Camping fulfills the need for adventure. Being outdoors in nature can be a transformative experience.
Although some people are fine with having just the basics while they’re camping, others are not. They wish to enjoy nature, and at the same time, have the comforts of modern living.
Luckily, you can enjoy both the comforts of home life in a campsite and the beauty of nature by using a few tools to power your electrical devices. If you’re going to be camping in the woods for several days, you need an adequate supply of electricity to cook, clean, charge devices, and have fun.
There are many ways you can use electronic devices when you’re out camping away from civilization. Keep reading to find out more.
Tools to Power Electrical Devices on the Campsite
In this section, we’ll talk about the tools you can use at the campsite to power your favorite electrical devices. Visit this website to browse through parallel generators: https://krugerpower.com.au
We hope you find the information below useful.
A Recreation Vehicle Battery Bank
Recreation Vehicle or RV battery is a 30 or 50 Ah system that can power the sump pump, fans, and lights. It can easily power small devices, but we can’t say the same for air-conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves.
The battery charges automatically when it’s plugged into a power source, such as solar panels, campsite electrical hookups, etc. If your RV has a deep cycle marine battery and solar panels, it can operate for several days. Otherwise, you’re going to need a bigger power supply.
This problem can be solved by using a battery bank for the RV. Typically, a battery bank is connected to a set of 12 volt batteries that distribute electricity evenly to all devices.
Having a lot of campers using all the power in the area is not a good idea. A deficit in voltage can damage all of your appliances, so choose your campground wisely.
What’s more, modern motorhomes come with a built-in gas generator that can switch over on its own when the demand is high. On the other hand, some generators will have to be set manually.
A Water and Wind Turbine
A lack of adequate electric supply can be solved with a WaterLily Turbine. It has a maximum power output of 15 watts and it has two USB ports with a capacity of five volts. You can charge your tablet, phone, camera, and GPS with the turbine.
But it gets better. You can use this device in two ways – using wind or water. If you’re not close to a water source, hang it on a tree, and it will use the wind to power your gadgets!
Solar Power
Solar power is the cheapest and easiest source of energy. All you have to do is set up a solar power panel in the sunniest area of the camp.
By having battery storage in the camping kit, you can store sunlight and use it when it’s not so sunny outside. The portable battery camping kit must be waterproof and lightweight.
You should charge it using an inverter to avoid causing a safety hazard. If you don’t, it may destroy the battery.
Portable Battery Packs
Portable battery packs can fit into your laptop bag. They’re ideal for charging a few electronic devices.
These battery packs contain 120 volt electrical outlets and USB ports. 27 Ah is enough to keep small devices charged for days.
The larger versions of the portable battery packs are the solar powered generators of 100 Ah. If you have more devices to charge, you may want to consider the larger option.
A Car Battery
You can get electricity at your campsite by plugging into the cigarette lighter outlet in your car. You can charge small devices with it, but not for long. If you charge too many devices for a long time, you can deplete the car’s battery.
Your car battery will typically have a 12 volt system. So, some power packs with a 12 volt system can jump-start your car battery as well.
A Pedal Generator
Small and lightweight, you can carry a pedal generator with you to the camp. It can charge flashlights, phones, laptops, fans, and car batteries.
There’s a catch though. You have to pedal to generate electricity with this generator, and you can’t store the electricity. Someone has to pedal for as long as it’s required to charge devices. That may sound like hard work, but it’s the most affordable generator.
A Thermoelectric Generator
The thermoelectric generator or TEG is quite expensive. It stores energy from the temperature created between two points.
By building a fire in the wilderness, you can use the heat as a source to produce electricity. The thermoelectric generator can store electricity with a battery attachment. Some models can produce for up to 15 watts of energy!
A Gas Generator
A gas generator can provide electricity to charge your devices, however, it can be noisy. Another downside of this generator is that it emits fumes. It’s only ideal for wilderness camping, as most campsites have banned the use of this generator.
Safety Tips
Electricity saves lives, but it can also be dangerous, especially in damp places and in the open air. Something as small as a 12 volt battery can give you a shock and ruin your mood.
Use a purpose-built lead to bring electricity to your tent. The leads are weather-proof and safe to use.
You should first plug it into your unit, and then into the campsite’s bollard. This way, you’re avoiding carrying a ‘live’ lead to your unit.
Use a cable length of 25 meters and uncoil it fully even when you’re close to the bollard. This will prevent the cables from overheating.
If you have to use extension cables, get connectors that are weather-proof. Keep them off the ground to avoid any water getting inside.
Make sure to carry a fire extinguisher for emergencies. If you’re going to be using an RV battery, use a heavy-duty four-wire cord instead of an extension cord.
Know the amperage of your RV to avoid causing serious damage to your electrical appliances or the risk of fire. Don’t try to draw more amperage than is available.
Be aware of your generator causing exhaust. You don’t want the exhaust facing other people’s tents or your own. You also don’t want a carbon monoxide problem.
Leave a roof vent open whenever you’re using a generator. Don’t sleep with the generator on.
Use only tent heaters designed for tents. Leave some space around the heater and keep the tent ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Conclusion
If you thought that camping is hard because you won’t have access to electronic devices, you’re wrong. With all the options available for you, now you can camp in nature while still being in touch with civilization.
When you’re out camping, you’ll be using sophisticated power sources, so do your research before you leave. Generators and batteries need to be used with caution, so read the manual carefully.
All in all, there’s nothing else to worry about. Make sure you pack the right things and have a wonderful time with your loved ones.
