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Solar panels, batteries, inverters, and electrical setups
TL;DR: A 200W portable solar briefcase gives van lifers a plug-and-play charging solution that works in campgrounds, trailheads, and urban parking spots without a roof mount — tilt it toward the sun, clip to your battery, and charge. Ideal
TL;DR: A 200Ah deep cycle battery is the sweet spot for most vanlife builds — enough to run a fridge, fan, lighting, and devices overnight without going below 50% on AGM or 20% on lithium. Go lithium (LiFePO4) if budget allows. AGM works fi
A proper lithium battery enclosure vented setup protects a $600–$1,500 battery investment from physical damage, contains any off-gas event, and keeps your living space safe. LiFePO4 batteries are far safer than older lithium chemistries, bu
A vanlife GFCI outlet is a ground fault circuit interrupter receptacle that cuts power instantly when it detects a current leak — mandatory near any water source in your van (sink, shower area, or wet bath). If you're adding shore power (12
A lithium battery monitoring system (BMS + battery monitor) tells you exactly what your LiFePO4 bank is doing in real time — state of charge, voltage, current in/out, temperature, and remaining capacity. Every serious van build needs both a
A dedicated van USB charging multi port hub wired directly to your 12V house bank keeps phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras charged without killing your inverter. The best setups combine a 6-port USB-A/C hub at the bedside, a dash-mounted
TL;DR: A pure sine wave inverter is essential for running sensitive electronics, laptops, and AC appliances in your van. This guide covers how to choose the right size, wire it safely, and pick the best models for vanlife builds.
TL;DR: A lithium starter battery for your RV or tow vehicle delivers faster cranking, lighter weight, and dramatically longer service life than AGM or lead-acid alternatives. The upfront cost is higher, but the math works out over a 5–10 ye
Lithium (LiFePO4) wins for full-time vanlife: lighter, deeper discharge, 3–5x longer lifespan, and faster charging. AGM wins on upfront cost and cold-weather charging compatibility. A 100Ah LiFePO4 costs $250–400 and replaces two 100Ah AGM
TL;DR: For vanlife and RV use, inverter generators (Honda EU2200i, Yamaha EF2000iS, Champion 2000W) are the only practical choice — they run at 50–58 dB at 25% load vs. 65–72 dB for conventional generators, produce clean sine-wave power saf
TL;DR: Portable power stations (all-in-one units like Jackery, EcoFlow) are faster to set up but cost more per wh and can't be easily expanded. Fixed house battery systems (12V LiFePO4 + inverter + BMS) cost less long-term, scale to full va
TL;DR: Your MPPT solar charge controller is the most underrated part of a van solar system — it determines how much of your panel's output actually reaches your battery. This guide covers sizing, programming, wiring, and the settings most v
