Insufficient Power for Boondocking

Boondocking involves camping in a recreational vehicle without access to external electrical, water, or sewer hookups. RVers rely on the RV’s battery bank, freshwater tanks, solar panels, and generator instead. The appeal lies in the ability to stay off-grid and immersed in nature, without being confined to traditional campsites. With the right setup, boondocking enables true freedom and solitude.

However, power management becomes critical without steady access to shore power. You must understand the RV’s electrical infrastructure along with optimal usage and conservation habits. Insufficient power while boondocking can quickly derail your off-grid adventures. This comprehensive guide covers all factors influencing available power, troubleshooting issues when they arise, and best practices for sustaining your power supply while boondocking.

How to Determing Your Boondocking Power Requirements

The first step is calculating your electrical load or power draw requirements. Start by cataloging all appliances, devices, and systems running on battery power. For each one, check manufacturer specs for average and max current draw. Essentials like lighting, pumps, control boards, and the refrigerator have priority. But amenities like air conditioning, instant hot water, and entertainment systems impact power planning.

Next, factor in your battery bank capacity and solar charging potential. Batteries are rated by amp-hour capacity, discharge rates, cycle life, and depth of discharge. Understand these specifications in relation to your total load. Insufficient battery capacity is the most common deficiency for boondocking RVers. Expanding your bank requires knowing appropriate battery types, wiring configurations, and storage considerations.

Sizing your solar panel system properly is also key. Determine average daily usage in watt-hours, then select monocrystalline panels with enough peak wattage to substantially exceed that number. Portable foldable panels can supplement roof-mounted ones. Use online RV solar calculators for personalized analysis based on your rig. Consider future power needs too when planning capacity.

Signs of Insufficient Power

Warning signs of an underperforming power system often include:

1. Battery bank depleting rapidly each day
2. Voltage flickering causing component shutdowns
3. Inability to run multiple major appliances/devices
4. Excessive generator run times without recharging
5. Lighting and devices randomly powering off

These indicate your daily usage exceeds the combined output of your batteries and solar panels. Insufficient capacity and failing batteries are the main culprits. Other factors like damaged solar panels, corroded wiring, or malfunctioning converters/inverters could also be draining resources.

What Happens When There’s Insufficient Power During Boondocking?

Dwindling batteries leave you with limited usage time before total shutdown. As voltage drops, so does component performance. Lighting dims, motors slow, and electronic displays flicker or fail. The refrigerator struggles to maintain temperature, risking food spoilage. Without enough output, operating the water pump or electronics is difficult.

Once batteries discharge below 50%, sulphation crystals start forming internally, progressively damaging plates. Repeatedly draining batteries also shortens their total lifespan through added stress. If panels cannot sufficiently recharge them during daylight hours, your boondocking duration decreases with each passing day.

How to Find Out the Cause of Insufficient Power while Boondocking?

Begin troubleshooting by tracking your power usage with a monitor like the Victron BMVs. Check battery voltage at least twice daily – after full charging and before dawn. Test with a multimeter for faulty batteries,inspecting electrolyte levels, corroded terminals, cracked casings,etc. Clean solar panels, check physical damage, and ensure proper grid charging activation. Consider load distribution too. Multiple large loads simultaneously can exceed capacity.

Isolate the problem source before investing in upgrades or replacements. Faulty components, undersized capacity for actual usage, and suboptimal system maintenance are the most prevalent issues. Keep documentation on all your RV electrical components to streamline diagnostics. Join online communities to exchange insights as well.

How to Boost Electricity Production while Boondocking?

For insufficient solar capacity, expanding your panel bank with suitcase models or rigid portable panels is simplest. Adding 200-400 watts enables running extra appliances for a few hours daily. Installing second-generation LG, SunPower or Panasonic panels boosts efficiency too. Include a solar generator like Goal Zero Yeti or Bluetti AC200 for cloudy weather backup.

Upgrading to 400-500 amp-hour lithium batteries from Battle Born Batteries, Renogy, or Weize greatly extends usable capacity and lifespan through increased cycles. However, the higher cost of lithium must align with your RV investment and boondocking goals. Some RVers add a second battery bank using combiner boxes for isolation and integrated control.

Alternator charging systems like the Sterling Power Pro Split-R and battery-to-battery charging converters effectively sustain batteries while driving. This lets you boondock with occasional location changes rather than staying completely stationary. Small, ultralight portable solar panels then supply supplemental power.

How to Optimize Your Power Usage During Boondocking?

The most effective starting point is tracking usage through monitors like the Victron SmartShunt. This reveals peak loads so you can strategize scheduling. Stagger running the water heater, HVAC system and other power hogs. Consolidate usage during solar peak output from 10am-4pm when possible. Limit heating/cooling to nighttime and mornings when sleeping, and use propane appliances instead of electric where feasible.

Carefully budget battery usage overnight by shutting down all unnecessary lighting, appliances and accessories by 8 pm daily. Invest in ultra-efficient RV refrigerator models to cut the largest constant power draw. Choose LED lighting, minimize open/close refrigerator cycles, and consolidate cooking while designing your boondocking routine for sustainability.

Choosing an RV/Equipment for Efficient Boondocking

When planning for extended boondocking trips, carefully evaluate your existing RV’s electrical systems, appliances, and components. Large motorhomes or fifth wheels with multiple A/C units, residential fridges, and an abundance of lighting may prove challenging to sustain off-grid. If buying new, prioritize energy efficient appliances and LED lighting, and consider smaller trailers or truck campers designed for boondocking versatility. 

Audit your typical electrical usage to right-size components like solar capacity and battery bank size. Having the right foundation makes all other efficiency efforts possible.

Maintenance Practices

Preventive maintenance sustains system performance and longevity. Inspect wiring insulation, terminals and solar panel glass for damage before each trip. Check sealants on roof penetrations to prevent water intrusion over time. Clear dust buildup on panels monthly using a soft brush and damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

Adhere to battery manufacturer charging guidelines. Never discharge lithium batteries beyond 20% capacity. In warmer climates, avoid excessive underhood heat. Consider installing a battery compartment ventilation fan to prolong life. Follow all safety protocols for working with battery banks – protective gear, voltage meter testing, no live adjustments, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What battery bank capacity should I have for Boondocking?

As a rule of thumb: multiply your average daily watt-hours of consumption by number of days you want to sustain before calling on your generator or grid refill.

Example: 300 ah daily need x 2 days = 600 ah ideal capacity

How do I calculate watt-hours?

First calculate amp-hours (ah) by documenting consumption of every device, then converting to watt-hours (wh) by accounting for voltage level.

Example: 100 ah at 12V = 1200 wh daily consumption

What size solar system do I need?

Aim to have enough panel wattage to replenish at least 50% more than your total daily average consumption. A good rule of thumb is150w per 100ah needed each day if in sunny locations.

How many solar panels are ideal?

Assuming standard 100w outdoor panels, calculate by dividing your needed watts by 100. For 600w capacity with 100w panels, 6 panels will deliver at least 600w at peak sun. Scale up more if you expect cloudy spells.

What happens if my power isn’t sufficient?

Trips get cut short with frustration. Switching on non-essential loads will become impossible. Life shifts to absolute necessities only and getting into locations with a power hookup to recharge quickly becomes the priority.