RV boondocking is a fantastic way to experience many of the amenities of a campground without the crowds or bothersome fees, whether you’re trying to save money on campgrounds, chasing breathtaking views, or searching for a camping area with a little more privacy. The precise equipment you need to boondock successfully will depend on your chosen destination, length of stay, and preferred appliances and devices. A strong off-grid power system will provide you the freedom and security to camp anywhere, regardless of your preferred camping location!
RV boondocking: what is it?
Full water, electrical, and sewer hookups are available at many well-known campgrounds, but they come at the expense of some solitude. Campsites are completely booked for a large portion of the spring, summer, and fall due to the growing popularity of RV camping. This entails setting up camp a few feet from your neighbors, putting up with increased noise during “quiet hours,” and possibly having your views blocked.
While some RVers are willing to put up with these small annoyances in order to enjoy the convenience of connections, many RVers are opting to boondock instead. The camping practice known as “boondocking” usually entails setting up an RV on public property.
The amount of space available for camping is greatly increased by the decision to boondock, even on occasion. It also gives you more freedom while traveling because you don’t have to make bookings or reserve a location in advance. Boondocking gives campers the opportunity to select a location that is far from nearby residents and offers breathtaking vistas, allowing them to fully experience nature.
Boondocking’s primary drawback in the past was the requirement for completely independent trash disposal, electricity, and water supplies. Campers could only boondock for a night or two before running out of supplies if they wanted to keep using the amenities and appliances in their RVs. Campers may now boondock for longer periods of time without worrying about running out of resources thanks to recent technology advancements. We think that the ideal kind of camping is off-grid boondocking.
Five Steps to Design the Ideal Power System for RV Boondocking
Varying electrical systems are needed for varying power loads, depending on your boondocking style. There is a power system that will meet your demands, whether you wish to live in your RV like you would in a stationary house or keep things simple. Let’s get started on designing the ideal RV boondocking power system with these considerations in mind.
Step 1: carry out an electrical audit.
You can determine how much electricity you’ll require and where you may save energy to prolong your off-grid period by doing an audit.
The size of your electrical system is a crucial factor to take into account while performing an electrical audit for boondocking. You can confirm the maximum power your electrical system can manage by finding out if your service is 30 or 50 amps. You can use this knowledge to precisely identify the equipment and gadgets you can use when living off the grid.
Sort the things you need to power according to your findings and the power supply you have. Finding energy-saving opportunities is a crucial component of an electrical audit. While doing this, consider reducing unnecessary power use, replacing inefficient equipment with energy-efficient ones, and switching from incandescent to LED lights.
By doing this, you may prolong the life of the energy stored in your battery and keep your electrical system from running out of power too soon. All things considered, by figuring out your electrical requirements, your maximum power supply, and energy-saving techniques, you can maximize your time off the grid.
An energy audit is usually carried out using two techniques. The first entails manually figuring out how much energy each device you want to use will take and then adding up all of your calculations. The second approach tracks the average power use over the course of the day using a battery monitor. Both will assist you in figuring out exactly how much electricity your RV will need, however the latter approach is simpler.
Step 2: Calculate Your Requirement for Battery Power
The next step after completing an energy audit is to inventory the electrical system on your rig. Off-grid systems have historically been powered by lead-acid batteries, which are still commonly used in RVs because of their low cost. However, lead-acid batteries need to be maintained frequently to ensure optimum operation, are heavy, and have short lifespans.
Making the conversion to lithium batteries can be crucial while boondocking. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries are 1/5 lighter, 2-3 times more powerful, and have a 10-fold longer lifespan. They also deliver a 100% depth of discharge, require little to no maintenance, and are secure enough to be installed anyplace in your RV.
It is essential to determine your daily power use when sizing a power system. This entails figuring out how long you intend to use each appliance and piece of electronics each day and taking the power consumption for each one you identified during your energy audit. The Maxworld Power Battery Calculator lets you enter these numbers and receive a suggested amp-hour capacity depending on the particular requirements of your system, even if this may involve some intricate computations.
