• Don’t mix batteries. If you are going to install new or improved batteries, make sure they are all of the same type (AGM, gel or flooded) and make sure that they are all purchased at the same time and are of the same age. Mixing older batteries with newer ones will most likely limit the longevity of the newer batteries and cause them to degrade or fail sooner.
  • Use true deep cycle batteries. Don’t get sold on marine batteries as they are not a true deep cycle battery and are constructed to be somewhere in between a starting battery and a deep cycle battery.
  • Before you connect your batteries to your RV or inverter, use a digital voltmeter to ensure that you have wired your batteries properly to output 12 Volts. The last thing you want to do is pump 24 Volts or more through your RVs 12 Volt electrical system accidently and ruin all of your electronics.
  • When installing or working on your batteries make sure you use insulated tools. There is a lot of power stored in a battery. If you accidently touch both battery posts with your wrench or touch the RV chassis, you could get shocked, burned or even short the battery out and cause it to explode.
  • When working on your batteries use protective clothing, safety glasses, and rubber gloves to protect yourself from shocks.

Additional Resources:

Books:

Following are some books that you may want to consider reading if you are truly interested in adding additional batteries and working on the electrical system of your RV. Although these books may not be entirely devoted to batteries, they each contain pertinent and relevant information that will add to your knowledge of this topic. Additionally, some of these books may be out of print; however, you can usually find used copies on Amazon or elsewhere.

  • Living on 12 Volts with Ample Power by David Smead and Ruth Ishihara.  ISBN: 0-945415-02-8
  • Wiring 12 Volts for Ample Power by David Smead and Ruth Ishihara.  ISBN: 0-945415-03-6
  • Independent Energy Guide by Kevin Jeffrey.  ISBN: 0-9644112-0-2
  • The 12 Volt Bible for Boats by Miner Brotherton.  ISBN: 0-7136-6703-6
  • RVers’ Guide to Solar Battery Charging by Noel and Barbara Kirkby.  ISBN: 0-937948-08-X

Internet Resources:

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