Off Grid Portable Power Stations

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Good Morning.
I know this has been discussed previously about various makes, but I was informed of this particular piece of kit yesterday by my son in law, who is purchasing this via his work for when working on sites whilst project managing major event structures in the entertainment game.
Just thought this might be of interest to us Motorhomers as another alternative for off-grid power.
I must state that I have NO affiliation to this company or their products, but just thought it looked very interesting.
Hope the web address works............

www.anker.com/uk/a1780

Cheers.

 

[UptheGas]

Unfortunate name and it’s a bit pricey!

 

[Riverbankannie]

I did some research recently before buying some small battery banks for my newly purchased heated belt. On lots of sites/articles, Anker came out top so I bought Anker ones. Been good so far.

 

[Pausim]

Anker uses LiFePO4 batteries which is good. I wouldn’t buy one with one of the other types of Li battery. The cheap ones are often not LiFePO4.

 

[RM_Marine]

Generators & Pumps

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[RM_Marine]

Blue light and defence discount card holders can get 10% off direct from anker if your not one of them costco are the cheapest I've found

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

As some may know, or not, I have an older van of 2000 vintage.
I have no solar, 1 lead acid leisure battery, 1 cab battery and a 3 way fridge plus gas only boiler and 12v LED lights.
The electrics work as should do, and when away we are mostly on EHU, but we would love to do more with sites without EHU, and my current leisure battery is not sufficient.
I also have no room to fit a second battery.
Solar, whilst an envious option I would love, is not an option.
The apparent fitting and subsequent reconfiguration of chargers, replacing and uprating cables, fitting panels, installing Inverters etc etc and then getting it all fitted , by a proffesional installer is not only cost prohibitive ( to me , c.4k?), but also perhaps not a great idea on a van we are thinking of changing in the next year or two, as non of these fitted costs would possibly not be recoverable, even in a strong second-hand market.
I am hoping our next van will have such refinements already fitted, but of course that will be a cost/ affordability exercise.
I just thought that for now, although not cheap, this piece of kit might be an alternative solution for myself, and possibly others with whatever set-up, in the interim, but also would be good as a back up supply at home in a domestic capacity.

 

[SpeedyDux]

These things are bloody heavy. Watch your back. "Portable" for weight lifters!

I assume that the Anker one had a built-in charger that can be hooked up to 240v mains. Some of these portable power stations require a separate charger which can be inconvenient. The folding solar panels can also be rather expensive.

 

[PP Bear]

As some may know, or not, I have an older van of 2000 vintage.
I have no solar, 1 lead acid leisure battery, 1 cab battery and a 3 way fridge plus gas only boiler and 12v LED lights.
The electrics work as should do, and when away we are mostly on EHU, but we would love to do more with sites without EHU, and my current leisure battery is not sufficient.
I also have no room to fit a second battery.
Solar, whilst an envious option I would love, is not an option.
The apparent fitting and subsequent reconfiguration of chargers, replacing and uprating cables, fitting panels, installing Inverters etc etc and then getting it all fitted , by a proffesional installer is not only cost prohibitive ( to me , c.4k?), but also perhaps not a great idea on a van we are thinking of changing in the next year or two, as non of these fitted costs would possibly not be recoverable, even in a strong second-hand market.
I am hoping our next van will have such refinements already fitted, but of course that will be a cost/ affordability exercise.
I just thought that for now, although not cheap, this piece of kit might be an alternative solution for myself, and possibly others with whatever set-up, in the interim, but also would be good as a back up supply at home in a domestic capacity.

Also, you can take it with you to any future van, without the need to dismantle anything. It’s also portable so can accompany you on days out and away from the van

 

[The Wino]

As some may know, or not, I have an older van of 2000 vintage.
I have no solar, 1 lead acid leisure battery, 1 cab battery and a 3 way fridge plus gas only boiler and 12v LED lights.
The electrics work as should do, and when away we are mostly on EHU, but we would love to do more with sites without EHU, and my current leisure battery is not sufficient.
I also have no room to fit a second battery.
Solar, whilst an envious option I would love, is not an option.
The apparent fitting and subsequent reconfiguration of chargers, replacing and uprating cables, fitting panels, installing Inverters etc etc and then getting it all fitted , by a proffesional installer is not only cost prohibitive ( to me , c.4k?), but also perhaps not a great idea on a van we are thinking of changing in the next year or two, as non of these fitted costs would possibly not be recoverable, even in a strong second-hand market.
I am hoping our next van will have such refinements already fitted, but of course that will be a cost/ affordability exercise.
I just thought that for now, although not cheap, this piece of kit might be an alternative solution for myself, and possibly others with whatever set-up, in the interim, but also would be good as a back up supply at home in a domestic capacity.

It depends a lot on what you want to power when off grid if like us you're happy with music and a book and don't want mains appliances you could upgrade for a few hundred quid. Why isn't solar an option?

