RV batteries are notoriously difficult to maintain. They are expensive, heavy, and often require a great deal of maintenance to keep them working well.
One way you can help improve the life span of your battery is by using the best battery tender for RV that will plug into your power supply and manage the charge cycles without any human intervention.
In this article, we are going to discuss what are the top RV battery tenders on the market today. We will also touch upon some of the features to look for in a battery tender so that you can find the right one for your needs.
Product | Name | Editor's Rating | Check Prices |
---|---|---|---|
Battery Tender Junior Charger 12V 750mA | 5 out of 5 | ||
Car Battery Tender Charger and Maintainer For RV | 5 out of 5 | ||
Battery Tender 8v Battery Charger | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
Battery Tender 022 0185G DL WH | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
Deltran Battery Tender Plus 12V Charger | 4 out of 5 |
Top 12 Best Battery Tender for RV Reviews
Listed below are some of our top picks for the best RV battery chargers or battery tender currently on the market. You can choose from a variety of different types based on your specific requirements.
1. Battery Tender Junior Charger 12V 750mA
Battery tender junior charger is a 100% automatic battery booster that plugs into your power supply. RV, Motorcycle, ATV, and more compatible devices ensure the final charge of the RV battery to provide peak performance with one simple push of a button.
The four-step charging cycle refreshes a complete charge to the car's starting system before switching over to float mode. This extended life-enhancing procedure extends factory warranty time as well as your overall enjoyment on the road.
The best part about this RV battery charger is that you can leave it connected to your battery for as long as you wish. There are no concerns about overcharging or incorrect voltage levels because the device will automatically switch from charge to float mode. This feature ensures all parts are operational well into the future.
This model includes a 12-volt, 750 milliamp RV battery charger, a ring terminal that is fused, and alligator clips to maximize charging capabilities with convenient plug-in capability.
The two-color LED indicator is designed to indicate the battery’s charging level and automatically switches to floating once fully charged. The Battery Tender junior RV battery charger comes with a 5-year warranty and lifetime customer support, so all customers are fully satisfied with their product.
Highlighted Features:
- Portable product
- Automatic RV battery booster
- Provides peak performance with one push of a button
- Five-year warranty, lifetime customer support
2. Car Battery Tender Charger and Maintainer For RV
The Battery Tender Plus 12V RV Battery Charger and Maintainer is an excellent battery tender for RV. This device plugs into a power port vehicle’s power supply and manages charge cycles without human intervention.
It offers a four-step charging system that optimizes RV battery power but does not overcharge it. The low-maintenance design of this motorcycle and RV battery charger makes it easy to use.
A built-in two-color LED displays the current charge, which means you can monitor your power levels at all times. Its great design ensures optimal performance without any human intervention or overcharging.
This RV battery charger is perfect for any power port vehicle because it has no overcharges and offers a low-maintenance design that requires little effort to operate.
The Car Battery Tender for RV has a 10-year warranty and lifetime customer support which is a plus. This model is 4.87 x 3.25 x 2.93 inches, 1.45 pounds, and it can be used on any 12 volts, flooded, Gel Cell batteries, including the motorcycle battery tender.
Highlighted Features:
- 4-step charging system
- Low maintenance design
- Built-in 2 colors LED to monitor your power levels at all times
- No overcharges, perfect for any power port vehicle
- 10-year warranty
3. Battery Tender 8v Battery Charger
The Battery Tender Junior 8V, 1.25Amp High-Efficiency Automotive battery charger lets you plug it into any power outlet and manage the charge cycles.
This 8v RV battery charger is designed for maintenance-free lead-acid sealed or flooded batteries (AGM or gel cells). It has a 4 step program that will make battery care easy.
After the battery is fully charged, float maintenance begins. The charger's full output power is resumed when battery voltage drops below load.
This RV battery charger is spark-proof and has protection against reverse polarity. It can be used around pets as well as children. It is also approved by UL, CSA, BC, as well as the FCC.
It can also be used to maintain all kinds of batteries in vehicles, trucks, tractors, and RVs. It can also be used for small vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes, snowmobiles, or motorcycles.
Highlighted Features:
- Simple plug-and-play design
- 4 step program that makes RV battery care easy
- Spark proof and has anti-reverse polarity protection
- UL, CSA, BC, and FCC approved
4. Battery Tender 022 0185G DL WH
The Battery Tender for RV will save you money and frustration by keeping your RV battery fully charged, even while not in use. The large capacity has 1.25 amp of power to properly charge a 12-volt battery quickly.
This item is easy to install as it plugs right into the side of your rig (although an unobstructed path to this plug may be required) and can work with a power of 120 VAC at 60 Hz. It is a low-maintenance RV battery charger that will shut off once the charge cycle is complete.
