Understanding the Causes of an RV Battery's Death

An RV is a fantastic investment for individuals and families who love to explore. However, certain challenges may arise unexpectedly and compel you to abandon your trip midway. One such issue RV owners face is their vehicle’s battery dying suddenly. This can be frustrating, especially when you're miles away from a service department. Let’s discuss why RV batteries die so you can avoid getting stranded on the road!

Regular Discharging Below 50%

Routinely discharging your batteries below 50% can lead to early battery failure. Batteries are designed to store power, and when they get too low, they may not have enough energy left to deliver steady power, which can kill them over time.

Sulfation in Lead-Acid Batteries

The buildup of sulfuric crystals known as sulfation occurs when your lead-acid batteries stay discharged for long durations. Sulfation prevents batteries from holding their charge and is one of the common causes of early death.

Poor Maintenance

Poor maintenance practices such as not checking your battery’s water level regularly or keeping it clean can cause its downfall. Dust and grime can accumulate on your batteries’ terminals and lead to discharge.

Overcharging

Just as discharging below 50% isn't suitable, neither is overcharging your battery!

Overcharging leads to boiling off electrolytes in the cells, causing irreparable damage that ultimately kills your RV's batteries. Automatically regulated charging mechanisms help keep your cells safe.

Extreme Temperature Exposure

Batteries can suffer in extreme heat or cold conditions. Intense heat accelerates chemical reactions inside the battery, while freezing temperatures can stall these reactions. Both of these conditions can cause battery failure, so be aware.

We hope this guide helps you keep your RV batteries safe. If you need more maintenance advice or help to service your camper, contact Arizona RV Service. We are your trusted RV service department in Mesa, AZ, and proudly serve those from Gilbert. Don’t allow RV battery problems to sour your enjoyment of exploring the great outdoors with your family and friends. Contact us—we are here to help!