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[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Also, you can take it with you to any future van, without the need to dismantle anything. It’s also portable so can accompany you on days out and away from the van

Yep, absolutely.
I do occasionally camp with a tent/ tailgate type thingy, and for that, this would be brilliant.
Just need a 6th job, raid the gas meter and go busking again outside B and M to afford one!

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

It depends a lot on what you want to power when off grid if like us you're happy with music and a book and don't want mains appliances you could upgrade for a few hundred quid. Why isn't solar an option?

Price, with all the reconfiguration of circuits etc on such an old van.
Plus, a 23 year old van and it's subsequent build was not made conducive for solar.
It's a very basic, simple, no frills van, ideally made for continental travel with good weather.
The next one though.....................

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

These things are bloody heavy. Watch your back. "Portable" for weight lifters!

I assume that the Anker one had a built-in charger that can be hooked up to 240v mains. Some of these portable power stations require a separate charger which can be inconvenient. The folding solar panels can also be rather expensive.

Yep, all noted ️

 

[DerryW]

Thanks for posting. Maybe an alternative for those thinking about converting to Li, and probably price competitive when you factor in the cost of replacing various components.

 

[headlight]

As some may know, or not, I have an older van of 2000 vintage.
I have no solar, 1 lead acid leisure battery, 1 cab battery and a 3 way fridge plus gas only boiler and 12v LED lights.
The electrics work as should do, and when away we are mostly on EHU, but we would love to do more with sites without EHU, and my current leisure battery is not sufficient.
I also have no room to fit a second battery.
Solar, whilst an envious option I would love, is not an option.
The apparent fitting and subsequent reconfiguration of chargers, replacing and uprating cables, fitting panels, installing Inverters etc etc and then getting it all fitted , by a proffesional installer is not only cost prohibitive ( to me , c.4k?), but also perhaps not a great idea on a van we are thinking of changing in the next year or two, as non of these fitted costs would possibly not be recoverable, even in a strong second-hand market.
I am hoping our next van will have such refinements already fitted, but of course that will be a cost/ affordability exercise.
I just thought that for now, although not cheap, this piece of kit might be an alternative solution for myself, and possibly others with whatever set-up, in the interim, but also would be good as a back up supply at home in a domestic capacity.

For now would a simple 100 watt solar panel and controller suffice.
It's all I had last year and we managed a complete month not on hook up.
A 100 watt panel will produce 30-40 amps a day.
Vanbitz will fit a100 watt panel, Victron MPPT and battery master to keep your stater battery charged for £550 less funster discount and a free night on their site.
If you can fit yourself you could probably do it for about £250.
A lot less than £4,000.

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[GMLS]

I chose that one after comparing the other usual suspects.Well established brand and I wanted one with a good size inverter to run a single induction hob off.We use it in the classic vw as well as in out buildings while we wait for the new m/h to arrive when it will be used as a back up for longer off grinding.Well impressed with the power and quality plus it has a decent length warranty.Tge built in wheels make it a lot easier to move around because is it is heavy. I pair it with a couple of these
Amazon product ASIN B08J89C3DN

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

For now would a simple 100 watt solar panel and controller suffice.
It's all I had last year and we managed a complete month not on hook up.
A 100 watt panel will produce 30-40 amps a day.
Vanbitz will fit a100 watt panel, Victron MPPT and battery master to keep your stater battery charged for £550 less funster discount and a free night on their site.
If you can fit yourself you could probably do it for about £250.
A lot less than £4,000.

It's an option, thanks.

 

[headlight]

It's an option, thanks.

Wouldn't require reconfiguring anything as it would be completely seperate to your existing systems which would all work as normal.
Just 2 wires from solar panel to MPPT controller and 2 wires from MPPT direct to your leisure battery.
With a Victron smart MPPT all parameters are shown via an app on your phone.
It just means that if it is sunny you could use 30-40 amps per day and replace it via solar.
Much cheaper than a power pack.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Wouldn't require reconfiguring anything as it would be completely seperate to your existing systems which would all work as normal.
Just 2 wires from solar panel to MPPT controller and 2 wires from MPPT direct to your leisure battery.
With a Victron smart MPPT all parameters are shown via an app on your phone.
It just means that if it is sunny you could use 30-40 amps per day and replace it via solar.
Much cheaper than a power pack.

Interesting.
So would that be a lead acid battery or a lithium?
And where does the inverter go?
I am assuming that my 240v appliances, ( microwave, rice cooker, phones etc) would plug straight into the inverter and NOT into my existing fitted 240v sockets which we use when on EHU?

 

[headlight]

Interesting.
So would that be a lead acid battery or a lithium?
And where does the inverter go?
I am assuming that my 240v appliances, ( microwave, rice cooker, phones etc) would plug straight into the inverter?

Is the above what you want to run off grid ?
If so then you would need lithium and more solar as microwaves are power hungry.
As you had mentioned 2-3 days off grid at festivals I was assuming you would just be running lights, water pump, charging mobile phones, a bit of TV etc, for which 100 watts of solar and a single lead acid battery would suffice and then go for lithium, solar, big inverter on your next van.

