Family camping: energy stations 2025
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Family Camping Power Stations: 12V Coolers , LEDs, Pumps, 100W USB-C , Child Lock & 120–200W Panels - The 2025 Guide
In the family, energy must be simple , secure and silent . This guide helps you size an energy station (aka power station ) for a 12 V cooler/fridge , LED lighting, pumps (mattress/air/water), smartphones/tablets/console, with 100 W USB-C for a laptop, regulated 12 V outputs , AC 230 V pure sine wave , and charging by 120–200 W foldable panels (MPPT). We add good child safety reflexes , tables , ready scenarios and the LymobileShop selection .
View Power Stations | 120–200W Foldable Panels |10k/20kW Power Banks
1) Family camping profile: needs & priorities
- Cold & drinks : 12 V thermo/compressor cooler.
- Lighting : LED string lights, tent lights, children's night lights.
- Comfort : mattress pump, compressor, small water pump/shower.
- Connected : 2–4 smartphones, 1–2 tablets, switch/console, BT speaker.
- Evening work/movie : USB-C laptop, portable screen if applicable.
Objectives: 24-hour autonomy without mains power, easy recharging (solar/car), silence at night, maximum safety around children.
2) Energy budget (Wh/day): quick method
Énergie/jour (Wh) ≈ Somme de [Puissance (W) × Heures/J]
- 12V cooler : 25–60W running, ~200–500Wh/d depending on weather & model.
- LED lights : 2×5 W × 5 h → ~50 Wh.
- Smartphones (×3) : ~15 Wh each → ~45 Wh.
- Tablet/Console : 20–40 Wh/d.
- Laptop (light use): 45–60 W × 1–2 h → 45–120 Wh.
- Mattress pump : 60–120 W for 3–5 min → negligible during the day.
Simple rule : aim for a ~512 Wh station (mid-season) or ~700 Wh (summer heatwave/heavy use) + a 160–200 W panel to recharge during the day.
3) Choose the station : capacity (Wh), power (W), chemistry
-
Ability
- ~300 Wh : weekend without continuous cooler (or eco cooler + mild weather).
- ~512 Wh : family sweet spot (12 V cooler + LED + refills).
- ~700 Wh : comfort + heat/laptop margin + evening recharge.
- AC 230 V power : 500–700 W continuous (pure sine) is sufficient (chargers, small short mixer, occasional inflator via AC).
- Chemistry : LiFePO4 recommended (longevity, thermal stability), complete BMS (OVP/OCP/OTP/UVP).
- Inputs : Fast mains, MPPT solar, 12V car .
- Display : % battery + W in/out to control the family's consumption.
4) Essential ports: USB-C 100W , 12V regulated, AC sine wave
- USB-C PD 100W : Laptop/hub/portable display. ( 5A e-marker cable recommended.)
- 12V regulated (cigarette lighter + DC outputs): cooler, shower, fans. Higher efficiency than AC.
- USB-A : 12–18W for phones/speakers/lamp.
- AC 230 V pure sine wave : for devices that do not have a DC/USB alternative.
5) 12V Cooler/Fridge: actual consumption & connection
- Thermoelectric : simple but energy-intensive in heat waves. 300–500 Wh/day .
- Compressor : more expensive but efficient (insulation + thermostat). 200–400 Wh/day in general.
- Connection : 12 V direct (regulated socket). Avoids AC + adapter (losses/noise).
- Cold tip : pre-cool at home, place the coldest items at the bottom, open less often, set +4°C at night.
- Cable : short & sufficient section (see §13.3), lockable connector if possible.
6) LED lighting, garlands & night lights
- 5–10 W LED string lights : ambiance + low consumption.
- Children's night lights : USB 1–2 W, huge battery life on station.
- Placement : Diffuses light (tent/roof) to avoid glare.
- Switches : prefer garlands with dimmer or touch switch accessible only to parents.
7) Pumps & small appliances (mattress, water, compressor)
- Mattress pump : 60–120 W but a few minutes → low impact on the day.
- Water pump/drain : 12 V 12–24 W, intermittent use.
- Compressor : prefer a separate 12V model; if AC, check the power (≤700W to stay in the station zone).
- 12V fans : 5–15W, greater comfort at summer night.
8) Smartphones/tablets/console: PD/PPS & tips
- USB-C PD/PPS : fast and cool charging (Galaxy/Pixel).
- Organization : charging slots per family (children first, parents second) to avoid cables everywhere.
- 10k/20k Powerbanks : gives everyone a personal bank → the station remains available for the cooler and large needs.
- Cables : choose 1–2 m of good cross-section; 5A e-marker for laptop/USB-C 100 W.
9) Child safety: placement, cables, IP
- Placement : station on hard, stable surface , in the shade, out of traffic & out of play area.
- Cabling : bundles and secures cables (clamps/sheath); no ground loops.
- Port covers : favor stations with port covers or put dust caps .
- IP & Weather : Protects from rain/dew. Use a ventilated box if damp.
- Ventilation : Never cover the station. The hotter it gets, the more it ventilates/lowers the power.
- Instructions : Explain to children not to pull the cables or place liquids on the station.
