Taking the time to maintain the house batteries will help save you money in the long run. Once you get into the habit of regular maintenance, house batteries can last from five to seven years.

The battery bank is generally located in an outside storage compartment of the RV. This compartment should be regularly cleaned. Remove grime from the battery cases and cables. Use a wire brush to remove corrosion build up. Apply a protector or sealer designed for batteries to waterproof and safeguard the cables and connections against corrosion. These spray-on treatments are available at most auto part stores. If the battery compartment includes slide out trays, occasionally lubricate the tray using lithium grease.

There are a couple of different type batteries used in the motorhome. Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) and Gel Cell batteries are sealed in a closed case. Liquid Lead Acid (LLA) batteries are designed with cells that are accessed through removable caps on top of the battery. Water inside these cells evaporate over time, requiring frequent inspection of each cell and refills as needed using only distilled water. The cells in LLA batteries should be filled above the plates, but below the well to allow for heat expansion. Plan on refilling the battery cells no less than once per month, more often if the batteries are frequently used or outdoor temperatures are high.

Keeping track of battery charge can be done at the monitor panel or through the Aladdin system. Allowing the batteries to fall below 50% state of charge will weaken the batteries and reduce their ability to recover a full charge. Plan to recharge the batteries when state of charge reaches 60%. Invest the sixty or so dollars for a quality battery hydrometer that will allow you to test the electrolyte content of each individual cell. Hydrometers designed with floating balls may cost less, but the results are usually just a general estimate rather than accuracy.

Start off with fully charged batteries, and the plates in LLA batteries covered with distilled water. If outdoor temperatures are hot, open the battery compartment when you arrive at the destination to provide some airflow. When dry camping without shore power hookups, use electricity conservatively. Operate appliances and components in sequence, engaging the inverter when necessary to operate larger electronics. Run the generator when electrical use is at a premium, during meal times or while getting ready for the day. Charge batteries using the generator. Keep in mind that while the generator is charging, electrical loads currently running will compete with the house batteries for the power supply. Operating the generator for two hours in the morning, and again for two hours in the evening, is good for the generator motor and will help to keep the house batteries adequately charged.

When one battery in a bank goes bad, it is recommended that you replace the whole bank to prevent used batteries from quickly draining one that is new.