Golden drops of sunlight stream in as the aroma of coffee mingles with the fresh morning air. The gentle, rhythmic dripping pulls you from a deep sleep, inviting you into the promise of a new day. Faint wisps of steam curl and spiral as a steady stream of coffee fills your cup. The warmth of your RV is replaced by crisp mountain air as the steps creak beneath your feet.
Soft morning rays reveal a stunning valley dotted with towering pine trees flanked on either side by jagged peaks and evidence of early snowfall. Chirping birds accompanied by the faint babble of a distant river is your morning soundtrack, with miles between you and your nearest neighbor. Basking in the fresh air and enchanting views, you finish your cup of coffee invigorated and ready to enjoy another day of life off the grid.
This picture-perfect RV morning feels like a distant daydream to many RVers. Stuck in the hustle and bustle of crowded campgrounds, imprisoned by reliance on a noisy, gas-guzzling generator to get the coffee maker started, and wondering if RV life was really worth it in the first place. But we’re here to show you that your dream RV lifestyle is within reach, and with a few simple upgrades, you could be enjoying the peace and serenity of off-grid RV living in 2025.
Join us as we dive into the essential gear, practical tips, and top-of-the-line products that will ensure a smooth transition to off-grid life in your RV. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your current batteries, are ready to gut your generator-reliant system and start from scratch, or are just beginning to look for your dream home on wheels, this guide is the ultimate resource for those ready to experience the freedom and self-sufficiency of off-grid RVing.
In order to fully enjoy life off the grid in an RV, a reliable power system is a must. There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect boondocking spot and settling into camp for a few days only to be stuck without power or relying on your generator hours into your stay. A reliable power setup is the key to enjoying extended stays off the grid without sacrificing any of your favorite comforts of home.
While lead acid batteries will get the job done, lithium batteries will provide the longevity your system needs for extended, unplugged adventures. Battle Born Batteries utilize the safest and most stable lithium battery chemistry, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). They are designed with premium, UL-listed cylindrical cells and a proprietary battery management system (BMS) that allows them to offer 2-3x the power, last 10x longer, and charge 5x faster than their lead-acid counterparts.
Built to perform better and last longer, Battle Born Batteries provide the deliverable power needed for weekend adventures or full-time boondocking. Designed as drop-in replacements for the most common lead-acid battery sizes on the market, Battle Born Batteries has the ideal lithium deep cycle battery to power your 12V, 24V, or 48V RV power system. Additionally, smart lithium batteries take reliability and safety to another level by offering 24/7 Bluetooth monitoring to ensure your system works as efficiently as possible.
Adding high-quality accessories and components is essential to accompany your lithium batteries and ensure your electrical system can function efficiently. A comprehensive lithium power system needs a reliable charging device such as an inverter charger or converter charger, a battery monitor, a battery isolation manager (BIM), a battery guardian, and more, depending on your chosen power source.
Power stations combine all the components of an electrical system into one convenient package. While these can range in size and functionality, portable power banks, also known as solar power generators, are the battery power stations for replacing generators. With the ability to harness the power of the sun, solar generators are quiet and don’t require gas or other fuel sources to recharge. The Battle Born Batteries Lithium Power Pack (LPP) combines all the components pre-wired and set up for seamless integration. Capable of powering induction cooktops, coffee pots, ACs, refrigerators, and hair dryers for hours, the LPP offers robust electrical capacity.
Combine your electrical system with rooftop or portable solar panels and enjoy plenty of power for long adventures off the grid. Harnessing the natural and renewable energy of the sun allows your battery bank to be continuously refueled even during extended boondocking trips.
RV solar panels make the perfect companion for off-grid travel, offering ease of use and installation. With solar panels tailored for RVs, you can enjoy the convenience of powering your air conditioning, kitchen appliances, and more anywhere the road takes you. Bring the comforts of home wherever you go and transform your mobile setup into a true home on wheels.
Battle Born Battery’s latest line of smart batteries offers long-lasting power and ease of monitoring while camping off-grid in an RV. Access your entire electrical system, down to each battery, at just the click of a button, no matter where your adventures take you.
Coupled with solar panels for sustainable energy production, this system will power your off-grid lifestyle for years. RICH Solar and Newpowa have been at the forefront of the industry for off-grid solar panel kits, setting the standard for excellence. With rigid and portable 100W panels from these top-of-the-line brands, a solar power system is perfectly equipped for your lifestyle.
Life off-grid in an RV would not be possible without a dependable cooking setup. Whether you can live off boiling water and dehydrated backpacking meals or are looking to bring gourmet cooking to the backcountry, your RV kitchen will need some appliances and a trustworthy power source.
For the purist camper, a propane stove may be all they need to survive off-grid. These campers can access fresh boiling water and cook simple meals with just a few small propane canisters. The portable nature of these devices makes them the perfect addition for low-maintenance boondockers and weekend warriors.
