The phones are down to a sliver of battery, the led lights you hung around your campsite are flickering, your battery powered lantern is almost dead and that trusty little tent fan is barely spinning. That means no new pictures in the morning, no rocking music playlist in the afternoon and here comes the overnight condensation and early morning boil in your tent. If you didn’t pack a decent power station, you’d be out of luck. However, if you had the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 600 in the car, you’d be just fine.

Here’s what surprised us most. For something that only weighs about 16 pounds, this thing can power way more than we expected. Thanks to VTOMAN’s V-Beyond technology, the FlashSpeed 600 can handle gear that normally needs more than 600 watts, and even brief surges up to 1200W.

Surprisingly Mighty for Its Small Size

It’s built with travelers and off-grid explorers in mind. Compact, lightweight, and packed with useful features like fast USB-C charging and support for solar panels. Whether you’re car camping, RVing, working remotely, or prepping for emergencies, it’s the kind of tool you end up using more than you thought you would.

We first tried the larger VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 a few years ago and honestly, it impressed us. Solid build, plenty of juice, and for the features you get, it’s a really great value. So when we got our hands on the smaller FlashSpeed 600, we were curious to see how it stacked up.

See the VTOMAN Flashspeed 600 here.

Spoiler, it totally held its own.

What Can It Power? A Lot More Than You’d Think

Here are 10 surprisingly powerful things it runs.

1. A full-size blender
Yup, we sometimes bring a blender camping. It’s a bit extra, but nothing beats smoothies or frozen drinks after a long hike. The FlashSpeed 600 handled it like a champ, no sputtering, no drama.

2. A Travel Sized Hairdryer
This one shocked us. A compact hairdryer actually worked, as long as we used it on the lower setting without heat and didn’t go for full salon mode. It’s also great for drying wet socks or gloves in a pinch.

3. An electric blanket
Cold night? No problem. Just plug in a low-wattage electric blanket, and stay warm for hours. Perfect for when your sleeping bag isn’t quite enough and the temperature drops fast.

4. An Electric Air Pump for Paddleboards or Inflatables
If you’ve ever manually pumped up a paddleboard, you know it’s a workout. Plug in an electric air pump (regular electrical plug or a 12v car style plug) and let the VTOMAN do the heavy lifting. It will handle ours with ease and with plenty of power left for other gear.

5. A laptop, Kindle, and phone all at once
With 8 outlets, including fast-charging USB-C and QC3.0 USB-A ports, this thing is built for multitasking. We had the whole family’s tech charging at the same time, and no one had to fight for a plug.

6. LED lights and a projector for movie night
One of our favorite camping traditions, hanging a white sheet and watching a movie under the stars. The FlashSpeed 600 will power LED string lights and a compact projector with zero issues. Definitely one of those moments that makes you forget you’re in the woods.

7. A drone battery charger
If you film or photograph while traveling, this is gold. We can recharge our drone batteries right at the campsite and not miss a single shot of the mountain views.

8. A portable fan or heater
This can be a lifesaver in a tent. A charged fan keeps air moving, helps with condensation, and makes sleeping way more comfortable during a warm night. We’ve also used our power station to power a diesel tent heater and it lasted us for multiple nights that were well below freezing (wasn’t cold in the tent though, those heaters are crazy warm.)

9. A small air purifier
In severely dusty campsites or during wildfire season, having cleaner air in an RV can make a noticeable difference. While they don’t take much energy, it’s amazing how much they can filter in a few hours.

10. A camera battery charger
When you’re off-grid for days and still want to document your trip, this is key. We ran our camera battery charger multiple times without draining the FlashSpeed much at all.

11. Bonus! Power tool batteries
If you own an RV or work on projects outdoors often, you know that sometimes having a bit of remote electrical power is helpful. Whether running a cordless drill, inflating tires and inflatables or running a cordless saw or sander, those power tool batteries don’t charge themselves and never last as long as you wish they did.

To give you an idea of the size of the VTOMAN Flashspeed 600 in relation, it can charge over a dozen typical 18 volt power tool batteries. Considering our lantern, fan and inflator all use an 18v power tool battery, you know we bring our charger with us everywhere we go and the VTOMAN 600 keeps them all charged up for the weekend.

Why This Works

Here’s the secret sauce, VTOMAN’s V-Beyond technology. It’s what lets this power station push beyond the 600W mark for short bursts, powering gear that would usually trip up other portable stations in this size range. Combine that with LiFePO4 battery cells, a rugged build, and VTOMAN’s LIFEBMS safety system, and you’ve got serious reliability in a small, travel-ready package.

A Few Quick Tips

• Try to run only one high-power device at a time, especially if you’re stretching its wattage.
• Keep an eye on your battery level. The LCD screen is easy to read and gives you time estimates.
• Add a solar panel or an extra VTOMAN battery if you’re out for longer trips. An extra batter can extend the 499Wh capacity all the way to 2047Wh and a solar panel (max 200W) can top the VTOMAN up every day in a few hours.
• Unlike a normal gas/propane/diesel generator, you can use a portable power station like the VTOMAN at all hours regardless of where you’re camping and they’re so quiet you can even leave them plugged in directly inside your RV or right next to your tent.

Final Thoughts

The VTOMAN FlashSpeed 600 has officially earned a spot in our car camping kit. It’s compact, powerful, and just plain useful. Whether you’re going off-grid or just want a backup at home, it handles more than you’d expect without the price tag of bigger stations.

You can check it out here if you’re curious. And if you’ve found a creative or surprising way to use your power station, we’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment or tag us, we’re always up for new ideas.

Happy travels and fully charged adventures.

Our takeaway? It’s a nice size portable generator with plenty of outputs for your typical digital nomad. Keep reading to see our hands on tests to how it compares to others in its class.

Why Review Power Stations?

As our travels have slowed down over the last few years due to pandemics and high school/university chaos, we’ve camped more, and dome more local day trips and random home projects. This has lead to us experimenting with solar power and energy storage solutions, with a possible van life project somewhere in our future when our kids go off on their own adventures and it’s just Micki and I again.

Check prices for the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 on their website.

Shop the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 on Amazon.

The nice part about this quieter, travel-free time is that it’s given us a chance to test out a variety of portable power stations, and lets us see what makes one more ideal than the others firsthand.

So, stay with us as we personally check out the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 with this real world, hands on review and discover everything it can do as well as what it can’t.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Review

Coming in at 1548Wh, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 pure sine wave portable power pack should have enough energy to get most people through the day, whether they’re using it for camping, or working on a job site. It should have enough juice to even let you or blend smoothies (or a margarita) on the patio at the minimalist log cabin you rented for the weekend. (What, you don’t travel with a blender? How uncouth of you!)

Seriously though, the FlashSpeed 1500 is a nice blend of just enough power, but not too much as with these long life LifePO4 batteries, every extra Watt hour equals extra weight to carry. At 18.83kg (or 41.5lbs), this VTOMAN isn’t the lightest power pack we’ve seen, but it seems in line with others we’ve recently reviewed for its Wh to weight ratio.

While the FlashSpeed 1500 is primarily intended for loads under 1500W, it can actually handle certain devices up to 3000W with VTOMAN’s V-Beyond technology. While we’ve only tested it up to 1800W, the V-Beyond technology is primarily designed for resistive loads like coffee makers, space heaters, lights, toasters and even ovens.

We haven’t seen many other power generators touting this ability, but it’s a nice bonus if you find 1500W is on the smaller side, but don’t often use devices that exceed that wattage. That said, running it at these higher wattages is likely to drain the battery quickly.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Charging abilities

One of the greatest strengths of the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 is its quick-charge ability. At only one hour from empty to full, the FlashSpeed 1500 is one of the fastest charging portable power generators we’ve reviewed so far. Having tested it from empty to full, it really does take only take an hour or so to charge. For the record, we saw it pull up to 1620w with the included power cable when charging.

That said, this does come at the cost of loud fan speed noise when plugged in. The fan helps keep it cool while recharging and, while we don’t own a professional sound meter to get a more precise reading, when fully charging, we were often pushing over 70db with our phone only a foot from the fan.

However, no one is likely running it on the table like we were for this test. Also, its fan noise and not motor noise so outdoors it would get drowned out much quicker and even indoors the sound dropped off markedly even a few feet from the device.

Thankfully, once the FlashSpeed 1500 is fully charged, the fan noise does drop down to almost nothing. Even when using it to power other devices, it’s almost silent except when pushing it over 1000w. If you’re running a device over that threshold, the fan (and the resulting noise) will likely be noticeable. Hopefully you’re blending drinks by this point and not caring regardless.

No Power Brick on the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500

Another really nice thing about the FlashSpeed 1500 is the lack of a huge power brick when charging. It just uses a straight power cable, which fits nicely into the top mounted compartment of the device. This makes transporting the power station easier, plus there’s less danger of losing the power brick or forgetting it at home accidently. (Something we’ll never admit to having done…)

We actually go back and forth on not having a power brick is always a positive. If you’re primarily recharging by solar and there’s no power brick, then that means the power brick is incorporated into the power station itself, which adds both extra weight and size to the device. So, when lugging it around, rather than leaving the power brick at home or in the car, you carry that extra weight with you. Conversely, if you primarily charge the device via the wall plug, having no extra parts is a huge plus regardless of the additional bulk.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Solar Power

Speaking of solar, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 battery powered solar generator can handle 400W of solar input at a time. When combined with plugging it in via the wall, that can drop your recharge time down to 45 minutes, which is ludicrously fast for a device this size.

While we’ve seen plenty of these with lower total solar input and lately a few with a lot more, the truth is 400W is a solid amount for a power generator of this level. Those running more solar wattage than this are likely using it to power larger installations, which likely means they need more Wh than this device can produce, short of coupling it with the additional battery.

Oh yeah, did I mention you can double your total Wh to 3096Wh with the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Extra Battery? We don’t have the extra battery so can’t say for sure how well it works with this device, but we’re guessing it works just fine and is cheaper than buying another full system. It can also be recharged simultaneously with the power station.

While it does increase the overall price, it might be an option for you if you feel you need more Wh than the standard 1548Wh this VTOMAN provides. It can be bought later if you feel you need it.

Also to note, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 can only support the single extra battery and more can’t be daisy chained to give even longer run times. It also doesn’t change the default 1500W power limit, just the run time.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Ins and Outs

The FlashSpeed 1500 comes with numerous outputs including 4 standard USB A outputs (3 at 5v/2.4A and a single quick charge), 2 USB C ports which are PD100W (so can even direct charge your new laptop), 3x 110v 1500W ports (with 3000W surge capacity), 2x 12v 20A DC5521 output ports (5.5mm x 2.1mm, which will work with many CPAP devices)and a single 12v 20A car lighter port which is quite handy if you happen to own an electrical 12v cooler or a 12v pump for filling up your SUP or inflatables like we do.

