INSTANT EXPERT 

New to camping off the grid? Here’s an in-depth look at the gear that makes it all possible. 

WORDS BY MICHAEL “BORGY” BORG 

Camping with a camper trailer is an adventure like no other. Their moderate size and versatile nature allow you to explore the track less travelled, and while many people are happy to stick to populated campsites with plug-in power, many would argue that to truly get the most from your camper trailer, camping off the grid at a free campsite is where real freedom is at. Yep, there’s something to be said for being un-plugged, however it does require a little extra know-how. Alas, over the next few pages, we’re going to spill the beans on everything you need to know to go off the grid and stay there, comfortably. 

WATER WORKS 

Without good, clean drinking water, you just can’t survive. This makes drinking water your most valuable resource when you’re camping off the grid. Most camper trailers will have water tanks fitted as standard these days, there is much more to off-grid water storage than meets the eye. So, let’s take a closer look. 

DRINKING WATER

Now this is a tricky question, one that can be broken down into a few different categories and schools of thought. First and foremost, we need to determine how much drinking water to keep on board. This will depend on a few things including the expected temperatures, how many people you’re catering for, the amount of activity you expect to be doing and how long you will be off the grid for. As a rule of thumb, allowing 5L of water per person per day for drinking is a good rule of thumb for average conditions. You can expect to double that figure if you’re in above average temperatures.

It’s always best to keep your drinking water supply separate from your general-use water to ensure you don’t tap into valuable drinking water on accident. 

GREY WATER ACTIVITIES

On top of drinking water, you’ll need to allow enough water for showers, washing up, and cooking, which ends up turning into grey water. It’s hard to put a figure on how much water you’ll need for grey water activities, but a good way to start is to place a 20L bucket under your shower head and time how long it takes to fill it up while simulating the same water flow and heat as your showering habits. If it takes five minutes, you’ll know that for every five-minute shower you will use roughly 20L of water.

It’s also a good idea to work out how much water you use while washing the dishes and allow plenty of water in the rest of your calculations for cooking and washing your hands. 

INLINE WATER FILTER 

One of the best ways to ensure fresh drinking water is always available is to install an inline water filtration unit. Now there are heaps of different options on the market to suit a whole range of price budgets and filtration requirements. The idea is to simply install the filter inline in-between the water tank and a separate “drinking water” faucet. This ensures that water only flows through the filter when it’s required for drinking purposes, which extends the filters life. 

You can also look at installing a pre-tank filter which helps reduce the number of contaminants that enter the tank itself.

STAINLESS STEEL VS PLASTIC TANKS 

In general, water tanks for camper trailers are constructed from either stainless steel of plastic. Plastoc water tanks are light weight, resistant to corrosion and cost effective. On the other hand, stainless steel is non-porous making it easy to clean and hygienic, durable andoffers superior temperature regulation. Most people report the water has a much more pleasant taste than when it’s held in plastic, and in general if maintaining high water quality is a priority, then stainless steel is preferred.  

POWER TO THE PEOPLE 

Batteries have become an important part of off-grid camping, so lets take a closer look at the basic battery designs. 

DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES 

The deep cycle batteries design allows them to sustain deeper and longer discharges than that of your typical cranking batteries (used to start your vehicle). They do this by using a smaller number of plates that are much thicker than that of a battery designed for cranking. However, the trade-off is this slows down the chemical reaction, and thus the amount of current that can be provided over a short time frame without depleting cell voltage. This type of battery is better suited to running things like our fridges and lights as they only pull a small current but are used over a longer period of time. 

ABSORBED GLASS MATT (AGM) BATERIES 

Designed in the 80’s and developed for military use, the AGM battery has been a trusted source of power for us campers and 4WDers for many years now. By design, they’re quite well suited to the rigors of offroad travel thanks to their increased strength when compared to traditional deep cycle batteries. In short, they use multiple plates with thick glass-fibre mats that hold the electrolyte, which aids in increasing mechanical strength. While they are larger, heavier and cost more than a tradition style deep cycle battery they are able to be discharged down to approximately 30%, which gives them a more usable capacity that doesn’t require quite as rigorous maintenance. Hence why most 4WDers seem to get a longer lifespan from them too.    

LITHIUM BATTERIES  

Perhaps the most talked about in today’s world of recreational vehicles, the lithium battery has become quite the accepted winner in the battery department. While their early years were clouded with controversy thanks to unstable lithium metal that was used being prone to thermal runaway, resulting in fires, these days they use a less energy dense combination. The crux of their perceived superiority lies with their impressive cell voltage of 3.3-3.8 volts, meaning they store four times more energy than other batteries of a similar size. They also maintain constant voltage until they are practically flat and can be routinely discharged deeply without harm. Perhaps the main drawback is their price, with quality lithium batteries fetching three to four times the price of the equivalently rated deep cycle battery. They also require a battery charger compatible with lithium batteries as they need a specific charge profile to ensure their longevity. Naturally, this adds to the cost of switching over to this technology from older systems. 

TOP TIPS – LOOK AFTER YOUR BATTERY  

Battery Maintenance Chargers: If you’re battery is going through a period of non-use, it’s a good idea to install a battery charger that provides a specific maintenance charging profile.  

