RV Boondocking: Best Ways to Power Your RV
RV boondocking can be one of the best experiences that RV owners can enjoy. It affords you the opportunity to camp and explore in remote areas with spectacular views and unmatched tranquility. Being self-sufficient while enjoying all the splendor of the great outdoors is something many RV owners strive for.
If you’re new to RV boondocking, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. What essential boondocking equipment will you need? And how long can you boondock in an RV?
One common misconception is that you will not be able to access air conditioning while boondocking. Running an AC unit while boondocking in an RV may have been a challenge in the past. But today, with the right gear and sensible energy usage, you can safely run your AC and other high-energy appliances while boondocking.
In this article, we will provide some key tips on how to boondock in an RV, including:
- Best power sources for boondocking
- How long power systems last
- Practical tips for powering AC, lights, and electronics
- The role of soft starters in making power go further
What Is Boondocking in an RV?
Boondocking is camping on undeveloped public lands without access to any hookups for water or electricity. Boondocking is most common in national forests and other remote areas and is often synonymous with other terms, like primitive, dry, or dispersed camping.
While boondocking can be immensely rewarding, the key to success is often responsible power management. With that in mind, here are some tips for efficient boondocking setups.
What are the Best Power Sources for RV Boondocking?
There are three primary power sources for RV boondocking setups: battery power, portable generators, and solar power.
RV Battery Bank (12V or Lithium)
Most RVs have on-board 12V batteries that can be used to power essential low-voltage items like lights and water pumps. However, your on-board batteries are not ideal for powering higher-voltage appliances. Attempting to do so can drain the battery and even cause potential long-term damage to your batteries.
You can upgrade to lithium batteries for better battery life and power storage on-board your RV. The primary disadvantage of upgrading your batteries is the financial cost, so this decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
Portable Generator
Most boondockers use a generator if they have higher voltage needs. Smaller generators in the 2000-3000 watt range are most common among RV boondockers.
The downside of using a generator as your primary power source is that it is the least environmentally friendly power option. Generators run on gas, so you will go through gas more quickly the more you use your generator, increasing your carbon footprint and gas budget. There is also an option to use a propane generator, however, finding propane while boondocking is not as easy as finding a gas station. Read our blog on propane vs gas generators for a full comparison.
However, most boondockers agree that a generator is a necessity for powering appliances like microwaves or AC units. When used responsibly, and in conjunction with proper equipment, a portable generator is the most practical and affordable option.
Many RVers are surprised to learn that it’s possible to run an AC unit on a 2000-watt generator. With the help of an RV air conditioner soft starter, like the Micro-Air EasyStart™, heavy appliances can run more efficiently and quietly, making for an even better RV boondocking experience. The EasyStart is compatible with all RV air conditioner brands including Dometic (Brisk, Penguin, Blizzard, FreshJet), Coleman, GE, and Furrion.
The chart below compares minimum generator size requirements with and without a Micro-Air EasyStart™ soft starter.
You May Also Be Interested In: Generator Sizing with a Soft Starter - Calculation Examples
Solar Panels and Inverter Systems
A third option for powering an RV when boondocking is solar power. Solar panels are the most environmentally friendly option, especially when paired with inverter systems. There are a few notable drawbacks to relying on solar panels, however. First is that you will rely on sunlight, meaning it will be harder to camp in shaded areas. Second is that solar panels don’t always provide enough power to run AC, unless also paired with a soft starter.
Some of the pros of using solar panels include:
- Quiet power source
- Renewable, eco-friendly power
- Low maintenance
- Great for running low-voltage appliances like lights, fans, laptop/phone chargers, etc.
Learn more about what is required to run an RV AC with solar power.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About RV Boondocking
Micro-Air is a trusted name among RVers in the U.S., as we manufacture our soft starters and other equipment right here in the USA. As a result, we often receive questions directly from RVers who are looking to learn more about our products, boondocking, and RV life in general. Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions about RV boondocking.
Can You Run an RV Air Conditioner While Boondocking?
Yes, you can run your RV air conditioner while boondocking—with the right setup.