For inputs, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 has the 110V one hour quick charge we’ve already touched upon, as well as the standard Anderson style plug for accepting up to 400W of 30 to 60V solar power. There’s also a DC 12-20V input that can handle up to 200W of input.

A nice bonus is that you can use all three (solar, wall, and DC input) at the same time to charge it from zero to 100% in 45 minutes! We tested it with a 200W solar panel at the same time as the wall plug and can confirm that it charges fast.

An interesting addition of the FlashSpeed 1500 is the ability to jump start your car. While there is no information in the included manual about these ports, it’s a cool addition I haven’t seen on power stations of this size and hope to find more information about it later.

Finally, the FlashSpeed 1500 includes a large rear LED light that has three different brightness levels, a strobe light and SOS function. The LEDs make for a great light around the campsite at night, when tailgating to games with the crew, or more boringly, working later at night.

What does the FlashSPeed 1500 come with?

In the box, you get the FlashSpeed 1500, a manual, some VTOMAN stickers, the power cable, a car lighter port cable, a USB C to USB C cable as well as a traditional USB A to USB C cable.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 UPS and Downs (see what I did there, lol?)

One of the nicer features of the FlashSpeed 1500 is that all the output ports also support pass-through charging. This is a great bonus as you can leave your device plugged into the power generator while topping it up and even use the FlashSpeed 1500 as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)in case of electrical power failure.

The VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 as a UPS

The advertised drop time of 10ms (16ms is what a typical ATX computer PSU is rated for), this should keep any device you have plugged into it running nicely even when the house power shuts down. While not every battery power station has this, it’s definitely a big plus for having it around the house in case of emergencies.

One of the negatives about using it as a UPS is that the fan runs occasionally as the unit needs to top itself up. I would never recommend it in the bedroom for this reason, but in an office it’s not intolerable and reminds me of loud bathroom fan.

Charging Protection and Lifespan

As to charging protection, the FlashSpeed 1500 itself includes 10 kinds of charging protection from over charge protection to over discharge protection as well as the important over current protection. With the newer LiFePO4 battery, you also get 3000+ cycle life charges (that means empty to full) before it gets down to 80% of its original capacity).

How long can the FlashSpeed 1500 last?

In short, you can charge this thing every day for 8.5 years and it will still likely power you through the day. If using it only on weekends or in the summers, you could literally get over 25 years of use with this. If you also couple it with a solar panel, all that power can be free.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Review Summary

We can see why the VTOMAN brand is popular with the van life crowd. The FlashSpeed 1500 is easily stackable and the top features a nice little holder for the cables. It doesn’t include a wireless charging pad. You can also power most electrical tools or a blender for a delicious smoothie.

At 1500Wh, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed is a nice blend of size to weight to power ratio, however if you’re looking for longer run times you can add the extra battery. Those hoping to power larger devices for longer may want to check out one of VTOMAN’s larger offerings, though.

The power generator itself is sleek and has nice carrying handles. All the inputs and outputs are in the front so they’re easy to access and see. Display seems bright and the buttons to turn on the various outputs seem to press nicely. We do miss the included App and Bluetooth support some other power stations include, however it’s not a game breaker for us.

We did find it quite loud when wall charging so that’s a negative, but thankfully it quiet downs once it reaches full power. It would be nice to have a slower eco/quiet mode option for wall charging if not in a rush, but that one hour total charge time is tough to complain about. It’s fast and perfect if you’re out camping and need to give it a quick top up someplace if there’s a place to do so. Otherwise, solar takes only six hours or so at 400W.

When being used, the fans are audible, but not annoyingly so, and still quieter than a traditional gas generator even when the fans come on at higher wattages. This means you could easily use it all day in a campsite and not annoy all your neighbors. It also doesn’t get that loud when charging up via solar, so that’s an extra star for free power abilities right there.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Price

It seems that there’s always a sale on the VTOMAN, which we really appreciate!

See the price on the VTOMAN website.

See prices on Amazon.

Disclosure: VTOMAN provided a FlashSpeed 1500 for evaluation purposes, however they had zero input into this review.

Other awesome articles:

• 27 Helpful Tips for How to Travel More
• Essential Guide To Planning Your First Campervan Trip
• The 10 Best Road Trips in British Columbia, Canada

Portable power stations are increasingly popular for their versatility and convenience. They are essential for off-grid lifestyles, camping, road trips, and powering tools in areas without electrical outlets. Many people also use them as a backup or for emergencies during power outages. The BLUETTI AC200L stands out for its fast charging via wall or solar panels. It has plenty of ports and outlets to accommodate different devices, and it has demonstrated consistent, reliable performance in our use.

At its core lies a hefty 2,048Wh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery coupled with a robust 2400W AC inverter, ready to take on high-demand appliances and sensitive electronics alike. From powering heaters and refrigerators to keeping laptops and smartphones charged, this unit doesn’t flinch.

It’s particularly useful during power outages, outdoor excursions, and events like festivals, with the bonus ability to harness up to 1200W from solar panels.

Equipped with an industry-leading battery and an advanced Battery Management System (BMS), the AC200L promises durability and safety.

While it’s an investment, its performance justifies the price tag.

In this honest review, I put it through its paces. Follow the link below for the current price and let’s delve into what the AC200L has to offer.

See BLUETTI AC200L price.

What Comes in the Box

Upon unboxing the BLUETTI AC200L power station, you’ll find everything needed to get started with off-grid power or to ensure you’re prepared for any power outages. Here’s what’s included:

• AC200L Power Station: The central unit, a robust solar generator.
• AC Charging Cable: For charging the power station from a standard electrical outlet.
• Solar Charging Cable: Allows you to harness solar power to charge the unit.
• Car Charging Cable: Enables charging from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter port.
• DC Input Cable: For connecting to various DC power sources.
• Cable Storage Bag: To neatly store all cables when not in use.
• User Manual: Detailed instructions and information for safe operation and maintenance.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

One of the things I was most excited to see in the AC200L’s capabilities is that it can function as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), providing a seamless transition during power outages.

Here in British Columbia, we get power outages a few times a year. In our area, we can get heavy snowfall in the winter, and heat in the summer can easily reach over 100 degrees.

Our risk for power going out is reasonably high. When the power’s out, we can’t work, meaning that we lose income, making an uninterrupted power supply for our home office essential.

With a swift switching time of within 20 milliseconds, the BLUETTI AC200L’s UPS is quick enough to prevent shutdowns of most sensitive electronics, which typically can handle brief interruptions of up to several tens of milliseconds.

This UPS capability ensures that devices like computers, networking equipment, and other critical appliances continue to operate without interruption during brief outages or while switching between power sources. It’s a reliable feature for those of us who want continual, reliable power, particularly in areas prone to fluctuations in electricity supply.

What Can the BLUETTI AC200L Charge?

The BLUETTI 200L, with pure sine wave output can handily power a wide range of household and electronic devices. The pure sine wave output ensures that even sensitive electronics can be powered safely and efficiently.

Here’s a quick look at some of the items it can charge:

• Coffee Maker (1200W): Can run for approximately 3.8 hours.
• Electric Kettle (1500W): Capable of operating for over 3 hours.
• Refrigerator (150W): Can keep your food cold for more than 30 hours!
• Cooling Fan (60W): Able to provide over 70 hours of cooling.
• CPAP Machine (40W): Will run for more than 115 hours, suitable for extended use.
• Lights (10W): Can illuminate a space for over 400 hours.
• Laptop (100W): Offers up to 46 full charges.
• Smartphone (15W): Can be charged more than 300 times.

I’m especially excited to see that it can power a fridge for over 30 hours continuously, which is fantastic for keeping food safe during power emergencies.

BLUETTI AC200L outputs

Whether you’re powering a small home, a RV, or outdoor equipment, the BLUETTI’s outlets should be able to meet your energy needs.

Output Specifications:

• AC Outlets:
  • 4 x 120V/20A Outlets
  • 1 x 120V/30A NEMA TT-30
  • Total Power: 2,400W
• Inverter Type:
  • Pure Sine Wave
• Power Lifting Mode:
  • 3,600W
• Surge Power:
  • 7,200W
• USB-C Port:
  • 2 x 100W Max
• USB-A Port:
  • 2 x 18W USB-A
• DC Outlets:
  • 1 x 48VDC / 8A (RV Outlet)
  • 1 x 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
  • *All Regulated

Whether you’re charging laptops via USB-C, powering tools through AC outlets, or connecting your RV with the heavy duty DC outlet, the BLUETTI AC200L has you covered.

The only obvious charging option that’s missing is a wireless phone charger.

Size and Weight

The BLUETTI AC200L weighs 62.4 lbs (28.3 kg) and measures 16.5 x 11 x 14.4 inches (42 x 28 x 36.65 cm).

It’s a substantial unit in both weight and size, making it a little less easy to store or carry than something like the 800W BLUETTI AC70.

That said, there’s definitely a tradeoff between power and portability with solar charging stations, and the size and weight of the 200L is to be expected of something with this much power.

How Long Does It Take to Recharge?

Recharging the BLUETTI AC200L is quick and efficient process, with several options to suit different needs and circumstances.

The AC, solar, and car inputs make charging flexible, which is useful for those constantly on the move or using solar panels.

Here’s a summary of the recharge times across various methods. Actual charging speed and efficiency can be influenced by external factors like solar panel placement, heavy clouds or car battery strength.

• AC (2,400W): A full recharge takes only about 1.5 hours when plugged into an AC outlet, making it one of the quickest ways to restore power to the unit. For those times when you need power in a pinch, the AC200L can also reach up to 80% charge in a mere 45 minutes.
• Solar (1,200W): With optimal conditions including prime sunshine, ideal panel orientation, and cooler temperatures, the solar recharge can complete in approximately 2 hours.
• 12V/24V Car Outlet (100W/200W): Charging from a car outlet is the slowest method, taking roughly 10 hours at 200W or 20 hours at 100W to fully charge the battery.
• AC + Solar (2,400W): Combining AC power and solar energy can recharge the AC200L in around an hour, given prime solar conditions.

Quick and Efficient Power

The power station’s high capacity of 2,048Wh supports sustained use, while the power-lifting mode can handle a substantial 3,600W, with surge capability reaching 7,200W, to accommodate high-demand appliances and tools.

