OffGridEssential - OGE Home

Ever wonder "How do campers get power?" You're not alone, from the battery to solar and gas, let's talk about how campers get power on and off the grid. How Do Campers Get Power: Both On-Grid and Off-Grid Ever wonder how RV travelers access their basic utilities while traveling on the road or even more so off grid away from society? Whether running an Air Conditioning, cooking or taking showers, it will require power (and water). Some RV’s have basic power sources like the battery and propane tanks, while some others are equipped with generators, power inverters and solar panels for uninterrupted electricity. So, how do campers get power? Let's take a dive in and look at how do campers get power. Types of RV Power Sources Typically, an RV has two different electrical systems each separate from one another, a Direct Current (DC) system of 12-volt, and an Alternating Current (AC) system of 120-volt. The DC electrical system uses a 12-volt battery that powers most of the basics in the RV, things like lights, the water heater, water pump, carbon monoxide detector, and the refrigerator. The 120-volt AC electrical system derives its power from the RVs generator or fixed campground power hookup and serves power for running daily utilities like kitchen appliances, TV, and other electrical appliances that need larger power. Batteries Every RV has either a battery or a series of batteries installed for providing a source of power in the absence of an external power source. Most RV’s will come factory with a Deep Cycle Battery. Deep cycle batteries can run the electronic equipment that uses low power, things like the lights, and even some small appliances. These batteries can be charged through an external power source connected to the RV, which includes things like generators, your truck (or towing vehicle), and solar panels. One of the biggest drawbacks to this involves their performance, which as you know is good…..but not enough. Battery power is incapable of running the air conditioner and can drain quickly if you run the Refrigerator or Heater over any reasonable amount of time. Additionally, batteries require decent maintenance to keep them up and running and have to be replaced from time to time. Manufactured with thick absorbent glass mat (AGM) separators and advanced valve regulated technology, Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Batteries save you from acid leakage and frequent maintenance.~~~[Excellent Discharge Performance] Proprietary quinary alloy plates and specially treated plate grids enable low internal resistance and high discharge currents of up to 10 times the battery rated capacity.~~~[Long Shelf Life] Made of high purity materials, Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Batteries reduce the monthly self-discharge rate below 3% at 77℉ (25℃), which is 5 times lower than their flooded counterparts .~~~[Wide Operation Temperature Range] Improved electrolyte formula ensures stable battery capacity and outstanding discharge performance at low temperatures below 32℉ (0℃).~~~Length of Cycle services is significantly affected by depth for discharge (primarily), along with ambient temperature, discharge Rate, and the way the battery is recharged.~~~NOTE: We highly recommend installing the battery upright. It is allowed to install the battery on its side only if there are special reasons for doing so. DO NOT install the battery upside down." btn-color="#ff9900" btn-text="Buy on Amazon" alignment="alignnone" hide-prime="0" hide-image="0" hide-price="1" hide-button="0" width="750"]Renogy Deep Cycle Agm Battery 12 Volt 200AH for RV, Solar, Marine, and Off-Grid Applications, Gray Buy on Amazon Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. On Grid Options When you connect your RV to an on-grid dedicated AC power supply, you are connecting to a power supply of either 30 or 50 amps. Once connected, running all your appliances, including Air Conditioning, heaters and Microwaves will run without issue. The downside to direct 30/50 amp power is generally that it is tethered to your home or a developed campsite. While campsites can be a nice break from boondocking, many that love the off-grid lifestyle tend to shy away from spending any real-time at a campground and look forward to remote living off-grid. Off-Grid Options Generators Generators provide a 120-volt option in a portable “off-grid” option. Essentially, the generator is the grid….. Although, they don’t provide as much electricity as the direct power option because they have limited supplies of the source energy. Generator electricity is measured in watts rather than amps, and a small RV can do well with a 2000-3000W generator. Most of the RVs will need a 3500W or greater generator for running big appliances like air conditioners and microwaves. Generators cannot be used indoors as they produce carbon monoxide gas and you can rarely find space where you can run it so that the noise won’t disturb anyone. Gasoline Generators Gasoline generators are a trusted source for dependable, strong electricity supply to your RV. Most well-equipped gasoline generators can be purchased for under $1000 and will provide roughly 5,000 Watts for that price point. A major drawback to gasoline generators comes in two forms: Size/Weight and well, needing gas. A quality gas generator running the needed 3500+ Watts will be heavy, likely over 100 pounds, and take up around a 3x3ft space. This generator below is great. Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator 3700 Rated & 4500 Peak Watts, Gas Powered, Electric Start, RV Ready, CARB Compliant 3700 Rated Watts and 4500 Peak Watts at Less Than 3% THD – Telescoping Handle – Gas Powered – Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready Tt-30R 30 Amp Outlet and Two USB Outlets – Great Choice for Travel Trailers or Home Use – Strong Enough to Run All Your Essentials Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power Output, Remaining Run Time, Voltage Output, and Lifetime Hours Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise Output and Up to 18 Hour Run Time on a 3. 