When you're boondocking (camping without hookups), power is everything. No shore power means no AC, no microwave, no charging devices — unless you've built a system that can handle it. Here's ours.
Solar Panels
Rooftop Panels
We have 200W rigid solar panels mounted on the RV roof. They're wired in series to a charge controller that feeds our house batteries. On a clear day in the Southwest, they pull in enough power to run everything except the AC.
Portable Panels
We also carry a 100W portable solar panel that we can position for optimal sun angle. Parked in the shade? Unfold it, point it at the sun, run the cable back.
Battery Bank
LiFePO4
We upgraded from lead-acid to LiFePO4 batteries. Lighter, charge faster, discharge deeper (80-90% vs. 50% for lead-acid), and last 10x longer. The best upgrade we've made to the electrical system.
Portable Power Station
EcoFlow DELTA 2
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 is our Swiss Army knife for power. It charges from solar panels, the truck while driving, or shore power. We use it for Melissa's craft tools, laptop charging, and as a backup.
Power Management
Energy Monitor
A battery monitor shows real-time voltage, current, and state of charge. Knowing exactly where your battery stands prevents the surprise of waking up to a dead system at 3am.
LED Everything
We replaced every incandescent bulb in the RV with LEDs. The power draw difference is massive.
Boondocking Routine
- Morning — Check battery, position portable panel if needed
- Midday — Peak solar production, run high-draw items
- Evening — Switch to LED lighting, minimize draw
- Overnight — Fridge and ventilation fans only
Bottom Line
A good solar + battery setup costs $2,000-4,000 upfront but pays for itself in campground savings within a year or two. More importantly, it buys freedom — the freedom to camp anywhere the view is good.
Keep Reading
- Our RV Setup: What We Drive, What We Changed, What We Would Do Differently
- How We Get Fast Internet Everywhere in Our RV
- Best Gear for Raising Kids in an RV (Ages 2-8)
- 7 RV Kitchen Essentials That Earn Their Counter Space
🎒 Curious what gear we use? Check out our complete gear guide — every product tested over 200+ nights on the road.
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