I was just wondering if anyone has any reccomendations for Power Stations and Solar pannels. I know lots of campsites have options for EHU but when these are all booked up or at a site with none I was thinking of investing in a budget power station. It wouldn't to be to run anything like a mini fridge but just for use with a mini projector and get somme charges on some electrical devices.
I cant be spending 100s on one so am looking at the budget ones out there. Unfortunately the reviews I'm coming across are oozing compliments no dout as paid endorsements of because it was a freebie.
Any help appreciated.
OOh get me finally having a first post on here after how many years of lurking...
I think there are lots of posts on the solar panels with some very specific & expert advice, if you try a forum Search.
And other posts on generators. Not sure what else might be classed as a Power Station because I’ve not seen any posts about run-of-river Hydro or micro wind turbines.... Though we might need to develop those for camping!
We bought this Allpowers power station on ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393144971523
It wasn't cheap a couple of hundred but it is brilliant. We also bought a solar panel thinking we may have to top it up on long stays, but we haven't used the panels yet. We don't go mad, but on full charge we charged up 2 mobiles twice, used it to cool the electic cool box (but only an hour a day) and used it to power our small camping TV for 2 hours a night for 3 nights...and it had only used 55%.
It may be out of your budget but it is high capacity as we never go to sites with EHU, but there are lower powered ones that will be cheaper. I just thought if you have a make as a starting point. 🙂
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If you are on a campsite with you car/ van etc. then you already have a 'powerpack' , the vehicle starter battery which is more that adequate for powering/charging devices such as mobile phones, tablets, lap tops etc., via the auxilary power socket(s), AKA cigar lighter. Most vehicles have at least one socket that is permanently live, usually mounted in the rear or boot that can supply up to 10 amp.
My own set up: I have a USB power adaptor that plugs into the car socket. This has two 2 amp outputs for any USB charged device, just needs the corresponding USB cable and powers SatNav, mobile phone, and using an after-market USB charger charges the battery for my DSLR camera. I have a Nitecore universal charger that charges any standard battery
from 18650 LiPo to AAA NiCad or NiMH in size, up to 4 in number and from 12v DC or Mains AC. I also have a basic 120 Watt Inverter converting 12V DC to 240V AC which powers my laptop via it's mains power charger ( inefficient I know, but I've used it with 3 different laptops, saving the cost of individual dedicated in car chargers).
Do I worry about flattening the car battery? I have been on a campsite for a week, not used the car other than as a 'powerpack' without a problem. Your mileage may vary as they say but if you are using the car for trips away from the campsite during your stay, your car battery will be kept charged.
P.S. What's this with mini projectors? What are you projecting and does it not affect your fellow campers enjoyment?
Not Pb I hope.
------------- Never argue with fools........They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Quote: Originally posted by Ernie DB on 07/7/2021
Here's a different point of view.
P.S. What's this with mini projectors? What are you projecting and does it not affect your fellow campers enjoyment?
Not Pb I hope.
LOL nope its so the kids can watch a film in the tent of an evening, theyre not that bright (or loud) to annoy anyone (the projectors i mean, not the kids! )
Not every site allows for cars next to tents either so the car solution isn't a failsafe
Quote: Originally posted by mattelli on 07/7/2021
We bought this Allpowers power station on ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393144971523
It wasn't cheap a couple of hundred but it is brilliant. We also bought a solar panel thinking we may have to top it up on long stays, but we haven't used the panels yet. We don't go mad, but on full charge we charged up 2 mobiles twice, used it to cool the electic cool box (but only an hour a day) and used it to power our small camping TV for 2 hours a night for 3 nights...and it had only used 55%.
It may be out of your budget but it is high capacity as we never go to sites with EHU, but there are lower powered ones that will be cheaper. I just thought if you have a make as a starting point. 🙂
Cheers will have a ganders
* This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, as an eBay Partner Network member we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Poweroak and Jackery give out freebies to caravaners/vanlifers with youtube channels and its the normal numpties who are paying for them. One thing they all seem to ignore is the recharging. Without being able to recharge its just a simple battery with some addons.
If you want to recharge it onsite you will need a generator (unpopular and pricey) or solar panel.
If you just want a power source which you can recharge when you get home - a car/leisure battery with a 12v invertor would probably meet your needs. If you want to keep the battery nice and secure you can buy a battery box
Quote: Originally posted by gari on 08/7/2021
Poweroak and Jackery give out freebies to caravaners/vanlifers with youtube channels and its the normal numpties who are paying for them. One thing they all seem to ignore is the recharging. Without being able to recharge its just a simple battery with some addons.
If you want to recharge it onsite you will need a generator (unpopular and pricey) or solar panel.
If you just want a power source which you can recharge when you get home - a car/leisure battery with a 12v invertor would probably meet your needs. If you want to keep the battery nice and secure you can buy a battery box
yeah already entered comp fingers crossed eh? maybe I need to start a Youtube chanel and become an "influencer"
I had looked at leisure batttery solution will look again.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Power Stations / Solar
via mobile 07/7/2021 at 6:12pm
b I hope.
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