How to size a power station for camping
- Tick what you’ll bring. A 12V fridge is usually the biggest steady load. Lights, phones and a laptop are small.
- Check each device’s wattage on its label or charger and edit the defaults.
- Set your trip length in days and read the battery size you need without a recharge.
Why camping loads are different
Camping setups mostly run small DC devices, so total watts stay low, but they run for many hours. The battery size (Wh) matters far more than the inverter size unless you bring cooking or heating gear.
How the math works
The calculation is the same as for home use: watts × quantity × hours, divided by 0.85 for losses, plus a 10% reserve.
Common mistakes
- Bringing a kettle or hot plate. These draw 1,000 W or more and use up a large share of the battery in minutes. A gas stove is far more efficient.
- Ignoring cold weather. Many power stations limit output or charging in freezing temperatures, so check your manual.
- Assuming you can recharge from the car quickly. Car charging ports are usually slow, so check your unit’s car-input rate.
- Using heated bedding without counting it. An electric blanket at 100 W for 6 hours adds 600 Wh a night.
Frequently asked questions
What size power station do I need for a weekend trip?
For a small setup with a 12V fridge, lights and phones, about 1,000 Wh covers roughly one day and 2,000 Wh roughly two. Without a fridge, 300 to 500 Wh may be enough for a weekend.
Can I run a kettle or coffee maker?
Only if the inverter is rated for the load. A kettle is typically 1,000 W or more. It runs for just minutes, so the battery cost is small, but make sure the surge rating covers it.
How accurate is the 12V fridge default?
It’s an estimate. Real draw varies with the model, outside temperature and how often you open it. Use the figure on your fridge’s spec sheet if you have it.