If you're new to the world of travel trailers, you might think you don’t need a battery—after all, your trailer doesn’t drive itself. But in reality, your travel trailer needs a battery to power essential electrical components, like electric brakes, lights, and even your water pump. Without it, your trailer wouldn’t be very safe or comfortable to use.

But with so many battery options out there, it can be tricky to figure out which one is best for your trailer. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this quick guide to choosing the right travel trailer battery. Whether you're looking to replace an old one or buy your first battery for a new trailer, here's everything you need to know!

1. Why Does Your Travel Trailer Need a Battery?

While your travel trailer might be hitched to your truck, it still relies on electrical power for several essential functions. Most importantly, you need a battery to power the electric brakes on your trailer. These brakes are required by law and help ensure you stay safe while towing.

But that's not all. Your battery also powers lights, appliances, and the water pump for your sink or shower—basically, all the things that make camping more comfortable and convenient. So, no matter how you slice it, your travel trailer needs a battery to keep things running smoothly.

2. What Kind of Travel Trailer Battery Do You Need?

Now that you know your travel trailer needs a battery, let's talk about which type you should choose. There are several options, but the key here is to pick a deep cycle battery. Unlike the battery in your car, which is designed to provide a short burst of power to start the engine, deep cycle batteries provide consistent power over a longer period of time. They're perfect for powering the electrical components in your trailer, whether you're camping for a weekend or a week.

Types of Travel Trailer Batteries:

1. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries

   • Pros: AGM batteries are built to last longer and perform better than regular batteries, even in harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures. They’re safer because they are fully sealed and don’t release hydrogen gas during charging or discharging, and they’re more environmentally friendly. They can be mounted in any position and are non-hazardous/non-spillable. They’re more durable, handle deep discharges well, and have a longer cycle life.
   • Cons: AGM batteries should not be overcharged or charged incorrectly as this can affect the overall lifespan. Always use an AGM compatible charger and they will last a very, long time.

2. Gel Batteries

   • Pros: These batteries are sealed, so they’re less likely to leak. They work well in extreme temperatures, which is a plus if you're camping in hot or cold weather.
   • Cons: They charge more slowly than other options, which could be a hassle if you’re in a rush.

3. Lithium Batteries

   • Pros: Lithium batteries are the smallest and lightest of all the options, but they pack a punch. They charge faster, last longer, and offer superior efficiency and safety compared to other types.
   • Cons: The initial cost is higher, but many RV owners find that the investment pays off in the long run due to their longevity and performance.

3. How Many Batteries and What Voltage Do You Need?

Once you've chosen the type of battery you want, you’ll need to figure out how many batteries to use and what voltage will work best for your travel trailer.

Voltage Requirements:

• For most travel trailers, 12V batteries are the standard (or 6V batteries wired in series to get 12V). This voltage will cover all your basic electrical needs, like lighting and running appliances.

How Many Batteries?

• Two to six 6-volt batteries: This setup is often used because 6-volt batteries provide more capacity when wired in series to create a 12V system.
• One or two 12-volt batteries: This is a simpler setup, and most trailers will be fine with just one or two 12V batteries, depending on how much power you need.

Amp Hours (Ah):

• The amp hour (Ah) rating of a battery indicates how much energy it can provide over a period of time. A higher Ah means the battery will last longer before needing a recharge.
• For most trailers, 12V 125Ah batteries are common choices. 
• If you have higher power needs or plan to camp for longer periods, you might want to go with a larger battery bank.

Remember, if you go with 6-volt batteries, you'll wire them in series to get 12 volts, while 12-volt batteries can be wired in parallel to increase amperage.

AGM Options:

Vmaxtanks 12V SLR125 AGM Battery - $249.99

• 12V 125Ah - Deep Cycle AGM
• Dimensions: 12.9"w x 6.8"d x 8.5"h (8.7"h including terminals)
• Maintenance free, fully sealed, can be mounted in any position
• When wiring in parallel, amp hours increase. For example two of these in parallel will turn into 250Ah at 12V. 