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[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Is the above what you want to run off grid ?
If so then you would need lithium and more solar as microwaves are power hungry.
As you had mentioned 2-3 days off grid at festivals I was assuming you would just be running lights, water pump, charging mobile phones, a bit of TV etc, for which 100 watts of solar and a single lead acid battery would suffice and then go for lithium, solar, big inverter on your next van.

Thanks for the reply.
I would ideally like to cover BOTH options, hence the relatively simple use of a portable power pack, which could be used elsewhere domestically.
Your suggestions,whilst very much appreciated and giving another perspective to my dilemma, would only be a half way house in my humble opinion, but a possible solution non the less.
If I am to do solar etc, I would want to do it all singing and dancing, and that won't be on this van ( circumstance change and different layout).
Really appreciate your replies and have given me some more thinking, and dreaming, to do.

 

[headlight]

Thanks for the reply.
I would ideally like to cover BOTH options, hence the relatively simple use of a portable power pack, which could be used elsewhere domestically.
Your suggestions,whilst very much appreciated and giving another perspective to my dilemma, would only be a half way house in my humble opinion, but a possible solution non the less.
If I am to do solar etc, I would want to do it all singing and dancing, and that won't be on this van ( circumstance change and different layout).
Really appreciate your replies and have given me some more thinking, and dreaming, to do.

How will you recharge the power pack if you are off grid as microwaves use a lot of amps and I assume the rice maker also ?

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Good quality porqatable solar panels.

Both micro and all other stuff is low wattage specifically for the van.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Sorry, post went wrong.Phone in pocket.
Good quality solar portable panels.
All appliances on 240v for van are specifically low wattage and designed as such.

 

[The Wino]

For now would a simple 100 watt solar panel and controller suffice.
It's all I had last year and we managed a complete month not on hook up.
A 100 watt panel will produce 30-40 amps a day.
Vanbitz will fit a100 watt panel, Victron MPPT and battery master to keep your stater battery charged for £550 less funster discount and a free night on their site.
If you can fit yourself you could probably do it for about £250.
A lot less than £4,000.

Similar to what I fitted on ours. The solar can be wired straight to the battery so that the original wiring is not taking any more load than at present. I used sunshine solar for the kit.

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[The Wino]

Sorry, post went wrong.Phone in pocket.
Good quality solar portable panels.
All appliances on 240v for van are specifically low wattage and designed as such.

They might be low wattage but will still draw quite a lot on starting so you need to spec your inverter accordingly and it's going to draw quite a lot out of the battery. I think if you want the mains electric appliances off grid you're going to need more than the sort of system we have. The calculation if you're thinking of swapping the MH soon is cost to upgrade per night off grid before swapping it could be cheaper to eat out!. In our case we have decided the cost per night to use mains electric appliances isn't worth it that doesn't mean everyone will be the same. If you buy the portable power supply then fit a pretty comprehensive solar system on the next van I'm not sure what a secondhand portable power supply would sell for if that's what you decide to do.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

How did Jim get on with the power pack he was using at the Peterborough show. ?

 

[DangerMousy]

There was another thread on this topic recently....it seems that these power banks are pretty controversial

We recently bought an Ecoflow Delta when it was on offer at Costco....at under £700 it was a quick and easy solution to our specific problem (charging the bikes). It does exactly what we need it to do and a few extras too (was very nice being able to dry my hair ). We can get two full bike charges out of it, which gives us a bit more flexibility of how long we can stay off-grid.

Yes, in an ideal world we'd get an inverter fitted, and if we decide to keep this MH then we probably will. But for now it's a simple solution that works.

 

[Cush]

I’m considering an Anker because….
van is 2003, would need a charger upgrade (£360 ish) B2B (£150 ish) inverter (£2 - 300) lithium battery and professional fitting.
My storage has no ehu so I could charge it up and plug the van in every couple of weeks to keep the Pb acids topped up.

it’s still my first van (not my 3rd ) so an anker would be easy to move across should I change.
I also have a load of solar that it would be nice to be able to use to charge the anker but that needs a bit more research.

It might be best to charge it off the current 12v system? Also need to find out if the unit can operate when on its side (it’s a space thing). thinking about the 767.

Anyway. Following this thread with interest.
Cush

 

[headlight]

I’m considering an Anker because….
van is 2003, would need a charger upgrade (£360 ish) B2B (£150 ish) inverter (£2 - 300) lithium battery and professional fitting.
My storage has no ehu so I could charge it up and plug the van in every couple of weeks to keep the Pb acids topped up.

it’s still my first van (not my 3rd ) so an anker would be easy to move across should I change.
I also have a load of solar that it would be nice to be able to use to charge the anker but that needs a bit more research.

It might be best to charge it off the current 12v system? Also need to find out if the unit can operate when on its side (it’s a space thing). thinking about the 767.

Anyway. Following this thread with interest.
Cush

How much is the Anker ?