Step 3: Include the Required Inverter Charger Components
Inverter chargers have two purposes. They start by charging your batteries using electricity from your shore power, generator, or solar panels. They then transform the batteries’ DC (direct current) power into the AC (alternating current) power needed by home appliances. Although solar panels and batteries are essential components of your electrical system, an inverter charger is required to guarantee that you have enough power for a variety of devices and appliances.
Charger for Converters
Because it transforms AC voltage into DC voltage, a converter differs from an inverter. Household appliances typically run on AC power, while electrical components in an RV typically work on DC power. By distributing the DC power to the onboard electrical components, a converter charger makes it possible to charge from an AC power source, such as shore power or a generator.
Manager of Battery Isolation (BIM)
In 12V systems, a BIM is just necessary for alternator charging. If your system uses three or more batteries, we advise using a BIM. During the charge cycle, the BIM is intended to deliver a maximum current of 225 amps from the alternator to the batteries.
Guardian for Batteries
12V power systems are designated for a battery protector. By detecting the voltages of the coach or auxiliary batteries, they enable you to remotely disconnect the car from the battery.
Solar Panels
To extend your boondocking travels and use renewable energy sources, solar panels are a must. To recharge your batteries, they use photovoltaic cells to absorb solar energy and transfer it to your electrical system. Many RVers may do away with the need for a generator by employing more solar panels, which makes boondocking journeys more tranquil and quiet.
Controller for Solar Charging
As a current or voltage controller, solar charge controllers control how much energy is sent from your solar array to your battery bank. They serve as a one-way gate to stop reverse power flow, which could otherwise deplete the batteries, and guarantee that the solar array’s power is sufficiently focused on charging the battery bank. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) are the two primary varieties of solar charge controllers.
Battery Tracker
A useful tool for keeping an eye on your battery system is a battery monitor. They give you useful information, including the total amp-hours used and the amount of power you have left.
Charger from DC to DC
Lithium-ion battery charging through your car’s alternator and starting battery is made easy with DC to DC chargers. When not in use, they segregate the coach and chassis batteries and offer a quick and intelligent charge.
Step 4: Determine Whether You Want to Boondock in the Winter
A couple in the snow, enjoying a fire outside their RV
For a safe and comfortable boondocking experience in cold weather, extra planning and preparation are needed. Maintaining the warmth of your camper or RV requires proper insulation, particularly during periods of high nighttime temperatures. This entails insulating exposed pipes or tanks as well as adding more insulation to the walls and floors. A successful boondocking experience depends on insulation, which keeps your living area warm and stops heat loss.
For cold-weather boondocking, a dependable heating system is another crucial element. Your home can be made warmer with a wood-burning fire or a portable electric heater. Outside the rig, solo stoves are fantastic choices. Roasting marshmallows over a campfire while watching the snow fall is a favorite pastime of all.
A pro tip! Before you drive, check that your heating system is operating properly. In addition, a backup heating system is a smart option in case of an unplanned fuel shortage or malfunction.
In chilly weather, purchasing warm bedding is essential for a restful night’s sleep. Think about getting a sleeping bag or down comforter that is rated for chilly climates. To keep your living area warm and comfortable, use thermal blankets or drapes to keep out drafts. Having snow removal tools, even something as basic as a shovel, is essential if you are boondocking in a place that has snowfall. This will facilitate access to your living area and assist avoid mishaps.
Step 5: Installing Your System
You can either engage a professional installer or do it yourself (DIY) when installing a battery system and solar setup. Although DIY installation may be less expensive, it calls for specific equipment, technical know-how, and experience.
Thankfully, we provide tools and assistance for do-it-yourself installation. For useful information on choosing components and sizing a battery system, visit the Battle Born Batteries page. We also have an internal technical support staff for clients. Professionals that can help you with system configuration and assembly can be reached via phone.
We provide a list of certified installers in various US locations for anyone who would rather work with an expert. Installers on this list have been screened and have solar and lithium-ion battery system installation experience. Additionally, knowing that a verified technician has done the installation correctly and professionally helps ease your mind.
Making use of the information and assistance that are available to you might be crucial, regardless of whether you decide to hire an installation or do it yourself. Homeowners can benefit from boondocking in the long run and feel secure in their system with their help and experience.