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Vmaxtanks 12V SLR200 AGM Battery - $439.99

• 12V 200Ah - Deep Cycle AGM
• Dimensions: 19.1"w x 6.8"d x 9.5"h
• Maintenance free, fully sealed, can be mounted in any position.
• Two of these in parallel will turn into 400Ah at 12V. 

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6V - 225Ah GC2 Battery - $289.99

• 6V 225Ah - Deep Cycle AGM
• Dimensions: 9.5"w x 7.3"d x 11"h
• Maintenance free, fully sealed, can be mounted in any position.
• Two of these in SERIES connection will turn into 12V at 225Ah. 

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Gel Options:

Mighty Max Battery 12V 100Ah GEL - $199.99 (budget option)

• 12V 100Ah - Deep Cycle GEL
• Dimensions: 13"W x 6.63"D x 8.75"H
• Two of these in parallel will turn into 200Ah at 12V

• 12V 100Ah - Deep Cycle Lithium
• Dimensions: 6.77"D x 13"W x 8.43"H
• Two of these in parallel will turn into 200Ah at 12V

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LFP12100BH Bluetooth Self Heating 12V 100Ah - $489.99 (high end)

• 12V 100Ah - Deep Cycle Lithium
• Bluetooth  integrated monitoring phone app
• Self heating capabilities
• Extremely high quality BMS and internals
• Dimensions: 13"W x 6.9"D x 7.7"H
• Two of these in parallel will turn into 200Ah at 12V

4. Travel Trailer Battery Accessories to Protect Your Investment

A battery bank is an investment, so it’s important to take steps to protect it. Here are a few accessories that can help:

Battery Trays & Boxes

• Your travel trailer will likely experience some bumps and jostles on the road, and your battery could get damaged if it's not secured properly. Battery trays and boxes are designed to keep your batteries in place during travel, preventing them from sliding around and causing damage.

Battery Chargers

• Charging your travel trailer battery correctly is essential for keeping it in good shape. You should always use a charger that's designed for the specific type of battery you have.

• Smart Chargers: These chargers are especially important for lithium batteries. A smart charger protects your battery from undercharging and overcharging by automatically shutting off once the battery is full. It’s a convenient "set it and forget it" option.

Bank Chargers

• If you have multiple batteries, a bank charger is a great way to charge all of them at once. These chargers save you time by powering up to four batteries simultaneously.

5. Quick Answers to Common Travel Trailer Battery Questions

Here are some quick answers to common questions you might have:

• Do I need a deep cycle battery for my travel trailer?
  Yes, you absolutely need a deep cycle battery because travel trailers run on continuous power, not a quick burst like a car.

• How long will my travel trailer battery last?
  On average, a fully charged battery will last about 2-3 days with typical energy use. If you're careful with your energy consumption or have a larger battery bank, you can stretch this to a week or more.

• What size battery do I need for my travel trailer?
  Most trailers use 12V 125Ah batteries. You can talk to an expert to determine the best size based on your specific power needs. 

• Will my truck charge my RV battery?
  Yes, but it’s usually not enough to fully charge a dead battery. The truck provides a high charging rate at first, but that rate drops as the truck’s battery reaches its full charge. A dedicated charger can help.

• How many RV batteries do I need?
  The number of batteries you need depends on how much power you require and how long your trips are. Typically, 1-2 batteries is enough for smaller systems, while larger systems might need more.

6. Need More Help?

Choosing the right battery for your travel trailer doesn’t have to be complicated, but with so many options, it can get a little overwhelming. If you’re unsure which battery is best for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. 

You can email or call the Vmaxtanks Technical Support team who are highly knowledgeable and can assist you in setting up a battery system tailored to your RV or trailer.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or an extended camping trip, a reliable travel trailer battery is key to keeping everything running smoothly. With the right battery type, voltage, and accessories, you can ensure a comfortable, hassle-free experience.