Portable Power Stations for RVs
What Is a Portable Power Station?
Portable power stations, also known as rechargeable battery-powered generators, will allow you to use your equipment in the backcountry without risking a power shortage.
A portable power station combines everything you need — battery, solar charge controller, inverter, charger, charging ports — into one package. These versatile and compact batteries can power devices and appliances around the RV.
While some are smaller, designed to charge phones or power low-draw devices like fans, others can handle much more. Some of the largest portable power stations can power toasters, fridges, heaters, and much more. They can be charged using solar panels, standard home outlets, or 12 volts supplied by a vehicle while driving.
Many RVers will use generators as a source of power when they don’t have access to hookups. While both have pros and cons, some prefer power stations for their efficiency. Unlike generators, which run on fuel like gasoline or propane, portable power stations feature their own built-in battery. As a result, they tend to be less bulky and more compact. They also produce less noise than their fuel-burning counterparts do.
They may be quiet and convenient, but power stations are often limited in their battery capacity. While some portable power stations can run relatively high — up to 3,500 watts — some of the most efficient generators on the market can go up to 20,000 watts.
Why Should You Invest in Portable Battery Power for Your RV?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re exploring remote campsites or going fully off-the-grid. With the right portable power source, all your devices and electronics can stay charged, wherever you are.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the bulky, fuel-powered generator, a portable power station could make a great investment. Here are just a few of the reasons why so many RVers are turning to RV portable power stations to keep them charged on the go.
Solar Power and Battery Power Is Clean Energy
The main difference between a solar-powered generator and a gas-powered generator is simple: one burns fuel while the other doesn’t. If you’re looking for a cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative, a portable power station might be the best option.
While gas generators may have larger capacities on average, this can also come with a high price tag — not to mention the toll they take on the environment.
No matter how many ports your RV has, it probably needs more. If your RV is more than a few years old, it might be lacking in power outlets for the modern lifestyle. An older RV might have a power outlet in the kitchen, bathroom, and one or two in the living areas.
But today’s outlet requirements far exceed what most RVs can provide. With each member of the family needing to charge phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, kitchen gadgets, hairdryers, and more every day, you don’t want to be left fighting over the last available outlet or searching for a power back to get your devices back up and running.
With a portable power station, you can use the wide array of charging ports to accommodate several devices at the same time. That means nobody gets left out when it’s time to charge.
You’re Annoyed With Using an Adapter Cable
Not everything runs on the two-prong AC plugs anymore. Nowadays, you’ll need an adapter cable to convert AC power to USB ports.
More recent RV models may have other ports available to accommodate people, but your RV might not have this feature. With a portable power station, you get a wide range of options to fit most charging needs, from 12-volt to USB.
You Want a Power Supply Outside Your RV
Unless it’s pouring outside, most RV trips don’t involve only sitting around indoors. The whole point of most RV getaways is to see the outdoors, whether you’re lounging outside or going for a hike.
When you have a portable power station, your charging needs aren’t just limited to the inside of the RV. You can step off the vehicle whenever you want, and still keep all your devices charged. To enhance your outdoor experience, you can also use a power station to run outdoor lights, a portable cooler, stereo speakers, and more.
You Have an Extra Appliance or Two and Need More Power
While some people go RV camping with only the basics, sometimes you want to bring all the comforts of home. But handling the power requirements of all those appliances, from toaster ovens to refrigerators, can take a toll on your grid. If you’re using something with a huge draw, like an air conditioning system, you’ll need even more power.
Even if you already have a solar setup or a generator, having a power station lets you bring a few extra appliances without worrying about drawing too much power.
You Need to Power a Wide Array of Equipment
From microwaves to heated blankets, you might have a lot to power up your next trip. Each device has a different power draw and charging needs.
Some devices can put an undue strain on your current power supply. Take hair dryers, for example. Hair dryers are known for blowing fuses and tripping breakers in the RV. If you try to run the wrong device at the wrong time, you could end up losing power entirely.
This can be avoided by using a portable power station. By utilizing another power source to charge certain pieces of equipment, you can take the strain off your current power supply. That means you can bring all of the equipment you want — no need to leave the hair dryer at home.
You Can Get Continuous Hours of Use With a Simple Charge
Many people point toward the high energy capacity and many hours of use as benefits of traditional generators. While you might get less power with a portable charging station, it may actually be the more efficient choice.
With just one charge, you can put your power station through continuous hours of nonstop use. While it depends on how much you’re using it and what you’re using it for, most power stations can run for far longer than it takes to charge them. And with a 12-volt charging port, it’s easy to charge up the station while you drive to your destination. Alternatively, you can charge ahead of time using shore power.
You’re Tired of the Loud Noises From a Gas Generator
Nobody likes the loud, annoying sound of a fuel generator. And if you don’t like hearing that buzz, your neighbors definitely don’t.
In contrast, power stations run very quietly — if not completely silently. This allows you to enjoy all the sounds of nature, completely uninterrupted. If you’re parked anywhere near your neighbors, this also means you can enjoy using appliances early in the morning without worrying about disturbing them.
A Portable Power Device Is a Reliable Backup Power Source
From external hookups to solar power systems, you may already have a means of getting power on your travels. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still benefit from a power device.
A portable power station can also act as a backup source of power. If you ever find yourself without a hookup for a few days, you end up with a blown fuse, or you run out of power on your solar grid, the power station ensures that you’re never left fully powerless. It’s better to not need power and have the option for it than it is to need the power and have nothing.
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