RV & Boat Replacement Batteries

For some lovers of the great outdoors, having equipment that enhances our experiences can be a big part of it. Whether it be an RV or travel trailer and getting on the open road or a boat or pontoon for fishing and other recreational activities, your gear needs the right replacement batteries to run when you need it. Designed specifically for boats and RV’s, AJC marine batteries are able to provide the right power where you need it.

What options are available?  

Starting Batteries – are designed to provide a quick burst of power for starting an RV or a large boat. They need to be powerful and withstand a lot of vibrations. Typically they will sit flat but depending on the makeup of the engine, especially on boats, they may need to be placed at an angle.

Deep Cycle batteries – these are designed to run for longer periods of time before requiring a charge. Typically they’ll be used to power accessories like lights on boats and RV’s, allow you to open canopies, run TV’s or microwaves or other lower powered electrical items while the engine is off. They’re also useful for powering trolling motors on smaller watercraft.

Dual Purpose Batteries – will do a little bit of both starting and deep cycling but it’s important to note that typically does both moderately. Typically used for starting smaller boats or generators and run time is a little shorter.

A Few Things to Look For

1. For outdoor equipment we really need to accentuate the fact that RV, Marine & Boat replacement batteries need to be able to handle some extreme conditions including bumps and salt water and some need to be able to sit sideways or upside down so finding a replacement battery that can take some abuse and fit appropriately in the given are is key so check the dimensions.
2. It’s best to keep batteries on a low charge (by way of a trickle charger) when not in use. Keeping it active will extend its lifespan. Alternatively, before off-season storage make sure to completely disconnect the terminals so that the batteries won’t get drawn down
3. A battery has a limited shelf life and while we suggest 3-5 years, in reality for boats and RV’s we typically hear 2 years being a more realistic timeframe. Some can be identified pretty easily if it cuts out without warning or starts much slower. A multimeter is a useful tool for testing and some boating and RV equipment also comes with internal checks.
4. We suggest sticking with a single battery type and for us AGM is preferred given its price point, low maintenance requirement, lifespan and ability to handle extreme conditions.

Some additional things to consider:

Cranking Amps (CCA) – for RV and Marine they are more likely to be referred as MCA’s (marine cranking amps) which refers to the level of amps the unit can push for 30 seconds at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold temperatures can significantly impact the battery performance.

Amp Hours – generally are the measurement of the battery’s longevity and its ability to sustain a discharge above 10.5 volts in 80 degree weather.

Marine and RV equipment have some very specific requirements so when looking for a replacement battery, Marine batteries have an identifier where M is included after the Group number so if you’re looking for a battery in the BCI Group Number 31, labeling typically incorporates that as Group 31M.

So grab a replacement battery or a backup and go and enjoy your boat or RV without worrying about whether your battery will last.

For replacement RV batteries, review our current selection at https://batteryclerk.com/collections/rv-batteries

For replacement Marine batteries, check out our current selection at https://batteryclerk.com/collections/marine-and-boat-batteries