Rubber Matting: Place a piece of rubber under the battery to help absorb those harsh bumps from potholes and corrugations, so your battery doesn’t have to.  

Extreme Weather: Cold conditions can slow down the chemical reaction required to produce electrical energy, which can reduce performance or even lead to failure. Excessive heat is also no friend to a battery. Insulating your battery from extreme weather can go a long way to ensuring your battery stays healthy for longer.  

A quality 12V fridge is a necessity among campers these days. Sure, you can make do with an old ice box for a while but there’s nothing quite like having a portable fridge on your adventures to keep your food and beverages cold. They just make things easy, but if you’re in the market for a new fridge or freezer, it can be a little tricky to decide in the perfect model for your needs. Then, once you have one, it’s a mighty fine idea to ensure you’re getting the most out of it in terms of efficiency and performance. Here are a few pointers to get you started!  

12V COMPRESSOR FRIDGES   

There are two main types of camping fridges on the market, these are the 12V/240V models or the 3-way range (12V/240V/LPG). The 12V/240V option is the most popular, it’s powered by an inbuilt compressor, with the top models featuring VSMO (Variable Speed Motor Optimisation), a digital control thermostat and a turbo function to help bring your fridge to operating temperature in record time.  

THREE-WAY FRIDGES  

The three-way type fridge typically runs on the absorption method of cooling. While they don’t operate as effectively as compressor fridges on 12V power or within as great an ambient temperature range, they do have the advantage of being able to run on LP gas, which most definitely has its benefits. Being able to switch to an efficient fuel source if electrical power is unavailable can be a real saviour, especially in poor weather when solar power isn’t available to recharge your batteries. The downside of this system is the set-up of an absorption fridge requires the unit to be completely level, which means it shouldn’t be run on gas during transit.   

So, which one should you choose? Well, the compressor driven fridges are certainly a lot easier operate, and they accel when 4WDing. However, if you’re the type of camper to set-up camp in the one spot for three weeks straight, a 3-way fridge may be for you!  

MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY  

There are a few actions you can take to keep your fridge running as efficiently as possible. The first being to keep it out of the sun whenever possible. The extra heat will cause the fridge to cycle more often and work harder to maintain the designated internal temperature. It’s also worth investing in ainsulation bag or cover, which provides a buffer from heat sources.  

Another tip is to ensure the fridge is located in a position that offers plenty of ventilation, especially around the compressor vents. Trapped hot air isn’t going to do your fridge any favours! 

TEMPERATURE CONTROL  

While most modern-day portable fridges are capable of being used as a freezer, you’ll find the colder the pre-set temperature you select the harder your fridge has to work, especially in hot conditions. That means your fridge cycles more often and uses more energy in doing so. The trick is to select a temperature that keeps your food fresh and safe to consume, while not overworking your fridge. So, what’s the magic temperature range? Well, around 2-3 degrees Celsius is typically the best compromise.   
 

TOP TIPS  

• Pre-cool your food and beverages in your home fridge before packing them in your 12V fridge so you don’t waste valuable power cooling down warm items.  

• Plug your fridge into mains power to help cool it down when first switching it on. 

• Keep your fridge full when possible. It’s actually easier for a fridge to maintain the temperature of cold items inside then it is to continuously keep the air in a free space cold.  

SOLAR 

Solar power has emerged as a popular solution for camping adventures. With advancements in technology and affordability, solar panels offer a clean, renewable energy source that allows campers to power their electronic devices, lighting, and appliances while off-grid. 

Monocrystalline Panels

Monocrystalline panels are known for their high efficiency and space-saving design. They typically have a sleek black appearance and perform well in low-light conditions. On the flip side, these panels tend to be more expensive compared to other types of solar panels and may experience reduced efficiency in hot temperatures.

Polycrystalline Panels

Polycrystalline panels are more cost-effective than monocrystalline panels, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious campers. They offer good performance in moderate sunlight conditions but are less efficient and have a lower space-to-power ratio compared to monocrystalline panels. 

Thin-Film Panels

Thin-film panels are lightweight, flexible, and durable, making them ideal for portable solar applications. They perform well in low-light conditions and are less affected by shading.They generally have lower efficiency compared to crystalline panels, requiring larger surface areas to generate the same amount of power. They may also degrade faster over time, reducing their lifespan.

Fixed vs Portable Panels

Fixed solar panels are permanently mounted on the roof or exterior of a camper or RV, providing a continuous source of solar power without the need for manual adjustment. Theytypically offer higher efficiency and reliability compared to portable panels. Installation can be complex and may require professional assistance, so installations costs are a factor. Fixed panels are also limited to the orientation and angle of the mounting surface, which may affect their performance in varying sunlight conditions.

Portable solar panels are lightweight, compact, and versatile, allowing campers to set them up in different locations to maximize sun exposure. They are easy to transport and store when not in use, making them ideal for tent camping and backpacking. The downside to portable panels is they require setting up and may need manual adjustment throughout the day to optimize sun exposure. They are also susceptible to theft or damage when left unattended in remote locations.

WRAPPING IT UP

Camping off the grid is the perfect way to unplug and get back to nature, but it does require some planning and a well-thought-out set-up in order to get it right and stay comfortable. Once you understand the basics of the equipment that can make it all possible, you’re on the path to selecting the best gear for your needs.