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Keeping the Lights On While Off the Grid
For RVers who enjoy boondocking or camping off-grid, having enough power to run lights, appliances and electronics is essential. With no hookups to external power sources, everything must be powered by your RV's battery bank, generator or renewable sources like solar. Here are some tips for keeping the lights on and avoiding dead batteries when off-grid.
Audit Your Power Needs
First, take stock of how much power you typically use in a day/night. Consider:
- LED interior and exterior lighting
- Fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee maker, etc.
- Phones, laptops, TVs, gaming consoles
- Electric water pump, furnace fan, AC
Knowing your expected power draw will help size your off-grid power system.
Upgrade to Efficient LED Lighting
Replace any incandescent bulbs with LEDs to drastically cut lighting power needs. Other benefits of RV LED lights:
- Bright, white light
- Long lifespan - up to 50,000 hours
- Cool operation - low heat output
- Shatterproof durability
Maintain Your Battery Bank
Your RV's deep cycle batteries are the heart of off-grid power. To maximize their storage capacity and lifespan:
- Use appropriate battery charger settings
- Check water/fluid levels monthly (for wet cell batteries)
- Clean corrosion from terminals
- Avoid deeply discharging below 50%
- Replace batteries every 3-5 years
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Consider Solar Power
Adding solar panels and a charge controller lets you recharge your batteries directly from the sun. Benefits include:
- Silent, emissions-free power
- Reduced generator runtime
- Ability to boondock longer
- Lower long-term energy costs
Aim for 100-200 watts of solar per battery bank. MPPT charge controllers maximize solar efficiency.
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Get an Inverter for AC Power
An inverter converts DC power from your battery bank into 120V AC power to run appliances and electronics. There are two types:
| Modified Sine Wave | Pure Sine Wave |
|---|---|
| Cheaper, good for most uses | Higher quality, reduces noise in some devices |
Size your inverter for your expected loads. Go larger if planning to add more AC devices down the road.
Have a Backup Generator
A portable gas generator lets you quickly recharge batteries when solar can't keep up. Opt for an inverter generator for sensitive electronics. Take noise and emissions into account when camping near others.
By carefully managing your electrical usage, maintaining your battery bank, and using sources like solar and a generator, you can stay powered up away from shore power and enjoy off-grid adventures!
Powering Appliances on the Road
One of the best parts of RVing is bringing the comforts of home with you on the road. But running appliances off just your RV's battery bank brings some challenges. Here are practical tips for powering essential appliances while RVing.
Know Your Power Requirements
Before plugging in appliances, understand their electrical specs:
- Wattage - higher watts mean more power draw
- Voltage - may need 120V AC from inverter
- Amperage - higher amps mean larger required wiring
Compare these to your RV's electrical capabilities to prevent overloading the system.
Conserve Power for the Essentials
While dry camping, prioritize running vital appliances first:
- Refrigerator - can draw 3-4 amps per hour
- Furnace fan/AC - may need 20+ amps
- Water pump - draws 8-10 amps when running
- Lights/electronics - LEDs use minimal power
Delay laundry, hot water, microwave/coffeemaker use until you have shore power.
Use a Power Inverter
Most RV appliances require 120V AC power from shore power or a generator. A power inverter converts 12V DC from your battery into 120V AC. Get an inverter rated for 25-50% more than your appliance's wattage.
| Appliance | Power Needs |
| Mini fridge | 50-100 watts |
| Coffee maker | 600-1200 watts |
| Microwave | 1000-1500 watts |
Supplement with Solar Power
Adding 200-300 watts of solar panels and a charge controller can help recharge your batteries to run appliances off-grid. With a 60-100 amp hour battery bank, you can run a mini fridge for 10+ hours per day.
Use a Generator as Backup
A 2000-3000 watt portable generator lets you safely run higher-draw appliances when your batteries run low. Just be courteous of noise if camping near others. An inverter generator produces cleaner power.
