1) Vanlife profile: needs & objectives

Start with your usage profile :

• Weekend nomad : 1–2 nights, compact 12V fridge, LEDs, smartphones, lightweight laptop.
• Long-term road trip : 3–7 nights or more, 12V “daily” fridge, 100W USB-C laptop, 4G/5G router, water pump.
• Winter/high altitude : more energy-intensive fridge, cold air, need for more capacity & stronger panel .
• Creative/photo/video : recharges cases, drones, SSDs, laptops; priority USB-C 100 W & multiple ports.

Objectives: 24-hour autonomy without mains power, full recharge in one sunny day , silence/reliability/security.

2) Energy budget: W, Wh/day & quick method

List your appliances, note the power (W) and hours/day . Calculate the energy/day :

 Énergie/jour (Wh) ≈ Puissance (W) × Heures/jour

• 12 V fridge : average 35–60 W in cycle → 24 h → 300–600 Wh/d (depending on model/temperature).
• LED lights : 2×5 W × 5 h → 50 Wh .
• Smartphones : 2×15 Wh/d → 30 Wh .
• Laptop USB-C : 45–60 W × 2–4 h → 90–240 Wh .
• 4G/5G router : 8–12 W × 8 h → 64–96 Wh .

Simple rule : aim for a 500–700 Wh station if 12 V fridge + laptop, and add a 160–200 W panel to “complete” the day.

3) Choose your station : W (inverter), Wh (capacity), chemistry

• Inverter power (AC 230 V pure sine ): 500–700 W is sufficient for most vanlife uses (chargers, small tools, short blender, etc.). 700–1000 W = margin for tools/light household appliances.
• Ability :
  • ~300 Wh : minimalist (without continuous refrigerator).
  • ~512 Wh : balance (compact fridge + LED + 100 W USB-C).
  • ~700 Wh : comfort (fridge + computer + router), better in winter.
• Chemistry :
  • LiFePO4 : longevity (2000+ cycles), thermal stability → recommended.
  • Li-ion NCM/NCA : a little lighter; ok for tight budget/occasional use.
• Inputs : Fast mains, integrated MPPT solar , 12V car.
• Display : % battery, W in/out in real time, useful for optimization.

See our 300/512/700 Wh stations

4) Outputs & ports: USB-C 100W , 12V regulated, pure sine AC

• USB-C Power Delivery 100W : essential for laptops & hubs; takes certified 5A e-marker cables .
• 12V regulated (10–15A cigarette lighter + DC outputs): 12V fridge , pumps, fans, 12V router. Higher efficiency than AC.
• USB-A : 12–18 W for accessories (headlamps, cameras, GPS).
• AC 230 V pure sine wave : for mains chargers, screens, small resistive machines (within the W limit).

5) 12V fridge : actual consumption, connection & tips

• Consumption : modern compressor ≈ 35–60 W in operation, variable duty cycle (ambient temperature, insulation, setpoint). Account 300–600 Wh/day .
• Connection : 12V priority (cigarette lighter/regulated DC socket). Avoids AC + adapter which adds losses & noise.
• Tip : Ventilate the back, leave 5–8 cm, avoid direct sunlight; pre-cool drinks/gel packs at the start.
• Night : Eco mode / setpoint +2/+4 °C; consumption drops, silence increases.
• Cable : short & sufficient section (see §9 ), well-fitted connector (twist-lock if available).

6) LED lighting & small 12V accessories

• LED : 5–10 W per point; dimmable strips for ambiance & economy.
• 12V network : increases the number of sockets (cigarette lighter/DC 5.5 mm/XT60) near living areas; avoids unnecessary AC power strips.
• 4G/5G router : prefer a direct 12V model (efficiency).
• Fans : 5–15 W, enormous comfort in summer for paltry consumption.

7) 160–200 W panels: efficiency, angle, cables

• Sizing : for a 512–700 Wh station, aim for 160–200 W foldable → recharge ~4–7 h in good sunlight (realistic values ​​110–170 W useful).
• Orientation : perpendicular to the sun, adjust every 1–2 hours; avoid all shade (even partial).
• Cables : Short (3–5 m) and thick (16–14 AWG) MC4/DC to limit drops.
• Terrain : kickstands/tripod + light guy lines if windy; store in a dry place at night.

See 160–200 W folding panels

8) Solar & MPPT input: voltage, series/parallel

• Built-in MPPT : +15–30% energy vs. PWM, crucial in variable weather.
• Input range : respect the Voc max of your station (e.g. 12–30 V, depending on the model). Never exceed this voltage.
• Connection : a single 160–200 W panel → simple & safe. If two panels, prefer parallel (same voltage) if the permissible amperage is sufficient.
• Adapters : MC4 → DC/Anderson/XT60 quality (short, robust).

9) Wiring & safety : sections (AWG/mm²), fuses, lengths

Clean wiring prevents overheating, losses and false contacts. Practical tips:

• Sections (order of magnitude, low voltage 12–20 V):
  • Up to ~5 A (≤60 W) → 1.5–2.5 mm² (≈ 16–14 AWG).
  • Up to ~10 A (≤120 W) → 2.5–4 mm² (≈ 14–12 AWG).
  • Up to ~15 A (≤180 W) → 4–6 mm² (≈ 12–10 AWG).
• Length : Keep it as short as possible; avoid wraps & loops.
• Fuses : Install a suitable fuse as close as possible to the source (12V output of the station if you are creating a bypass). Example: 5A nominal fridge → 7.5–10A fuse.
• Connections : Crimped terminals, clean junction boxes, no loose terminal blocks/DIY wiring. Prefer locking connectors (Anderson/XT60) when possible.
• Fixing : attaches cables (clamps, sheaths) to prevent traction & vibration.
• Important : For any permanent connection to the vehicle , have the installation validated by a professional . Stay plug-and-play on the station if you are not sure.

10) Charging while driving: 12 V socket & good practices

• 12V cigarette lighter socket : the simple solution for maintaining charge on the road (60–120W typical via the station's DC input).
• Tip : Start the engine before plugging in the station; unplug it before turning it off (avoids voltage dips).
• Modern alternator : some limit the voltage → power may vary. Complete at camp with the 160–200 W panel .
• No risky DIY : Do not connect directly to the vehicle battery without proper skill and protection.

11) Ready scenarios

12) Sizing tables (order of magnitude)

12.1 Consumption × energy/day

12.2 Station × recommended sign

12.3 Sections & fuses (low voltage 12–20 V)

13) Vanlife express checklist

1. Capacity : 512–700 Wh if fridge + laptop.
2. Power : AC 500–700 W (pure sine) minimum; 700–1000 W = margin.
3. Ports : USB-C 100W (priority), 12V regulated 10–15A, multiple USB-A.
4. Solar : 160–200 W , built-in MPPT, short 16–14 AWG cables.
5. 12 V fridge : direct 12 V connection, ventilation, eco setting.
6. Wiring : suitable sections, fuses close to the source, clean fixings.
7. Driving : maintenance via 12V car; complete with solar at camp.
8. Safety : LiFePO4, complete BMS, station docking, no direct sunlight.
9. Accessories : 100W USB-C cables , 65–100W GaN charger , case/pouches.

14) LymobileShop selection (stations, panels, cables)

15) FAQ vanlife & stations

16) Trust & Services LymobileShop

• Delivery : free in France, fast shipping.
• Payment : secure, several methods to choose from.
• After-sales service : team in France, assistance with vanlife sizing (W/Wh, MPPT, wiring).
• Returns & Warranty : 14 days to change your mind, 2 year warranty .

See all our energy stations | See our folding panels