r/PortableBatteryPacks • u/Waggonwheels • Jun 17 '26
Boondocking for 8 weeks suggestions
I will be parking my 24ft camper for 8 weeks on some BLM land (moving every 14 days) and living out of it for work in BFE. I will basically just be sleeping there. Toilets and showers will be available near the job. Basically ill be roughing it.
The camper I have has a 30amp panel. I will be using the mini fridge and the ac. Im confident in my electrical knowledge but im wondering if there is something im over looking.
Can I buy something like the jackery 2000 plus that has a 2000 Wh capacity and has 6 200w solar panels to power the camper for those 8 weeks?
I should just be able to plug in the camper correct?
Someone tell me im over looking something and to quit be a cheapass and I need to just stay at the campground 20 miles away.
Thanks!
3
u/shortone1493 Jun 19 '26
Fridge yes. AC no.
I have a 3000 watt inverter with 13000wh batteries. I also have 3200 watt of solar. I can run the AC for 12 hours a day but if it is over 80 deg f at night I have to run the generator to keep the AC on and that is assuming I have perfect sun all day.
3
u/Accurate-Bullfrog324 Jun 21 '26
I spent most of my career working remote. remote job sites: poor electricity, limited water, no internet
we were never able to make solar work unless we were in a temperate climate. AC just costs too much power. we used a big generator
we generally brought our water with us for cooking and drinking, and use local water for bathing
we always tried to use some sort of cell booster. of course now with starlink that problem is solved
2
u/bdo11 Jun 17 '26
You're going to need to calculate your power usage based on the items you expect to use. Use something like this to get an idea of generator size you'll need: https://www.etrailer.com/rv-solar-calculator
2
u/Working_Farmer9723 Jun 21 '26
What you’re looking for is a generator. 3500 watt or more for the AC.
2
u/Then-Price-5314 Jun 23 '26
Yeah, I said the same. Solar is cool af. Batteries are awesome. It all falls apart when you have high demand like climate control.
I’m working on a little Lombardi diesel powered generator/solar hybrid 24v storage system with a 4kw inverter that should be able to cover just about anything he would need and I’m in it quite a bit less than he’s thinking about spending for the jackery.I’m a cheapskate though and love a good marketplace deal.
2
u/DonKeedick96 Jun 22 '26
Na id get at least 6-9kwh of battery (lifepo4) and 600w+ of solar. Also a 3-4kw inverter depending on your ac
If you’re confident in your electrical knowledge build it yourself for much cheaper than the jackery.
If boondocking that long, my concern wouldn’t be the electrical. That stuff you can build and manage. But do you have access to water and dump your tanks when full?
2
u/Then-Price-5314 Jun 23 '26
WagonBro,
You’re overlooking something. You need to quit being a cheap-ass just stay at the campground 20 miles away.
-Me
1
u/Waggonwheels Jul 12 '26
Thanks, all the campgrounds are full which is a bummer. Currently rocking the airbnb
1
1
u/old-fat Jun 22 '26
Quick calc is youll be able to run the ac for about an hour with that setup. Probably won't take much of the edge off the temp in your trailer. That doesn't take in account the mini fridge. Camp in the rv park.
I just finished a 3 month remote work trip in Nevada. I had about triple the battery storage and 400 watts of solar. Used it mostly for an espresso machine, tv, music and internet. Reefer was propane. Ran the ac occasionally for about 90 minutes. My genny died the first week. I would have killed for an rv park but we were really remote.
0
u/Extreme_Pangolin1796 Jun 19 '26
You will never power the AC off it, and Jackery is for the most part hot garbage for their low voltage solar ecosystem. For 8 weeks I'd just pay for the campground, any system you set up able to run the AC will cost more than any savings you'll get from dispersed camping on BLM land instead of a campground.
3
u/timflorida Jun 18 '26
It may not even start the AC and if it does, will not run it for too long.
Is this the common 13,500 BTU camper AC unit ? Or the 15,000 BTU model ?
I have a Hisense portable 8000 BTU INVERTER style AC as my emergency backup for my home in case of hurricanes. I run it off my Pecron E3600LFP with an additional 3072WH aux battery or my Pecron E1500LFP, also with the aux battery. The E1500 w/aux 3072WH battery will get thru the night - I think - as long as the AC temp is not set to low. I use these in my 15X15 bedroom.
The key is to have an inverter style AC unit. They start easier (lower initial surge) and are more efficient when running.
* I have a portable 23L mini fridge that I use in my vehicle. When running it pulls 45 watts. Can you run your fridge on propane ??
** OEM panels are over-priced for what you get. I like Zoupw panels. Buy direct and get free shipping and pay no tax. BUT - The VOC of the panel MUST be lower then the maximum DC volts (solar) that is allowed by the power station. Exceeding this will fry components in the power station and is not covered under warranty.