining too low.
• Use a quality charger: Choose a charger that is specifically designed for lithium batteries is compatible with the manufacturers charging guidelines.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Lithium batteries can be sensitive to high and low temperatures, so try to install the battery in your RV where it can be kept relatively protected from the extremes of temperature.  Under the drivers seat can be a perfect location.
• Use a battery management system: By monitoring the battery’s temperature, charge and discharge rates, and other variables, a built-in BMS can help your battery run efficiently and make it last longer.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations: To keep your lithium battery functioning optimally and extending its lifespan, be sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance and care instructions.

Lithium v Lead Acid Battery

The lithium-ion and lead-acid battery are two of the most widely used forms of batteries on the market today. So as an RV owner, which one is better for your RV?

The more recent technology of lithium batteries has significant benefits over lead acid batteries. They can last up to ten times longer and are lighter and smaller. They can store more energy in a smaller volume of space since they also have a significantly higher power density. In order to build a durable and dependable solar battery system, lithium batteries are more expensive than lead acid batteries.

Lead acid batteries have been around for quite a while now, but they continue to be a popular choice for RV owners. They are cheaper than lithium batteries but can only last up to 5 years whereas lithium-ion can last for more than 10 years. They, they require more maintenance and have a lower power density than lithium batteries, so in the long run, a lead acid battery can work out more expensive.

How to Charge a Lithium Battery

They can be charged by connecting to solar panels, however there is a possibility of overcharging and damaging the battery because the solar panel cannot tell when the battery has reached its correct voltage level.

To protect the battery from being overcharged, you will need to connect a solar charge controller, also referred to as a solar regulator, which is a battery charge regulator linked between the solar panel and the battery and guarantees the battery is not overcharged.

Are Lithium Batteries Safe for use in an RV?

Yes they are, but have a read of the below for more detail.

Lithium-ion batteries can pose a dangerous fire hazard if they are not properly installed, or if low quality batteries are used. This is due to lithium-ion chemistry that releases a large amount of energy that causes the battery to overheat and expand quickly, known as “thermal runaway”.

The quick rise in temperature of the battery cell (milliseconds) in thermal runaway is an event that creates extremely high temperatures. The energy stored in this battery is released very quickly. This exceedingly rapid chain reaction produces extraordinarily high temperatures.

Despite this and videos and reports of lithium-ion batteries catching fire and exploding in phones, tablets and more recently e-scooters , lithium iron phosphate (LifePO4) is found to be a very safe chemistry. There is considerably less heat generated in LifePO4 batteries in comparison to other lithium chemistries and therefore these type of lithium batteries pose no threat, other than if incorrectly installed, i.e. a loose connection..

Additional to this, LifePO4 batteries have a Management System (BMS) which ensures that the battery is operating safely by monitoring and managing the systems features to ensure the battery operates to within its safety parametres, i.e. it charges and discharges efficiently and safely.

What are the Best Batteries for RVs?

Below are a selection of the most popular 12V lithium batteries on the market to suit your budget and power requirements. There are larger amp hour batteries available from each manufacturer.

#2 Renogy 12V 100ah Solar Lithium Battery LiFePO4

The state-of-the-art battery solar lithium battery ensures a long cycle life and exceptional discharge performance. If you’re searching for a deep cycle battery for RV, caravan, cabin, or marine use, this lightweight, auto-balanced, ultra-safe, long-cycle-life lithium-ion battery is the perfect solution for you.

• 4000+ life cycles
• BMS
• 100amp continuous output
• low and high temperature protection
• Battery can be connected in parallel only, maximum 4 batteries recommended
• Maintenance free retains charge up to 2 years, no trickle charging or fluids needed
• Wt 26lbs (11.8kgs)
• Warranty 5 year warranty

#3 Weize 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery

This Weize 100Ah LiFePO4 battery packs a lot of capacity into a compact, lightweight package at a very reasonable price point. It includes an integrated BMS with bluetooth for monitoring the battery status through your phone. Well suited for moderate electrical loads.

Perfect for RV, Solar, Marine, Overland/Van, and Off Grid Applications.

• Up to 8000 life cycles at the suggested 50% depth of discharge
• 100Ah capacity
• Built-in BMS with bluetooth monitoring
• Very affordable for a true 100Ah LiFePO4 battery
• 5 year warranty
• Compact size under 20 lbs

#4 LiTiME 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 RV Battery

LiTiME is a newer lithium battery brand that offers great performance at reasonable prices. Their 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery includes advanced features like BMS bluetooth connectivity and an IP65 waterproof rating. Backed by a 5 year warranty, it’s a reliable lithium battery choice for RVs and perfect Marine and Home Energy Storage.

• 4000~15000 cycles 
• 100Ah genuine LiFePO4 cells
• Built-in BMS with bluetooth app
• UL certification for safety
• IP65 rated waterproof casing
• Wt 24.25lbs
• 5 year comprehensive warranty

#5 BougeRV 12V 100ah Solar Lithium Battery LiFePO4

A perfectly built LiFePO4 lithium battery that is suitable for all types of environments from RV life, Marine and Off Grid living.

• 4000+ life cycles
• Self Heating Function
• BMS
• 100amp continuous output
• Charged in 1 hour
• low and high temperature protection
• Supports up to 16 Batteries in a series parallel pack
• Wt 27lbs (12.25kgs)
• Warranty 5 years

#6 SOK 100ah 12V LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Solar Lithium Battery

Best value as it has the components of higher value brands, but at a more affordable price.

• 4000-8000 life cycles
• BMS
• 100amp continuous output, 200amp surge output
• low and high temperature protection
• Battery can be connected in series, means you can use it to build 12/24/48 volt systems
• Maintenance free.
• Wt 28.2lbs (12.8kgs)
• Warranty 7year manufacturers warranty
• Ruggedised 206ah version for Marine use as encased with a waterproof case.

#7 Ampere Time 12V 100ah Deep Cycle Solar Lithium Battery LiFePO4

Best Budget and an alternative to the SOK if that solar battery is out of stock.

• 4000+ life cycles
• BMS
• 100amp continuous output
• high temperature protection
• Battery can be connected in series, means you can use it to build 12/24/48 volt systems
• Wt 24.25lbs (11kgs)
• Warranty 5 year manufacturers warranty

Key Takeaways

• Lithium RV batteries offer far better performance, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
• Look for true lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry with a built-in BMS for optimal safety and battery life.
• Carefully size your battery bank capacity to your typical electrical loads and usable amp-hours required.
• Top lithium battery picks come from Battle Born, Weize, Renogy and LiTiME based on quality, value and reliability.
• Adopt proper charging practices and maintain temperatures of 30°F – 130°F to maximize the incredible lifespan of lithium RV batteries.

Lithium RV batteries provide a revolutionary upgrade in energy storage for RVs and other mobile applications. I hope this guide has helped demystify lithium batteries and provided a solid basis for choosing the best system for your RV.