Fast Solar Charging

The BLUETTI AC200L has some seriously impressive solar charging capabilities, setting it apart from its predecessors. With the ability to accept up to 1,200W of solar input, it’s hands down one of the best performers in solar charging efficiency in its class.

Under optimal conditions – which include prime sunshine, ideal panel orientation, and cooler temperatures – the AC200L can be fully recharged from solar panels in just about 2 hours!

This fast solar charging feature is a big advantage if you’re off-grid or traveling in an RV, as it allows for quick and efficient energy harvesting from the sun.

Battery Expansion Capacity

The BLUETTI AC200L’s expansion capability makes it a powerhouse in situations requiring prolonged power supply. It’s designed to work seamlessly with specific BLUETTI expansion batteries, ensuring reliable performance during extended use or unexpected power outages. The AC200L is compatible with B210, B230, and B300 expansion batteries, allowing for a substantial increase in energy capacity.

When considering expansion configurations, the AC200L can be combined with two B210 batteries to reach a total capacity of 6,348Wh. Alternatively, pairing it with one B230 battery results in a combined capacity of 4,096Wh. For the maximum capacity of 8,192Wh, you can connect the AC200L with two B300 batteries. These combinations offer flexibility in scaling up power reserves to meet specific needs.

The AC200L is not compatible with third-party expansion batteries. The system is designed to work specifically with BLUETTI’s own expansion battery models.

Battery Longevity and Management

The BLUETTI AC200L has a LiFePO₄ battery, known for its longevity, offering over 3,000 cycles to 80% of its original capacity. This ensures that the AC200L remains a reliable power source for many years.

BLUETTI suggests you recharge the AC200L to 80% every 3-6 months, which preserves its shelf-life and ensures optimal performance.

The AC200L also includes an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) and an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller. These systems work together to optimize charging efficiency, protect against overcharging and over-discharging, and maintain overall battery health.

BLUETTI AC200L vs BLUETTI AC200MAX

There are a few key differences between the BLUETTI AC200L and AC200MAX.

Firstly, the AC200L has a higher output power of 2,400W compared to the AC200MAX’s 2,200W.

As far as inputs go, the AC200L supports a maximum of 2,400W (AC + DC/Solar) which surpasses the AC200MAX’s 1,400W (AC + PV) capability.

The AC200L has an advantage with a lower noise level of less than 50dB.

Another notable difference is that the AC200L doesn’t require a bulky external adapter for AC charging. For me, this is a huge advantage in portability, as you don’t need to carry around a large external adapter for AC charging with the AC200L.

Lastly, the AC200L supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for app control, offering more connectivity options than the AC200MAX, which only has Bluetooth compatibility. That said, the newer AC200L lacks the dual wireless chargers the AC200MAX includes and the touch screen.

BLUETTI app

The BLUETTI app, which connects via Bluetooth and WiFi, lets you effortlessly manage and keep track of your generator’s performance and settings from your smartphone.

There’s a lot you can do in the app, but I mostly use it to turn the DC and AC power off and on, and monitor how many watts of power come in from solar panels and the grid, as well as how many watts of power are going out for both AC and DC.

I really liked that you can toggle between these three charging modes in the app: standard, turbo, and silent charging modes. When charging in the house, I prefer the silent mode, which charges without the fan. In silent, it charges at about a third of the wattage of turbo mode, but I’m rarely in a hurry when charging in the house.

The app’s mostly for monitoring power usage, adjusting settings remotely, and staying informed about the AC200L’s status.

You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

BLUETTI AC200L Review

Overall, I found the AC200L to be a versatile and robust power station, perfect for camping trips and emergency home use, but there were a few things that could be improved.

What We Didn’t Like

Despite the BLUETTI AC200L’s impressive capabilities, there are a couple of drawbacks worth mentioning.

Firstly, the absence of a wireless charging pad might be a slight inconvenience for those who prefer the simplicity of charging devices without cords. While not a deal-breaker, it’s a feature that some users might miss.

Another consideration is the 200L’s heft. Weighing in at 62.4lbs (28.3kg) and with dimensions of 16.5 x 11 x 14.4 inches (42 x 28 x 36.65 cm), it’s not the easiest to move around. However, this is a common trade-off for portable power stations, and given the AC200L’s substantial power output, the size and weight are reasonable.

What We Liked

Having a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) option is a huge deal for us. A UPS provides a seamless, automatic backup if the main power fails. We lose power a few times a year, and a UPS means that we can keep our computers and electronics powered up and running during a power failure.

The BLUETTI AC200L’s UPS is a huge pro for us, providing a rapid switchover to battery power in just 20 milliseconds during an outage to keep devices operational without interruption.

The 200L’s storage and output are big hitters, with the unit delivering 2,400W AC output and a 3,600W power lifting mode with a 2,048Wh battery capacity.

The ability to expand the battery is another helpful feature. You can increase the AC200L’s capacity to 4,096Wh with a single B230 battery or reach an impressive 8,192Wh with two B300 batteries, ensuring extended usage and peace of mind during prolonged outages or long trips.

The lightning-fast wall charging is a game-changer, allowing a rapid 0-80% recharge in just 45 minutes with a 2,400W AC input, which is exceptionally quick for a power station of this size and the fact it can handle 1200W of solar input puts it in the front of the pack for a device in this class.

I found the AC200L easy to use and intuitive. There’s a bright clear LED screen that’s visible even in direct sunlight and a straightforward, helpful app. These features collectively make the BLUETTI AC200L a top choice for anyone in need of reliable, portable power.

In conclusion

In the past year, we’ve reviewed quite a few solar generators, and the BLUETTI AC200L stands out as powerful and versatile power station, ideal for both camping adventures and as a reliable home emergency backup. Its robust battery capacity and multiple output options serve up plenty of power. Whether you’re powering a campsite, charging devices on a jobsite, or running small appliances, the AC200L meets these needs with ease.

In emergency situations at home, such as power outages, the AC200L is invaluable. The UPS function ensures uninterrupted power supply, keeping essential devices running smoothly. Also, the ability to quickly recharge via solar panels or AC input makes it quite practical in prolonged outage scenarios.

BLUETTI AC200L Review: The Bottom Line

Combining portability, high-capacity power storage, and diverse charging options, the BLUETTI AC200L is a top-tier choice for anyone looking for a reliable power solution, be it in the wilderness or during unexpected power disruptions at home.

See BLUETTI AC200L price.

Keep reading for our thorough review.

BougeRV Fort 1000 Review

Looking for a power source for your next camping trip or a backup for emergency situations at home? We’ve put the BougeRV Fort 1000 Solar Power Station to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.

See prices now.

Boasting a solid 1,000 watt pure sine wave output, this power station has the muscle to fuel your small appliances, keep your devices charged, and your campsite lit. Plus, its off-grid capabilities mean you can roam free without the stress of finding an external power source.

Here are tbe Bouge RV Fort 1000 specs at a glance:

• 1120Wh LiFePO4 Battery
• 1000W, with 2000W Peak
• 10 outputs
• Charge via solar, wall charge, or DC (car)
• Color LED smart display

Keep reading to find out if this unit could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

BougeRV Coupon Code

Looking for a great BougeRV promo code? We have a great discount just for our readers!

Use our code for TBN35 for 35% OFF the FORT 1000 1120Wh LiFePO4 Portable Power Station!

To get the deal, just use our link here, and enter code TBN35 to get 35% off. Code expires Dec 31, 2023.

See prices here.

Solar generator for camping and off-grid

A solar generator can elevate your off-grid camping experience, powering everything from a blender and coffee maker to a mini-fridge. You can also enjoy lighting, music, or any other amenities you’d miss from home.

The best part? Solar generators operate near silent when compared to traditional gas and propane generators and are fossil-fuel free. You can also recharge them using solar panels at no extra cost and without any noise. This allows for anytime operation from dawn to dusk, wherever you are. Plus, if you’re in parks where gas generators have restricted hours due to noise, a solar generator lets you plug in and power any time of the day.

Unboxing the Bouge RV Fort 1000

What’s in the box?

• BougeRV Fort 1000 solar generator
• AC charging cable
• solar charging cables
• 12v car charging cable
• warranty card
• manual

Out of the box, the Fort 1000 has a solid feel. It’s easy enough to carry, with dual handles on either side. It’s also a reasonable weight for the power at just under 30 pounds (28.7 lbs. or 13 kg, to be exact).

There are a few nice little add ons – the bottom of the BougeRV comes with little rubberized pads on the bottom to keep the generator from sliding on smooth surfaces. Just remember to remove the protective plastic from the bottom!

It’s light enough that, as an average sized woman, I can carry it around home or a campsite with relative ease. I wouldn’t want to trek it with me on a longer hike, but that’s pretty standard for any solar generator of this power level.

Check price here.

How long does it take to recharge?

You can recharge using:

• a BougeRV solar panel, you can recharge in 4.5 to 5.5 hours (200W max).
• in your car, using the included DC cable (200W max).
• the USB-C recharge port (60W max)
• the rather large AC adapter brick charger

The LiFePO4 battery can be recharged over 3500 times. There’s also an advanced BMS (battery management system) to prevent power surges or overcharging.

For us, it went from a 20 percent charge, out of the box, to a 100 percent charge in about four hours (using the wall charger).

Next, we tried out charging various devices. There are 10 inputs, covering everything from USB to DC to AC.

What can it power?

With 1,200W of power, you can run a mini fridge for 15 hours, a coffee maker for 1.5 hours, a CPAP machine for 23.8 hours or charge a laptop 17 times.

You can use the Fort 1000 to plug in standard household items, using the AC outlets, USB chargers, or even using a car charger.

The Fort 1000 is a pure sine wave inverter, meaning it can run delicate electronics safely.

The Fort 100 has:

• three 3 prong, grounded household AC outlets (110V), to plug in anything from a freezer to a laptop to a small heater to a heated blanket to a blender
• four USB ports which include:
  • One USB-C port, with a 60W Max output, which would be great to charge a laptop or tablet
  • One USB-A port with quick charge 3.0, which is fantastic for charging cell phones quickly
  • Two USB-A ports that run at 5V with a max current of 2.4A
• a traditional 12 volt automotive style outlet so you can charge any device you normally plug into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter port

There’s no wireless charging on top of the BougeRV, which is a small disappointment, but not a big deal for me, as I rarely use this feature anyway.

The BougeRV display

I found the Fort 1000’s LED display clear and easy to read. It’s a simple, but intuitive smart display indicating input/output wattage and battery percentage.

