3 Best 6 Volt RV Batteries in 2021

If you enjoy the outdoors, camping, travelling or simply spending time out with your friends and family, then you should know how important it is to have all the essentials you would need in case of an emergency in your RV. Your first thought might be about emergency supplies, but how about the battery your RV would use?

The majority of RV enthusiasts tend to plug in their RV’s at RV campgrounds, but there would be times when you would be travelling off the grid and have to rely on batteries to keep all your appliances running. For this reason, it is important that you equip your RV with a good quality 6V RV battery that you can depend on when your out dry camping.

Choosing the best 6V RV battery shouldn’t be difficult as long as you have a bit of Knowledge concerning specific information. It might seem like a stressful and daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be an issue, and we are going to make it as stress-free as we can.

We will be covering everything you need to know about 6V RV batteries. You will receive information that will increase your knowledge about these devices, so selecting the best option would become much easier.

WHAT IS A 6V RV BATTERY?

A 6 volt RV battery, also known as a lantern battery, is a lead-acid battery consisting of four large cells, usually D batteries with 1.5 volts per cell. Because of how they are made, they are known to have a larger space for power storage and have thicker plates, increasing their durability and making them long-lasting.

Also, 6 volt RV batteries are deep-cycled batteries, which increases their capacity to store power and discharge. They are also budget-friendly, so you don’t have to be worried about spending so much money; their affordability makes them a great choice for motorists, electricians and RVers.

6 VOLT RV BATTERY BUYER’S CONSIDERATIONS

When purchasing a 6 volt RV battery, there are factors that you have to consider in order to choose the best option available on the market. Below are some of the main factors you should take into consideration before making a purchase.

Battery Capacity

A 6 volt RV battery’s capacity is measured in amp-hours or Ah, which stands for amperage hours. It shows the amount to current a battery is able to provide over a specific time frame.

For instance, a 100Ah capacity battery will deliver 100A for up to an hour. RV owners should opt for a 6 volt battery with a high capacity. It is a vital part because it makes sure that the device is able to store more energy and last for a longer period.

It is also important that you pay close attention to the battery’s weight and size. These factors are vital because your RV has limited storing space, so you won’t want to get something extremely bulky; you need to ensure that you have enough space for the batteries you’re about to purchase.

Figuring out the ideal storage capacity of your RV shouldn’t be difficult. You begin the process by figuring out the specific energy requirements of your RV. Make some adjustments to the total number by leaving some room to wiggle the device and then determine how much power you consume on a daily.

It would be in your best interest to opt for a battery that can supply the needed amount of power without going below 50% or 60% of its overall capacity. You should also keep in mind that you can recharge the batteries using a generator, solar power or the electrical hookups of a campground.

However, off the grid RVers or boondockers should opt for a 6 volt battery that is able to supply them with power without getting totally depleted. It will ensure that they can go for several days without needing to be recharged, which is perfect for RV owners.

Self Discharge Rate or Depth

The self-discharge rate of a 6 volt RV battery is another important factor to consider. Brands convey these measurements, the measurements are in percentage, and they determine the amount of power that is discharged by each battery.

If you’re opting for lead-acid batteries, it is important that you take note of their discharge depth and corresponding life cycle. For example, models that have deeper individual cycles usually have a shorter lifespan and offer fewer cycles.

We would recommend going for a deep cycle 6 volt RV battery that has a discharge depth that helps to maximize the batteries life cycle.

Operating Temperature Range

The operating range of a battery is one of the most overlooked factors. It is part of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a 6 volt RV battery. If you travel a lot, you will need a battery that can work in different weather conditions.

Full-time RV owners need a battery option that will be able to serve them in low temperatures to make sure that they have a working battery during the winter months. This will prevent you from finding yourself in a 0-degree environment with no access to a working battery.

Manufacturers make this information easy to find by placing it in their product description. But keep in mind that these batteries also have to be usable in areas with high temperatures. When choosing the best model, cold weather functionality isn’t the only factor you should look out for.

