10 Boondocking Hacks

Off Grid Solar Specialists has now completed over 150 installations ranging from the small to the super large. That experience and customer feedback has helped us learn some important considerations when hitting the road and enjoying life off-grid.

Here are the top 10

Brewing your favorite coffee: Save power by using a thermal carafe style maker. You’ll only use power during the brewing cycle and not waste energy keeping your glass pot hot.

Save that propane: When camping in cold weather turn your heater to 55 degrees and use electric blankets to keep you warm while sleeping. You will save power by not running the heater fan and using propane to keep unoccupied spaces warm.

Do your solar power system right the first time: Don’t jump into a system too quickly! Be sure to know outcomes and get good consultation from an expert. Sometimes acting too fast or being overly focused on cost could end up providing more cost and frustration than benefits.

Do not skimp on solar panels! They are your fuel so ensure that they can produce enough kilowatt hours to cover what you use during the day and replace what you consumed overnight.

You must do basic maintenance: Your RV is flexes, jolts and bounces so be sure to check your solar panels and electrical connection before each trip. Loose electrical connections are safety issues and cause a significant performance reduction.

Carry a small generator for backup : However, only use it to supplement, or cover when mother nature is not so friendly. Also, your nearby campers will not be too happy if you have a loud, rackety, smelly generator running all day.

Carry a multimeter and basic tools: Diagnosing electrical challenges can be frustrating and the best tool to have is a Multimeter to test for voltage. They are inexpensive and carried in many stores.

Be sure to pack a battery charger: Your new solar power system, if included an inverter, is your own power plant. Sometimes we forgot to turn off our headlights or left a door open on the tow vehicle. Not to worry, plug the charger into your RV and let it go to work.

Bring along a small solar generator: These all-in-one units can really come in handy if you deplete your batteries, or if the solar power system has a failure. This way you can power the CPAP, charge phones, and have emergency lighting at the ready.



Buy a pair of long range GMRS radios: Better to have them than not! Being remote can disconnect you from the outside world. Long range radios can provide weather information and keep you connected when cell service is nowhere to be found. Even better is to get your Ham Radio license so you can connect to many emergency communication channels.