Off Grid Caravans – Going Off Road and Off Grid
If you are planning to go off the grid with your caravan, you have come to the right place. Going off-grid takes a lot of planning and preparation. Once you get that right, you should be able to explore more sites and caravan parks that get you close to nature instead of being limited by your desire to stay close to a power source. Luckily for you, options are abundant for manufacturers of off grid caravans, which unlocks more opportunities to experience life off the grid, even just for a few days.
The Perks of Off Grid Caravanning
First things first, why should you consider investing in an off grid caravan? Why would you abandon the convenience of having an electric hook-up or access to power facilities?
While you have to make a few sacrifices to get off the grid, the payback is immense. Many off-grid sites in New Zealand and Australia are small and remotely secluded. Therefore, you can expect to spend more time in pristine locations that many people, even caravan enthusiasts, don’t even dare go to. In comparison, the well-known and commercial caravan parks are crowded and the natural features are not as well preserved as the off-grid sites.
Another reason to consider off-grid caravan sites is that they won’t cost you a small fortune. There is little to no maintenance involved with these sites, which means you could save on the parking fees for your caravan. You don’t even have to rough it because there are off grid caravans that are equipped with solar panels so you can still use basic equipment, such as your fridge, oven, lighting equipment, and more. Just remember to pack only the basic items you need to survive the few days you spend on these caravan sites.
How to Power Off Grid Caravans
When choosing to go off the grid on a caravan, you have a few options to power it to ensure you can enjoy the modern comforts even without an electric hook-up. Thankfully, solar-powered caravan models are widely available, which makes them the top choice for anyone staying on off-grid sites. Take time to understand your options so you can make an informed decision on how to power your caravan.
1. Solar Panels
A solar panel is the best option to power your off grid caravan. The photovoltaic panel stores power from the sunlight and converts that into electricity that you can use for your caravan. If your caravan is not fitted with a solar panel, you can install your own, since solar panel kits are readily available in local stores and online.
You will need a 400W or 800W panel for off grid systems to have a backup power option. It will also ensure that your leisure battery remains charged throughout your stay. The initial cost of investing in a solar panel kit is high, but the system benefits will immensely offset the initial cost of acquisition.
Make sure you choose the right solar power system to suit your needs and the length of your stay on the off grid site. Most kits are available in 400W or 800W.
The 400W solar panel kit can generate anywhere between 1.2 to 3 KW hours of energy per day. Several factors can determine the amount of energy that this type of solar panel kit can produce per day, such as geographic location, amount of sunlight, and the tilting position of the solar panel. This kit should provide you with enough energy to power a few items in your caravan. For example, if your solar panel gets up to four hours of sunlight per day, you can use the electricity for the following:
- Energy-efficient fridge.
- LED lights.
- Operating fans and vents.
- Recharging small electronic devices.
- Running a heater for up to two hours.
You can also invest in the 800W solar panel kit for your caravan when you choose to go off the grid. This type of solar kit capacity can produce more electricity per day, depending on the same fluctuating factors mentioned above. The 800W solar panel kit can produce up to 4 kWh of energy per day. This power should be enough to use any of the above-mentioned devices but at a higher capacity.
If you are planning to install a solar panel kit for the off grid caravan, you can determine which kit to use based on the length of your stay at the caravan park or site. The 800W solar panel kit is the ideal option for longer stays as it ensures more backup energy. It’s also the ideal choice for caravanning in the winter.
2. Gas
Gas is another way to power your off grid caravan. Unlike solar panels, though, you must invest in a self-refill gas cylinder system. You must pay for the initial bottle and installation, and then you can refuel it afterward at any fuel station. It gives you flexibility because you can top-up your gas anytime, and gas is also relatively cheap.
One crucial factor you must consider when using gas for your caravan is the minimum temperature for vaporization. Consider the weather conditions on your location or the site to determine how well the gas functions in running your off grid caravan.
3. Leisure Battery
A leisure battery is another option when caravanning on an off-grid system. Leisure batteries come in three major categories depending on your needs and how much power you require while caravanning.
The first option allows you to have a battery with higher storage capacity, which is ideal for caravanning on an off grid site for several days. Another option is for those staying on sites that have electric hook-ups but require additional power for larger devices. And finally, you could also get your hands on a leisure battery with enough power for low-demand equipment.
FAQs on Off Grid Caravans
Can you use a caravan off the grid?
Yes. There are many ways to access power when you go on an off-grid site, and solar panels are one of them.
What do I need to run my caravan off the grid?
A solar panel is what you need to run electronic devices in your caravan while going off-grid. You can also use a portable generator and leisure battery to ensure you have enough backup energy.
Is it cheaper to be off the grid?
Yes. The fee on off-grid sites is a fraction of the fee on sites that offer electric hook-ups.
Fortis Caravans NZ is the sole distributor of Urban Caravans in New Zealand, offering a range of high-quality Australian-manufactured options to meet customer requirements.