While propane stoves are convenient, some full-time RVers prefer induction cooktops. Wired directly into their RV’s electrical system, induction cooktops don’t require any propane and are much more sustainable for longer adventures off-grid when supplemented by a renewable energy source. This ensures that your boondocking trip won’t be cut short when you run out of propane or are weighed down by carrying extra canisters.
The main downside to induction cooktops is the amount of power they consume. While traditional lead-acid power systems could not keep up with higher-demand cooking appliances, robust Battle Born Batteries electrical systems allow you to use all your favorite appliances off-grid. Whether your dream RV kitchen includes an Instant Pot, slow cooker, coffee maker, residential refrigerator, microwave, or all the above, there is a Battle Born Batteries electrical system that will allow you to enjoy your favorite appliances on the road.
Instant Pot Duo
With the ease of plug and play, the Instant Pot Duo is simply a 7-in-1 appliance that is perfect for RV kitchens. Offering versatile features that allow you to do everything from make yogurt to pressure cook and even just warm food, this will replace a cabinet full of appliances. Backed by an appropriate off-grid power system, the Instant Pot Duo makes off-grid cooking a breeze.
Presto Electric Griddle
An electric griddle combines the convenience of ease of use of a portable propane camp stove without relying on propane. Easily powered by batteries and solar panels, an electric griddle allows you to cook various meals right on the counter of your RV without the hassle or danger of using a propane-powered stove.
Programmable Coffee Maker
A coffee maker is an essential piece to every morning routine. While there are countless ways to brew your morning pot of joe, nothing beats the simplicity of a standard coffee maker and the ability to brew a whole pot of coffee with the flip of a switch.
Dometic 12V DC Refrigerator
Ready to rid your RV of reliance on propane and enjoy more freedom off-grid? Upgrading to a 12V DC refrigerator will allow you to power your fridge uninterrupted without worry of running out of fuel. Keep your food cool indefinitely with the power of the sun and a DC refrigerator.
Breville Smart Oven
This countertop appliance combines the benefits of an air fryer, toaster oven, and convection oven. Don’t miss out on the comforts of home-cooked meals or baked goods while living off-grid in an RV. This compact, electric oven offers all the benefits of a residential oven while on the road.
In-Sink Dishwasher
Who wants to wash a sink full of dishes after all that cooking? With an In-Sink Dishwasher, you save time and water as your dishes are washed and sanitized with the click of a button. Fitting directly into the sink of your RV, the In-Sink dishwasher takes up minimal space and makes off-grid cooking in your RV much more enjoyable.
As you embark on your off-grid adventures, you will likely encounter varying climates and weather conditions. While some RVers love temperate weather and plan their travels to follow the “70-degree line”, the unpredictability of weather patterns means you could unexpectedly find yourself in much colder or warmer weather than you planned.
The ability to control the temperature in your RV is an essential piece of comfort and safety on the road. Especially if you are traveling with pets or young children, having reliable sources of heating and cooling is vital to extending your time off the grid. Being able to keep your home on wheels at a comfortable temperature no matter what weather conditions you face ensures you can spend time enjoying the journey.
Whether you intend to adventure in the mountains during cooler months or want to ensure your system, water lines, and appliances will be safe in a sudden cold snap, a reliable RV heater is essential. Installing ducted propane heaters is a safe and durable way to keep your RV warm all winter. As long as you have plenty of propane, these heaters can be trusted to run for hours.
For motorized RVs, a diesel heater is a great option. They hook directly into your RV’s diesel fuel tank and are extremely energy efficient. Consuming “as little as one gallon of gas in 24 hours and drawing between 0.8 – 2.4 amps of current at 12 volts DC when heating”, these heaters can be on all day and night without worry of running out of power. Their high safety ratings and compact footprint make them the perfect option for full-time RVers who like to adventure off the grid.
When it comes to cooling your RV, finding effective and energy-efficient options can be more challenging. While many off-grid RVers tend to gravitate towards warmer climates, reliable cooling systems are essential for staying comfortable and safe off-grid.
With the ability to run directly off the batteries, 12V fans are a simple and power-efficient way to cool down your RV. Simply circulating the air in your RV can make a major difference in the temperature and comfortability of your living space. While fans aren’t the most effective in extreme temperatures, they do the trick for the RVer who travels to find comfortable and temperate weather.
Portable AC units are another quick and easy way to cool your RV correctly. Albeit power-hungry, these units are compact, capable of quickly cooling down the RV, and easy to remove during seasons when they are not needed. With the addition of a robust and capable power system, a portable AC will keep you comfortable as you travel off-grid, even in the hottest climates.