There’s no app for the BougeRV solar generator, which is a little disappointing.

That said, I mostly use our solar generator apps for monitoring charging via solar panels, so it’s not a necessity for us.

Is the BougeRV generator noisy?

The fans do have a bit of noise, which is comparable to other solar generators on the market. They do run at only one single speed, meaning that there’s no option to turn down the fans to reduce the noise. However, the fans do their job of making the unit says cool.

To be fair, the fan is no louder than other solar generators we’ve tried from other companies.

Is it durable?

The Fort 1000 is a durable unit, but like other solar generators, it should be kept away from water and handled with care to prevent water damage.

That said, it has a solid feel, with sturdy handles on either side for carrying.

The buttons on the display have a solid feel, and the charging and output plugs are solid.

Is there an app?

No, there is no app for the Bouge RV solar generator.

What’s the warranty like?

The warranty on the website says there’s a “5+2 Years (Exclusive benefit for purchases made on the BougeRV official website.)

To be fair, that’s not 100% clear to me, so I reached out to BougeRV support for clarification.

I sent an email to support on Saturday, Sept 30th, for clarification on the warranty. I’ll update this blog when more information is available.

Bottom Line: Is the BougeRV Fort 1000 worth it?

With a robust 1,000-watt pure sine wave output, this power station is more than capable of running your appliances, charging your gadgets, and illuminating your campsite. Its ability to function off-grid allows you the freedom to explore without worrying about locating a separate power supply.

That said, it’s not perfect (nothing is!) with the absence of wireless charging and no included app to check the levels wirelessly. We also would have loved to see a higher solar input max wattage to be able to charge quicker via larger solar panels than 200W. If you only have 200W or less in solar panels or plan to charge it at home, then the BougeRV portable power station is more than fine for your needs.

See price now.

Looking for something a little different? Check out the entire BougeRV power station collection here.

Pros

• Nice balance of power at 1,000W and weight (under 30 lbs.)
• Intuitive and easy to use
• Solid carrying handles
• Can handle charging common household items, as well as sensitive electronics
• Solid lithium iron phosphate battery 

Cons

• Fans are a bit loud and only have one speed, which could be irritating but does keep it cool.
• A higher max solar input would be good for those with larger solar panels.
• Does not have a built in wireless charger, which could be a handy feature for some.
• AC adapter brick charger is large and awkward

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• How to Watch Your Favorite TV Shows and Movies While Traveling
• An Honest Review of GlocalMe WiFi Hotspot
• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel

BougeRV Fort 1000 Solar Generator

With its 1,000-watt pure sine wave output and off-grid functionality, the BougeRV Fort 1000 offers ample power for appliances and gadgets while allowing you the freedom to explore without seeking an external power source.

– The Barefoot Nomad

Good balance of power and weight

Pure sine wave output

Durable

No wireless charging or app

Summary

If you’re a dedicated RVer or in search of a home solar generator, the Fort 1000 strikes a balanced mix of affordability, performance, and mobility.

Use our code for TBN35 for 35% OFF!

See prices here.

4.4

If you’re a camper looking for a reliable power source or someone prepping for emergencies and natural disasters, the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel might have caught your eye.

It’s portable and easy to set up, but is it worth the investment? In this review, we’ll delve into its features, from its capacity to support up to 1050W of charging power (when linked with additional panels), to its practicality for off-grid and emergency situations.

Stick around to find out if the BLUETTI PV350 deserves a spot on your shortlist of dependable power solutions.

BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel Review

This is our first BLUETTI brand solar panel, though we have the BLUETTI EB70S Portable Power Station (800W rated wattage and 716Wh battery capacity, and 1,400W of surge power) and the more powerful BLUETTI AC180 (1,800W AC Output, and 1,152Wh battery capacity, and 2,700W Power Lifting capacity).

Combining a BLUETTI power station with the PV350 Solar Panel gives you a dynamic duo that’s excellent for off-grid camping, and also a lifeline during unexpected power outages. Imagine keeping your devices and small appliances up and running seamlessly— all it takes is a little sunlight, and you’re good to go, so long as you’re not battling serious rain or snow.

First impressions of the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel – unboxing

What’s in the box? The box includes the BLUETTI SP350 350W solar panel, and one user manual.

It weighs just over 30 pounds (30.6 lbs, to be exact, or 13.9 kg).

The panel came folded in 4 as a slim package of 35.6″ wide, 24″ high, and 2.5″ deep. (In centimeters, that’s 90.5 by 61.3 by 6.5cm).

When folded, the panels serve as their own carrying case. The built-in case has sturdy handles on top, with rubberized grips. The carrying case and handles make it easy to move, pack, and store the panels when not in use.

There’s a built-in zippered storage bag sown onto the front that stores cables. There’s also lettering printed on the inside of the storage bag with all the specifications for the PV350, which is pretty helpful if you’re setting it up somewhere remote without internet access.

There are two elastic fabric straps at the top holding the panels together, with easy snap plastic buckles.

How to set up the BLUETTI PV350 panels

To unfold the panels, unclick the two buckles on top.

Then, just unfold the four panels.

Unfolded, the panels are 94″ long by 35.6″ high (or 240 by 90.5 cm).

From there, it’s fairly simple to set up the panels.

Each panel has a 6-inch wide, flat, reinforced stand, complete with a retractable nylon tape for precise angling toward the sun. While the integrated stands might present a learning curve during your first few setups (yes, knocking one over is almost a rite of passage), they do a solid job of keeping the panels securely upright once you get the hang of it.

There’s also a stretchy strap attaching each stand to the panels, which makes adjusting each stand’s angle easy up to 45 degrees.

Tip! When I folded out the middle two stands first, it was easier just to unfold the other two panels, and set up the stands one at a time.

Here’s how the stands look when they are all set up.

BLUETTI says the best working temperature is 77 ℉ (25 ℃), but the official operating temperature is 14 to 149 ℉ (-10 to 65 ℃).

For me, I hope to never use the solar panels at 149 ℉ (Yikes!), but the lower operating temperature of 14 ℉ (or -10℃) is worth a note. We don’t often get temperatures that cold here, but it does happen occasionally, and we won’t be able to effectively use the panels below that temperature. (There’s a good chance they’d be covered in snow at those temps here anyway.)

How to connect solar panels to a BLUETTI portable power station

The BLUETTI 350w solar panel thankfully includes a long power cable.

BLUETTI has been pretty generous here, with a cable that’s over 10 feet long (3.175m), allowing you a lot of distance between the panel and your solar generator.

All that’s left to do is attach your cable from your solar generator, and plug the charging cable into the DC input on the BLUETTI power station.

From there, the BLUETTI power station recognizes that you are using the solar input, and will show this on the display (Of course displays will vary depending on which solar generator you have.)

What I really like about the BLUETTI AC180 and the PV350 combo is that you can charge via solar, while using the solar generator to charge other things since it allows passthrough charging. In this case, we’re charging a phone on the top wireless charging pad at the same time as charging via the solar panel.

I personally love to use the BLUETTI app to keep an eye on the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel’s performance without having to sit and watch the display on the power station.

Tip: Keep your power station in a shaded spot to prevent overheating! It can also easily sit behind the panels themselves if just charging for the day.

What power stations is the PV350 compatible with?

The 350w BLUETTI 350PV is compatible with the BLUETTI AC200P, AC200MAX, AC300, EB150, EB240, EP500, EP500PRO, and AC500. It’s also compatible with other power stations, like our BLUETTI AC180, that have MC4 connectors and can be solar-charged.

On its own, this panel delivers a solid 350W of peak power. It can reach up to 46.5V VOC with a max current of 9.2A at 37.5V. If that’s too much wattage for your particular charger, you could also just fold half the solar charger closed thereby cutting your max possible wattage in 2. Please note that using it this way isn’t officially approved by Bluetti so you’re on your own if you decide to use it this way.

Is the BLUETTI PV350 solar panel waterproof?

Curious if the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel can weather the elements?

While it’s not fully waterproof, it does offer a level of splash resistance. Built with heavy-duty panels that carry an IP65 water-resistant certification, it’s designed to handle water splashes thanks to its ETFE coating. So, take note: it’s not meant to be left out in heavy rain or submerged in water.

So, can you count on the BLUETTI PV350 in a downpour?

The answer is no, but for minor water contact and most light rains, it’s designed to hold its own.

Keep reading as we delve into other aspects of this panel’s durability and performance.

Is it durable?

Wondering about the durability of the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel?

Constructed with laminated panels and featuring a surface made of long-lasting ETFE material, it’s built to withstand wear and tear. Plus, its scratch-resistant surface makes it easy to clean with just a wet cloth.

So, is the PV350 a durable option for your outdoor or emergency power needs? Based on its construction, it seems well-equipped to handle the rigors of its intended use.

How much power does a 350W solar panel produce in a day?

Curious about the daily power output of a 350W solar panel like the BLUETTI PV350?

While it’s rated for 350 watts, actual output can vary due to numerous factors such as location, angle, shading, temperature, and panel condition. Performance peaks when the sun is high and decreases in cloudy conditions or low sun angles.

We set up our solar panels on a partly cloudy day and set the panels up quickly, and were immediately pulling in 179 of the 350 watts. That’s pretty good for a lot of cloud, and not having the panels angled directly at the sun.

However, the BLUETTI PV350 monocrystalline panels do feature a high conversion efficiency of up to 23.4% and excels in low-light conditions compared to polycrystalline panels. It’s also equipped with movable stands to achieve optimal sun exposure angles.

So, how many kWh does a 350W solar panel produce in a day? Under optimal conditions, on a seven-hour day, you can expect around 2.45 kWh.

Want more power?

You can run up to three PV350 panels in parallel to get a whopping 1050W charging power (or the max that your solar power station can accept via solar).

I haven’t been able to test this personally, as we only have a single solar panel currently, however our resident feline mathematician says the math checks out.

Can I use BLUETTI Solar Panels to charge a different, third-party power station?

Wondering if you can pair your BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel with a third-party power station?

The answer is yes, but there are a couple of conditions. First, the power station needs to have MC4 connectors. (Many solar power stations come with adapters and if not, adapters can be cheaply bought online.) Second, it should be compatible with the output specifications of the BLUETTI solar panels (which is 350W per panel or 36.5V at 9.2A).

So, can the BLUETTI PV350 flexibly integrate with other brands? Under these conditions, it certainly can.

