VAN POWER WITH NICKALLY VAN LIFE!

To the outdoor enthusiasts! This blog post is on power supply, which is complicated stuff. Knowing what we need is so important, whilst on our outdoor adventures. Please, try not to get overwhelmed. We here at NickAlly Van Life have tried making things easier, with our blog posts being great as a reference.

When off-grid in a caravan, having a reliable power supply is a necessity.  Unlike at a caravan park or at home, where you're able to plug into mains power, referred to as shore power, you will need an independent off-grid power supply for your caravan. Having an adequate caravan power system will allow you to charge your caravan batteries, ensuring that you can run not only your essentials, such as the fridge, appliances, TV and lights, but also the more power-hungry appliances, like your air-conditioner or coffee machine, even when you're camping in remote locations.

The overall effectiveness of your off-grid power management system is heavily influenced by the quality of the electrical components installed. How the caravan power system has been designed to optimises the overall system, with consideration to enhancing user needs and importantly the experience and qualifications of the installation are factors that will determine how long you can stay off-grid without running into power issues or needing to recharge.

In the off-grid caravan power system installations, NickAlly recommends utilising multiple options for charging your batteries. While in tow, you can use your car's alternator through the DCDC charger whilst driving. Also when driving, you can charge from solar panels on your caravan roof. Additionally, NickAlly recommends portable solar panels with dedicated Anderson PLUGS to use as a backup to charge your caravan batteries.

NICKALLY'S 100W SOLAR PANEL PORTABLE CHARGER JUMPS POWER:

Solar systems are the easiest way to charge your batteries and keep your caravan powered. We also recommend portable solar blankets wired through your solar regulator and monitored by your battery management system. NickAlly always recommends portable solar panels as a backup to the solar array on your caravan roof as portable solar panels can easily be moved around to chase the sun.

Knowing how to correctly install caravan solar panels makes all the difference in staying off-grid for longer. Choosing the right ratio of solar panels, installing high voltage solar panels versus low voltage or choosing both, and knowing when and why to use solar charger controllers (MPPT) solar regulators is a critical aspect of a hassle-free caravan power setup.

Upgrade your existing system with more or higher output solar panels to keep you camping off-grid for longer. NickAlly recommends installing the maximum number of solar panels that can fit on your caravan roof and to increase charge. Choosing the right solar charger will give you the added benefit of increased capacity to charge your batteries quickly. Just remember, the longer it takes to charge, the more chance of a change in the weather, resulting with you not getting enough power to charge your batteries.

Generators can be used as a backup power supply to your main solar system and offer a way to run your appliances directly, rather than needing to wait for your batteries to charge. However, make sure you allow for the few extra kilos that a generator will add to your load. NickAlly recommends a sine wave generator and for that peace of mind, it is a must-have, for no-one wants a bad outcome for the cost of being without power.

NICKALLY VAN LIFE'S 800W PURE SINE WAVE INVERTER GENERATOR:

Lithium batteries are the best option for off-grid caravaning. The lighter weight and better performance of RV lithium batteries make them ideal for off-road camping in Australia. They recharge quickly and have a higher battery capacity, making them perfect for use with solar panels. Additionally, they are more efficient and lightweight, compared to AGM batteries. This is of key importance because batteries can be one of the heaviest items your caravan will carry.  Saving on weight here will make a significant difference in what you can carry and reduce the worry of your caravan being overweight.

NICKALLY VAN LIFE'S VOLTX 12V LITHIUM BATTERY 100AH SLIM PLUS:

Another advantage of lithium batteries is their long lifespan. A good quality lithium battery can last up to 15 years, saving you money in the long run. Whilst the initial outlay may be higher, the durability and longevity of lithium batteries outweighs the investment. When it comes to caravanning, saving space and weight is crucial. Going over your weight limit can impact your fuel economy, and safe towing, and even void your insurance in the case of an accident. A lithium battery can provide nearly three times the amount of power as a standard AGM battery while weighing about 60% less. This not only saves weight, but also increases your caravan's payload capacity.

You need an inverter in your caravan to run appliances off-grid. Although 48 Volt systems are starting to make more of an appearance in the caravan industry, at this stage most Australian caravan battery systems operate on a 12-volt direct current (DC) system. 12-Volt power in your caravan is sufficient for running lights, water pumps, fridges, Sirocco fans and some specific 12 Volt appliances, However, it cannot power normal household appliances. Without a caravan inverter, you will not be able to turn on your air-conditioner, use your microwave, charge your laptop or run any other 240 Volt appliances, simply by plugging into the caravan power-points.

Household appliances require 240 Volt alternating current (AC) power, which is different from your caravan's batteries. To use appliances such as toasters, kettles, air conditioners, microwaves and washing machines in your caravan, you need to convert the 12 Volt DC power to 240 Volt AC power.

This is where a high quality inverter becomes essential for your caravan to meet your camping power needs. An inverter converts the 12 Volt DC power to 240 Volt AC power, allowing you to use regular household appliances and charge devices from your caravan power system and its GPO power points. An inverter provides the comfort and convenience of home power whilst off-grid. For safety reasons, peace of mind and ease of use, NickAlly strongly recommends having a qualified electrician (sparky) with an electrical contractor's license install your caravan's inverter. Before installation of your inverter ask your installer if they are a qualified electrician and to provide you with an electrical safety certificate for the installation. In Western Australia, an Electrical Safety Certificate must be lodged with Energy Safety WA and you will require a genuine copy of your electrical safety certificate, as it is necessary for obtaining caravan insurance.

Investing in an inverter will give you the comfort and convenience of 240 Volt appliances such a as an air-conditioner, coffee machine and even an air-fryer! whilst you are exploring off-road in the most remote locations of Australia.

The quality of your caravaning experience greatly depends on the availability  of electricity. Issues with batteries and insufficient power can have a negative impact, preventing you from enjoying the simple comforts, such as making that morning coffee or running the air-conditioner on a hot, balmy night. It can also limit how long you can stay off-grid for. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your power systems are properly set up.

Drive safe, enjoy the freedom and remember to take your time, stop, breathe and make memories.

Nick & Ally

NickAlly Van Life 

https://www.nickallyvanlife.net