Guide to Power stations for Camping, Caravans and Motorhomes

All campers and caravan or motorhome owners will have either pondered getting a portable power station, got a portable power station or sorely regretted not having one. Whichever category you fall into this article will be of interest to you. Perhaps you already have a power station but it doesn’t quite fulfil your requirements or you’re ready to take the plunge for the first time but are unsure which model fits your needs, read on.

What do we mean by a power station?

When we use the term power station in this context, what we are talking about is a portable lithium battery, usually benefiting from multiple ports for running or charging multiple devices, as well as sockets for different methods of charging, from normal plug sockets to cigarette lighter sockets found in vehicles. All of the best power stations can be connected to solar panels for off-grid charging.

Which brands are the most trusted?

When you are shopping for a chainsaw, Stihl or Husqvarna are probably the brands of choice and similarly when looking for portable power stations there are some top names to look out for, namely:

·        EcoFlow

·        Jackery

·        Bluetti

What are your main requirements?

When considering the purchase of a new portable power station, the very first question you need to ask yourself is: what will I be using my power station for? If you are looking for an emergency power back-up you will potentially be looking at a different generator than if you are looking to power devices while on the road or camping.

If you are seeking a model for camping then you will require a degree of portability. You can do no better than the Jackery Explorer series, for such purposes.

The Jackery Explorer 500 is designed for optimal portability, weighing in at 6kg and fitted with a very useful carrying handle, making it a popular choice for camping and fishing trips alike.  With 3 USB-A ports, 2 DC ports, and 1 car port, the Jackery Explorer 500 runs low to high power appliances, including mini-fridges, air pumps, and TV sets. It is an impressive and reliable all-rounder that is perfect for camping, fishing and kayaking trips.

If you are looking for an emergency power backup or a generator with a bit of extra power for longer trips, vanlife or RV escapes then the EcoFlow Delta takes some beating. With 1260wh capacity, the EcoFlow Delta provides more than ample emergency back-up should you suffer from an outage, while proving an excellent ‘on the road’ companion. The Delta features a rapid recharge function – allowing full recharge in under an hour and can also be charged using 3×160W solar panels in three and a half to seven hours, or fully charged through a 12/24V car port in around 10 hours.

The international integrated sockets allow for the use of either UK or EU plugs, while this model benefits from 2 x USB-A outputs, 2 x USB-A Fast Charge, 2 x USB-C outputs for unrivalled versatility.