BLUETTI PV350 vs SP350 solar panels

The key distinction between the BLUETTI PV350 and SP350 solar panels lies in their wiring: the PV350 has parallel wiring, while the SP350 uses a series configuration.

This makes the PV350 more shade-tolerant in performance. Additionally, the PV series uses a single waterproof coating to cover all solar cells, whereas the SP series panels are sewn onto a large, untreated canvas.

Who is the BLUETTI PV350 folding solar panel for

The folding BLUETTI PV350 solar panel is designed for people on the move. Whether that be campers, hikers, off grid builders, rvers, tailgaters, boaters, preppers or remote workers. Easy to fold up and store away, they’re great for quickly putting up and taking down when needed and could be awesome in an emergency.

While they aren’t incredibly light, they do provide a good amount of power for their size and with their included stands, they can be adjusted to match the best angle the sun is found on any given day. For best results, couple it with a portable solar generator with enough power to match your lifestyle.

BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel

Interested in going off-grid? The BLUETTI PV350 is portable and user-friendly. When paired with a compatible BLUETTI power station, it offers the potential for nearly infinite, off-grid power.

– The Barefoot Nomad

Portable

Easy to set up and use

Fast charging speeds with high conversion efficiency up to 23.4%

Can run up to three PV350 panels in parallel to get a whopping 1050W charging power

Splash proof but not water or snow proof

Summary

The BLUETTI PV350 is portable and simple to operate. With up to 350W of solar charging power and fast, efficient conversion rates, it’s equipped to sustain your off-grid lifestyle, or work as a power backup in emergencies, powering electronics and small appliances seamlessly.

See Price on BLUETTI See Price on Amazon

4.8

If you’re in the market for an electric generator that can keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle or provide essential backup power when you need it most, the BLUETTI EB70S is definitely worth a look.

We’ve only been able to test the EB70S hands on for a few weeks so far, but we’re definitely impressed with the balance of power and portability.

With a compact design and 800W of power, the EB70S is the ideal companion for camping and van life, providing a dependable source of energy for lighting, cooking, and device charging.

See prices and more on the BLUETTI website now.

It also gives peace of mind during power outages and natural disasters, ensuring that you stay connected and prepared, even if the grid goes down. For RV enthusiasts, the EB70S makes powering your mobile home a breeze, while remote workers can benefit from its reliable backup power capabilities for their home offices.

Before we get into how the EB70S can help in different scenarios, let’s look at some of the technical specs that we think make the BLUETTI EB70S one of the best mid-range solar power stations available.

BLUETTI EB70S Review

To start, let’s look at the battery capacity, charging time, solar panel compatibility, and portability for the BLUETTI EB70S, to help you make an informed decision in your search for the perfect solar power station.

Battery Capacity and Power

The EB70S is a pure sine wave inverter, with 716Wh capacity and 800W rated wattage, with 1,400W of surge power.

So what does that mean? There is 716Wh of energy stored in the battery (total battery capacity in watt hours), and there is 800W of power output, which is how much energy the battery can push out at any time.

The bigger the battery capacity, the longer you can run your devices per charge and the higher the power output, the larger the device (or sum of devices) you can power at once.

The EB70s 716Wh will give you:

• 50 phone charges
• 9-10 laptop charges
• 8 drone charges
• 18 hours running a typical fan

It also offers pass through charging, meaning that you can charge the BLUETTI and charge up your laptop or phone at the same time that it’s charging.

What can you power with an 800 watt generator?

With the BLUETTI EB70S you can power up to 12 devices that take a total of 800 watts at one time.

There are 12 charging ports:

• Four 120V AC outlets
• Two USB-C ports (100W Max)
• Two USB-A ports (5V/3A)
• One 12V/10A car outlet
• Two 12V/10A (DC5521)
• One 15W wireless charging pad

How long does it take to charge a BLUETTI EB70S?

The BLUETTI EB70S can be fully recharged from an AC wall outlet in three to four hours. The package comes with an AC adapter brick charger and charging cable.

It can also be recharged in 7-8 hours from the included 12V car cable.

Using a 200W solar panel, it can recharge fully in 3 to 4 hours. With a BLUETTI 120W solar panel, it will recharge fully in 6.5hrs.

Solar Panel Compatibility

The maximum solar input for the BLUETTI EB70S is 200W, meaning that you can safely charge it with up to a maximum of 200W of solar panels (Open Circuit Voltage: 12-28V). It also has a dedicated MPPT charge controller to ensure it charges the stable LiFePO4 battery it uses both quickly and safely.

The battery is rated for over 2500 charges so the EB70s should last for years to come and is shelf stable at 80% charge for 3 to 6 months at a time which is handy when only used for emergencies.

Portability

One of my favorite things about the EB70S is how easy it is to pick up and move. It weighs 21.4 pounds (9.7 kg), and comes in a compact package (12.6 x 8.5 x 8.7 in, or 32 x 21.6 x 22.1 cm).

It’s lightweight enough to pick up and carry comfortably into our backyard, or to our local park for a picnic.

The handle folds neatly into the top, making storage a breeze, but it unfolds in a snap to make it easy to carry.

What’s included:

• the EB70S portable power station
• AC adapter brick and charging cable
• 12v car charging cable
• solar charging cable
• user manual
• warranty card

What’s the difference between the EB70 and the EB70S?

The EB70S delivers up to 800W AC power while EB70 offers 700W.

Learn more about the BLUETTI EB70S here.

More great articles:

• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel
• An Honest Review of GlocalMe WiFi Hotspot
• The 10 Best Road Trips in British Columbia, Canada
• The Ultimate Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

10 Ways to Use a BLUETTI EB70S Generator

From off-grid living and camping excursions to staying prepared during natural disasters and power outages, the BLUETTI EB70S Power Station has you covered.

Tenting

As our kids get older, we’re enjoying tenting and hammock camping more and more. That said, it’s nice to have some conveniences while we’re out in the mountains.

A lightweight power station like the BLUETTI is easy to take on car camping trips, and helps us with everything from heating water to powering lights to recharging our devices.

Van Life

We were original van lifers, way back on our first big trip together in 2003.

We spent five months in Australia, driving our trusty Toyota HiAce van from Adelaide to Darwin, across the Australian Outback, and down the East Coast to Sydney. We charged our laptop and camera on the go, scrounging power at campsites and the occasional restaurant along the way. When we were in more remote places, like the Outback, it was a constant struggle to power our electronics.

These days, a solar generator lets you get reliable electricity even in the most remote locations.

With a BLUETTI EB70S power station on board, van dwellers like us can run everything from a mini fridge to a coffee pot, and everything in between. Imagine the luxury of enjoying a home-cooked meal and a steaming cup of coffee in the heart of the wilderness – it’s a game changer! Coupled with a couple solar chargers, you could stay off grid nearly indefinitely.

Natural Disasters and Power Outages

Every year, weather events are becoming more and more extreme.

Our home base is less than three hours from Lytton, BC, where Canada’s highest ever temperature of 49.6 °C (121.3 °F) was recorded in 2021 and most of the town was destroyed in the resulting wildfires. The same year, extensive flooding in British Columbia damaged major highways in the province.

2021 hammered home the fact that emergency preparation is important in a world where weather extremes can happen at any time.

A generator can give you emergency power for many things, including TVs, LED lights, a small heater, a freezer or just keeping your internet modem and router up, so you can continue working during a power outage. An electric power generator also has the luxury of working directly in your home, meaning you don’t need to run an electrical cable through your window or setting up costly breakers so your fuel fed generator can continue to safely provide you power.

Off site Working

Power stations can power tools and equipment for building projects in locations without access to traditional power sources. Whether they’re used to power traditional plugged in power tools or to recharge the battery hungry cordless tools most contractors use day to day, they’re indispensable for many unpowered sites. They’re even helpful for charging your laptop for late night meetings while on the jobsite.

RV Camping

There’s something magical about immersing ourselves in nature and unplugging from our digital lives however we often need to stay connected too, whether it’s for work, or just for fun. After a day filled with outdoor adventure, nothing compares to the simple pleasures of listening to our favorite tunes, or even catching up on a favorite TV show. This is where the BLUETTI lithium powered power station steps in, making sure we can stay connected while we’re away from the grid.

Thanks to the BLUETTI 800W solar generator, the lack of power sources in remote locations is no longer an issue. A solar generator lets us gather around a well-lit campsite or blend up a batch of refreshing smoothies, while powering up our essential devices, such as drones, cameras, and even cooking appliances.

Backyard Barbecues

Ah, backyard barbecues – those fun times when we gather with friends and family to share good food and even better company.

A power station can help the mood by powering enchanting string lights, plus running speakers and a smartphone to provide the perfect musical interlude. With its reliable electric-powered capabilities, a power station can effortlessly power and even run outdoor projectors for movie nights under the stars. Just fire up the grill, kick back, and enjoy.

Portable Arts and Crafts Station

Taking your arts and crafts projects on the go has never been easier.

With its sustainable and reliable energy source, an electric generator offers the freedom to set up a portable arts and crafts station virtually anywhere, from bustling craft sales to lively farmers markets. The EB70S can power an array of crafting tools, such as hot glue guns and Cricut makers, allowing you to create and showcase your masterpieces without being tethered to traditional power outlets, inside or out.

Picnicking

Want to elevate your picnic game?

A portable power generator can provide everything from music to lights to cooking on the go. Just add the picnic basket and blanket and you’re all set!

Off-grid living

Interested in life off the grid? For those living in remote or off-grid locations, electric generators can supply essential electricity for daily needs and household appliances. Once you add in some solar panels, the need to ever be plugged into the grid is no longer a concern.

Busking

Here’s a unique use for a solar generator: busking.

It’s a fun job you can do as you travel, and a way to share your musical talents with the world. With its eco-friendly power, the BLUETTI EB70S generator can run guitar amps, electronic keyboards, and even dazzling light displays to captivate your audience, all while keeping it green and sustainable.

What if there’s no sun?

While a solar generator is a useful solution for powering your devices, it does require a good amount of sunlight to charge efficiently. On cloudy or rainy days, a solar generator may not recharge as quickly, which could leave you conserving power until the sun comes back out. That said, the BLUETTI EB70s can also be charged via a traditional power plug or even via the 12v jack in your vehicle, making it not only a solar generator but also a portable power station.

While there’s a bit of an initial financial investment for a solar generator and solar panels, in the long run, it’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay powered up on the road and doesn’t require the continual costs of fuel like gas or propane to run. Unlike a gasoline generator, electrical power stations like the BLUETTI can also be safely run inside a home, camper or van with zero emissions or a hot muffler to worry about.

