What Is the Best Golf Cart Battery for RV Use?
The best golf cart battery for RVs combines deep-cycle performance, durability, and compatibility with RV power systems. Lithium-ion batteries like Battle Born or Trojan T105 flooded lead-acid are top choices due to their lifespan (8-10+ years for lithium), maintenance needs, and capacity. Key factors include voltage (6V/8V/12V), amp-hour rating (200Ah+), and weight-to-power ratios for RV mobility.
How Do Golf Cart Batteries Differ From Standard RV Batteries?
Golf cart batteries are deep-cycle batteries designed for sustained discharge, unlike starter batteries. They use thicker lead plates for longevity and handle frequent charging cycles. Standard RV batteries often prioritize dual-purpose functions (starting + deep cycling), while golf cart batteries focus on energy storage for prolonged use—ideal for RV house systems requiring stable power.
What Are the Key Features to Look for in an RV Golf Cart Battery?
Prioritize: (1) Capacity (Ah rating) to match RV energy demands; (2) Voltage (6V batteries in series for 12V systems); (3) Cycle life (1,000+ cycles for lithium); (4) Weight (lithium saves 50%+ weight vs. lead-acid); (5) Temperature tolerance (-20°C to 60°C for premium models); and (6) Warranty (5+ years for lithium brands like Redway Power).
When evaluating capacity, consider both daily energy consumption and reserve needs. For example, a 300Ah lithium battery bank can power a refrigerator (3A), LED lights (1A), and a water pump (5A) for 24 hours without recharge. Weight is critical for towable RVs—lithium’s 30-50 lb per battery vs. 60-70 lb for lead-acid reduces overall payload strain. Cycle life directly impacts long-term costs: a $1,500 lithium battery with 5,000 cycles costs $0.30 per cycle, while a $400 lead-acid with 800 cycles costs $0.50 per cycle.
| Feature | Lithium | Lead-Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 3,000-5,000 | 500-1,200 |
| Weight (per 100Ah) | 25-30 lbs | 60-70 lbs |
| Depth of Discharge | 80-100% | 50% |
Which Battery Chemistry Works Best for RV Golf Cart Applications?
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) dominates for RVs due to no maintenance, faster charging (3x lead-acid), and 80% depth of discharge (vs. 50% for lead-acid). Flooded lead-acid (FLA) remains budget-friendly but requires watering and ventilation. AGM batteries offer spill-proof alternatives but cost 2x FLA with shorter lifespans than lithium.
How to Calculate the Right Battery Bank Size for Your RV?
Estimate daily power consumption (e.g., 2kWh) and divide by battery voltage (12V = ~166Ah/day). Multiply by days of autonomy (e.g., 3 days = 500Ah). Include a 20% buffer. For solar setups, match battery capacity to solar input (e.g., 400W solar needs 200Ah lithium). Use 6V batteries in series for higher capacity (e.g., 6V x 4 = 24V/600Ah).
Start by auditing all appliances: a 12V RV fridge drawing 5A over 24 hours consumes 120Ah. Add lighting (10Ah), water pump (5Ah), and inverter losses (15%) for a total daily 155Ah. For three days off-grid, you’d need 465Ah—round up to 600Ah for lithium (allowing 80% discharge) or 930Ah for lead-acid. Pair with a 600W solar array to recharge fully in 5 peak sun hours (600W ÷ 12V = 50A x 5h = 250Ah daily).
| Appliance | Power Draw | Daily Usage | Ah Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V Refrigerator | 5A | 24 hours | 120Ah |
| LED Lights | 2A | 5 hours | 10Ah |
| Water Pump | 5A | 1 hour | 5Ah |
What Are the Safety Risks of Using Golf Cart Batteries in RVs?
Lead-acid batteries risk hydrogen gas emission (explosive), requiring vented compartments. Lithium batteries need BMS protection against overcharge/overheat. Both types require secure mounting to prevent spills/vibration damage. Always use fused connections and avoid mixing chemistries. Thermal runaway in lithium is rare with quality BMS but catastrophic if mismanaged.
Can You Use Solar Charging With Golf Cart Batteries in an RV?
Yes—lithium batteries pair exceptionally with solar due to high charge acceptance (up to 1C vs 0.2C for lead-acid). Use MPPT controllers for efficiency. Flooded lead-acid needs equalization charges (15.5V) monthly, incompatible with basic PWM controllers. Ensure solar array voltage matches battery bank (e.g., 24V panels for 24V lithium systems).
Expert Views
“RV owners transitioning to lithium golf cart batteries see 70% weight reduction and triple cycle life compared to lead-acid. Brands like Redway now integrate self-heating LiFePO4 packs for sub-zero climates—critical for boondocking. Always size your battery bank to 150% of your calculated needs to account for inverter inefficiencies and phantom loads.”
— John Michaels, Redway Power Systems Engineer
Conclusion
Lithium-ion golf cart batteries (e.g., Redway 12V 200Ah) currently lead for RV use, offering lightweight, maintenance-free operation with 10-year lifespans. For budget-focused users, Trojan T105 flooded lead-acid remains viable but demands rigorous maintenance. Prioritize capacity, cycle life, and solar compatibility when selecting, and always consult your RV’s power requirements to avoid under/oversizing.
FAQs
- Q: How long do golf cart batteries last in an RV?
- A: Lithium: 3,000-5,000 cycles (8-15 years); Lead-acid: 500-1,000 cycles (3-5 years).
- Q: Can I replace lead-acid with lithium in my RV?
- A: Yes—ensure your charger/inverter supports lithium profiles and update wiring for higher current.
- Q: Do golf cart batteries work in cold weather?
- A: Lithium with built-in heaters (e.g., Redway -30°C models) perform best; lead-acid loses 50% capacity below freezing.