How much power do I need starting out?

[Chenopod]

Hello everyone. I’m a new commer, Chenopod, and I’ve been following the forum for a while, along with lots of other vehicle dwelling related media. I really appreciate the generous sharing of wisdom and experience that I’ve witnessed on this site In particular.

I’m currently making do with what I’ve already got, a 2005 tundra pick up with a camper shell. It’s been great for extended weekend camping trips but now Im leaving my hospital job and plan to be (mostly) living out of it.

Here’s my question that I need some advice on…

I don’t want to install a permanent solar system on this rig as I don’t see it as my long term dwelling but need to continue to work remotely 2 days / week via video counseling and need enough battery power to run a cell phone or iPad 6-7 hours / day for 2 days in a row and then some for normal (minimal ) use throughout the rest of the week. How do I calculate my energy needs in this case? I’m wondering if a small power station with some solar re-charging capability may be sufficient for now. I don’t want to overshoot what I need as I suspect I’ll be moving into a larger rig at some point and install a more capable solar system at that time to more adequately supply a host of other energy needs.

Right now I just need enough power to confidently leave the shore and push out into the nomadic current as I develop my skills while still able to make my living.

Thank you in advance for the useful guidance and encouragement that I know I will receive from forum members.

 

[mpruet]

I’d just go with something like a Jackery 500. You can get a solar panel to charge it, but I’d just use the cigarette lighter to recharge.

 

[Barry]

You can use a Jackery, etc. I used low powered power stations. They last for a while ... BUT ... I finally got a Bluetti with an extra power pack. It has about a million amp hours of use, so I never run out when I am in my van for a few days. It's the old sayin' ... You get what you pay for. Bluettis are expensive and heavy, but I tote them out to my van and off I go. Moreover, I keep them plugged in inside my home, and when the power goes out, I am good to go!

 

[Ripper238]

Likely your vehicle battery and driving around should be enough power. I do multi week/month adventuring in my 4Runner with the addition of a 26000mAh Anker power pack that has been enough. But just recently added a large capacity AGM battery to replace the old OEM. Gives me plenty of extra power now.


But a simple Jackery 500 would be a good addition and be a great item even as you upgrade.

 

[frater secessus]

How do I calculate my energy needs in this case

Watts x hours of use = watt-hours (Wh). Making a spreadsheet to add it all up is both useful and instructive.

Then the storage and charging system can be built around that figure. It's common to base the system on the worst case scenario (your heavy-power work days and poor weather).

I’m wondering if a small power station with some solar re-charging capability may be sufficient for now

Yes, with caveats.

They are fairly $$ by the Wh so sizing correctly will be important. Undersize and run out of power. Oversize and it's easy to waste $hundreds or even $thousands.

Charging them from panel can be more challenging than it appears.

Sidenote: when I had a truck+shell I mounted panel on the shell. If you aren't moving often portable panels leaned against the truck will be fine.

 

[afblangley]

If you want an actual example, here's an article to get you started:
https://marinehowto.com/ipad-charging-how-much-energy/
I use an iPad Mini as my phone. I unplug it at ~7 am and use it all day long, plugging it in at ~11 pm with about 20% battery left. I charge using DC on my power station, the USB C has 60W, which is enough to fast charge my Mini and iPad Pro. I can't say how much energy that drains from my power station because its minimal compared to what the fridge draws.

Some power banks can charge phones and tablets a couple of times. Even the tiniest power station will be sufficient for charging your devices multiple times. When shopping, make sure the inverter is large enough to handle the most demanding appliance you will plug in. In my case, that was a microwave.

Even with a built in electrical system, its nice to have a power station. It can serve as a backup. It can be taken outside to run things (like power tools or a cooking device). In my opinion, its money well spent, regardless of the rig.

I think the two best power station manufacturers are Bluetti and EcoFlow. The former uses a Li battery chemistry that has 2500+ lifecycles, so it will last a long time before degradation, making it ultimately pretty cheap. The latter is the most technically advanced (great UI, fast charging, integrated power supply, lightweight) but all their products have lifecycles < 1000. I have an EcoFlow Delta.

I haven't seen any YouTube video where a Bluetti or EcoFlow wouldn't outperform a Jackery or Goal Zero (with the exception that Goal Zero sells a vehicle integration kit).

Here's a comparison video of the most common power stations:

 

[Tony's Dream]

I use the Jackery 500 and it meets my needs, but I do travel and don't stay at one place too long. During the day I charge everything using my van's cigarette lighter. I mostly use the Jackery to run my phone, which I use to watch movies and live stream TV. Occasionally I will run the vent fan, but I never run it too long.

 

[rruff]

I don’t want to install a permanent solar system on this rig as I don’t see it as my long term dwelling but need to continue to work remotely 2 days / week via video counseling and need enough battery power to run a cell phone or iPad 6-7 hours / day for 2 days in a row and then some for normal (minimal ) use throughout the rest of the week. How do I calculate my energy needs in this case?

If that is really all the power you need, you probably don't need to buy anything. Phones and iPads have low power consumption. Search for your particular models and see if you can find a test that measures it. You'll want to be able to charge them from the truck, so you'll need those adapters.

How often will you be driving?

How long will you be living this way?

 

[JDub]

I have a big Wagan 1200 Cube that I use for powering everything but my reefer. I usually have that plugged into the vehicle to charge while traveling. I have 2 smaller GOLABS that are mostly used to power my 12v Whynter fridge. One powers it while the other recharges. Usually by solar panel if it's sunny. I had one set up and charging the other day. I find the combo provides all the power I need to run things. I have two Renogy panels for them.