The battery tender 022 0185g dl wh is an intelligent battery charger that has adaptive charging technology with solid-state circuitry to provide the right charge for your RV battery. This is a lightweight and compact device that can be used in any storage area, no matter how small.
Once mounted, simply plug in the Battery Tender for RV when not in use and forget about draining power from your battery ever again. Easy to use and reliably efficient, this device is a must-have for all RVers.
Highlighted Features:
- Adaptive charging technology
- Lightweight and compact device
- Easy to use and reliable
- Plug and play
5. Deltran Battery Tender Plus 12V Charger
The 12-volt, 1.25-amp RV battery charger will charge the battery fully before entering float mode. This allows for the right voltage to be maintained without charging the RV battery too much.
This universal 12-volt power RV battery charger can be used for long-term storage. It is compact and lightweight so that it can be taken anywhere.
It is easy to use The Deltran Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger. The battery will be fully charged before it automatically switches to float mode. This allows the battery to maintain its proper voltage without charging too much.
Battery Tender's patent-pending charging system is a great option. It provides a high current, low voltage charge that won't produce sparks or cause short circuits when attaching and disconnecting.
The Battery Tender battery charger is compatible with lead-acid, sealed, and flooded maintenance-free batteries (AGM, gel cells). It also detects reverse polarity.
This device is high-powered and can provide a faster charge compared to the Battery Tender Junior. It comes with a 5-year industry-leading warranty.
Highlighted Features:
- Universal 12-volt power battery charger
- Compact and lightweight so it can be taken anywhere
- won't produce sparks
- Detects reverse polarity
6. NOCO GENIUS2D Onboard Battery Tender
Designed for the RV user, NOCO GENIUS2D eliminates the need for battery maintenance with ease, without ever overcharging. RV owners can now enjoy worry-free maintenance with the NOCO GENIUS2D Onboard Battery Charger.
This RV battery charger is compatible with a wide range of vehicles. It provides intuitive charging that ensures an extended life cycle on various batteries, including Flooded, Gel, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), Automotive, Marine, and Deep-Cycle. For use in RV's or any other vehicle. Just mount it securely under your hood and plug it into any AC power source.
It can be your RV's best deep cycle battery. GENIUS2D will monitor your RV battery 24/7, provide safe and simple maintenance charging with zero overcharges, and restore battery capacity for smoother engine start-ups and a longer life cycle of your battery.
RV owners can now enjoy worry-free maintenance with the NOCO GENIUS2D Onboard Battery Charger. This is an excellent addition for anyone who wants an easy-to-use product that is perfect for everyday use without worrying about overcharging their batteries.
Highlighted Features:
- Worry-free Maintenance
- Extended Life Cycle of Your RV Battery
- Intuitive Charging
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles
7. NOCO Genius 2X2 Battery Charger
NOCO Genius 2X2 is a Fully automatic Smart RV battery charger, Battery Maintainer and Trickle Charger. This device features a four-amp and two-amp and intelligent charging system with 6-volt or 12-volt automotive batteries that will adjust its charge cycle to avoid overcharging in hot climates & undercharging in cold ones.
It also encompasses an in-built thermal sensor that adjusts the charging cycles based on ambient temp, making it great for any climate anywhere in the world. You'll never have to worry about dying batteries again with this thing plugged into your car or RV while you're not using it!
You can finally enjoy your long trips and leave the RV battery charger plugged in. No more checking on it every couple of days. The Genius 2X2 is a smart charging system for anyone with an automotive battery to maintain and an engine start needs.
This device was made using premium materials and voltages, which make it work great. If you’re looking for a good quality RV battery tender then NOCO Genius 2X2 will be a worthy investment.
Restore your RV battery health with the NOCO Genius 2X2. This is a smart RV battery charger that can repair your sulfated batteries too. So if you have a car, boat, or any other vehicle that uses lead-acid batteries then this device is perfect for you.
Highlighted Features:
- Fully automatic Smart RV battery charger
- 4 amps and 2 amps with the intelligent charging system
- The inbuilt thermal sensor adjusts the charge cycle
- Made using high-quality materials
8. The 3 Amp Battery Tender
The 3 Amp Battery Tender is an RV Battery Charger and an Automotive Maintainer. This is a Switchable 6/12 V, Fully Automotive Battery Charger and Maintainer for RVs, Cars, SUVs, and Trucks.
This is an inexpensive electronic RV battery charger that plugs into your power supply to manage the charge cycles without any human intervention. The battery tender will help preserve your valuable investments by prolonging the life of both new or old RV batteries.
