I think a MAJOR deciding factor between "maintenance required" vs "maintenance free" is the location/ease of access to the batteries.
My class C has the classic battery compartment under the entry steps. I open the top step, and there they are... nothing to move - easy as pie.
That "ease of access" can make a huge difference in how difficult adding water is. If my batteries were in a cumbersome area, there is NO DOUBT I would invest in maintenance free. But where they are, I don't need anything more than my trusty plastic "turkey syringe", and 5 minutes of time to give them a shot of water every so often.
I would LOVE to have AFFORDABLE lithium batteries... but in my case, a maintenance free lead acid type makes more sense... with the "cold weather" charging issues of lithium, I'll stick with old school until those issues are resolved. Otherwise, a lithium battery (for me) IS NOT a "maintenance free" option.
__________________
|