4 Gallon Gas Tank – Features “Economy Mode” for Maximum Fuel Efficie Buy on Amazon Solar Generators / Power Banks: As of 2020, the outdoors industry has seen a huge spike in camping related to All electric power banks. Companies like Goal Zero, Bluetti, and Jackery have been dominating the Solar Power Bank industry. These devices can be charged by solar panels giving the consumer essentially an endless power supply (dependent on weather). With power banks, there is no need for an electrical outlet or a gas can. A major disadvantage to Solar Generators is that they lack the ability to maintain amperage and wattage output to charge larger appliances such as AC. So, if it's a really hot day, I wouldn't expect your Solar Generator to power your AC for long if at all. However, if you don't need AC, Solar Generators are an excellent option. : Solar Generator 1000 is composed of Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 and 2 packs Solar Panel SolarSaga 100W that aims to developing green, quiet and convenient energy solutions.~~~[2000W SURGE WATTAGE SOLAR GENERATOR 1000]: With 1000W running wattage, 2000W surge wattage and larger 1002Wh capacity, it features 3 PURE SINE WAVE AC outlets, 2*USB-C and 1*Quick Charge 3.0 port can charge all your appliances like refrigerator and coffee maker.The SolarSaga 100W features 1*USB-A port and 1*USB-C port.~~~[GREEN, QUIET，EASY TO USE]: Solar Generator 1000 is green for getting solar power without zero emission and nearly silent when in operation. Simply connect the solar panels to the power station, you can enjoy reliable power when you go RV camping or fishing.~~~[FAST SOLAR RECHARGING]:With MPPT controller, Solar Generator 1000 can get the maximum efficiency while solar recharging.You can also use other convenient recharging ways with wall outlet and car outlet.~~~[WHAT YOU GET]: 1* Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station, 2*SolarSaga 100W, 2 year warranty, 1*AC Adapter, 1* Car Charger Cable, 1*SolarSaga Parallel Adapter, 2* user gui" btn-color="#ff9900" btn-text="Buy on Amazon" alignment="alignnone" hide-prime="0" hide-image="0" hide-price="1" hide-button="0" width="750"]Jackery Solar Generator 1000, 1002Wh Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 and SolarSaga 100W with 3x110V/1000W AC Outlets, Solar Mobile Lithium Battery Pack for Outdoor RV/Van Camping, Emergency Buy on Amazon Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Solar panels Everyone loves the idea of Solar Power (and for good reason), however, we need to remember that renewable energy sources like solar power are designed not to provide on-demand power, but to charge the existing power banks (batteries). Solar Panels generate direct current rather than the alternating current which you get from generators or direct power. Essentially, you will be limited by the power your battery will produce. On the other hand, you can keep the battery running on for several hours by recharging them via solar panels without the need for powering them from a grid. The only disadvantage in using solar power is that you can’t get anything running from the current source of the panel and must rely on the battery system. Additionally, the output wattage of solar panels will not power (in most cases) high amperage appliances like Air Conditioning and Microwaves. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel, Compact Design 42.2 X 19.6 X 1.38 in, High Efficiency Module PV Power for Battery Charging Boat, Caravan, RV and Any Other Off Grid Applications 【Reliable】Advanced encapsulation material with multi-layered sheet laminations enhance cell performance and provide a long service life. 【Durable】 positive output tolerance (0-3%); withstands high winds (2400Pa) and snow loads (5400Pa). 【Versatile】Use it for your RV when camping, or during beach trips with the family, either way this monocrystalline panel provides you with the most efficiency per space.Maximum Series Fuse Rating: 15A 【Installation Ready】Pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel allow for fast mounting and securing. Pre-drilled holes included for grounding. Compatible with different Renogy mounting systems such as Z-Brackets, Pole Mounts and Tilt Mounts. 【Warranty 】25-year transferable power output ; 5-year material and workmanshi Buy on Amazon Propane Power Many systems on your RV are already designed to run on propane. Appliances and systems like the refrigerator and heater run on a combo of propane and battery. Propane tanks can be useful for people where there are no hookups available. The price to refill a propane tank is around $3 per gallon. Propane gas can run almost all the electronic appliances in your RV. There aren't many disadvantages to running propane, it's cheap, readily available and many of your systems can run on it. Additionally, many power generators can run on either gas or propane, these are referred to as “Dual Fuel” Generators and can be a great option for converting propane into 120v power sources that can run your AC on a hot day. How Much Power Does An RV Need? Exact power amounts will vary from RV to RV as they depend on the appliances that are being used and the size of the units. You should take into consideration how each appliance can use power and what power options you will have. Generally, every appliance will need more starting watts and then a lower sustained running watts. For Example, a standard 13,500 BTU Dometic AC unit in an RV will need about 2700 watts to start the unit and need to maintain 2200 watts to run the unit at standard output. Additionally, an RV refrigerator will need around 600 watts to start and need 180 watts for smooth running. Conclusion Overall, the type of auxiliary power supply you will need will vary depending on the size, nature, and frequency of your activities. Regardless of your personal goals, there are lots of options out there for you. Nonetheless, you now know the answer when someone asks you "How do campers get power?" If you're needing a little inspiration for your next trip, check this advice out here.

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