Is the BLUETTI EB70S worth it? Our Bottom line

The BLUETTI EB70S is a capable mid-range portable power station, with solid performance, and decent capacity. Using it is as easy as plugging in your device and using one of the 12 charging options. The LED readout is bright and useful, showing the power draw, how much power is left, and how long a full charge will take.

Pros

• Solid performance
• Lightweight and portable
• Wireless charging port
• Capable of pass through charging
• Excellent balance of portability and power

Cons

• No app
• Large external brick wall charger
• The fan on the brick wall charger isn’t silent when charging the BLUETTI

All in all, the BLUETTI EB70S is a capable mid-range portable power station, with solid performance, and decent capacity, that hits a nice balance between power and portability.

See prices and more on the BLUETTI website now.

Want to see more of the country, stay closer to nature and set your own timetable? Want to hit the road and not worry about checking in and out of hotels every night or only seeing the most popular attractions?

Want some time to yourself and the ability to just pull off the road and make yourself a sandwich, take a quick nap or throw on your bathing suit and jumping into that lake you just drove past? If so, this is our the essential guide to planning your first campervan trip.

Planning a Campervan Rental

Whether you’re renting a campervan, RV, caravan, trailer or motorhome on your next holiday, the truth is that you’ll need to plan things out a little more before leaving home. Unlike a traditional hotel or Airbnb stay, renting a campervan or motorhome is one part car rental, one part home rental and one part hotel room rental. What that probably means is that you have a lot of questions about campervan rentals.

In regards to driving the vehicle itself, some common questions can include everything from rules of the road, insurance (both travel and vehicle) and drivers license requirements, rental deposits and whether you are allowed to cross into neighboring countries.

From a route perspective, renting a campervan in another country leads to further questions such as what routes are allowed, what kind of mileage can you expect and are you allowed to camp on public land.

Finally, it’s important to find out what’s essential and what’s included with the campervan rental. Questions you need answered include do you need bedding, does your rental include necessities such as soap and toilet paper, do you need a voltage converter, does your campervan have a furnace or air conditioner and finally, does it include an RV solar generator , like this BLUETTI AC 180 solar generator and BLUETTI PV350 solar panel, or the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500, so you can remain off grid for a extended amount of time.

While many vacationers love the freedom that a campervan can give them, for others there’s too many unanswered questions. Well, we’re here to help answer those questions with our essential guide so put your mind at ease and let’s start planning your first campervan trip!

The Rules of the Road

While many of the questions you might have regarding renting a campervan have fairly solid answers, please realize that these rules aren’t all set in stone and there can be discrepancies from one company’s campervan rental rules to another’s as well as some variances from one country to another. What this guide will do is give you a solid base of the typical rentals and teach you some of the most important questions you need to ask your campervan rental company before you book anything.

What are the local rules concerning renting a campervan?

While every country is different, the general rule is that most campervans are regarded no differently than renting a car in that country. That means that if you can rent a car, you can rent a campervan. Some companies might have a no driver under 25 years old clause and all of course require a current and valid drivers license from your home country.

Luckily, the vast majority of motorhomes that are rented aren’t huge trailers requiring a special license, however note that they do exist so make sure to clarify with the campervan rental company you’re dealing with. They’ll let you know if there’s any special clauses you need to know.

Is there extra campervan insurance needed or permits you need to have?

When renting a campervan, chances are pretty high you will need to purchase additional insurance for it. Some companies include the insurance however most offer varying levels similar to renting a vehicle. It’s up to you to decide what risks you want to take but we advise you not to skimp on insurance.

Most campervans are big and expensive vehicles and with that, repairs for them can be costly if an accident happens. Also note that unlike a car or truck, you’re going to be cooking, sleeping, eating, showering and living in a campervan so there’s a greater chance of problems than just driving a regular car.

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While many credit cards include some form of car/truck insurance, chances are very low that they would cover a campervan accident. Of course you can call your credit card and verify but we haven’t heard of anyone being reimbursed in this way without proper insurance.

Will your current drivers license qualify or do you need an International Driving Permit or some special class driver rating?

As mentioned previously, most campervan rentals require nothing more than a valid drivers license to be able to rent them. If you’re from out of country, some companies might require a copy of your passport for their records before they let you drive off with their property. That said, some countries require an international drivers license for any vehicle rentals from out of country so that would include campervans and motorhomes. Make sure to ask your rental company what’s required before booking.

While some countries require a special class license for vehicles of a certain size or equipped with certain types of airbrakes, most campervan rentals don’t require anything but a standard drivers licence. If you’re unsure, ask the rental company before booking.

Can you cross borders into another country with a campervan?

While this is definitely not a problem for an island country like Australia, renting a campervan in North America or Europe means that international borders can sometimes be only a few kilometers away. While we’ve never heard of a country specific rule on this, whether you can or not depends on the rental company and the insurance provider they use. While some companies might allow you to visit neighboring countries, others might not or have a strict policy in place saying which neighboring countries you are permitted to visit and which you cannot. (For instance, many companies allow Canada/US crossings but require different insurance if driving into Mexico.)

While the rental company can’t force you to obey them once you’re on your way, please realize that your insurance will be void should you cross into a country they told you not to go to. That means that you’ll be on the hook for any charges, hospital fees or damages that occur if you have an accident outside of the supported countries. To put it simply, it’s not worth it and look into another company if you want to cross certain borders.

If you know right away that you want to border hop, make sure you’ve discussed it with the rental company before you book. Once you get there it might be too late to change your plans.

Do you need a special deposit when renting a campervan?

The answer is…. maybe. Due to the higher cost of a campervan plus the fact you’ll be living in it and causing more wear and tear, you might need to drop an extra damage deposit when renting a motorhome or campervan.

Most vehicle rental companies also charge this refundable deposit (usually done via a credit card when paying) so it’s not too different for a campervan though the wording and amount might be. This amount is usually refunded once the motorhome has been returned and verified in working order. Of course they don’t expect it to come back spotless however like a hotel stay or home rental, they do expect that nothing is broken, damaged or stolen when it’s returned. You can ask what their policies are before booking if you have any specific questions regarding the deposit.

Campervan Routes and Camping Policies

While there are plenty of established campervan routes and guides you can find in books and online, the fact you rented a campervan likely means you want to get away from the normal on your next holiday. Like a giant tortoise, your home is now on your back and you can go anywhere the road leads. While that’s true, there are a few things you should know if you haven’t rented a motorhome or campervan before.

Where are you planning to stay each night?

While pre-planning every night of your campervan holiday might not appeal to everyone, sometimes it’s good to at least know a few things before you book. One of those questions is where can you stay every night?

While this answer is, of course, country dependent, the sad reality is that “not everywhere” is likely the answer. Depending on the season for instance, some campsites sell out months in advance while others are more of a first come, first served camping site. Some sites also shut down for part of the year.

Some campsites have full power, sewer hookup and even cablevision and internet hookups. Some even include you’re own personal cooking and washroom facilities while others don’t even offer a picnic table or firepit.

The amount of places you can stay can be as varied as a secluded woodland lot overlooking the ocean to a Disneyland type theme park with waterslides and rides all the way to spending the night in a Walmart parking lot. (Very common as a last resort in North America when you can’t find a local campsite near a bigger city.) Knowing what season you’re in and how quickly each campsite tends to fill up can make or break a great trip.

If you prefer to get off the grid as they say, then knowing the local laws in terms of whether you’re allowed to camp on public or government land is also good to find out. Most of these questions can be found in a good RV or campervan booklet or website talking about an area you’re planning to visit. The campervan rental company is also a fountain of local knowledge and can help answer any questions for the period in which you’re hoping to get away so feel free to email or call them before booking.

What route are you going to take and can the campervan make that trip?

While this might seem redundant, we’ve travelled more than a few routes where your average camper wasn’t going to make it. Whether it was because of ground clearance over rough terrain, slippery mud and clay along a rarely used road or even because the campervan is too wide for the trail, most campervans aren’t designed for extreme terrain. Of course, there are some rugged 4×4 and even 4×6 rv’s and motorhomes out there that can handle some wickedly tough terrain however most campervans aren’t built to that standard.

A good general rule to follow is not to go anywhere a regular car can’t go, always make sure you have enough space to turn around and if your sides are touching the trees on both sides of the road, maybe that route isn’t for you or your campervan.

While you’re not forced to follow it, travel guides are there to help you choose the best route for your situation. If you have a smaller campervan you can get to places a big motorhome can’t go and will likely have more options in places to camp. Choosing whether more space and comfort is worth the trade off of being more nimble should definitely factor into your rental decision. Where you’re planning to go can help that decision even further.

What kind of mileage will it get?

Campervans, motorhomes and RV’s come in every shape and size. Guessing how much fuel you’ll use depends on multiple factors: Your vehicle size, your vehicle engine, your speed, your driving habits and the conditions you’re driving in. Regardless of that, campervans are not known for good gas mileage and expect to pay double to triple what your current vehicle uses for the same distance.

Generally speaking, you’re going to be driving a bigger vehicle than you’re used to. Staying under the speed limit, slowing down when climbing a mountain or taking a sharp corner, accelerating a little slower and stopping a little sooner will go a long way to extending your mileage. Some rental sites will even give you this information however if they don’t, you can usually find a similar camper online that will tell you this information. Another good piece of advice is to fill up sooner with gas rather that later with a campervan, just to be safe.

Are there gas stations along your planned route?

While we can’t answer this question without first knowing your exact route, likely the answer is yes. In North America you can use something like GasBuddy to plan your route and see what gas stations are available. Most countries have a similar site you can check and if not, Google Maps is your friend.

Can you just camp on public land or do you need a registered site?

As we said earlier, being allowed to camp on public land is dependent on the country, state, province or region you’re hoping to camp on. Likely there are just as many rules as there are regions of the world. In North America it is generally allowed to camp in National Parks however you might have to pay a fee or stay in an established area. Some parks allow backcountry camping as long as you clean up after yourself. Most of Canada and the USA don’t allow camping within a city, along a roadway or near any beach where there are no camping signs posted. Mexico is more liberal in where you can camp however safety is more of a concern if you’re on your own or away from people.

While many van conversion videos often show people staying for a night on a quiet side street in a big city, it’s technically not allowed most of the world over and while many still do it, staying overnight on a street in a campervan is much more conspicuous and can lead to fines or being towed. It’s up to you whether you want to risk it however we’ve been forced to do it ourselves from time to time if approved spots just aren’t available.

