Your RV batteries need to stay at 100% state of charge when they're not active, or else their internal components harden and stop conducting electricity.
Some lithium manufacturers produce drop-in replacements for RV batteries. You'll disconnect the old battery at the terminals, remove the old battery, and connect the new lithium battery. However, you may need to ensure any chargers are compatible with lithium.
Are RV lithium batteries safe?
Lithium battery technologies have drastically improved, and RV lithium batteries have become safer. Manufacturers often install a built-in battery management system (BMS) that monitors the status of the battery. It can shut the battery down if the temperature, voltage, or current reach unsafe parameters.
What are RV lithium batteries?
RV lithium batteries are rechargeable 12-volt batteries that have become a popular alternative to lead-acid batteries, particularly for RVers who spend a lot of time off the grid and/or who use solar power. RV lithium batteries are based on a newer, more efficient lithium-ion technology known as lithium iron phosphate (or LiFePO4 for short).
Do RV batteries need to be recharged?
Normally, you don't need to worry about this. The alternator will recharge the house batteries as you drive, if you leave the RV battery disconnect switch on. Visit any location where Interstate is sold to get an accurate battery analysis. They can even test a whole battery bank and pinpoint weak batteries before they fail.
Do RV batteries discharge themselves?
All batteries, lithium to lead-acid to alkaline, discharge themselves. It's a slow process. It speeds up if they're connected to a circuit that uses any power at all. That includes any 12-volt appliances in your RV and the operating controls for your 110-volt appliances such as the fridge and air conditioning.
It ain't pretty, in any event. Many of the lithium battery manufacturers recommend simply charging them up to between 50% and 100%, disconnecting them from your RV electrical system via the battery ON/OFF switch, and leaving them alone. And many Lithium manufacturers don't recommend using a maintenance charger in storage, but some will allow it.