How to Have Power When Camping Off-Grid in a 1981 Skamper Popup

Updated 07/31/2018 | Published 07/30/2018

Question:

I have a 1981 Skamper Pop up that I am looking to power off grid. Ive been told that I might not be able to power my 12v outlets unless they are connected to shore power. I would like to run the lights and my three 12v plugs off grid Used to charge cell phones/ electronics. What would be needed to do so? Also, attached is an image of the current converter box I believe? There are two plugs coming from the converter box, one of which looks to power the lights, the other the outlets. Thank you

asked by: Charles

Expert Reply:

If you are wanting to charge your phones and other electronics without having to plug into a station you can definitely use some batteries to do so.

The best solution for keeping your battery charged is to use a battery charger like the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1240D. This can draw power off of your tow vehicle battery while traveling and as well as a solar panel.

We have a variety of solar panels to choose from depending on how much power you plan on using. For example, we have the Go Power Weekender ISW # 34282183 which is a great option, but you do need to bypass the included controller for these panels to work with the BCDC.

You will need to do some calculating of how much power consumption you will have versus your power bank (battery size) and charge rate. The only downside to using solar panels for charging is that they rely heavily on clear skies and the best angle possible (which changes throughout the day). Since a station like what you would find at a campground is not dependant upon weather it is more reliable.

expert reply by: Jon G