Are you an adventurous person who likes to push the boundaries of camping off the beaten track? Travelling off-grid can be fun, exciting, and rewarding, but does your caravan have the basic essentials needed for off-grid camping? Travelling off-grid in a caravan means that you should be able to light up your campsite when night falls, have enough water for the duration of your trip, and have enough power to keep you cool in hot weather.
In this article, we will provide a checklist of the essential things you need to think about before going off-grid in your caravan. Keep reading to learn more!
Caravaning Off the Beaten Track in Australia
Here in Australia, we are lucky to have endless opportunities to explore the stunning landscape that surrounds us. However, many of the most exciting locations are far off the beaten track without access to supplies and power sources. This is why some modern caravans come readily equipped with everything you need or you can have your caravan modified for off-grid camping.
Extended periods of travel will require campers to have the means to go off-grid safely. Here is a list of the basic essentials required for off-grid camping in a caravan:
1). Off-Grid Power
When going off-grid, a reliable power source is essential for lights, appliances, and air conditioning in remote locations that are far from accessible power sources. Some reliable off-road power sources include:
Solar Panels
Solar power will allow you to power basic appliances and other essentials for long periods of time. Solar is the easiest way to charge batteries to power up your caravan because the sun is your constant source of energy. If you want to use solar power for all your appliances from the refrigerator to the air conditioner, you will need to invest in a larger, custom-designed power system. Some caravan brands offer state-of-the-art, fully-equipped vans with solar power included.
Inverters
A quality inverter will give you a complete 24v power system powered by your 12v battery to run everything. This allows you to use all your appliances and charge your devices. Many caravan brands have built-in inverters. If your caravan does not have an inverter you will have to invest in one or chat with one of our experts at Great Southern RV to discuss your options.
Lithium Batteries
When it comes to caravaning off-grid, saving weight and space is crucial in order to save on fuel. A lithium battery can generate up to three times the power of a same-sized regular battery and weighs 60% less than a standard AGM battery while putting out 30% more power. Lithium batteries are a good choice for use with solar panels as they charge quickly and can last for up to 15 years. Any weight you can save when off-grid will make a substantial difference in saving fuel for your caravan.
2). Caravan Fridge
A portable fridge powered by gas or solar is one of the essentials when travelling off-grid. Three-way powered fridges run off 3 different power sources: 240v when there is a power source available or a generator; 12v while on remote roads; and LPG.
3). Extra Water
As a general rule of them, try to budget approximately 10 litres of water per person per day for drinking, showering, cleaning, and cooking. This means that your caravan will need enough storage for drinking water and grey water. Custom-designed oOff-gGrid caravans have designated filtered water tanks.
4). Extra Fuel
Careful planning is necessary to ensure you will have enough fuel for the trip, power certain appliances, and get back safely. Make sure that you have extra fuel on hand so that you won’t find yourself stranded from not having enough fuel to power your caravan.
Final Thoughts
Off-grid camping can be challenging. It requires that you have all the essentials necessary for extended periods in remote areas with no access to power, water, and fuel.
If you are not sure how to go off-grid safely with a caravan, please get in touch with one of our experts at Great Southern RV who will be happy to help you set up your caravan for off-grid conditions or choose the best option from our range.
For the best caravans for sale in Adelaide, please give us a call today at 08 7282 0990 or leave an enquiry.
