Camping & Vanlife : choisir la station d’énergie idéale

Camping & Vanlife: choosing the ideal energy station

Camping & Vanlife: choosing the ideal energy station

Between autonomy , weight and solar charging , here's how to select the perfect energy station for your getaways, whether in a tent, van or converted van.

Capacity & power

  • 500–700 Wh : light weekend (laptop, lighting, occasional 12 V fridge).
  • 900–1200 Wh : regular vanlife (TV, 4G box, table-top fridge).
  • 1500 Wh+ : long stays, multi-device.

MPPT solar charging

200–400 W foldable panels → recharge in 3–6 hours depending on sunlight. Check input voltage, connectors and MPPT .

Weight, size & noise

Handle, wheels (large models), discreet ventilation. Transport the station in the shade, avoid overheated trunks.

Quick Checklist

  • Sufficient Wh + 20-30% margin.
  • Pure sine wave inverter (continuous W + peak).
  • USB-C PD 100W for laptop.
  • MPPT solar input compatible.
  • 2-year warranty & LymobileShop support.

See our camping & vanlife selection at LymobileShop.

Typical consumption in camping/vanlife

Equipment Power (W) Time/day Energy (Wh)
USB-C Laptop 45–65 3–5 h 135–325
USB-C portable display 10–15 3–5 h 30–75
Smartphones (2×) 10 2 hours 20
4G/5G Router 8–15 8–12 h 64–180
LED lighting 5–15 4–6 h 20–90
12V Mini Fridge 40–60* 6–12 h 100–300
Water pump 30–60 0.2 h 6–12
Drone/GoPro (charge) 15–40 1–2 hours 15–80

*Duty cycle (on/off): a compressor does not run continuously, the actual energy depends on the ambient temperature and insulation.

Daily scenarios: summer vs. mid-season

Summer profile (high sunshine)

Energy budget ~ 600-900 Wh (laptop, router, LED, 12 V fridge). With 200 W panels → actual production ~150–170 W → 4-5 h of good sun covers 600–800 Wh. A 900–1200 Wh station + MPPT provides comfort and margin.

Mid-season profile

More variable solar production (100–140 W actual on 200 W nominal). Plan for a 1000–1500 Wh station and aim for 200–400 W of panels to absorb weather dips.

Practical optimizations

  • Prioritize USB‑C PD (DC→DC) for laptop/display to reduce losses.
  • 12V refrigerator with compressor (better efficiency) rather than absorption.
  • Panel tilt : readjust every 1-2 hours while bivouacking.
  • Shading : Avoid partial shade, especially in series.
  • Cable section sufficient to limit voltage drops.

12V Van Wiring: Best Practices

  • Use reliable connectors (e.g. Anderson SB , XT60 ) and suitable fuses.
  • Secure the station to avoid shocks; ventilate the storage space.
  • Car charging: convenient but slow 12V input (100–120W).

Vanlife departure checklist

  • Station charged 100%, cables/adapters tested.
  • Clean folding panels, MC4 connectors OK.
  • Weather Plan B: second source (230 V service area).
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