In Australia, you aren’t technically allowed to free camp anywhere however there are plenty of places people tend to stay where, though it might not be allowed, it is tolerated.

In New Zealand, there are plenty more free sites due to their Freedom Camping Act. Of course it is up to each city and region to govern what is and isn’t permissible however there are spots right across the country.

In the UK and most of Europe, unfortunately free or wild camping isn’t generally allowed these days. Long gone are the days when you could just drive into a forest and set up camp. This post has a good list of legally camping rules for most of Europe.

Wild camping for free in Africa is as varied as anything on that continent however it’s imperative that you understand what each area brings in terms of laws, risk and safety. As with most places, there is more safety in numbers so talk with your rental company if you’re planning to head out on your own here.

South America has plenty of opportunities to free camp however many of the same laws apply as in North America. Best to stick to approved campsites and check out posts and websites before heading out on your own.

Regardless of what country you go and stay in, always discuss your overnight options with your camper rental agency. They will know the local rules better than anyone and can help guide you where you need to be. You can also check out an app like Caravanya (Google Play, App Store) to help you locate free sites around the world.

What’s Included With A Campervan Rental?

Plates, towels, bedding, toilet paper, propane and power are all vital necessities when camping. Doubly so when you’ve just gotten off a plane with nothing but clothes and a toothbrush. What does your average campervan rental include? Let’s find out.

Do you need bedding or a sleeping bag?

Generally, the answer is no. Most campervans or caravans include all your bedding. Just like a hotel, sheets, blankets and pillows are almost always included. Before you pick up your camper rental, the entire campervan is thoroughly cleaned and new bedding furnished. It’s never a bad idea to verify first with the company before making your reservation though just to be certain.

Does it include things like camp chairs, prefilled propane bottles, bath and hand towels, soap and toilet paper?

The short answer is generally yes. Like a hotel room or AirBnB rental, the expectation is that you can just show up at your rental time and everything you initially need (other than food) will be furnished. Most often this includes clean towels, dish soap, hand soap and toilet paper. That said, if you’re renting the RV for a month, you’ll likely need to replace some of this as you use it up.

Sometimes the campervan will include things like camp chairs and even occasionally extras like an outdoor BBQ or camp stove however these aren’t usually guaranteed. Just like a car rental, they will usually top up your fuel (expecting you to return it at the same level) as well as fill up your propane bottles (generally used for cooking, heating, running the fridge and the hot water tank.) You can ask when booking what exactly the rental includes so you’re not caught off guard if they demand extra for certain things you expected them to include.

Will you need a voltage converter?

Most campervans use the same electrical plugs that are common in the country you’re arriving in. That means that if you needed a voltage converter for your hairdryer or electrical toothbrush if you stayed in a hotel, you will need one for your caravan rental. You can check voltages and plug styles here.

Some caravans don’t have built in inverters (ability to run AC current from the built in batteries) without being connected to an electrical cord provided in fully serviced campsites so don’t expect certain plugged in things to always work when you’re on the road or staying at a non powered site (including microwave and air conditioning).

Most trailers run off a set of 12v batteries so having a few things charge via USB isn’t a bad way to go. We always carry a 12v to 5v converter (plugs into a standard lighter socket) when we travel in case the vehicle doesn’t have a built in USB port. Often a newer campervan will have a socket or outlet specifically for this.

Can the campervan handle an unserviced site?

Is the campervan ready for RV living without services?

Most campervans include dual electric and propane appliances. Meaning that the fridge and hot water tank will work via propane when in an unserviced campsite or electricity when plugged into an electrical source at a serviced campsite. The stove is generally always run with propane and the lights and water pump generally run off the batteries. The large batteries get recharged when plugged into an electrical socket, when the vehicle is running or if there are solar panels or a generator on board.

Does the RV include a furnace and an air conditioner?

Pretty much every campervan or RV includes a warm air furnace. These work via a combination of propane and batteries. The propane heats the air and the fan blows the air through ducts in the floors, walls and ceilings all around the trailer. They generally have a thermostat that you control nearly identical to a house thermostat and let you set the heat points for those colder nights.

Many campervans also include an air conditioner however it’s not always guaranteed and it’s important to realize that even if the campervan includes an air conditioner, it needs certain things to run. Unless there is a very large inverter or an included generator on board, most air conditioners need a serviced site and electrical power to operate. Also note that many campsites have strict policies regarding the use of generators with times often limited to a few hours in the morning and a few in the evening.

Does the camper have solar panels to extend off grid, unpowered camping?

This is really a per campervan question and can vary greatly depending on which trailer, camper, motorhome, campervan or RV you’ve rented. Lots of newer campervans include at least 1 solar panel to help extend your batteries and some will include enough plus a decent inverter that can last for weeks in an unserviced site. Talk to your rental company if you plan to camp off grid a lot and see what they offer. Some will even offer additional solar panels for a small fee to keep everything running smooth.

Final Notes on Campervan Rentals

While everything above applies to most campervan rentals, there is no guarantee the company you’re renting from is following the majority. It’s imperative that if you have any questions that you contact the rental company before booking anything. Hopefully some of the things we’ve listed will help provide some essential questions you should be asking both them and yourselves.

Regardless of the questions, renting a trailer or campervan is a great way to explore an area and to see a different side of a country. Whether you love doing your own thing, love being out in nature or just want someplace to always call home as you tour the countryside, renting a campervan gives you the freedom to do it on your own terms.

Safe travels and enjoy yourselves!

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Before we had kids, Micki and I had the amazing opportunity to spend six months driving around Australia in a campervan that we had bought and outfitted ourselves.

By the sixth month, we had put over 25,000 kilometers on that campervan, driving from Adelaide in South Australia, up through the untamed Outback in the center, then up to Darwin in the north, before crossing over to Cairns, and finally down the east coast of Australia to Sydney.

Even after spending years bouncing around the globe, it was an unforgettable adventure and still one of our favorite travel highlights.

A guide to driving around Australia in a campervan

Australia is the perfect country to drive a campervan or RV, since it has huge spaces and plenty great RV resorts, or Holiday Parks, as they’re often locally known, in nearly every town.

I think that an Australia road trip is probably the best way to see the land down under, especially if you want to see more than just the big cities and get to know the real Australia.

The funny part about our Australia roadtrip was that our first campervan turned out to be a massive lemon. Sure, we only bought it for a few hundred dollars from a hostel where a previous backpacker had left it and managed to sell it for $50 more than we paid (once we realized it wouldn’t pass a safety inspection). In case you’re wondering, we actually sold it to a guy fixes cars, so he profited as well once he fixed it up.

The great part about the whole scenario was that the original van was stocked with tons of extra goodies.

From an extra camping tent and sleeping bags (helpful when we rented a 4×4 and stayed on Fraser Island) to boogie boards, a portable table and even a nice propane stove that, by the time our trip was complete, we had gotten good use out of nearly everything. So, when we bought our next campervan, for about 20 times the first, we had it totally stocked up without spending an additional penny.

Even better, we bought a queen size mattress for the back, and even a TV! It was a real luxury to curl up in bed at night and watch a some true Australian TV. We were addicted to the first season on Australian Idol (and were cheering for the eventual winner, Guy Sebastian).

Australia road rules and such things as road trains

Initial problems aside, driving around Australia was a breeze. Well, that is, once we figured out that not only did we have to get used to driving on the left side of the road, but we also had to change gears with our left hand (ours had a manual transmission) and things are reversed from what we’re used to in North America.

Since the gear shift was on the steering column, you have no idea how often we turned on the windshield wipers by mistake. It even became a running gag during our trip.

If you’re interested in buying a used Australia campervan, you can check out Gumtree. Not only do they have thousands of Australian campervans, they also have tons of used camping supplies as well to help get you fully outfitted for your own Australia roadtrip.

I’m also not going to lie and say that we didn’t almost get into trouble a few times coming off traffic circles (which weren’t used much in North America then). Not having lane markers when you’re first trying to remember to drive on the left can be problematic in itself, but after doing a few circles you kind of revert to what you’re used to when you finally straighten out, which wasn’t a good thing if you’re a right lane kind of person.

Outside of that and, oh, the one lane bridges, you should be fine. Just remember to look at what’s coming before you drive over them.

Oops. Did I forget to mention having to get off the road when those giant triple trailer trucks they lovingly refer to as road trains pass you by in the Outback?

That’s not really a law, but if you value your vehicle (and consequently your life) it’s not a bad idea to get out of their way. To say that back trailer sways a little is like calling Uluru a little rock in the Outback, and those road trains don’t slow down for anything or anyone. Don’t worry though, there aren’t that many of them, and it’s a nice change of scenery from the miles and miles of unchanging desert scrub.

Oh, did I mention the kangaroos?

Well, you’ll see those for yourself if you drive through the Australian Outback like we did. They’re awesome to see hopping in the distance and don’t worry, you’ll see plenty of them. Just realize that they have no natural predators in Australia and there’s just as good a chance as them jumping into the side of your Australian campervan as you hitting one. You have been warned!

We also learned it’s a bad idea to drive most places in the Outback at night. Between the hopping kangaroos, the swaying road trains, wandering cows, an errant camel or emu and an abundance of wild rabbits in certain parts of Australia, unless you know the area well, it’s best to stay completely off these roads after sundown. Of course, if you’re on the coast or in one of the major cities you should be fine driving at night.

The realities of driving a campervan in Australia

All kidding aside, driving in Australia is easy once you have a few things down pat. Roads in major cities are well marked, and Australia is similar to most countries in regards to road rules and signage. Just realize that each Australian state has its own road rules. You can check them out here if you’re curious.

Since 85% of the Australian population is within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of the coast (see our recent post on things about Australia you didn’t know here) there are many places to stay, eat and most importantly, refuel, during your Australia road trip.

Once you get into the Outback, things are a little more spread out, so you need to make sure you have some spare gas with you or have a good estimate of how far your campervan or RV can make it on a tank. Luckily, there are usually signs saying how far the next available gas station. Trust us, you don’t want to get stuck in the Outback without fuel.

Outback safety tip: If you run out of fuel, or your campervan breaks down in the Outback, stay with your vehicle and wait for the next vehicle to pass by. The blistering heat is your biggest danger so stay hydrated. It might take hours, but someone will eventually drive by who can help you out.

It’s also important to realize that smaller towns that only have one gas station could close as early as 4 pm.  We spent the night parked in a gas station lot, because we didn’t have enough fuel to make it to the next town, more times than we care to admit.