This device is lightweight so that you can take it anywhere, including small storage spaces. And it's safe because it has a low risk of sparking when connected with automatic reverse polarity detection.
This device holds any lead-acid batteries, flooded, or sealed maintenance-free batteries (AGM or gel cell) at full strength until you are ready to use them again.
It comes with a 5-year warranty and ensures a correct tethered attachment before supplying power. All float mode battery chargers automatically detect when not in use for extended periods and will go into standby mode to maximize your battery life.
Highlighted Features:
- It comes with a 5-year warranty
- ensures a correct tethered attachment before supplying power
- It's lightweight, so you can take it anywhere
- The battery will prolong the life of your valuable investments
- low risk of sparking
9. Solar Battery Tender 5-45W Automatic Controller
The Battery Tender Solar Controller is the perfect solution for charging your RV batteries while off-grid or on-grid. Featuring a small and compact design, you can mount it almost anywhere, while the anti-reverse polarity feature ensures safety.
This charge controller lets you use your existing solar panels as a solar charger with Battery Tender’s advanced Super Smart Charging Algorithm.
Battery Tender’s unique algorithm constantly monitors battery condition and uses pulse charging to keep your battery at its peak performance level while providing maintenance mode float when needed.
The small size and compact design allow you to mount it in any location easily. With its protection against reverse polarity, you don’t have to worry about safety.
The Solar Battery Tender is the perfect solution with its Usable input range between 5-45 Watts. Lastly, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty so that you can use it with confidence and peace of mind.
Highlighted Features:
- Small and compact design
- Usable input range between 5-45 Watts
- Protection from polarity reversal
- 3-year limited warranty
10. WP800 Waterproof Battery Tender Charger
Battery Tender SuperSmart Battery Charger features the latest technology. The WP800 Waterproof Battery Tender is a fully automatic, controlled, multi-stage battery charger and maintainer.
It constantly monitors battery voltage, charging rate, and temperature to ensure an optimum charge while keeping your RV batteries in top condition. It safely charges your battery quickly and maintains it at proper storage voltage without overcharging.
This unit comes complete with alligator clips for easy connection to the battery. Reversible polarity protection and short circuit protection are built-in for a safe and secure operation.
The Battery Tender Waterproof battery charger is ideal for all lead-acid, sealed maintenance free and gel cell batteries. AC Power cord is included in the package.
The WP800 Waterproof Battery Tender Charger is 10 times more efficient than ordinary RV battery chargers with voltage-boosting transformers.
It constantly monitors the battery voltage, charging rate, and temperature to deliver just the right amount of current.
Highlighted Features:
- It is an efficient battery charger
- It automatically maintains your batteries
- It can be plugged in anywhere to charge your batteries
- Alligator clips make connecting the charger a breeze
11. Battery Tender 022-0150-DL-WH Waterproof 800 Battery Charger
The Battery Tender 022-0150-DL-WH 12V 800 mA battery charger and maintainer is designed to work with all lead-acid, AGM, and gel batteries.
The unit is water-resistant and can be mounted in the vehicle or on/in a boat or RV exposed to weather elements.
When connected to the AC outlet, it will recharge and maintain the battery at 100% power indefinitely. Simply connect it to the outlet and don't worry about it.
An intelligent device that automatically maintains charge without any human intervention or external source of power being needed. Safe for anyone to use since there are no spark-proof connectors, polarity-reversal protection so you do not have to worry about hooking it up wrong.
12ft of cord for reaching hard-to-access battery compartments, ring terminal harness with alligator clips, and a 3-year Warranty. A lifetime of customer support is provided by the manufacturer.
Highlighted Features:
- Automatically charges and maintains the battery
- No spark-proof connectors or reverse polarity protected
- 12ft of cord for reaching hard-to-access battery compartments
- 3-year warranty
12. Battery Tender 5 Amp/2.5 AMP
The Battery Tender 5 AMP/2.5 AMP 12V Battery Charger is a fully automatic, controlled battery charger designed to charge lead-acid batteries used in vehicles, boats, RVs, and other applications.
The battery tender will maintain the batteries at proper storage voltage without overcharging. This convenient battery charger and maintainer is low-maintenance and mounts securely with the help of a built-in mount that can be placed in any position depending on what you need for your specific application.
Heavy-duty, industrial construction with an aluminum case that is shock and vibration resistant and weather resistant.
The Battery Tender requires no tools to connect or disconnect and features spark-proof technology for both lead connections and reversible polarity protection, ensuring a secure connection every time.
This deep cycle battery charger is compatible with all types of 12V batteries, including flood, gel cell, marine deep cycle, AGM basically any lead-acid type. In addition, the unit can be switched from 5 amps to 2.5 amps depending upon the requirements of the battery type.
