Most RVs seem to have lead acid deep cycle marine batteries. However I’m just thinking that most but not all RVers rarely camp without shore power. The most instantaneous power demand is when running out slides or deploying jacks. So it seems to me that a standard or combination starting battery makes more sense than the deep cycle marine battery. One more question I have: I’m wondering if the higher cost for agm batteries is worth the money. The plus side to me is not having to keep up with the electrolyte levels. I would be interested in what others think about this or have experienced.

I would never consider anything other than a deep cycle battery for my house battery. The advantage AGMs have over standard flooded batteries is lower maintenance (I've used them in boats for that reason). If people want to take the next giant step in RV batteries these days, they're going with Battle Born lithium batteries. They're pretty expensive, though.Rob

I deploy my jacks with the motorhome motor still running. I imagine a fifth wheel owner could deploy the jacks and slides in the same way, so the power doesn't deplete your house batteries. I have gotten a lot more life and power out of AGM's than I did with LA batteries. The AGM's also need very little maintenance, so I think they are worth the extra cost. One hint is to look for craigslist ads for AGM's that are overstock or are being retired from UPS systems. A good way to get new or near new batteries for a fraction of the retail price.

Your premise is incorrect. Most use a single starting battery (sometimes relabeled as a combination battery but really just a starting battery if you open it up and look at the construction).If you don't camp off grid, it's a perfectly good solution. Jacks & slides will generally pull less than 100amps for less than 30seconds and a starting battery does just fine doing that. Only reason to consider Gel or AMG is if you are going to roll your RV. The big advantage to them is they don't leak out the acid if you put them on their side or upside down (planes, boats, jeeps can gain advantage as they often spend time substantially off level). They offer no real advantage in an RV.

Best type of house battery | Good Sam Community

time2roll
Nomad
Nov 21, 2019
Best? That would be lithium :)
Son_of_Norway
Explorer
Nov 21, 2019
I deploy my jacks with the motorhome motor still running. I imagine a fifth wheel owner could deploy the jacks and slides in the same way, so the power doesn't deplete your house batteries. I have gotten a lot more life and power out of AGM's than I did with LA batteries. The AGM's also need very little maintenance, so I think they are worth the extra cost. One hint is to look for craigslist ads for AGM's that are overstock or are being retired from UPS systems. A good way to get new or near new batteries for a fraction of the retail price.
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Nov 21, 2019
I would never consider anything other than a deep cycle battery for my house battery. The advantage AGMs have over standard flooded batteries is lower maintenance (I've used them in boats for that reason). If people want to take the next giant step in RV batteries these days, they're going with Battle Born lithium batteries. They're pretty expensive, though.

Rob

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