Power for camping

Hi all-

I have a new TRD Sport that I'm going to outfit for camping. Besides trying to decide on the whole camper shell vs. RTT and rack type stuff, I'm debating what to do about having a light-duty power source for camp, that I recharge while in transit. It seems like there are 2 options:

1) dual battery setup with isolator, and another inverter.

2) DIY portable power box with a deep cycle battery.

1) is expensive and a pain to install. 2) is a lot easier on the wallet, but how to recharge the thing? a DC to DC charger, or a battery tender plugged into the bed of the truck? (which seems dumb, converting power 2x, inefficient)

What have you done?

 

What are you trying to power? You say "light-duty" and I am curious.

 

Lights and gadgets. I just found the big thread on dual battery setups so I think I found what I need to know, thanks.

 

I thought the point of camping was to get away from electronics and electricity? I remember when people would camp with simple foods, tools, and gear. I’m not even that old lol. Seems like in today’s world it’s becoming more materialistic.

 

Well said.

 

That may be why YOU go camping, but not everyone.

If you're really going out to escape all the technology and stuff, that truck you drive has a lot of technology, and so does that modern tent, goretex clothing, etc...

It depends on why you go out.

A lot of people use GPS devices to navigate, heaters, lights, coffee grinders, CPAP machines, auto-guiding telescopes, photography equipment, etc...

 

Not always the case. Our tiny camper has no bathroom or indoor kitchen. It’s pretty much a hard sided tent. I did opt for dual solar and batteries as i wanted a freezer/fridge for food and my insulin and I have to sleep with a CPAP at night so electrical wasn’t a luxury but a necessity. Our camping is still pretty simple

 

but how will people know you overland if you dont have all the gear hanging off your truck?!?!?!?

I cant help you out on the power source OP, I was hoping there would be a solution in here. I am leaning more on the 2 battery option, but like you said, its a little more effort and I also do not have the knowledge base yet (I havnt really started researching it too indepth at this time).

 

Lol yeah you couldn’t tell looking at mine. All the stuff is inside under the best top. Our truck teally looks kinda nondescript except a fewlights and a cb antena. Even when we hook up the camper and go you never see much

 

A secondary battery charged off solar will work

 

Really? Since we are being technical. So what vehicle should I drive to get to my camping destination, beside backpack camping which you still need to get to the trail head.

 

drive whateverthehell you want.

You commented about "the point" of camping, which for you seems to be getting away from electronics. I simply (sarcastically) pointed out that your truck has electronics too, so by your own definition, you aren't really getting away from electronics. But everyone has their own reasons for camping, and sometimes that includes needing an extra battery to power some electronics. Big deal.

Sometimes, like in the case of a CPAP machine, it is vitally important to have a power source, it's not just about playing angry birds or #gramming or whatever the kids call it.

 

Seems you took my comment a little personal. You don't have to explain to me, like you said, "dowhateverthehell you want."

 

For consideration. Dollar / Usage / effectiveness.

I roll with 3 of these. We only use 2. Most of the time just one. 2 is 1 and 1 is none , right?

Streamlight 44931 Siege Compact, Rugged 7.25" Hand Lantern 540 Lumen Uses 3D Cell Alkaline Batteries - 540 Lumens

$43 Streamlight 44931 Siege 540-Lumen Compact D Alkaline Outdoor Hand Lantern/Flashlight Combo, Coyote

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DII7CTI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JMzVBbSHZ94TH

Also. We go for 10 days at a time in the woods. My nav charges as I drive. So don't my devices and flashlights. If you need extra juice grab something like this

imuto 182Wh 50000mAh Portable Power Station Camping Generator 8-Port DC 5V/12V/19V Output, AC Power Inverter Optional (115V/100W), Power Source for Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone, Outdoors More

imuto Portable Power Satation 138.3Wh Mini Solar Battery Generator with 110V AC Outlet (Sold Separately) Emergency Battery Backup Solar Generator

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBPQKTR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3QzVBbCZF1ZDT


I'd try rechargeable stuff before a battery system. You'll need those accessories first anyways. So try just those first and see if you can save money and go without

 

Thanks for the recommendations. I have a small Streamlight HL flashlight that works great. The beam, light output, and focus is much better than those generic LED zoom flashlights which I have a few of those too around the house. But for serious work purposes I would go with a company like Streamlight.

What have you used that power station for so far and how it is lasting you?

 

We really don't travel with any huge power pack. I've got about 3 mini packs that I rotate if we need it. But we really don't use power.

What are you looking to power?

 

Nothing really. All my charging needs would be while I'm driving and I have a battery jumpstarter that I could use as a backup. I was just curious how the 50000mAh power station that you posted is working for you. Thanks for the post though.

 

Get back to the graveyard haha.


I don't have that one. Was just listing it as an example . The only time I'd go to a double battery set up personally is if I was going to be winching hard ok a regular basis. There's nothing I personally need to charge whole camping that frequently in our 10 day trips really .

Phone , flashlight , handheld ham radio , tablet for nav and radio , deff not the lantern which I do own and it kicks ass.

 

We usually carry a couple of battery powered lanterns for back up but most of our lighting is compact solar lights. We just set them out during the day and let them charge

 

Im glad to find this thread.

I, too, am curious about a 2nd battery setup.

My plan is to charge via 100W solar through an MPPT charge controller. Then splice in a few things. Id that works well for the 2nd battery I may see if I can use it as a main battery trickle charger.

Im glad were chatting about this. Im going to go try and find that battery thread