Although RV AC units require a lot of power, tools like a soft starter allow you to reduce the energy surge at startup, making it possible to run your AC even when off the grid. With proper planning and the right equipment, boondockers can enjoy cool air without hookups.
Let us explain:
One of the biggest myths about RV boondocking is that it’s not feasible to run your AC while off the grid. Although air conditioning is a high-voltage, energy intensive appliance, it is possible to use it while boondocking. You just need to be intelligent about how you use it, and pair it with the proper equipment.
The most important piece of equipment to use when running your AC is an RV soft starter. A soft starter reduces the sudden inrush of energy to a motor during startup. This thereby reduces the stress on electrical systems and allows them to run longer and more efficiently.
This is huge, as it can greatly reduce the startup surge by up to 75%. Because of this, it’s possible for smaller generators to be used when running your AC, and there is less risk of overloading your system. And because soft starters help your AC run more efficiently, it will also extend the overall lifespan of the AC unit.
As an example of how a soft starter impacts power usage in an RV, a standard 13,500 BTU AC would typically require around 4000 watts when starting up. However, a soft starter like the Micro-Air EasyStart can cut that total in half, down to roughly 2000 watts.
How Long Will an RV Battery Last While Boondocking?
Most standard RV batteries should be able to last for two to three days while boondocking. However, with upgraded gear and careful power usage, it is possible to get even more life out of your battery while boondocking.
There are several key factors that will impact battery life while boondocking. First is the type of battery being used. As mentioned, lithium batteries tend to run more efficiently, and thus longer, than lead-acid batteries. Your battery bank size (measured in amp-hours) will also greatly impact the length of battery life. And, of course, exactly how much power is being used will affect how long your battery will last.
For instance, a basic 100 amp-hour battery should be able to sustain lights, fans, and a water pump for two days. But heavier appliances like AC would require a larger power bank.
Here are some basic tips for power-savings while RV boondocking:
- Use energy-efficient LED lights
- Limit device charging
- Run fans instead of AC if possible
- Turn off electronics whenever they’re not in use
How Long Can You Boondock in an RV?
There are several factors that influence how long you can boondock in an RV, which are not just limited to power usage. Of course, your power capacity and usage will be one of the top factors to consider. But other factors include water and waste tank capacity as well as food supply and storage and location rules.
As a rough estimate, you should be able to boondock in an RV for at least 2-3 days with a minimalist setup. However, with a few energy-saving and efficiency investments, like a soft starter, it is possible to extend your boondocking stays even longer.
Even with a few moderate equipment upgrades, it should be possible to boondock for about 4-7 days. With certain upgrades, like lithium batteries, solar panels, and a generator it should be possible to boondock for 10+ days.
How to Boondock in an RV (Efficiently)
Your power source and setup will have the biggest impact on your efficiency. But there are also several simple habits you can adopt to stay off the grid longer. Here are some of our top tips for efficient RV boondocking:
- Park in the shade to reduce reliance on AC.
- Use reflective window coverings to reduce indoor temperature.
- Limit AC usage to only the hottest times of the day.
- Recharge batteries with either a generator, solar panels, or both.
- Use an energy audit to track power usage and see what devices use the most power.
- Use a soft starter to reduce startup loads.
Boondocking is a great experience for those looking to explore and get in touch with nature. But it’s also about learning to spend energy wisely and efficiently.
Our Final Thoughts on Powering Your RV Off-Grid
RV boondocking is a great experience that anybody can enjoy. But for many, one of the biggest obstacles is the fear that they need to sacrifice comfort to power their RV. But this is not the case at all. As long as you do your research and make informed decisions about your power usage, you can boondock in comfort.
For many RVers, a small investment like a soft starter can be a game-changer. The small boost in efficiency it provides makes it possible to run the AC, meaning greater comfort while camping off-grid.
Learn more about the MicroAir EasyStart soft starter with optional Bluetooth technology. Our updated technology allows you to troubleshoot from an app on your phone and ensure your soft starter is set up right so your AC runs smoothly without overworking your RV's electrical system.
*Note: This article is for informational purposes only; Micro-Air does not make recommendations or provide support outside of Micro-Air products.