Track Your Power Usage
Use a monitor system to see real-time battery charge levels and amps used. This helps prevent unexpectedly draining your battery while running appliances on the road.
With some electrical planning and power conservation, you can cook meals, keep food cold, and enjoy the conveniences of home while off the grid in your RV.
Charging Devices While Camping
When camping in an RV, tent, or cabin, keeping phones, laptops, tablets and other electronics charged can be a challenge without shore power. Luckily, there are multiple effective ways to charge devices when off-grid.
Use Your Vehicle
Outfit your tow vehicle or RV with a 12V power port or USB adapter to charge directly from the vehicle battery when driving. Just be sure to run the engine periodically to top up the battery.
Portable Power Stations
These bring the power of an outlet with you camping. Features include:
- Power capacity ranging from 160-1500Wh
- AC outlets, USB ports, 12V car port
- Rechargeable via solar, wall outlet, car
- Highly portable size and weight
Solar Chargers
Small solar panels and chargers use the sun's energy to charge devices. Benefits:
- Ultralight - easy to pack and carry
- Durable and water-resistant
- Can charge a phone in 2-3 hours of good sun
- Affordable option under $50
Battery Packs
Portable USB battery packs range from 6000mAh to over 20,000mAh capacity. At around 2 smartphone charges per 10,000mAh, they offer multiple device charges.
RV/Camper Solar Kits
Install solar panels on your RV roof or purchase portable panels to set up at your campsite and charge devices all day. Kits start around $150.
Charge During Driving
Use your tow vehicle or RV alternator to charge laptops, tablets, and smartphones when driving between campsites or into town.
Propane Generators
A small 1000-2000 watt generator can power charging stations at your campsite for several hours on a small propane canister. Convenient option when camping remotely.
With a range of charging solutions available, you can stay powered up to run phones, GPS devices, cameras, laptops and other electronics off-grid while enjoying the outdoors.
Installing Backup Power Systems
Having a backup source of power can be critical for RVs when shore power is unavailable and batteries run low. Backup systems help keep essential lights, appliances, and electronics running.
Portable Generators
Gas-powered portable generators are a popular backup option. Points to consider:
- 2,000-5,000 watt output for RV use
- Inverter generator for sensitive electronics
- Outdoor use only, far from open windows (carbon monoxide)
- Follow manufacturer's fuel recommendations
Installing a Generator
For a more permanent backup, install an LP or diesel fueled generator:
- Hard-wired into RV electrical system
- Fuel source from RV's LP tank or separate diesel tank
- Emits exhaust away from RV interior
- Automatic or manual start options
- Typically costs $3,000-6,000 with professional installation
Solar System
Solar panels and charge controllers can recharge RV batteries using clean, renewable solar energy:
- 100-400 watts of solar panels for RV use
- Roof, ground mount or portable setups
- MPPT charge controllers are most efficient
- Can install yourself or hire an RV technician
Backup Batteries
Extra 12V deep cycle batteries increase storage capacity. Ideal for off-grid dry camping:
- 1-3 additional batteries
- Wire in parallel with existing batteries
- Use same battery type/brand as originals
- May require heavier-duty inverter
Battery Monitoring System
Monitor amp hours used and battery state of charge. Alerts for low voltage prevent dead batteries.
Having reliable backup power improves RV independence and lets you enjoy more off-grid adventures!
12V Camper Wiring Diagram
Here is a summary of the information found in the search results for a 12V camper wiring diagram:
Based on the search results, it appears that there are several resources available for those looking for a 12V camper wiring diagram. These resources include interactive wiring diagrams, articles, and tutorials. Additionally, Keystone RV has an exclusive color-coded 12V wiring standard that is different from conventional RV wiring and is better for both owners and service technicians.
Camper Wiring Diagram Manual
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Based on the search results, it appears that there are several resources available for those looking for a camper wiring diagram manual. These resources include interactive wiring diagrams, forums, guides, and video tutorials. By exploring these resources, users can find the information they need to design and install their own DIY electrical system in their camper van conversion.
