Portable Power Stations for Camping:
It’s time to make your camping adventure shine!
To most of us, camping is always a refreshing experience. There’s something about outdoor adventures that just makes more and more people choose it as a lifestyle. There are a lot of nature lovers out there who are looking for ways to make their time outdoors even more enjoyable, and that is exactly why Recreational Vehicles (known as RVs) are now more popular than ever before.
If you are an RV owner, like everybody else, you must be looking for ways to equip your RV and become a better camper. And above all else, there is one thing that every camper desperately needs while they are off-the-grid: Electricity.
Whether it’s to charge your phone or run a light, you can’t get by without it. So, you must be asking: How can I power my RV without access to electricity?
This is the point where Power Supplies come into play. Of course, you too might have heard a lot about them.
But what is a power supply?
A portable power supply is an outdoor electricity storage system that makes it easier to spend time in nature without having to worry about your RV's battery life or having enough supplies to stay longer than anticipated. In other words, a power supply gives you electricity while you are off-the-grid. It can be vital for campers because no electricity means no electronic devices, no light, no heating or cooling, and of course, very limited cooking options.
What power supplies can an RV owner use?
Let's take a look at the less suitable options first. There are all kinds of off-grid power resources, such as gas generators, that may not be so popular because of the excessive noise and pollution they create around your camping environment.
Then come the solar panels, which are known for being clean and environmentally friendly. But these panels work only under a sunny sky, and that would limit your options of choosing the best camping site! In most cases and different weather conditions, solar panels might not be so feasible, fast charging, or cost-efficient. Not to mention that they can usually power small appliances only and they don't have enough juice for larger items.
The list goes on with pedal generators (that clearly need exercise!), car batteries (requiring a converter), and a lot more, each coming with a problem big enough to make your camping experience turn sour!
See Also: Electric Scooters vs E-Bikes
So how do I get power to my RV without trouble?
Portable Power Stations, the best electricity supply for RV owners!
Out of all the options, power stations are by far the best option for RV travellers and campers.
But what exactly is a portable power station?
It is a battery-based power supply that offers multiple ports for you to keep your devices charged or running simultaneously. It is a great way to ensure that you have access to electricity on the go.
No matter where you are, you're going to need a portable power station to keep your camping equipment and electronic devices going. This includes your phone, laptop, camera, light, air conditioning, stove, and even your electric bike! If chosen correctly, a power station will always do the trick!
Why do I need a power station?
Just to make it clear, here I’m going to list Top 5 Reasons Why Every RV Owner Needs a Portable Power Station:
1. Power Stations are quiet!
Who doesn’t like the silence in nature? Once you spice up your adventure with a Portable Power Station, you can enjoy the natural sounds of your surroundings without being interrupted by the high-pitched whirring of a fuel-based generator (some of which are loud enough to wake the dead!). These power packs operate quietly and efficiently in natural settings or on your camping trips.
2. Super Convenient!
Of course, power stations come in all shapes and sizes, but what they all have in common is that they are small, lightweight, and easy to carry around, even in the most remote areas. In fact, it would be great to know that some of them are small enough to fit in your backpack! And, of course, they don't need any setup, unlike other power generators such as solar panels.
3. Simultaneous Charging
If you take a look at a Power Station, you will probably find multiple ports on it. These ports can be used at the same time, so you don’t have to worry about unplugging one device just to plug in another. This is especially great for families or friends who travel and camp together or even for those who always carry lots of gadgets and camping tools with them.
4. Eco-friendly
As a camper, you are most probably passionate about nature, and one good reason why you go camping is to enjoy the freshness of the woods. In that case, it would be totally wise to choose a battery-based power station over a fuel-based generator. Power stations are non-polluting and they keep the air in your camping area safe to breathe. And - although not as much as solar panels - power stations are kind of green.
5. Safe to Use
Even though power stations can store a lot of power and in some cases generate heat, they are unlikely to end up with flames or sparks. Of course, just like all other battery-based devices, power stations also require care and specific precautions. But overall, you can consider them among the safe power supplies that can be used in RVs where families and children stay.
