Most people are aware that automotive batteries are used to power starting, lighting and ignition (SLI), but some vehicles — including Recreational Vehicles (RVs) — also rely on batteries to power onboard equipment, accessories and devices. Cranking the battery powers the starter motor to enable the engine in the RV to turn over, but starting batteries are easily run down and rely on an engine’s alternator to restore the charge. The RV also needs auxiliary power to support house loads, which include appliances and electronic devices — components including climate controls, entertainment systems, stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, GPS and cell phone chargers.

That’s a lot to ask of a 12-volt DC battery system.

Add to that, many RV enthusiasts spend significant time boondocking (without a grid connection), sometimes in remote or difficult to access locations. It’s times like these where dependence on batteries is high — and durable, reliable batteries really earn their keep. Additionally, RVs that are driven only seasonally or occasionally also must run after being idle — and often unmaintained — for a significant amount of time.

These demands justify a premium product with greater power that also dependably supports house loads, especially when traveling in remote locations. Auxiliary power for house loads requires deep-cycling capability to provide a low, but sustained, current with intense discharges that would deplete a starting battery.

Dual-purpose batteries can produce both the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) needed to start the engine and the longer and lower discharge rates that are needed for house loads. Most dual-purpose batteries use Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology, in which thin and absorbent fiberglass separators are saturated in electrolyte and compressed tightly between the battery’s positive and negative plates. AGM batteries are sealed to make them leak- and spill-proof, as well as virtually maintenance-free, as they do not require watering or changing.

An advancement in AGM batteries is Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, found in ODYSSEY® batteries from EnerSys®. Thinner plates enable more to fit inside the battery case to provide at least 15% more surface area for the electrolyte to react with, resulting in twice the overall power and three times the life of conventional batteries. Dual-purpose ODYSSEY® batteries produce engine cranking pulses up to 3,125 amps for 5 seconds and deep-cycling up to 400 cycles at 80% Depth of Discharge (DOD) to support house loads. Capable of operating at temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C), TPPL technology enables ODYSSEY® batteries to provide dual-purpose service: CCA needed to start the engine dependably and deep-cycling reserve power — even when the engine is not running.

ODYSSEY® batteries for RVs can get campers to their destinations safely and reliably, even after long periods of storage. Their deep-cycling power also enables the comfort and convenience of the RV’s accessories and systems — especially when there is no grid connection. The dual-purpose capability provides campers with dependable starting and house load service.

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