Our RV Boondocking Power Systems – Current State of Things 2022

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Over the last 11 years of full-time RVing, our off-grid power system has evolved and changed quite often. Early on, I slowly increased our power input and output options and storage capacity as I could afford it.

Then as my LYRV YouTube channel grew, I was offered product samples for review by various companies. Many of those items have found their way into our present-day RV boondocking power systems.

Because of this, my off-grid power system has grown quite complex. A mix and matched collage of various products. It may seem overly complicated to some people, but it gives me many different ways to use things, charge and discharge options, and system redundancies. Being a bit of a geek, I love to tinker to experiment with different ways of hooking things together.

Main Power Center in Front Trailer Storage Compartment

To better explain the current state of things, I’ve decided to publish this video and give you an overview of how it all works as of spring 2022. The video starts with a close look at the hardware and explains how I use the different equipment when camping. Then I go through a block diagram I created to help folks better understand things.

Boondocking Electrical Block Diagram

Basically, I have two types of RV off-grid systems blended into one. Initially, I built a traditional type system. An RV battery bank is charged by rooftop solar panels, truck alternator, or a gas generator with an inverter providing 120V AC power to outlets in the RV living area.

Then this winter, I added an EcoFlow Delta Max all-in-one power station and portable solar panels to the mix. Portable power stations and solar panels are a less labor-intensive off-grid power solution.

With the advent of lithium batteries, they can store and output a remarkable amount of power. Similar power stations I reviewed last year were the Lion Energy Safari ME and Bluetti AC200P.

EcoFlow Delta Max

Combined, I now have 2000 watts of solar panels, 6000 watt-hours of lithium battery storage capacity, and two inverters. My 11-year-old 1000W stand-alone inverter and a 2400 watt built into the portable power station. For charging power needs when in the shade or during extended cloudy weather, I carry a 2000W portable gas generator. During travel, I can recharge the batteries via the truck’s alternator using a 40 amp DC-DC charger.

Aerial View of our Keystone Cougar Fifth Wheel Trailer with the Solar Panels Deployed

Several mods needed to be made to utilize all the gear better. I added a 30A AC power transfer switch. Also, outlets, plugs, cables, and chargers to move power back and forth between the RV battery bank and the portable power station. Overall the system has been working great!

Our Current Off-Grid RV Power System Explained

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See Many More RV Boondocking Related Videos in the LYRV Archives

 

RV Boondocking Off-Grid Power System Updates - March 2022

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