No one is confused about what a battery is or what it does—but when it comes to the batteries we use in van conversions, RVs, and off-grid electrical setups? That’s a whole different story—and it’s what we’re diving into today in Lesson One of our Battery Basics playlist. Let’s get into the most common questions we get about batteries—from types and capacity to real-world use cases—so you can make the best decisions for your rig.
What Does a “House Battery” Actually Do in a Camper?
Your house battery is what powers everything that isn’t your engine. Think: lights, fans, outlets, your fridge, your inverter—basically anything electrical in your camper or RV. Regardless of voltage, brand, or size, their main job is to keep your home-on-wheels running.
What’s the Difference Between AGM, Lithium, and Lead Acid Batteries?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Lithium (LiFePO4): Lightweight, long-lasting, high-capacity. These are the most common and cost-effective in 2025 for mobile/off-grid use.
- AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): Older tech, heavier, and typically only usable down to 50% capacity.
- Lead Acid: Also older tech, often needs to be topped off with water, usually found in starting batteries.
Lithium batteries offer double the usable capacity at half the weight compared to similarly sized AGMs or lead acids. But they do have a downside: poor cold-weather performance unless they’re heated.
Is Lithium Really Worth It, or Just Hype?
In 99% of mobile or off-grid cases—yes, it’s worth it. Lithium batteries can be discharged nearly fully without damage, they’re lighter, and they offer longer life cycles. Just make sure you’re not operating them in extreme cold or heat without a plan in place.
Why Are People Using 12V, 24V, and 48V Setups?
The voltage of your battery bank depends on the size and efficiency of your system. Higher voltages can reduce wire size and improve efficiency in larger systems. We’ll cover this in more detail in an upcoming video, but that’s the short version.
How Big Should My Battery Bank Be?
It depends on your energy usage. In earlier chapters of our Electrical Academy, we break down real-life examples—TVs, phones, laptops, fridges, and more—to help you calculate your exact needs.
Amp Hours vs. Watt Hours: What’s the Difference?
Amp hours vs. watt hours can be confusing, especially when batteries list different amp hour ratings but don’t tell the whole story. For example, a 100 amp hour 12V battery stores far less energy than a 100 amp hour 48V battery. To compare batteries accurately, convert amp hours to watt hours by multiplying amp hours by voltage. This gives you a true measure of energy storage. So, even if two batteries have the same amp hours, the one with higher voltage packs more power. We’ll break down the math in an upcoming video—stay tuned!
Are There Any Reasons Not to Use Lithium?
Yes—but only a few:
- Cold temps: Below freezing, lithium batteries won’t charge unless they’re heated.
- Starting applications: Not all lithium batteries are built for engine starting (unless specifically designed, like Dakota Lithium).
- Extreme heat or cold storage: Some lithium enclosures (like Battle Born’s ABS plastic) can crack if temps drop below -20°F.
Can I Mix Battery Brands or Types to Save Money?
Technically, you could. But should you? Not really.
Mixing brands can void warranties and make troubleshooting a nightmare. Stick with one brand for your battery bank to avoid problems down the road.
Where Should I Buy Batteries for My RV or Van Build?
Check out shop.explorist.life! We carry trusted brands like Battle Born, Victron, SOK, Rich Solar, XBN360, and more—at the same prices as manufacturers. Plus, if you buy your full system through us, we become your single point of contact for support.
What’s a BMS and Do I Need One?
BMS = Battery Management System
It protects your battery by managing charge/discharge cycles, temperature, and more. Lithium batteries require a BMS—some have internal ones, like most on our wall, while others (like Victron Smart Lithium) need an external unit (like the Victron Lynx Smart BMS).
Do I Need a Battery Monitor?
Technically, no. But it’s like driving without a dashboard. A battery monitor shows voltage, current, and remaining charge so you’re not guessing. Highly recommended.
How Long Do Lithium Batteries Last?
Most lithium batteries last 3,000–5,000 cycles (a cycle = full discharge/recharge). With proper sizing and care, that could mean 10+ years of reliable use. Lead acid and AGM batteries, by comparison, often last only 3–5 years.
Can I Just Use a Car Battery for My Camper?
You can… but don’t. Starting batteries aren’t designed for deep cycling and will wear out quickly. They’ll turn on your lights, sure, but you’ll be replacing them every year or two.
What Is “Depth of Discharge” (DoD)?
DoD is how much energy has been used from a battery.
- 100% DoD = empty.
- 0% DoD = full.
It’s basically your fuel gauge.
How Do Batteries Handle Cold Weather?
Cold temps can drastically affect performance:
- Lithium: Most lithium batteries will stop charging below 32°F—but many are self-heated.
- AGM/Lead Acid: They’ll keep working, but with reduced capacity.
Keep batteries in a heated space or use heated lithium models to avoid issues.
Do I Need to Vent My Battery Setup?
Only if you’re using lead acid batteries. They off-gas hydrogen while charging and need to be vented. Lithium batteries do not require ventilation.
What About Winter Storage?
If you’re storing your RV in freezing temps, pull the batteries and store them in a temp-controlled area. Some manufacturers (like Battle Born) suggest removing them below -20°F to protect the plastic casing—not the battery cells themselves.
What’s the Best Way to Wire Multiple Batteries Together?
There are two main methods:
- Series wiring: Increases voltage while keeping amp hours the same (e.g., two 12V 100Ah batteries = 24V 100Ah)
- Parallel wiring: Increases amp hours while keeping voltage the same (e.g., two 12V 100Ah batteries = 12V 200Ah)
Each has its place, depending on your system voltage and inverter setup. We’ll walk through the wiring details in a future tutorial.
What Are the Biggest Mistakes People Make With RV Batteries That I Should Avoid?
The biggest mistake is buying batteries before planning the rest of your system. For example, choosing a 48V battery limits your charging options, like alternator charging, which may not be compatible. Other issues include using the wrong wire size, incorrect fuses, or mixing battery voltages—all of which can cause serious damage.
