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Do you love camping? Are you tired of trying to cook your meals at night after the sun goes down using only a small camping lantern?
Fortunately, there are many options for running camping lights. It’s a good idea to choose LED lighting since you get the greatest light for the fewest watts. Then, you need to choose your power source.
Let’s illuminate this issue and explore the different options for running camping lights, discussing the pros and cons of each.
What Are the Options to Power Camping Lights Off-Grid?
12V Socket
You can run 12V lights with your vehicle’s 12V outlet (cigarette lighter); just plug them in. However, power is limited, so you can only run small lights or charge a phone, not a laptop, unless you use an inverter, draining more of your battery.
Pros
- You can use it to run small 12V lights
- Requires no modifications to existing systems
Cons
- Power supply is limited, so it won’t run large lights
- Risks draining your battery
Dual Battery
A dual-battery system involves wiring a second battery into your vehicle and charging it while you drive. Thus, you can run 12V lights, 12V fridges, and other equipment without draining your car battery.
Pros
- You won’t drain your vehicle battery
- You can run lights and any 12V appliances
Cons
- You have to drive to charge it
- You need an inverter for devices that take standard wall plugs
Portable Power Station
A portable power station can also run your 12V lights and other equipment and you don’t have to worry about your car battery.
For instance, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations will run 12V lights and appliances, USB lights and other USB devices. It also has a built-in inverter to run devices or lights with a standard wall plug (AC). Thanks to its LiFePO4 batteries, the lightweight EcoFlow RIVER 2 can do a lot for its small size. Once you try one, it will quickly become one of your essential camping items.
The best part is that you can recharge it using your car or household electrical before you leave, or you can attach EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels and recharge it with free solar energy.
Pros
- Comes with 12V DC and USB output ports
- Has a built-in inverter and AC outputs to run appliances that use wall plugs
- Recharge it with DC, AC, or solar panels
Cons
- When you need a larger capacity, the size increases, which could be a limitation for those who go car camping
What To Consider Before Choosing the Right Power Source
Capacity
You want an energy source that stores charge so you don’t need to keep your car or a generator running just to keep your lights on.
To determine the capacity you need, add all the watts on your lights, devices, and appliances you want to run. If they are listed in amps or volts instead, don’t worry; it’s easy to convert between watts, amps, and volts. Remember that it’s best to get more capacity than your minimum needs in case you decide to add more to your system later.
Weight and Portability
Compact and lightweight will be your priority for solo camping, hiking, or car camping. But compactness and capacity are tradeoffs. Suppose you have a lot of lights and appliances to run or are travelling with a family. In that case, you may want a larger EcoFlow solar generator like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max to accommodate your needs.
How Does it Recharge
When camping, you want versatile recharging abilities. It’s nice to be able to recharge with DC while you drive. But if you stay out for several days, you don’t want to waste petrol just to recharge, so look for solar recharging options.
Output and Surge Power
The greater the capacity, the more powerful the lighting or appliances can be. However, check the output power and make sure it’s high enough to handle everything you need. Also, if any appliances need extra starting watts to get going, you will want a unit with extra surge or X-boost power.
Types of Outlets
Versatility is important, so look for a model with DC output for running things you would run on your car battery, a built-in inverter and AC ports to run standard wall plugs, and USB ports since many LED lights and small electronic devices use those.
Safety
If you plan to bring your energy source inside your tent or RV, power stations with new LiFePO4 batteries are the ultimate in safety. Unlike car batteries, they will not leak or off-gas toxic fumes. They are also not prone to thermal runaway like their predecessors, lithium-ion batteries.
Budget
Money is often a factor. But don’t make it the deciding factor because it could cost you more in the long run. For instance, while lead-acid car batteries are often the cheapest, they can only be charged 300-600 times before they need replacing compared to LiFePO4, which lasts 10 times as long with its 3000+ charges. Furthermore, if you choose a smaller capacity to save money, you may find it’s insufficient, and you have to buy another one anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best power source for off-grid camping is a portable solar generator. They have various capacities and DC, AC, and USB outlet ports. They can be recharged with household AC electricity, DC (car), or portable solar panels for the ultimate versatility.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right power source for your camping lights and other essentials is an important decision. Be sure to factor in what capacity you need, how compact it needs to be, and its safety. Also, consider whether it has multiple recharging options and output ports for ultimate versatility.
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series is a lightweight option that combines power and versatility. It is great for any camper because it runs AC, DC, or USB devices and can be recharged using DC, AC, or solar panels.