Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Douglas
Battery life is a major concern for people who are planning to travel with their RV. The length of the battery life depends on how often you use the appliances in your RV. If you are not using your power equipment, then you can expect to get around 10-12 hours of battery life.
This is a brief introduction to how long does a travel trailer battery last and what factors affect it.
How long do batteries last on travel trailer?
The bottom line is a little routine maintenance and recharging a discharged battery as soon as possible will extend the life of the battery. RV batteries can and should last 5 to7 years, rather than 1 to 2 years.[1]
How many hours will an RV battery last?
A typical deep-cycle RV battery will be rated around 80 amp-hours, which in theory would supply one amp for 80 hours. However, in reality, if you discharge a lead-acid battery (what you likely have in your RV) more than 50% of the rated capacity you will greatly shorten the life span of the battery.[2]
How do you know if your RV battery is bad?
The first step is to check the voltage. A voltage below the marked level might indicate the need to replace the batteries. You can also check the temperature of your RV battery by taking the necessary readings. Too high or too low temperatures are signs of faulty batteries that need replacement.[3]
How do I know when to replace my RV battery?
Your battery recharges slowly If it’s not being fully charged or is experiencing a lower charge rate, then there might be an issue with the battery and it needs to be replaced. A good rule of thumb is to replace your RV battery about once every 5 years.[4]
Is it OK to leave your RV plugged in all the time?
Overcharging. If you leave your RV battery plugged in after it’s fully charged, it can deplete the cells’ electrolyte levels. This can lead to reduced battery life unless you have a newer RV converter with a three or four-stage charging process called a smart charger or if you’ve attached a battery tender.[5]
What drains RV battery?
RVs have parasitic loads that can discharge a battery over time. Some but not all of these loads are LP gas leak detectors, the TV antenna power booster, clocks, stereos and appliance circuit boards.[6]
Why are my RV batteries dying so fast?
Sulfation, parasitic loads, self-discharging, overcharging, undercharging, and lack of maintenance are the usual suspects of battery death, but they are all relatively easy to prevent with regular attention and smart battery charging.[7]
How long can an RV run without being plugged in?
When the RV is not plugged in, that electricity usually has to come from batteries. Under normal use conditions – lights, propane refrigerator, charging phones etc and water pump, a 12v battery will last 2-3 days.[8]
How often should you charge your RV batteries?
Typically, your battery will require a top-up charge every three months. Alternatively, you can buy a battery maintainer, often called a Battery Minder or Battery Tender. These chargers will provide a trickle charge that will keep your battery full without overcharging.[9]
How do I check my RV battery level?
Voltage Test This test is very easy, just place the leads on the positive and negative terminals and have the multimeter set to DC volts. Based on the reading you can determine the state of charge. A fully charged 12-volt battery will read around 12.6 – 12.8 volts, half that for a 6-volt battery.[10]
Does my trailer battery charge when plugged in?
Fortunately, the answer is yes; your RV house battery will charge while it is plugged into shore power. Your RV battery will charge when an external power source is connected and providing power to your RV.[11]
Does RV engine charge house batteries?
Does my motorhome’s engine recharge my house batteries? No, your motorhome’s engine uses an alternator to charge the chassis battery and run other chassis systems like headlights and turn signals.[12]