The Renogy 100 w suitcase panels are much heavier than my Dokio 100 w Flex but they charge a lot faster averaging 65 watts vs 50 for the flex panel which is kinda an emergency backup. The setup is really easy to use. Just make sure you have the proper connection cables between the two systems.



Cheers!

 

[Chenopod]

RE: how much power do I need.

Thanks everyone for giving me some things to think about. I’m gonna explore a small power station and in the meantime do some tests on my usage. I’m thinking about a Bluetti EB 70 and see if I can keep it charged though driving and periodic shore power when available before getting a solar panel.

 

[rruff]

Thanks everyone for giving me some things to think about. I’m gonna explore a small power station and in the meantime do some tests on my usage. I’m thinking about a Bluetti EB 70 and see if I can keep it charged though driving and periodic shore power when available before getting a solar panel.

There are much cheaper ways to keep your phone and iPad running, since they use so little juice. A small solar panel should keep your car battery charged just fine in sunny NM, even if you are parked for long periods. That would also be useful with your future camper system, unlike the Bluetti.

BTW, I'm about 150 miles south of you... in a house.

 

[Pugwinkle]

RE: how much power do I need.

Thanks everyone for giving me some things to think about. I’m gonna explore a small power station and in the meantime do some tests on my usage. I’m thinking about a Bluetti EB 70 and see if I can keep it charged though driving and periodic shore power when available before getting a solar panel.

I also am leaning towards the Bluetti EB70. It has a good amount of power and it's LifePO4 battery which should outlast any Jackery.

 

[user 19146]

Hello everyone. I’m a new commer, Chenopod, and I’ve been following the forum for a while, along with lots of other vehicle dwelling related media. I really appreciate the generous sharing of wisdom and experience that I’ve witnessed on this site In particular.

I’m currently making do with what I’ve already got, a 2005 tundra pick up with a camper shell. It’s been great for extended weekend camping trips but now Im leaving my hospital job and plan to be (mostly) living out of it.

Here’s my question that I need some advice on…

I don’t want to install a permanent solar system on this rig as I don’t see it as my long term dwelling but need to continue to work remotely 2 days / week via video counseling and need enough battery power to run a cell phone or iPad 6-7 hours / day for 2 days in a row and then some for normal (minimal ) use throughout the rest of the week. How do I calculate my energy needs in this case? I’m wondering if a small power station with some solar re-charging capability may be sufficient for now. I don’t want to overshoot what I need as I suspect I’ll be moving into a larger rig at some point and install a more capable solar system at that time to more adequately supply a host of other energy needs.

Right now I just need enough power to confidently leave the shore and push out into the nomadic current as I develop my skills while still able to make my living.

Thank you in advance for the useful guidance and encouragement that I know I will receive from forum members.

it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. just a larger truck battery may do it for your current needs. or use a dual battery solenoid setup and install a second battery that charges during truck run time. and installed in the shell's space for easy access. this will allow you to also run led lights for night time use. from that point it will be easy to add to it for even more options. this should cost as much or even less then a power station

 

[frodo2222]

RE: how much power do I need.

Thanks everyone for giving me some things to think about. I’m gonna explore a small power station and in the meantime do some tests on my usage. I’m thinking about a Bluetti EB 70 and see if I can keep it charged though driving and periodic shore power when available before getting a solar panel.

A lot depends on WHAT you really want to do..I have a Grand Caravan that I outfitted with 400 watts solar a 1500 watt Low frequency inverter (Overkill but had laying around) and 2 Lithium batteries...I still wanted to have space on top to carry Kayak and Windsurfer so installed on sliders so the panels when stationary became a awning on both sides as well...If you were to buy all of this stuff used or cheap probably about a grand or less depending on low frequency or high inverter and batteries you get it will run my tv blender and charge whatever I want phones etc etc as well as run my diesel heater...Probably over kill unless one wants to run a AC during day BUT like I said had most of the stuff laying around so..

 

[Calaverasgrande]

Was going to get a Jackery but I'm from an engiineering background. So if there is an opportunity to buy things as components and overbuild a system for the same amount as the easy solution. I always do that. (you should see my computer set up)
The Jackery models I checked out were decent. There are a number of other players in the market now.
IMHO the only real reason to get a powerbank/charger is to keep a car fridge running when the car isn't.
A car fridge can kill a car battery. An iphone not so much.
If you do get one of those, I'd advise you to spend a bit more and get one that has Lithium Ion/Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries.
Several reviews I've seen recently show stupendous deals on the lithium ones. It seems they are being really aggressive with prices to compete against the ones with gel or AGM batteries.

 

[GntlStone]

From one of the recent RTR videos with Bob the Bluetti rep said they're coming out with a new small LiFePo4 unit for about $400 thats better than the EB70.

If buying right this second isn't necessary I'd wait to see that unit.

 

[Camper]

I chose a Bluetti EB70 because it has a LifePo4 battery... some brands mentioned here don't.

 

[bebewanna]

Maybe just a different idea but....

I have 270 watts of panels I set up and pack away totally when we move.
1 solid 100w
3 flex 50w
(I only use 2 for charging)
1 solid 20w...

2 Walmart 29 series batteries
1 Mercedes battery under warranty (trying to burn it out, lol)

A 30 AMP $20 controler

The batteries charge from panels unless car is running.... I tried those powerbank things and if you are draining them down, it's over fast. Or $200 for 2 wallys deep cell batteries, with 2 year warranty. I run 30l fridge and 2 cell phones. Without the fridge it would last forever...

Just my opinion, but in the end for me, the deep cells are cheaper and more power

 

[Camper]

Great idea.... I also have 400-watts of solar on my cargo trailer, but I enjoy my Bluetti too.

 

[JeepLiving]

If your vehicle looks like this....



.... then you need 1.21 jigawatts. Great Scott!