So, the battery you choose has to be able to work in both cold, hot and humid areas. Ensure you check that the battery can withstand a temperature of at least 35 degrees. If your battery has this ability, you don’t have to worry about working in hot or cold environments.

Build Quality

Most buyers would want to go for a 6 volt Rv battery that has a reputation for offering great durability and longer lifespans. You will need an option that has a sturdy and reliable construction that allows it to withstand the bumpy terrains you may be travelling through.

A top tier model will offer you options that are resistant to both shocks and vibrations. That is the only way you’ll be sure that the battery can withstand the stress of RVing without falling apart. If not, you might just end up spending more money on repairs, and no one wants that.

TYPES OF 6V RV BATTERIES

6 volt RV batteries come in various types. We will be discussing each of them for you to know the kind that will best suit your needs. Having this information could help reduce the number of choices to a much smaller group.

Flooded Lead-Acid 6V Batteries

These type of batteries are the most common type of 6v batteries used in RVs today. These type of batteries often feature lead plates and lead oxide, which come with electrolytes surrounding them.

These batteries are able to effectively withstand overcharging through the hydrogen venting process. They also have a large power to the ratio, which is one of the reasons they are very popular among RVers.

However, it is important that you know that these type of batteries require constant care and maintenance. It will require you to keep up with terminal cleanliness, watering and equalizing charges. Taking care of them for an hour annually should be enough to keep them in top shape.

You should also know that these batteries are known for their affordable price point. Because of this, they are quite popular even though there are more advanced options available on the market. People in need of an effective and simple option will be satisfied with a flooded lead-acid 6 volt battery.

Absorbed Glass Mat AGM 6V Batteries

The AGM 6v battery is one of the most versatile types of batteries. They are compatible with motorhomes, trucks, boats and trolling motors. They are also a bit tougher than flooded lead-acid models.

They are tough because they have a lower internal resistance, so they are capable of working in high temperatures. These types of batteries are also known for having a slower self-discharge rate than the other types of 6 volt RV batteries.

With this battery, RV owners won’t have to constantly worry about maintenance. They last longer because they aren’t as susceptible to sulfation like the flooded lead-acid models, so you can keep them for an extended period without having to worry about them getting damaged.

With these batteries, you tend to worry less about gas or hydrogen emissions, which means that ventilation isn’t necessary when charging them. They have a tightly sealed build that prevents any spills from occurring, so you don’t have to worry about any spillage.

These type of batteries tend to be an ideal option for RV owners. However, all these amazing features come at a high price point. You’ll need to decide if the lack of maintenance and its top-notch performance quality is worth the extra cash.

Gel 6V Batteries

Gel batteries offer some of the same benefits as flooded lead-acid batteries, such as the fact that they are easy to transport. The only main difference between these two types of batteries is that the gel 6V batteries come with incredibly sticky gelled electrolyte.

However, these batteries are constructed with strong internal parts to ensure that they provide the user with superior durability compared to other types of 6v RV batteries. But keep in mind that they have a few downsides, such as overcharging, which can lead to a gas pocket formation on the battery’s plates.

If this issue arises, it will reduce the overall capacity and force the electrolyte to move away from the plates. Due to this reason, the gas pockets will continually reduce the maximum charging capacity over an extended period. Gel batteries also have smaller charging profiles, which is why it is much easier for them to get damaged.

Lithium-ion 6V Batteries

This type of battery is known to be highly favoured by campers who love top-notch performance over any other thing. For example, these batteries come with highly sustainable voltage levels that allow them to deliver up to 99 percent of their usage capacity. AGM or flooded lead-acid batteries only provide up to 50 percent.

Their ability to do this makes them ideal for extended dry camping or boondocking. Their users also benefit from them, as they offer impressive charging efficiency of up to 5000 life cycles. This makes them an effective and convenient option for RV owners.

These type of batteries provide their user with excellent performance as they work well in extreme temperature conditions. This ability can be attributed to their in-built safety measure against overheating, which causes them to automatically shut down once the battery starts to overheat in order to prevent a deadly situation.

