New electronic gadgets always bring out my inner cynic, like the first time I heard someone raving about their new portable power station for RV camping. It sounded like just gizmo that would take up precious space in my small fifth wheel. But after some research, I’m not too proud to admit that I was wrong about these things. Today I’m a believer that these devices can be a huge benefit for RVers who love camping off-grid. Here’s what changed my mind.
Not Just Another Dry Camping Gadget
From smartphones to headlamps, we all RV with more electronics than we used to. Even our rigs are loaded with electronics that consume more power, like push-button RV dumping and automatic leveling systems. That’s why if you haven’t looked into adding a portable power station to your RV gear, now’s the time. These ultra-efficient, clean energy stations are better than ever at keeping your creature comforts powered up wherever you camp. And although they are not inexpensive, if you decide to take the plunge on a device like the Jackery Explorer, the payback is immediate. More power means more comforts and longer stays when you’re camping without hookups.
Desert dry camping. Getty Images
Until now, there’s always been a price to pay for boondocking without hookups. That price is the careful monitoring that must happen if you don’t want to kill your RV house batteries, especially as night falls. For boondockers like me, electricity is a precious commodity. For instance, my husband and I are usually are running two computers, one tablet, two phones with individual internet hotspots, and other household appliances throughout the day, like our refrigerator. If the weather turns bad, our 500-watt RV solar array forces us to prioritize what we use and when, in order to keep power flowing and our batteries happy. With no more room on our roof or in our battery storage area to expand our solar power system, juggling power consumption is a constant, frustrating struggle on cloudy days.
During those times, our 16-year-old gas-powered generator often helps us meet our power needs. But being saved by a genset means always carrying a gallon of gasoline in our toolbox because our truck is diesel-powered. And I can’t count the number of times we’ve spilled gas on our hands while refilling the generator. Have you ever tried removing gasoline odor from your skin when you’re dry camping? It’s tough. And after all that, even our “super quiet” gas generator emits clatter that disturbs the peace, and fills the air with smelly fumes.