Highlighted Features:
- Low maintenance
- Affordable
- Heavy-duty construction
- Durable
- weather-resistant design
Facts to Check While Buying Battery Tender for RV
There are many points to consider while buying a battery tender for an RV. We will talk about the best practices and tips that can be followed to get the best RV battery for your needs.
Type
The type of batteries installed in your coach is an important factor when thinking about which kinds of RV battery chargers you need to buy.
If the batteries aren't sealed then you'll want to buy a device with more amperage since they tend to discharge faster. Sealed batteries still require some maintenance, but you won't need as much power behind your battery tender for RV in order to get them charged and ready for use.
Most devices of this type come with several adapters included so that they can be used on many different types of batteries installed in RVs. If you're not sure whether or not one is included then check before making a purchase to avoid disappointment later on.
Power Source
This cannot be stressed enough. Before making a purchase, see if the battery you're buying is compatible with your power source. Some RVs have solar panels that can be used to charge batteries (either directly or via an inverter), whereas others plug into 110-volt outlets found in most campsites. It's important for customers to know whether they need 12-volt RV battery chargers, 24-volt units, or both before making their purchases.
Paying close attention to how often you use your RV (and therefore how often you will be needing a new battery tender for RV) and ensuring that you fully understand the manufacturer's warranty is critical when determining which product is right for your needs.
Automatic Float Mode
The float mode, also known as maintenance mode, will keep your batteries at 100% without draining or overcharging them. It's especially useful for the starter battery in the engine since it gets used more frequently than other parts of the coach.
Inverter Chargers
Inverter battery chargers are a great way to keep your batteries charged while on the go. Some of them have a power inverter built in to help you charge your laptops or other electronics. This is extremely useful for the entertainment system, TV and radio stations, and secondary battery banks.
Solar-Powered Charger
If your RV is not connected to a power supply permanently, then you will need a solar-powered battery charger for this job. You can use an inverter or a battery pack to store the power and then use it for charging. This process will allow the batteries to keep their charge even while you are away from home.
A battery tender should be used in conjunction with a solar-powered battery charger. It will ensure that the batteries do not get overcharged while they sit idle. It comes with alligator leads that can be easily connected to your battery terminals without any hassle.
Converter Charger
The most simple and effective way to maintain your RV battery is with a converter charger. This device has different modes that can be set depending on the type of battery you have.
Trickle Chargers
Trickle battery chargers are the most common methods of battery charging that have been used for many years. You simply plug them into a power source or an inverter and allow them to work their magic overnight.
These types of battery chargers can be used together to get rid of all of your problems related to batteries not holding charge in your RV. It's important to read the instructions carefully before using these devices in order to avoid any electrical hazards.
Vibration Absorption
The latest technology is being introduced in terms of vibration absorption equipment. These convenient products have been brought to market recently with the sole task of absorbing the vibrations from your RV generator to give you a battery that's always charged and ready for use.
Multi-state Charger
This type of battery charger allows you to charge the batteries in three different settings. The first mode is for charging, the second is for maintenance, and the third will maintain your batteries when they are fully charged. This ensures that the voltage isn't overcharged while keeping your battery at 100%.
Timer Mode
A timer can be used with any of the modes to set how long it should take to reach circulation. If you don't want to wake up with dead RV batteries then setting a timer so that it starts charging automatically before you wake up is always beneficial.
It's also helpful when getting ready in the mornings if your coach is hooked up to direct current (DC) appliances like laptops or lights since they may drain some life out of them throughout the night.
Single-State Charger
These RV battery chargers are only used for charging the batteries since they do not have any other functions. They are ideal if you need this one specific task, but they are generally less expensive than multi-state units that provide more functionality.
For those who are new to using battery tenders on their RVs, it's important to consult your owner's manual before making a purchase to ensure that you're buying something suitable for your RV. It should also be noted that these products have small parts so children should not be allowed around them during or after their use.
Voltage
You should find out what voltage you need before making a purchase since it's important to make sure that these devices are rated for the same voltage as your RV.
Frequency
When thinking about how often you will be using these battery tenders, think about whether or not your coach is used for overnight stays frequently.
If you use your coach daily, then it's best to buy something with an automatic mode so that it can cycle even while you're away. This ensures you don't come back to dead batteries and gives them more time to recharge themselves fully.
Charge Cycles
It's important to note that these devices have a limited number of times they can charge and maintain your batteries.
These numbers will vary depending upon the product so be sure to check with customer service if you're not sure how many cycles you will get from your battery tender for RV before making a purchase.