10) Solar: 120–200 W , orientation & MPPT
- Sizing : 512 Wh → 120–160 W ; 700 Wh → 160–200 W.
- Realistic output : 120 W → 70–95 W useful; 160 W → 110–135 W useful (angle, short cables).
- Orientation : perpendicular to the sun, correct every 1–2 hours; avoid partial shadows.
- Cables : Thick & short MC4/DC (16–14 AWG), clean connectors.
11) Charging on the road: 12 V car
- 12V car input : 60–120W depending on vehicle → charging maintenance while traveling.
- Good reflex : plug in after starting, unplug before turning off to avoid voltage drops.
- Modern alternator : power can vary (eco) → full at camp via panel.
12) Ready scenarios
Weekend (spring)
- Station : 512 Wh.
- Panel : 120–160 W.
- Devices : compressor cooler, LED, 3 smartphones, 1 tablet.
- Result : 24-hour battery life + midday top-up.
7 days (summer/heatwave)
- Station : 700 Wh (heat margin).
- Panel : 160–200 W, careful orientation.
- Plus : 12V fans, shower, console in the evening.
Rain & capricious weather
- Station : 700 Wh.
- Plan B : 12V car charging + weather window to deploy the panel.
- Lighting : dimmable LED garlands (minimal consumption).
Large family
- Station : 700 Wh + personal 10k/20k powerbanks .
- Organization : charging slots, cable basket, distributed sockets.
13) Sizing tables
13.1 Typical consumption
| Equipment | Power | Hours/day | Energy/d (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V compressor cooler | 25–60 W | 24-hour cycle | 200–400 Wh |
| Thermo cooler | 40–70 W | 24-hour cycle | 300–500 Wh |
| LED garland | 5–10 W | 5 a.m. | 25–50 Wh |
| Smartphones ×3 | — | — | ~45 Wh |
| Tablet/Console | — | — | 20–40 Wh |
| Laptop (light) | 45–60 W | 1–2 hours | 45–120 Wh |
| Mattress pump | 60–120 W | 3–5 min | <15 Wh |
13.2 Station × recommended sign
| Station | Ability | Sign | Charging time (sun) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | ~300 Wh | 100–120 W | ~3–5 h |
| Balance | ~512 Wh | 120–160 W | ~4–6 h |
| Comfort | ~700 Wh | 160–200 W | ~4–7 h |
13.3 Sections & fuses (low voltage 12–20 V)
| Charge | Cable (≈) | Fuse (≈) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60W Cooler | 2.5–4 mm² (14–12 AWG) | 7.5–10 A | Short cable, tight connector |
| 24 W Duchette | 1.5–2.5 mm² | 3–5 A | Waterproof switch |
| 12V Multi-Outputs | 4 mm² | 10–15 A | Clean distribution |
14) Express camping checklist
- Capacity : 512 Wh (WE/mid-season) or 700 Wh (summer/heatwave).
- Ports : USB-C 100W , 12V regulated, pure sine AC.
- 12V cooler : direct 12V connection, rear ventilation, night setting +4°C.
- Solar : 120–200 W, short & thick cables, regular orientation.
- Cables : USB-C 100/240 W (5A) + suitable DC/MC4.
- Powerbanks : 10k/20k for each member (reduces traffic on the station).
- Child safety : stable placement, fixed cables, port covers, dry zone.
- Driving : 12V charging in the car while traveling.
15) LymobileShop selection (stations, panels, power banks)
Stations ~512 Wh — family (mid-season)
- Advantages : LiFePO4, USB-C 100 W , 12 V regulated, AC 500–700 W, MPPT .
- Uses : compressor cooler, LED, smartphone charging, lightweight laptop.
Stations ~700 Wh — comfort/heatwave
- Advantages : thermal margin, AC 700–1000 W, multi-ports, W in/out display.
- Uses : 12V cooler + laptops/console in the evening, 12V fans.
120–200 W Foldable Panels
- Features : MC4/DC, kickstands, cover; realistic 70–170 W output.
Powerbanks 10k/20k — children & parents
- For : phones/tablets on the go, USB lamps, console.
- Advantages : PD 20–30 W, lightweight, easy to manage.
16) Camping & energy FAQ
12V AC cooler, is it serious?
No, but you lose autonomy. Prefer 12V direct (higher efficiency and less noise).
Is 512 Wh enough for 2–3 days?
Yes with 120–160 W panel , a compressor cooler and good management (LED, grouped loads).
USB-C 100W essential?
Recommended for laptops. Otherwise, it's a plus for quickly charging tablets/power banks.
What if the weather is bad for 3 days?
Compensates by charging the 12V car during journeys and reduces the cooler's storage capacity at night.
Can children plug in/unplug?
Ideally, no. Leave handling to an adult, set up the station outside the play area, and secure the cables.
17) Trust & Services LymobileShop
- Delivery : free in France, fast shipping.
- Payment : secure, several methods to choose from.
- After-sales service : team in France, advice on 12 V / USB-C / MPPT coolers depending on your family.
- Returns & Warranty : 14 days to change your mind, 2 year warranty .