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Exploring the Freedom of Campervan Travel with a Portable Genset

Lifestyle · October 11, 2024

Travelling around Australia in a campervan might just be the ultimate adventure for enthusiasts. Imagine cruising along the coastline, stopping when you feel like, picnics, bushwalks – and absolutely everything you like, including waking up to stunning views. With campervan travel through Australia, you set your own pace, meet fellow explorers, and dig into hidden gems of the land all you want.

But to keep life on the road smooth—whether brewing morning coffee or charging your camera for some unforgettable shots—you need a tough portable genset. Carrying a portable power station with a reliable caravan power inverter, you can stay powered up no matter how far off the grid you are. As RV travel grows in popularity, finding a steady yet eco-friendly power supply has become the need of the hour. However, Jackery makes it easy.

In this article, we’ll find out exactly why you need a portable genset to get going, help you choose the best model for your campervan travel, and explain how it works. Let’s begin!

Table of Contents

Limitations of Gasoline/Diesel Generators

In 2022, around 14% of Australia’s total electricity^[1] was generated using solar power. With the figures only growing, it’s hardly surprising that reliance on gasoline and diesel inverter generators is no longer viable. This rapid adoption of solar power also indicates that while on the go, Aussies look out for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.

But not just that, so much more goes into why they no longer choose gasoline or diesel generators. Here’s a list of limitations of these generators that have pushed Australians to turn to more dependable energy sources, especially for life on the road:

1. Environmental & Noise Pollution

When running a gas or diesel-powered generator, be ready to pump out a lot of fumes and smoke, which takes a serious toll on the environment. Apart from increasing, they’re pretty noisy, which can be a buzzkill when trying to enjoy a peaceful setting. This makes them especially unsuitable for enjoying a serene day at a campsite.

2. Dependence on Diesel Supply

According to sources, diesel prices in Australia^[2]have been at record highs for months now. What’s worse is that these generators need constant topping up. With fuel pricing fluctuating greatly, back-to-back refuelling messes up your budget and often hampers your travel plans. Not to forget, constantly tracking fuel levels so you don’t run out of power only adds extra stress to your journey.

3. Complex Structure

If you don’t keep your diesel or gas generators in top shape, they can be a real headache — particularly because of their complex structure. Their moving parts require regular maintenance and replacements to work well. If you let things slide, you might find yourself dealing with frequent breakdowns and repairs, which might break the bank.

Advantages of Solar Power Station

With Australians becoming more aware of the downsides of gas or diesel generators, they’re turning towards a much better alternative: a portable battery with solar power. This new technology has been around for quite some time, making waves as people learn why it’s a great fit for their power needs today.

They’re perfect for those wanting to enjoy their time outdoors without dealing with constant refuelling and noisy, smelly generators. If you’re unsure whether switching to solar power station is wise, we’ve put together a list of advantages that’ll make things simpler for you:

1. Environmental Protection

The most obvious benefit of choosing solar power stations is their eco-friendliness. They convert sunlight into electric energy with impressive efficiency – typically around 20% for top-quality panels^[3].

Similarly, when heading out on an off-grid trip, you most likely wish to be away from the noise and pollution of the bustling city life. While gas or diesel generators spoil the peace, portable gensets like Jackery solar-powered stations are known to operate quietly. No wonder they make the perfect companions for camping and caravan trips, helping you soak into the peace around!

2. Self-Powered

Another huge advantage of portable gensets is that they’re entirely self-sufficient and not tied to any specific fuel source. Since they run on sunlight, you no longer have to deal with fuel price hikes. Better yet, you’re not restricted by geographical location because you’re powered up anywhere where there’s sunlight.

For instance, if you decide to camp in a remote park or an isolated beach far from power outlets, you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel. As long as there’s sunlight, your solar power station will fill in for your power needs. This self-sufficiency increases your travel autonomy and lets you explore all the exciting locations without any fuel constraints.

3. Low Maintenance Cost

One of the best parts about a portable genset is that it requires minimal maintenance. This doesn’t just make it more convenient but also pretty cost-effective in the long run. For instance, a gas generator has different complex parts like pistons and plugs that require regular maintenance for optimal functioning. Similarly, you have to change engine oils to keep friction low and avoid damaging the generator’s parts.

