Minimal solar setup

Is there anyone out there who has done a super minimal solar recharging system for a bed camper? I'm picking up a GFC in the next month and am getting into the details of what that build is going to look like and I want to have a separate battery for the camper area for charging things. Do most people go the route of a power station, or separate battery, etc.? I'm open to options but I want to keep it on the minimal side so as to not overcomplicate the build.

 

Depending on your electrical usage, minimal can mean a whole lot of different things...

 

I won't be watching Netflix in the backcountry using my projector screen and powering a fridge / freezer combo. But I will need to power GoPros, phones, iPads, occasional computer, and down the road a basic fridge.

Edit: Spoke before I looked. Thanks for the recommendation, time to dive down this hole.

 

It sounds like a jackery will do the trick just fine for you. Just charge it via the cigarette lighter as you drive.

 

I will have times where I am at basecamp for days on end, and with no driving time I'm assuming a Jackery can be hooked up to a solar charger during that time?

 

Yes, they offer a suitcase style solar panel as well that can charge it. Or a flexible panel and mount it right to your GFC and have that run down to a house battery that you can pull power from instead of the jackery. Similar to this.

 

I don't have any direct experience with this type of setup, but this website might give you some ideas...

https://greentumble.com/12-volt-solar-battery-chargers-for-rv-camping/

 

This is exactly what I'm looking for.

 

In addition to solar, this is always a good idea, especially for backup, it'll recharge an AGM in little time and it's fairly low db. Of course you can get cheaper ones, as well.

 

Not bad but I want to stay away from anything that relies on non-renewable resources. I don't want to have to worry about getting gas when I'm way out there, dealing with syphoning, etc. I like the peace and quiet of the backcountry.

 

A small generator can be a life saver, btdt and would have been stuck a long way off grid without it. Worst case having a small jump box as a backup is a good idea.

 

As soon as you add another battery I wouldn't call it minimal anymore, I put together a solar box for our RV; 90w coleman with a controller in the pelicase.
It's also got battery clips so I could use it on the truck as well.

 

Better hike out there instead of driving that smoke belching, pollution producing combustion monster then...
That little Honda sips gas.

 

I do have a lithium jump box that I take on any trip I go on. I like the idea of a generator but looking for an alternative is all.

This is pretty awesome, almost the ideal setup for me if I were to go second battery. I like this probably the most, and the only thing I'd look to add is utilizing that solar panel so I can either stand it up at camp or have it mounted to the roof of the GFC depending on the situation.

Yeah I'm less worried about getting out there and rather about not running an engine for a few days. I do see your point and there's definitely a place for that unit, but I'm just looking for something a bit different.

 

Anything suggestions on what brand of flexible panel are best for a setup like this?

 

mine goes on the Prinsu at camp;