Powering a Minivan-Camper-Conversion: What You Need to Know
How to go about powering a Minivan-Camper-Conversion
When it comes to Powering a Minivan-Camper-Conversion, there are a few options out there to consider:
- A complete solar system with an inverter, solar charge controller, battery monitor, wiring, solar panels, solar panel mounts, etc.
- Gas powered generator
- Portable power station – LIthium battery based
Option one seemed to be just as pricey as a Jackery with more parts. Plus I would have to install it all myself or pay someone to do it.
Option two would require fuel on a regular basis and they can be noisy. Plus being in a minivan camper conversion, I didn’t want to sacrifice any of the little room I have to store the unit and fuel.
I decided to go with option three, a portable power station. I chose this option because of the price point and speed of getting started.
Why am I Powering a Minivan-Camper-Conversion with a Jackery?
For me, it made sense to invest in a portable power station rather than investing in the multiple, separate components of a complete solar system because after doing the minivan camper conversion build-out in my 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, installing a solar system was just not something I wanted to mess around with.
And the price seemed to be more than what a portable power station would cost me.
Which model did I invest in?
I decided to invest in the Jackery Explorer 1000 which I was able to purchase for $850 by utilizing the discount when you sign up for the mailing list on Jackery’s website.
- Clean and Unlimited Solar Energy: 100% green energy with smart MPPT controller for optimal charging efficiency. The power station can be fully charged with 2 Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels...
- Easy to Use: The ergonomic shape of the handle grants an ease grip. And use in one touch with simple and speedy setup within 60s to enjoy outstanding charging efficiency.
- Safe & Reliable for Outdoor Camping: Features industry-leading cylindrical batteries (popular with manufacturers of Electric Vehicles) that meet UL safety standards. Certified with Impact-Resistance...
- Power Pretty Much Anything: Power 90% home appliances with 1002Wh (1000W AC output power) and 8 outlets (3*AC outlet, 1*USB-A , 1*USB-A quick charge 3.0, 2*USB-C PD, 1*Car outlet). Ideal for outdoor...
- What You Get: 1* Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station (1002Wh Portable Power Station), 1*AC Adapter, 1* Car Charger Cable, 1*SolarSaga Parallel Adapter Cable, 1* User Manual.
This size was right for me because after starting with the Jackery Explorer 240, I quickly realized that in order to keep my 12v ICECO JP40 compressor refrigerator running for long periods of time, I would need a larger setup.
- ※ 【FREE PARTS】- Insulated Protective Cover & 12 Feet-Long Extend DC Power Cable.
- ※ 【MAX & ECO MODE】- Eco mode is the function which can slow down the compressor running speed for energy economic. Max mode is the function which can maximum the compressor running speed then...
- ※ 【NO ICE NEEDED】-Adjustable Temperature From -7℉～50℉(-22℃～+10℃). How Danfoss compressor works: for the purpose of energy saving, the compressor will stop operating when the freezer...
- ※ 【HIGH QUALITY】- German SECOP Compressor; ETL Certificate; Global Product Insurance.
- ※ 【WARRANTY】- 5 Years warranty on the compressor and 1 Year warranty on all other parts. Local after-sales service.
I absolutely LOVE this ICECO JP40 refrigerator! What really sold me on this unit is the fact that the SECOP compressor has a 5-year warranty. To me, this is money well spent as all of the other brands out there that I looked at seemed to only offer a 1-2 year warranty on a lesser quality compressor.
AND this refrigerator came with a cover that is custom-made for this unit that helps keep your temperature steady. Eco mode is a nice feature as well.
Powering a Minivan-Camper-Conversion Security
One thing I did to add a level of protection to the unit is I added a Master Lock 3/8″ Braided Steel Cable Lock that attaches around the frame of the passenger seat and then around the handle of the Jackery.
- Outdoor cable lock with key is best used as a trail camera lock, kayak locking cable, bike cable lock, tools and job boxes lock, and to secure other outdoor equipment.Note: Measure your door's...
- Locking cable with integrated pin tumbler keyed locking mechanism for superior pick resistance
- Cable lock is made with braided steel for strength and flexibliity, and protective vinyl coating helps prevent scratching
- Bike lock cable is 6 ft. (1.8 m) long and 3/8 in. (10 mm) wide in diameter
- Includes one cable lock, two keys
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is amazing! I love that there are 3 different ways to recharge it.
- Plug it into my 12v outlet in my van and then when I drive, it re-charges that way.
- Or if I am staying at a campground or mooch-docking at a friend or family’s house, I can plug into a standard outlet.
- And the third way is via solar panels.
Budget Solar Panel
For solar, I use one Togo Power 120-watt folding solar panel. I really like the panel. If I just need to charge my phone or other USB devices, I can set up the panel and plug things directly into the panel and the item will begin charging.
- 【FOLDABLE AND PORTABLE】: The folded size of the solar panel is 20.5 x 14.9 inches and it weighs only 9.4 lbs(4.3 kg), which makes it very easy to carry. With two adjustable stands, it can be...
- 【WIDE COMPATIBILITY】: With 5 different connector sizes (DC7909, XT60, Anderson, DC5525, DC5521), Togo POWER 120W solar panel can be compatible with Jackery/BLUETTI/ECOFLOW/Anker/GOAL ZERO/Togo...
- 【UP TO 23% CONVERSION EFFICIENCY】: Togo POWER foldable solar panel uses high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells and its surface is made of durable ETFE material. Compared with PET material...
- 【BUILT-IN USB OUTPUT】: The portable solar panel has 24W USB-A QC3.0 output and 45W USB-C output to quickly charge your phone, tablet, power bank and other USB devices. So it is ideal for camping,...
- 【IP65 WATERPROOF】: The outer fabric of the solar panel is made of oxford cloth, which is waterproof and durable. The waterproof zip pocket on the back covers the connectors well to protect the...
I love having the panel not attached to the roof of my van. When I park in the shade to keep the temperature of the van down, I can still run the foldable solar panel out into the sun via its 12-foot cable.
Final Thoughts
All in all, with the Jackery Explorer 1000, I now have plenty of power to charge up my various devices: cell phone, laptop, USB fan, USB water pump, etc.
There are many great options out there on the market. I went with Jackery because it is an established brand. Also because these units have everything you need to get started including an inverter inside.
Whether you decide to go with Jackery like I did or another lesser-known brand that may still be a great unit, read the reviews of the item. There is no right or wrong way to power your van life. Having multiple options is always a great thing. I utilize smaller power banks to recharge my phone as well as a hand-crank radio that also will re-charge a phone. I hope you find your mellow nomadic adventures!
Meet others living the nomad lifestyle
Attend one of the meetups taking place in North America and meet other people who are living the nomad lifestyle. Click the image below to learn of a meet-up near you:
Last update on 2025-01-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