Lithium-ion batteries also work great in areas with extremely low temperatures. So if you are a cold-weather RVer, you don’t have to worry about them not working well on a cold night. A few other of their useful functions include their mounting abilities and their stable energy flow that goes in any direction while in use.

USES OF A 6V RV BATTERY

6 volt RV batteries are a good source of power for RVs, especially when there is a need for extended hours of power supply. They are mostly used as low budget, durable, dependable backup power source. Below are some of the uses of a 6 volt RV battery.

Recreational Vehicles and Trailer Homes

One of the biggest fears that outdoor lovers and RV enthusiasts have is travelling through rural areas or off the grid without any form of adequate power outlets. Most times, they rely on a 12V battery to supply all the power they need to their devices and appliances. A 12V battery is budget-friendly and easily available, but it has a limited energy storage and fewer amperage hours, making it unreliable and unsustainable for boondocking or dry camping.

However, even those using two 6V batteries instead of a single 12V battery also get the same amount of power. Still, it offers more amp hours and higher battery capacity to supply constant power. The innovative technology used in making 6V RV batteries ensures they are sealed, spill-proof and lightweight.

Hiking or Camping Light Source

6 volt RV batteries are also known as lantern batteries, so they can also be used to supply power to lamps, torch lights and other illuminations that need a great energy capacity. A 6 volt battery can be recharged, so they offer a higher capacity for energy storage.

Wheelchairs, Golf Carts and Other Vehicles

Apart from using 6 volt batteries for RVs, they can also be used in other electricity-powered equipment and vehicles such as lawnmowers and wheelchairs. Making use of a 6V RV battery means that you will need more batteries than a 12 volt battery, but every cell of a 6 volt battery has a larger space and higher amp capacity. Due to the innovative technology used in golf carts, wheelchairs and other similar vehicles, 6 volt batteries tend to be more cost-effective and are easier to manage.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING A 6V RV BATTERY

There are several benefits that come with using two 6V RV batteries connected in a series. But it also has its disadvantages. Below is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of this setup.

Advantages

• It has larger Ah capacities
• With proper maintenance, they can last for long periods
• They have larger discharge and recharge abilities

Disadvantages

• They are more expensive
• They are harder to find, they are mostly found at large automotive supply or at speciality stores
• They are much taller than other batteries and require you to install different battery boxes

CARE AND MAINTENANCE TIPS

Maintaining and caring for your 6V RV battery is an essential part of ensuring it meets your needs. The process of maintaining them will differ from model to model. That is why it is important for you to read the manual of the model you opt for, as it is vital for an RV owner.

However, there are some vital tips that will help you to keep them functioning. Below is a quick list of tips RV owners could do to ensure that their batteries remain useful.

• Maintaining the electrolyte levels in a flooded lead-acid cell 6V battery: Flooded cell batteries tend to lose water with every charge cycle. So, you will need to replace the water in order for it to keep performing properly. It is vital that you use distilled water as it will help to prevent sulfation from happening.
• Ensure that the battery terminals are clean of any built-up corrosion: It’s recommended that you use a mixture made up of one gallon of water or commercial battery contact cleaning product and one cup of baking soda. A toothbrush would be the best tool to help you with scrubbing.
• Do not let the battery get extremely low in charge: If the batteries go lower than 80 percent, it could cause the sulfation process to begin. Because of this, it is important that you charge your batteries soon after their usage.
• Recharge your batteries often: But it is important to know that overcharging and extremely hot temperatures could have long-lasting adverse effects on the performance of the batteries.

With the buying guide provided above, you have the knowledge you need to help you pick the best 6V RV battery available on the market. If that is still proving difficult for you, we will also provide you with a list of the best 6V RV batteries. We simply want to make it much more comfortable and easier for you to choose your next 6V RV battery. Let’s not waste any time and dive into the list.

This section contains a list of reviews on the best 6V RV batteries. Each battery on this list has gained their excellent reputation from various users for their top-notch performance. We reviewed each of them, providing you with their specifications, key features, pros and cons.