The batteries used for recreational vehicles (RVs), such as caravans, motorhomes, boats and yachts and other similar vehicles, are special and have a dual role:
- to power electrical appliances in an RV, such as lighting fixtures, water pumps, appliances and other equipment, when the vehicle is not connected to an external power source;
- providing the energy necessary to start the thermal engine;
- for powering electrical consumers in the absence of an external energy source, which are designed to provide a constant amount of energy over a longer period and are capable of withstanding deep discharge and repeated charge cycles;
- for starting the thermal engine, these batteries are designed to deliver a high current in a short time, necessary to start the engine.
There are several types of batteries used in RVs:
- Lead-acid batteries: These are the most used and are available in maintenance-free versions (with free electrolyte), the EFB range, and maintenance-free, the gel or AGM range.
- Lithium-ion batteries: These are lighter, have a longer lifespan, and can be discharged deeper and charged faster (higher currents) than lead-acid batteries. Although they are more expensive, in the long run they are more economical.