If you’re looking for the cheapest gas in an area, or even how close the nearest petrol station is, you can grab the Motormouth app. Similar to North America’s Gas Buddy app, their Australian user-based system continually lists the current gas prices around the country. It’s also handy when that red light on your fuel tank starts flashing, and you need to refuel your campervan or RV immediately.

Even more importantly, since the Outback can get quite hot in the day and cool at night, you don’t want to get stuck without water and food. Make sure you have lots of both when you drive towards the Red Centre.

It’s more than likely you’ll be starting your journey from one of the major cities, so make sure to stock up on everything you’ll need at one of the big supermarkets. The farther you go from the big centers, the more costly food becomes and picking up essentials at gas stations is going to hurt the wallet more than a few spoiled or unused food items.

RV Resorts, Holiday Parks and campgrounds

I can honestly say that Australia has some of the nicest campgrounds we’ve seen anywhere in the world. Though the cost of some of the Australian campervan parks can be a little pricey, lots of campgrounds come fully provisioned with hotel quality swimming pools, multiple hot water showers and restrooms, huge cooking areas complete with lots of barbecues and even dedicated outdoor TV viewing areas for those not so nice evenings. Some even have trampolines and miniature golf for the kids.

Our favorite campgrounds in Australia even featured our own personal shower and washroom area as well as a private cooking area. Staying in those campgrounds was like having a very welcome addition to our campervan, giving us extra room to hang out as well as letting us cook our meals far from our beds. It was also cool to pull into your spot and find out what the little half building next to your pad contained.

Important! Australia has reverse seasons to the northern hemisphere. As such, Christmas vacation for Australians lasts two months and nearly everyone is out camping and enjoying the heat in December and January. If you’re planning to be in Australia during these months, I suggest you book your campgrounds far ahead of time, otherwise you’ll be parking on the street or in parking lots.

One of the biggest campground companies in Australia, with 180 campgrounds scattered across the country, is Big4 Holiday Parks. They’re among the priciest of the Australian campgrounds however they also tend to have the nicest amenities.

If you want to rough it a bit more, you can also find campgrounds throughout Australia’s National Parks. You can search for campgrounds across all the national parks here.

For a list of cheaper campgrounds around Australia, check out Explore Australia’s campground list here and the Findacamp site has a great list as well highlighting some of the cheapest campgrounds in Australia.

Buying and selling a campervan in Australia

If you’re looking at buying a campervan in Australia, there are certain months when it’s easier and cheaper to buy a campervan in Australia than others. The same goes for renting a campervan. Australia campervan hire can be surprisingly affordable off season, or during the shoulder season, especially.

December and January are busy across the country, and finding a rental won’t be easy or cheap in these months. If you want to rent, consider going in the shoulder seasons of October or November and February or March. You’ll miss the crowds and added expenses but the weather should still be great.

If you’re considering buying a campervan or RV, you also need enough time to pick out your campervan and enough time to sell it. There are tons of options out there from used buying and selling sites to dealerships. You can also check out local hostel bulletin boards (even if that didn’t work out so well for us).

When it’s time to sell, you can place an ad or even bring your campervan to one of the local swap meets that specializes in selling vans, campervans and RV’s from other travelers. There should be one in every major city.

Just note that there are better and worse times to buy and sell your campervan in Australia depending on the city you’re in. April to July tends to be the worst time of year to sell your vehicle in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne, however those could be great times to buy one. December to June is also bad in northern Cairns and Darwin, and both Brisbane and Adelaide can be tough to sell in year round. We ended up buying our campervan from a local in Adelaide, since there weren’t that many travelers selling theirs when we were there.

Vehicle Registration is valid for a year in Australia and usually requires an address. We just used our hostel’s address to sign up and it went pretty smoothly. Depending on the year of the vehicle and where it was initially registered, also note that some vehicles require a safety inspection before they’re allowed to be registered to someone else, so make sure the vehicle is roadworthy before giving over the money.

Final thoughts on driving an RV or campervan around Australia

Already have your Australian campervan fully stocked and ready to roll? All you need to do now is pick a route and set a timetable.

Are you going to drive The Great Ocean Road in the south past Melbourne and enjoy beautiful beaches and light houses?

Dreaming of jumping crocodiles and pristine canyons? Maybe driving from Darwin down to Katherine Gorge is the trip for you?

Want your area a little less crowded? How about having a quiet wilderness adventure on the west cost in Western Australia?

Still too crowded? How about checking out the Red Centre and experiencing the wide open spaces of Australia’s outback while you take in iconic sites like Uluru and the Devils’ Marbles?

Too remote for you? How about checking out rainforests, the great barrier reef and gorgeous stretches of beach as you live up the beach bum lifestyle in tropical North Queensland?

Maybe the mainland is too much for you? All that space giving you pause. Maybe you should check out Tasmania’s rural and natural beauty and check out Tasmania’s sleepy towns and secluded beaches.

No matter where you go or which route you decide on, taking a road trip around Australia in your campervan, RV or even just a van will be a memory you’ll keep forever and no matter how long you go for, there will always be something new to see on your next adventure.

Safe travels!

Got a tip about driving a campervan around Australia? We’d love to hear from you. Drop us an email or leave a comment below for everyone to read.

Work, school, family obligations, housework, daily chores, renovations, you name it. They can all start to get to you after a while.

Sometimes it’s nothing more than a case of cabin fever after a long week cooped up inside, or the draw of leaving your worries behind for a few days.

Get things done or get away?

For most North Americans, weekends are a time to get things done or a time to get away from it all. With the local spring weather getting nicer every day, and a growing annoyance at the way electronics seemed to be taking up most of our days, we decided it was time to get away.

The catch was that we didn’t want to spend a fortune flying somewhere or wasting our entire weekend in the car. We opted instead for a getaway within a few hours drive.

The answer to our predicament was blatantly obvious. So when Kampgrounds of America offered us a chance to try out a local KOA, we jumped at the opportunity to head outside.

It was time we ventured out into the great outdoors and got our camping groove back on.

Growing up outdoors

You see, before Micki and I had kids there was nothing we enjoyed more while home in Canada than packing up the car and heading to some campsite for a few days. It didn’t matter how close it was to home or how remote, we enjoyed it just the same.

Back then, camping got us out of the city and away from any obligations and our hectic city life. These days, it’s more about unplugging from the digital world and spending some quality time with the kids.

You see, growing up, my family always owned a travel trailer. From May long until September’s Labour Day weekend, the chance of finding us at home on a Saturday or Sunday was pretty minuscule. And woe to any family or friends who decided to get married over the summer and force our family to waste a weekend in town.

Growing up, my family camped everywhere within a few hours drive of our house and many of my fondest childhood memories are of camping.

So it was with great anticipation that we assembled all our old camping gear and loaded the car to see what adventures we could find.

We’re on our way

Since we are still fairly new to BC’s Okanagan region and unsure whether we could find and assemble all our old camping gear, we decided to stay in a simple KOA cabin. This one in particular had exactly one double bed, two bunkbeds and a shelf, and we had to bring our own sleeping bags. There was no bathroom, no kitchen and no water in the cabin at all, and besides for a single light there was only one electrical plug.

This suited us fine as it was as close to camping in a tent as you can get without having to set up a tent or worry about rain.

The kids thought it was great as well. We didn’t even have to break out the electronics once all weekend which makes the trip worth it for that alone. One of the major reasons for choosing to go camping in the first place was to get unplugged from it all.

Hot springs and cold ice cream

Not only did we get to stretch our legs in the great outdoors, but we also had the chance to lounge in the nearby Crazy Creek hot springs for the day. There’s nothing like playing in 90 to 100 degree water for a few hours to relieve the back and neck while gazing up at the majestic Rocky mountains in the background. The kids loved all the different temperature pools and especially found the cold dipping pool particularly entertaining.

We also stopped off at real working dairy farm and had some of their old fashioned ice cream. If you’re ever in Sicamous, BC, Canada, make sure you stop off at the Dutchmen Dairy and try out their homemade ice cream for yourselves. Delish!

When we weren’t off checking out the local sites, we were busy playing with the kids in the Sicamous KOA park and giving them our 100% undivided attention for a few solid hours. Something every child cherishes and something we always seem too preoccupied to do.

To finish it all off, we sat by the campfire every night to teach the kids the fine art of marshmallow roasting as we recounted the days events and swapped stories. We even managed to roast some pizza pops over the campfire which I hadn’t done in ages. (Imagine a taste similar to wood fired pizza in a handy, easy to hold format.)

Making the pizza pops is incredibly easy – just buy some pre-made pizza pockets (we use Pillsbury Pizza Pops as they hold up well over the campfire). Then put them inside a campfire basket grill (like this one on Amazon).  Cook until the cheese inside is melted and they’re hot. It’s not a fancy recipe, but it’s amazing how cooking over the campfire transforms the taste of these to something delicious.

All in all, it was a great weekend for family bonding, as well as the perfect jumping point for us to get back into camping as a family. You can rest assured it won’t be our only trek into the wild this summer as we look forward to exploring this area of BC.

We want to thank to the lovely people at the Sicamous KOA for making our stay comfortable (and providing us with a heater to keep the chill, late spring mountain air at bay). It’s just a few kilometres outside of Sicamous, BC, Canada, and in summer, the Sicamous KOA offers mini-golf, a swimming pool and pancake breakfasts plus an arcade, pool table, and indoor movie room for those rainy days. If you want a little more info, check out our review of the Sicamous KOA campsite on Trekaroo.

It’s your chance to win!

And now for one of our very favorite parts of life here at The Barefoot Nomad – giving you a chance to win!

KOA and Trekaroo are giving away three great prizes – complimentary camping vouchers for KOA!

Grand Prize: 3 complimentary KOA Camping Vouchers good for one night apiece; including Deluxe Cabins, at any KOA campground in North America. $500 prize value.

Smaller Prizes: 2 complimentary KOA Camping Vouchers good for one night apiece; including Deluxe Cabins, at any KOA campground in North America. $300 prize value

Head on over to the contest page to enter! Contest details here.

Want to learn more?

You can find out what other families are up to at their local KOA on Trekaroo’s What’s Behind the Yellow sign page.

Check it out, there are a lot of fun family vacation ideas and tips!

If you’re looking for a KOA site near you, just visit the KOA online booking page.

Check out the KOA website, blog, or grab the KOA app.

You can follow KOA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

We received a complimentary stay at a Sicamous, BC campground via Kampgrounds of America however they never asked us to have such a good time. The opinions stated are our own. This is a sponsored post for Trekaroo. com.

Don’t forget! Head on over to the contest page to enter! Contest details here.