Complete list of Common Off-grid RV Loads

If this content is useful, please take the time to share on social media, blogs, and forums. It helps us keep creating. Thank You!

This page hopes to provide a growing list of items that are powered in an RV when camping off-grid. This page will help users calculate how much power they need for boondocking. Remember each device will use a certain amount of power and will be run for a certain amount of time. In an RV solar scenario, these two factors are important as are battery type, power type, and simultaneous loads.

There are several ways to power these loads that use different amounts of power for the same load. You can run direct DC from the battery bank, using a DC to DC converter, using an AC to DC Power Inverter. These powering methods can have overhead and even drain extra from a no-load draw that can increase the amount of power need to run from your house batteries.

Remember to turn off your lights and other items when leaving your camper. Flip the switch to save power and check out our page on Reducing RV power loads when Off-Grid

On-Board Computer

Mobile Offices are pretty common in the RV community. Click here for more information on what equipment you will need to run your computer and…
Get more details

Refrigerators

Many RVs have switched over to running residential refrigerators. Learn what it takes to get one running using a solar system.
Get more details

LCD Projector

Projectors are a great way to watch movies when camping. Have a large enough screen for everyone to watch right on the side of your…
Get more details

Amazon Alexa

Amazon Alexa units are becoming more common additions to RV living. Learn more about how to power one up in the middle of nowhere.
Get more details

Toaster

Make your Avocado Toast easy by using a toaster when you are boon-docking. See how to run a Toaster off-grid.
Get more details

TV

Everyone needs a little TV when camping, even if it is just to watch the latest weather report. Get the skinny on running a television…
Get more details

Curling Iron

The heating element in curling irons draw a lot of power, but it can be done if you need it. Find out the details here.
Get more details
Google Smart Assistant Devices

Google Home

There are several types of Google Home devices on the market that are now finding their way into RVs. These devices range from audio-only smart…
Get more details

Induction Cooktop

Many RVers have switched to induction cooktops because they are easy and more precise than hot plates. See what you need to get started.
Get more details

Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum Cleaners are often needed in RVs. The fight never ends when working to remove sand and dirt when out boondocking. Many users need to…
Get more details
Cusinart Bread Maker

Bread Maker

Running an electric bread maker on an off-grid system will use power for an extended period of time. Learn what will bake your bread.
Get more details

Video Games

One of the many ways to kill time when the weather is cooperating while you are out RVing is to play video games. Find out…
Get more details

USB Outlets

USB outlets are used for powering all types of electronics, but the USB needs power too. See what you need to keep your outlets going.
Get more details

Coffee Maker

French Press with an electric kettle French Press with propane kettle Pour-Over Coffee with an electric kettle Pour-Over Coffee with a propane water kettle Single-cup…
Get more details

What kind of RV do you have?

Class A Motorhome

Class A Motorhome

A Class A motorhome is a full body driver motor-home. They are often powered by either a gasoline based engine or a Diesel Pusher.
Read More

Travel Trailer

Travel trailers or tow behind rvs are often the first type of RV that someone buys to start RVing. These units range from 13 feet…
Read More

Truck Camper

Truck campers are RVs that are installed into the bed of the truck. They can be taken off to allow freedom to travel in vehicle…
Read More

Class C RV

Class C RVs are the cab over driving units that have range from 24 feet to around 35 feet in length.
Read More

Common Solar System Components

Solar extension cables

Solar extension cables are designed to extend the solar circuit some length. These cables allow for additional panels to be installed some distance from the…
Read More

Draining power from the battery bank is the most common way to boondock. The batteries are like the fuel tank for your RV. Each day charging the batteries up using solar panels will allow you running lights and other appliances. A well-balanced system will never drain more power than can be recovered in the following day, even when there are extra amp hours in total capacity. Those extra amp hours should be for inclement weather days because we all know they are only a day away. On sunny days when the batteries are fully charged take advantage of the extra power to bake bread. Even make a hot tea using an electric kettle or lunch using your induction hot plate. If you don’t use the power, you will lose it. Your charge controller will shut down most of the solar power coming in to keep from overcharging the batteries.

Just like panel type, battery type matters. For instance, each type of battery has its pros and cons. Lithium battery banks are superior, but they are super expensive. AGM batteries don’t off-gas but have the same issues as flooded. Flooded batteries require maintenance and off-gas when charged. Fuse you battery banks and connection cables for safety.

In closing, Living off-grid and boondocking are awesome choices. Keep making the most of every day. Drive to the best views. Sleep under the most stars. Make the most friends.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top