Amp
You'll want to find out how many amps you need in order to charge your devices attached to the battery.
RV Battery chargers that are over 10 amps may require a power inverter so that they're able to be plugged into your coach's electrical system when attached directly.
If this is the case, then it's best to pick up an inverter and a battery charger at the same time in order to save money and protect your batteries properly.
Battery Life
If you're looking for a long-term option, then buying an automatic device that is programmable may be the best way to go.
This ensures that your battery tender for RV will automatically cycle at night or when you're away so that your batteries are always maintained and ready to use.
It's also important to consider how often you'll be using it.
Ease of Use
This factor mostly applies to those who want something simple with no complicated buttons or modes since they usually require manual cycling rather than full automation with timers and electrical controls.
These types of units simply plug into the wall and maintain all batteries attached without any intervention on your end except checking them periodically throughout the day.
While this may not seem like much of a convenience, it does allow you to charge your batteries with no time or energy required on your end.
Durability
Another issue with battery tenders is the level of durability they have.
No one wants to spend money on a product that won't last or isn't built to stand up to use and tear over time, so it's best to find something that has excellent reviews and is known for its overall long-term usability and quality.
It should also be noted that this comes into play more when using products that do not have automatic features since you'll need to cycle them manually every time you bring your coach home.
The process of charging, maintaining, and cycling batteries can be tedious and annoying if you don't want to bother with it every day or aren't sure how often your coach will be moved during different parts of the year.
Price
Battery tenders aren't cheap, so research the product carefully to see if it's high quality or not before buying one rather than simply basing your decision off of price alone.
You'll get better value out of your money by spending more on something more durable rather than choosing something cheaper which breaks after a few uses.
Warranty
A warranty allows you to partially or completely replace your battery charger if there is something wrong with it within a certain time frame after purchase. Not all brands come with some type of warranty so make sure that this is important to you before buying one.
If it doesn't come with a warranty then you need to determine if the price is right for you. If it does come with some sort of warranty then check how long it will be in effect and what exactly that warranty covers before making your purchase.
FAQ's
1. How do Battery Maintainers Work?
Typically it will charge and then cycle the batteries so that they stay topped off and ready to go whenever you're ready to use them.
2. Why do Batteries have a Deep Cycle?
When you're using batteries for things like RV's or generators, they will get an intense amount of use.
This can cause them to "deep cycle" over time which leads to less overall life. It's important to maintain your batteries with battery tenders if you want them to last as long as possible instead of letting the deep cycling take its toll.
3. How Long does It Take to Charge a Deep Cycle Battery?
It depends on the deep cycle battery charger and how big it is, but generally speaking, you should expect to wait anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
4. Can You Use a Trickle Charger on an RV Battery?
Yes, as long as it has the right specs for your batteries.
These tenders are usually designed to be both automatic and durable so that you can use them with little maintenance on your end.
5. Can You Leave a Battery Tender on All the Time?
Yes, that is one of the main benefits of using a battery tender.
You can leave them plugged in without needing to worry about overcharging, overheating, or accidentally draining your batteries because they are designed for safety and convenience.
6. Can You Use a Trickle Charger on an RV Battery?
A trickle charger is the best way to maintain a battery when you don't plan on charging it for an extended period of time.
It's not ideal for vehicles since they are designed to charge your batteries continuously but they can be used on RV or marine batteries if needed.
7. Do Battery Yenders Work on Deep Cycle Batteries?
While trickle battery chargers don't work on deep cycle batteries, battery maintainers do. They use a low voltage to charge and maintain all types of lead-acid batteries, including deep-cycle ones.
8. What is the Difference Between a Battery Tender and a Battery Maintainer?
A battery tender is a charger that turns on when it senses that your battery needs charging. They are typically light-duty and have only a single charging mode since they plug in, sense power loss, charge the battery, and turn it off again.
A battery maintainer stays plugged in constantly to keep your batteries at full power without overcharging them. They usually come with a timer set for between 1-4 hours of charge time, depending on how much running time you need for appliances on your coach.
9. What AMP Charger is Best for Deep Cycle Batteries?
A deep cycle battery charger usually requires 10 amps of charging power to stay on the road. It's a good idea to get a battery charger that has a range of different charging amps from low to high so you can use it on different batteries.
Last Words
We hope this article helped to provide some guidance on the best battery tender for RV batteries.
Make sure that you check your battery's specifications before buying them to ensure that they are compatible with whatever device you choose. Follow the instructions that come with your maintainer to get it set up and plugged in safely.
Once you do, just let it do its job while staying in the back of your mind knowing that your valuable investment is being properly cared for so you can get on the road again quickly when need be.
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