But what if my RV has outlets?
Most probably, you still need the power station because:
1. There’s never enough ports!
Well, you love your RV, you really do. But there are some things about it that just aren’t ideal. For example, the number of outlets and the spots in your RV where these outlets are installed. Sure enough, nobody likes having to sit next to their RV sink while using their phone plugged in!
Of course, outlets in RVs can be a lifesaver at some point, but usually, RV owners agree that the ports are hardly enough, especially if they travel or camp in groups or if they are "gadget lovers" who carry quite a number of devices with them.
2. You cannot go out!
Even if you have multiple ports in your RV, you will still be bound to stay inside to manage all that plugging and recharging. A portable power station gives you the freedom and flexibility to move around outside your RV and explore the great outdoors. After all, that is the very reason you hit the road!
See Also: Electric Bike Maintenance
Can a portable power station run an air conditioner?
The answer is YES. Some portable power stations are capable of handling almost everything in an RV - everything that you feel like having around while you are on the go, such as a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, hair dryer, and best of all, an air conditioner.
For example:
- Zendure Superbase Pro2000
- AMPEX 1500 and 2000 series
- Bluetti AC200 Max
are some of the models that can easily keep your air conditioner running for a few hours at 1400 watts. Not to mention that for smaller fans and air conditioners, they can keep going for even longer hours.
But at the end of the day, it all comes down to the wattage that your devices are draining. Remember that as long as you keep track of the wattage usage, you will hardly be in trouble with the unexpected.
How do I choose the best power station for camping?
There are plenty of power stations out there, and the ball is in your court. But before you jump into buying the most expensive or the biggest power station in the market, there are a few things you need to ask yourself. Most probably, you are not going to need exactly the same power pack as the RV owner next door!
First, you’ll want to think about the size. Consider how much space you have in your RV. Portable power stations come in all shapes and sizes - from tiny boxes that fit into a backpack to large canisters that take up most of a room. But even if you decide on the size, we still suggest that you stay on the fence! There are more factors to consider.
Next up is weight. It is usually best for RV owners and campers to look for a power station that is light enough to carry around with you but heavy enough to provide ample power - but not too heavy. Obviously, you don’t want to be lugging around something that weighs a ton just because it can hold more energy!
Next up is capacity. Portable power stations come with different levels of power, so you can get one that fits your needs.
- What kind of appliances do you plan on using while camping?
- Do they require a lot of power?
- Are they heavy-duty appliances like ovens or refrigerators?
- How many times will the power pack charge your phone before needing to be recharged itself?
- How much juice will it give back at once?
You’ll want to make sure that whatever battery pack you choose, it should handle what you need it for without running out in the middle of cooking dinner or washing clothes!
Finally: price! You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a battery pack if all you need is something simple like an extra phone charger or two. But if your family needs lots of power during their trip and they have lots of heavy-duty electronics they plan on using while camping, you will have to go for the pricier power station.
For example, the Bluetti EB Series power stations are among the affordable models in the lower power capacity range (700Wh to 1500Wh). Prices might range from $800 to $1500. In the more powerful higher capacity range, the Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 power station provides the best value for money with a capacity of 2096Wh, 14 output ports, and industrial-grade wheels. The Superbase Pro costs only $2,000, while similar models by other brands are typically priced between $2,500 and $3,500.
Whatever it is, make sure that the cost of your portable power station matches its quality and capabilities. Simply put, if an item has more features than another item at the same price point, go with the one with more features!
Overall, for a camping enthusiast, a power station gives additional control over their surroundings as it allows for greater versatility and mobility in any situation.
If you like to go camping, especially with your RV, having a portable power station can offer you much-needed peace of mind and numerous convenient benefits as well. Just make sure that you choose the right one for your needs, and you can rest easily knowing that you’ll always have power waiting for you when you need it most.
Top Reasons Every RV Owner Needs Portable Power Stations