Classic Vans Blog

America's #1 Conversion Van, Camper Van and Wheelchair Accessible Dealer

CALL TODAY!    (866) 370-8222
(877) 370-8333

Low-Cost Nationwide Van Delivery

View Reviews
Home › Blog › Van Maintenance & Repair › Expert Tips for Prolonging RV/Motorhome Battery Lifespan

Expert Tips for Prolonging RV/Motorhome Battery Lifespan

images

Owning a class B motorhome or RV gives you the opportunity to travel and explore so many new and exciting places with the many comforts of home. Many of these features are powered by your 12-volt battery system.

Having a basic knowledge of how your motorhome batteries work and how to properly maintain them can help you avoid replacing them prematurely.

Motorhome Battery Basics

What exactly is a battery? A battery is simply an electrical power storage device. Batteries store power in the form of chemicals. All RV batteries are composed of lead acid. They can last up to 5 years if properly maintained.

Remember these basic battery care facts:

  1. Never let your batteries go below 50% charge. If you let them go below 20%, they will become damaged and never go back to full functioning capabilities. When they go below 50%, it is best to charge them immediately. Batteries can last up to 7 years if you follow this rule.
  2. Purchase a digital voltmeter. A voltmeter is an instrument used to measure the electrical difference between two points in an electric unit. These can be found in many auto supply stores or hardware retailers. Since 12-volt batteries give off more voltage when fully charged, you can use your voltmeter to monitor when they need a charge.
  3. Deep Cycle batteries are designed to give a steady amount of power over an extended period of time.
  4. Automotive batteries are simply batteries used to start your vehicle’s engine.
  5. Marine batteries are a hybrid of deep cycle and automotive batteries.

Class B RV Battery Storage/Maintenance

Proper battery storage is important always, but it’s especially crucial during the cold winter months. Overtime your batteries will naturally loose their charge. Freezing temperatures can kill your batteries’ cells as well.

Removing your battery from your vehicle and checking its voltage to make sure it doesn’t fall bellow 80% can help maintain its longevity. Checking your battery’s charge monthly is recommended.

Start by disconnecting your house batteries. Many motorhome and RV appliances consume tiny milliamps overtime, which drains the batteries faster than you may anticipate. Your refrigerator, radio, smoke detector and other motorhome appliances can be turned off but are still sucking these milliamps of power while not in use.

Hot temperatures can also kill batteries. Check your batteries’ electrolyte levels and add distilled water when necessary to help preserve them. The minimum level for charging the battery is at the top of the plates. If it’s below the plates, add enough distilled water to cover them before you proceed to charge the battery.

Keeping your battery clean of corrosion can help prolong its lifespan too. Corrosion can be neutralized with a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and warm water. Use one pound of baking soda to one gallon of water. Don’t forget to clean inside the cable clamps and the dirty battery terminals.

Camper Van Battery Safety

Remember, your motorhome or RV’s battery contains sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid can be extremely dangerous! If not properly handled, it can lead to severe burns or even blindness. Do not smoke or be around open flames when working on your battery. Wearing goggles and gloves is a necessary safety precaution.

Enjoying Your Class B Motorhome

Following some of these guidelines can be really helpful in preserving the lifespan of your beloved RV or motorhome batteries. If you own a class B motorhome, then it’s clear you are serious about enjoying travel and life on the open road. Maximize that time by being a savvy vehicle owner!

Looking for your next motorhome? At Classic Vans, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we offer the nation’s best selection of campervans, conversion vans and mobility vehicles. Browse our inventory of new and used motorhomes, or call (866) 370-8222.

Don’t live in California? No problem! Ask about low-cost nationwide delivery.

5-star review image
Mercedes Class B van
Used Camper Vans  |  California
Bought a used 2014 Roadtrek SS Agile. The customer wanted bumpers and racks added to the camper van and were able to have them installed through us.
2020-03-11
"I recently ran across a Mercedes Class B van that I was in the market for.... I do ..."
Love this place, Verified Customer
5-star review image
Buying experience
Used Camper Vans  |  California
The customers purchased a used 2010 Pleasure-Way. They were able to receive financing through our dealership.
2019-11-20
"Our experience with everybody at Classic Vans was very enjoyable. No pressure or hard sell just friendly people ..."
Keith, Verified Customer
3-star review image
Satisfactory
Chevy Conversion Vans  |  National
The customer purchased a used 2018 Roadtrek Simplicity. The customer found us online and drove it back home cross country.
2019-10-30
"Overall we like our new camper van. It was nerve wracking to purchase it sight unseen. For the ..."
Connie, Verified Customer

‹ Classic Vans Home

Categories

  • Camper Vans
  • Chevy & GMC Custom Vans
  • Executive Limousine Conversion Vans
  • Exploring the Great Outdoors
  • Family Travel
  • Features & Amenities
  • Handicap Conversion Vans
  • Industry News
  • Interviews
  • Luxury Conversion Vans
  • New Conversion Vans
  • Purchasing your Next Van
  • Used Conversion Vans
  • Van Maintenance & Repair

(866) 370-8222

        
Copyright © 2022 · Site Info. Web Design and Marketing by SEO Advantage, Inc.
Classic Vans 25700 Mission Blvd., Hayward CA 94544 (510) 538-3150

 

Classic Vans
Combining Comfort, Luxury and Affordability

Your One Stop Shop for Finding New or Used Custom Vans

Luxury Conversion Vans

As America's #1 conversion van dealer, Classic Vans specializes in selling new custom conversion vans built to each customer's exact specifications, down to the color, chassis, roof height, and lavish features. In addition, all of our used passenger vans for sale come with a certified warranty, full point inspection, and a rigorous detailing that makes them look and drive as good as new. Browse our inventory of new and used Chevrolet, Ford, GMC and Mercedes Sprinter luxury conversion vans. Introducing the new Ford Transit, the smoothest ride of any full-sized van for sale on the market…


Class B Camper/Motorhome Vans

The high quality and selection of class B motorhomes and camper vans at Classic Vans makes us the obvious choice for finding a van that offers the freedom and comfort of traveling in an RV, but at a fraction of the price. Click here to view our inventory of motorhomes, class B camper vans, and mini campers from the best travel van manufacturers, including: Airstream Interstate, Chinook, Great West, GTRV, Hasca Navion, Leisure Travel, Pleasure-Way, Roadtrek, Sportsmobile, Thor Citation and Winnebago.

 

Wheelchair Vans

Affordable disability vehicles: Equipped with both power and manual handicap lifts, our Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Honda and Toyota wheelchair vans ensure the needs of all passengers and drivers are taken care of. Our mobility experts will evaluate your specific preferences and disability needs, make the appropriate van modifications, and deliver your custom full-sized or mini right to your door in 2-4 weeks.

 

Nationwide Van Delivery

Classic Vans delivers your custom van directly to your home or work anywhere in the U.S. for one low flat shipping rate. Simply place your order online or by calling us directly at (866) 370-8222 and your very own custom luxury conversion, camper or wheelchair accessible van can be sitting in your driveway in just 2-4 weeks.