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In planning our RV trips, we quickly realized that a generator and an onboard battery backup were essential items to include. We invested in a dual-fuel generator capable of powering our air conditioning and Keurig, especially useful for boondocking and during emergencies when we lose shore power at our seasonal campsite. To extend our off-grid stays, we also upgraded our onboard battery bank and inverter. However, we initially overlooked our routine power requirements while not fully connected to an electrical source.
Charging our phones, tablets, and laptops turned into a complicated task since we had to fire up the generator. We recognized the need for a more compact, mobile solution that would fulfill our power needs while boondocking. At the time, we didn’t realize how much we would also depend on this portable power source for car and tent camping, as well as for our small business during market and fair events. While we identified several reasons for needing it, we were unaware of many additional uses we would discover after making the purchase.
Solar Generators: The Choices are Endless
We explored numerous solar generator options and found this informative article particularly useful. There are compact devices designed for powering smaller electronics and larger models suitable for vans or small campers. Ultimately, we opted for a mid-sized option.
After assessing how much power we required, we examined various brand alternatives. We had heard positive reviews about Jackery and Goal Zero from nomadic friends who owned both. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the perfect Jackery model for our needs. While we admired Goal Zero’s products, the price for the desired battery and solar panel package was daunting.
We were set on having USB/USBC and 110V connections. Easy setup with the solar panel was also a crucial requirement, along with lightweight design, capable of enduring several days of rainy tent camping if necessary.
The Right Fit – Anker 535 Solar Generator
Since we already used Anker power banks, charging cords for our electronics, and surge protectors in our RV, it felt natural to choose their solar generators. We ultimately selected the Anker 535 Solar Generator with a 100-watt solar panel. We appreciated the variety of charging methods, the selection of charging options we needed, and its reputation for being user-friendly.
On Black Friday last year, we were fortunate enough to purchase the Anker with a solar panel for $399 through Amazon. We immediately put it to the test while tent camping a week later. The Anker exceeded our expectations! It powered our air mattresses, charged our devices, and kept our camping fans running during our four-day trip without needing a recharge.
Key Features
The standout features we appreciate about our Anker 535 solar generator include:
- A clear, easy-to-read display showing battery level, usage hours, and output power.
- A suitcase-style solar panel that can be positioned anywhere for optimal sunlight absorption.
- Its semi-lightweight design, weighing around 15 pounds. While not the lightest option we considered, it features a convenient carry handle and fits into most of our travel packing bins.
- A 5-year warranty. Anker has proven to be a reliable brand for us, with customer service that addresses issues promptly and courteously. Over the years, we’ve had several cords and batteries replaced without hassle.
- The versatility of the battery is by far its greatest asset. It can power a single device or multiple items at once, making it a fantastic purchase for our needs.
One of the most impressive aspects is its rapid charging capability with the solar panel. During a week-long camping trip in the hottest summer conditions, the Anker battery remained in the center of our communal camping space, charging phones, cameras, and computers, never dropping below 95% even in direct sunlight. We quickly gained the nickname the people with the power, as fellow campers sought us out to recharge their air pumps, lanterns, and fans throughout the event.
Battery Bank and Beyond
In the last nine months, our Anker 535 has been utilized more than a dozen times. We’ve taken it boondocking in our RV, allowing us to enjoy TV without starting the noisy generator. On car camping trips, it has powered our mattresses and recharged our phones. We also bring it along for tent camping to keep our portable camp sink, fan, and tablet charged for evening movie sessions. Furthermore, we never attend a market or fair without it; the Anker keeps our square checkout station powered all day, ensuring our mobile hotspot and neck fans are fully charged, especially in hot weather!
We anticipate using our Anker battery for many more seasons, exploring even more uses than we’ve already discovered. Just the other day, we used it while relaxing at our RV site, powering our laptops so we could work outdoors in the pleasant summer weather atop the mountain.
The Anker 535 is a fantastic product that we highly recommend to any RVer for both essential needs and added comfort. Even if you’re not an RVer, it serves adventurers, mobile business owners, and travelers alike. Keeping our vital devices powered fuels our adventurous lifestyle!
Read more:
Running a small business from an RV
Other recommended boondocking gadgets
About RV Solar Panels
Installing Solar in your RV
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