But the good news is that solar power stations are much simpler, requiring minimal maintenance. All you need to do is clean the solar panels manually. This can be handled all by yourself, so you don’t have to turn to professionals or bear hefty maintenance costs.

4. Lightweight

Goes without saying that traditional generators are bulky. When filled with fuel, loading and unloading them from your RV can be a real chore. Getting them working is another story.

However, solar power stations are designed to be lightweight and portable, so setting them up outside is simple. When out on your caravan trip, you can set up your portable genset system and have it running in no time. All you have to do is press a button, and you’re golden. This portability gives solar generators a clear edge over gas or diesel generators.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station

Luckily, at Jackery, we know what it takes to keep your adventures powered up and green. As the top innovator in portable gensets for campervans, we offer the best power solutions coupled with top-notch caravan power inverters. This makes life on the road more fun and convenient for outdoor lovers, RV travellers, and exploration enthusiasts – all across Australia.

Our Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station offers an expandable capacity of up to 13A/638.4Ah, making a week of off-grid living hassle-free, making it perfect for long road trips where power needs vary considerably.

Better yet, this portable genset is incredibly versatile, with add-on battery packs that can expand its capacity up to 12kWh depending on your needs. Whether you want it for road trips, RV travelling, heavy-duty use, or home emergencies, it is the way to go. Plus, it requires only 6 hours to fully charge, so your power needs are fulfilled without delays.

Bloggers’ Evaluation of Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station

Let’s look at some first-hand experiences of Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station from bloggers who comprehensively reviewed this portable genset.

Blogger 1

In Blogger 1’s review, the folks put up the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station to the test during a backyard camping trip.

After preparing their campsite in the backyard, the blogger tests the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Station with various devices. Firstly, they power an 1800-watt induction cooktop to make hot cocoa, which shows the model’s capacity to handle high-power appliances smartly. While preparing cocoa, they plug in the charger to find out it reaches 80% in less than two hours when plugged in. Incredible, isn’t it?

A few hours later, the blogger tested the portable genset by using an air fryer. When compared with traditional campfire cooking, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station clearly showed an edge, providing a reliable power source.

All in all, this blogger’s review showed the solar power station had, handling multiple devices at once – making outdoors more fun than ever before.

Blogger 2

In the second review, the blogger starts the review by mentioning this portable genset size and weight (i.e., 10 kilos), which is primarily because of its LiFePO4 lithium technology. This tech makes this model pretty safe, lasting for as long as 10 years, even if used every day.

Additionally, this station is simple to move around, with installed wheels and a retractable handle. The huge capacity of 2,042 watt-hours makes it fit to power several camping nights. One of the main highlights of the portable genset is its powerful inverter, which offers up to 3,000 watts of power with a 6,000-watt surge.

By running an air fryer and an induction cooker at the same time, the blogger is pretty impressed at how Jackery handles it all effortlessly. While it’s a bit more pricey, it’s certainly an excellent choice for serious campers and travellers.

Installation & Configuration of Solar Power Station

If you’ve stuck by till now, you’ve probably selected your solar-powered station already. But the next question is, how do I install and configure the portable genset? Well, here’s a simple guide to help you through it:

1. Choose the appropriate solar-powered model and capacity

First things first, make sure you’ve chosen a portable genset that perfectly addresses your power needs. Consider different factors like the amount of energy you require, the number of devices you’ll run, and, most importantly, how frequently you set out on off-grid trips. Only move ahead if the model matches your desired capacity.

2. Select the best location for installing solar panels

Most importantly, set up your solar panels in a spot that receives the most sunlight. Since the portable genset is entirely dependent on sun power, the more exposure it gets to the sun, the better it performs. Ideally, the best location should be a flat, clear area with no disruptions to the sun’s view. While you’re at it, make sure your panels are secure and properly connected to the power station.

3. Maintain and optimize solar charging systems

For best results, you want to ensure your portable genset is running efficiently all along. However, it’s important to regularly clean the panels for dust and debris. Moreover, check connections and cables for possible wear and tear to ensure optimum charging. The more you monitor your model and its solar charging systems, the better. Any time you notice a glitch, fix it as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems down the line!

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re a frequent camper or RV lover, reliable power backups like the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station have your back. With dependable features designed especially for your off-grid trips, this portable genset can make your campervan adventures across Australia more fun and stress-free. Once you get your hands on Jackery, you can bid farewell to your power concerns and welcome a life full of outdoor adventures!