Best Campervan Batteries & Portable Power Stations (2025 Guide)
After spending countless weekends in campervans and talking to full-time vanlifers, I've learned that power is everything. And I'm not talking about the combustion kind—I mean the clean, quiet, reliable power that lets you work from the wilderness, keep your food cold, and binge Netflix under the stars.
Why Portable Power Stations Changed Everything
Remember when RVing meant listening to a generator rattle for hours? Yeah, those days are over. Portable power stations are absolute game-changers. They're basically giant batteries with multiple outlets that you can charge with solar panels or by plugging into your van's charging system.
The best part? Dead silent operation. No fumes. No maintenance. Just pure, reliable power whenever you need it. I've watched friends ditch their generators after one camping trip with a good power station. They're that good.
Top Brands & Popular Models
- Jackery Explorer Series – Reliable, easy to use, and widely recommended.
- EcoFlow River & Delta – Fast charging, modular, and high output.
- Bluetti Power Stations – High capacity, solar-ready, and feature-rich.
- Goal Zero Yeti – Rugged, expandable, and trusted by vanlifers.
- Anker PowerHouse – Compact, affordable, and great for small setups.
- ALLPOWERS Portable Stations – Budget-friendly and solar compatible.
| Model | Capacity (Wh) | Weight | Solar Ready | Price (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 1000 | 1002 | 22 lbs | Yes | $999 |
| EcoFlow River Pro | 720 | 16.8 lbs | Yes | $649 |
| Bluetti EB70S | 716 | 21.4 lbs | Yes | $599 |
| Goal Zero Yeti 500X | 505 | 12.9 lbs | Yes | $699 |
| Anker SOLIX F1200 | 1229 | 29.8 lbs | Yes | $1,099 |
| Anker SOLIX F2000 | 2048 | 67.3 lbs | Yes | $1,999 |
Popular Campervan Batteries & Power Stations:
- Jackery Explorer 1000Lightweight, reliable, and perfect for vanlife or camping. Powers small appliances and charges quickly with solar.
- EcoFlow River ProFast charging, modular, and solar-ready. Great for longer trips and higher power needs.
- Bluetti EB70SHigh capacity, compact, and solar compatible. Ideal for off-grid adventures.
- Goal Zero Yeti 500XTrusted, rugged, and expandable. A favorite among vanlifers for reliability.
- Anker SOLIX F1200 (PowerHouse 757)1800W Solar Generator, 1229Wh LiFePO4 battery, great for devices and small appliances on the go.
- Anker SOLIX F2000 (PowerHouse 767)2400W Solar Generator, 2048Wh LiFePO4 battery, higher capacity for larger setups and longer trips.
What Actually Matters When Choosing
Don't get lost in the specs. Here's what you really need to pay attention to:
- Battery capacity (Wh) – Higher = more runtime. A 1000Wh station can run a mini-fridge for ~15 hours or charge your laptop 10+ times
- Output ports – Count how many devices you'll plug in at once. AC outlets, USB-C PD, regular USB, DC ports—make sure you have what you need
- Solar charging – If you're living the van life, this is non-negotiable. Check the max solar input wattage
- Weight – A 50-pound power station isn't "portable" no matter what the box says. Think about how you'll actually move it around
- Warranty – Stick with proven brands. A 2+ year warranty is your friend
Real Talk: Sizing Your System
What size battery do I actually need?
Here's my rule of thumb: Add up the watt-hours you use in a day and multiply by 1.5. Weekend warrior who just needs to charge phones and run a portable fan? A 500Wh station is plenty. Planning to work remotely from your van with a laptop, run a 12V fridge, and charge camera batteries? You want 1000Wh minimum, preferably 1500Wh+.
I learned this the hard way on a week-long trip when my undersized battery died on day three. Not fun.
Can I really charge these with solar panels?
Absolutely! That's where the magic happens. Most modern power stations accept solar input. Just match your panel wattage to what the station can handle. Pro tip: Get panels that output slightly more than your station's max input—you'll make up for less-than-perfect sun conditions.
Is it safe to use inside my van?
Yes! Unlike generators, power stations have no emissions. Zero fumes, zero carbon monoxide risk. They're designed for indoor use. That said, don't block the cooling vents, and keep them away from heat sources. Common sense stuff.
Ready to Cut the Cord?
Whether you're converting a van, upgrading your RV, or just want backup power for camping trips, a portable power station is one of the best investments you can make. I've seen these things transform how people adventure. No more planning trips around hookups. No more noise complaints at campsites. Just you, nature, and all the power you need.
Pick something from a reputable brand, size it right for your needs, and pair it with solar panels. You'll wonder how you ever traveled without one.