Off-Grid Camping: Power, Water & Solar Setup Guide

The Freedom of Off-Grid Camping

There's nothing quite like pulling up to a remote creek, setting up camp, and enjoying days of comfort without needing to plug in. Off-grid camping is one of the biggest reasons Australians invest in hybrid campers — but it requires the right setup.

Power Systems

Lithium vs AGM Batteries

Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are the gold standard for off-grid camping:

• Lighter than AGM for the same capacity
• Can be discharged to 80%+ without damage (AGM only 50%)
• Faster charging
• Longer lifespan (2000+ cycles vs 500 for AGM)

All Bushwakka campers come with Renogy lithium battery systems as standard — a trusted brand in the Australian off-grid community.

How Much Battery Capacity Do You Need?

A typical off-grid setup needs 100-200Ah of lithium battery storage to run:

• 12V fridge/freezer (the biggest power draw)
• LED lighting
• Water pump
• Phone/device charging
• Diesel heater fan

Battery Management System (BMS)

A good BMS protects your batteries from overcharging, deep discharge, and temperature extremes. Make sure your camper has a quality BMS — it's the brain of your power system.

Solar Charging

Roof-Mounted Solar

Fixed solar panels on your camper's roof charge your batteries while you're camped. Look for:

• Monocrystalline panels — more efficient than polycrystalline
• 200-400W of roof capacity for most off-grid setups
• Panels mounted with enough clearance for airflow (cooler panels = more efficient)

Portable Solar Blankets

A portable solar blanket gives you flexibility — park your camper in the shade and position the blanket in the sun. A 200W blanket is a great complement to roof-mounted solar.

Water Management

How Much Water Do You Need?

• Drinking water: 5L per person per day
• Cooking & cleaning: 5-10L per person per day
• Showering: 10-20L per shower

For a family of four on a 3-day off-grid trip, you'll want at least 120-150L of fresh water.

Grey Water

Many off-grid camping spots require you to carry out your grey water. Make sure your camper has a dedicated grey water tank.

Water Conservation Tips

• Use a pump with a flow restrictor
• Install a trigger nozzle on your shower hose
• Collect rainwater with a simple tarp setup
• Use biodegradable soap so grey water is safe to dispose of

Gas Systems

For cooking and hot water, a dual gas bottle setup ensures you never run out. A 9kg gas bottle typically lasts 2-3 weeks of regular cooking and hot water use.

Our Off-Grid Ready Campers

Every Bushwakka camper is designed with off-grid capability in mind. Our standard inclusions include:

• Renogy lithium battery system
• Roof-mounted solar panels
• Generous fresh water tanks (model dependent)
• Gas cooktop and hot water system
• LED lighting throughout
• 12V water pump

Use our configurator to add extra solar capacity, additional batteries, or upgraded water systems to suit your off-grid needs.

Final Tips

1. Monitor your power — install a battery monitor so you always know your state of charge
2. Conserve where you can — every watt saved is a watt you don't need to generate
3. Have a backup plan — carry a jerry can of fuel for a generator or vehicle charging
4. Test before you go — set up your camper at home and run it off-grid for a night

Happy off-grid adventuring!