Camping Power Solutions: Power Up Your Motorhome the Easy Way

When you’re on the road, the last thing you want is a dead battery or a dim TV. Good power plans keep the fridge cold, the lights bright and the adventure alive. Below you’ll find the basics of powering a motorhome, plus simple tricks you can use on any trip.

Solar Panels – Sunlight Into Electricity

Solar is the go‑to for most rvers because it’s quiet, clean and works anywhere the sun shines. A 200‑watt panel can top up a typical 100‑amp‑hour battery in a few hours of bright sunlight. Mount the panel on the roof, connect it to a charge controller, then to your house battery. The controller stops over‑charging, so you don’t have to watch the numbers all day.

If you only need small devices – a phone, a laptop or a 12‑volt fan – a 100‑watt panel plus a good controller is enough. For bigger loads like a heater or air‑conditioner, add another panel or two. The key is to match panel size to the energy you plan to use each day.

Batteries – Store the Power You Collect

Most motorhomes have a lead‑acid starter battery and a separate house battery. The house battery powers lights, water pump and gadgets. Upgrading to a lithium‑ion house battery gives more capacity in a lighter package and can be charged faster.

Keep your batteries clean, top them up with distilled water (if they’re lead‑acid) and avoid deep discharge. A good rule of thumb: never let the voltage drop below 12.0 V for a 12‑V battery. Use a battery monitor to see exactly how much juice you have left.

When you’re camping without solar, a 12‑V deep‑cycle battery paired with a portable inverter can run a small TV or laptop. Just remember that inverters waste power, so only use them when you really need AC.

Generators – Backup When Sun Isn’t Enough

Portable generators are handy for cloudy days or when you need a lot of power quickly. A 2‑kW gasoline generator can run a fridge, microwave and a few lights at once. Place it outside, run the exhaust away from the vehicle and never run it inside the camper.

Fuel consumption varies, but expect about 0.5 litre per hour at half load. Keep extra fuel in a safe container and turn the generator off when you’re not using it – it saves fuel and reduces wear.

Smart Power Management – Use Less, Get More

Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug chargers that aren’t in use and choose LED bulbs. LED strips use a fraction of the power of old incandescent lights and still give plenty of brightness.

For entertainment, a 12‑volt TV or a tablet uses far less energy than a full‑size TV. If you need a TV, look for models that run directly off 12 V – they skip the inverter loss entirely.

Plan your daily power budget. Add up the amp‑hours each device uses, then compare it to your battery capacity. If you’re over the limit, either add more solar, an extra battery or cut back on high‑draw items.

With a solid solar setup, a reliable battery, a backup generator and a few smart habits, you’ll never be left in the dark. These camping power solutions work for any motorhome, whether you’re boondocking in the Scottish Highlands or parked at a seaside site in Cornwall. Stay powered, stay happy, and enjoy the open road!