For a more permanent cooling solution, rooftop AC units are popular for RVers with rigs of all shapes and sizes. With powerful cooling and efficient space utilization, these AC units are easy to install on your RV’s roof and preserve interior space. Similarly, split system AC units offer efficient cooling and a sleek look. Typically installed outside of the living area, these units are sleek, offer customizable installation options, and zoned temperature control to only cool occupied spaces and save power.
While there are many options for RV climate control, and every RVer will have different preferences and appliances that work for them, permanent AC units offer premium cooling and are ideal for those who love to boondock in the summer and travel through warmer weather.
Since these units require a lot of power to start and run, we recommend adding an EasyStart™ Breeze Soft Starter to your electrical system. With the addition of a high-quality inverter, the EasyStart soft starter eliminates the need for a large and expensive generator to start your AC. Enjoy more time off-grid without worrying about not having enough power to start your AC when necessary.
No matter which cooling or heating solution you choose for your RV, having a reliable power system is necessary. Nothing compares to the peace of mind that comes from trusting your electrical system to keep your heating and cooling systems operating during extended off-grid stays so that you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
The Battle Born Battery Calculator will help you determine exactly what size battery you need for your RV. By inputting the power usage of your appliances, including those used for heating and cooling, and your expected hours of use per day, the calculator will tell you how many amp hours of Battle Born Batteries are required to run your system. Then, you can assess your space constraints or chat with a technical specialist about which Battle Born Battery is right for your system and how many you need to extend your off-grid adventures.
Although having a robust and reliable power system is the key to off-grid RV living, taking small steps to maintain energy efficiency can further extend your boondocking stays. Here are a few of our favorite ways to save energy while on the road:
An essential part of off-grid RVing is planning your route ahead of time. The importance of doing your research for your safety and the safety of your rig cannot be understated. RVing off-grid poses many risks that those staying in a campground don’t have to worry about. While the rewards are well worth the added hassle, safety, and preparedness should always be a number 1 priority when heading off-grid.
A key part of planning your travel route is knowing where reliable access to resources will be along the way. It is helpful to have a rough idea of how long you can take between fill-ups and have emergency plans ready, just in case. Always buffer a few extra days, gallons, etc., to help prevent a complete depletion of your resources. Plan to refill your water, dump waste, and restock food before you’re in danger of running out completely. If you notice your resources are running low and won’t be in reach for more than a few days, implementing stricter conservation or bringing smaller backup resources can stretch your limits and not impede your off-grid adventures.
Additionally, as many boondockers travel through remote areas, printing this information out or finding another easy way to keep it handy is helpful to ensure you don’t end up stranded without access to essential resources. It’s also important to research and study the areas you will be traveling in so you know where it is possible to camp off-grid. This information will help you find BLM land or other places where it’s legal to boondock and tip you off to key safety concerns. When it comes to the backcountry, it’s always best to air on the side of caution and be overprepared for your trip.
While boondocking can be a great way to escape and find secluded time alone, many full-time RVers are excited to build a community and gain access to unique camping spots and helpful information. Our favorite way to stay connected while on the road is through RV Memberships and Groups. These communities are typically full of everyone from novice to experienced RVers and offer a wealth of information and exclusive perks.
A Harvest Hosts Membership provides unlimited overnight stays at 5,273+ farms, wineries, breweries, and attractions. Scattered across the United States, Harvest Hosts locations are the perfect place to stay while you’re on your way to your next destination. Once you’re a member, staying at Harvest Hosts locations is free. Simply call ahead to check availability, and be sure to support the Harvest Host owner’s local business while you stay on the property.
Why We Love Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts are some of the best ways to camp while traveling around the country, offering unique locations unlike any you could find or stay at otherwise. These vetted locations are completely safe and provide experiences for the whole family. While some have electric hookups, these retreats typically offer boondocking and an easy place for full-time travelers or those on long journeys to rest for the night.
The Escapees RV Club is dedicated to supporting your RV lifestyle with everything you need to make it easier, more affordable, and safer. Whether you’re looking for camping discounts, commercial discounts, or exclusive member events to meet more like-minded travelers, Escapees has something for everyone. This all-inclusive RV membership includes top-of-the-line resources and an unmatched community to sustain your lifestyle on the road.
Why We Love Escapees
Escapees RV Club has been cultivating a great RVing community since 1978. Escapees’ hangouts, convergences, and the annual bash take place across the United States and offer fun activities for all ages, educational seminars, and a chance to spend time surrounded by other RVers. Join a member-led group, take the RVers boot camp, or enjoy the resources available to Escapees members.
Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is among the best RV camping clubs, offering freedom, fun, good times, and plenty of community and connection. FMCA is the premier source for RVing education. With various in-person and online courses, members can gain access to experts from across the industry. This community of lifelong RVers is the ultimate resource, and members can connect and share exclusive discounts and access to exciting events across the country.
Why We Love FMCA
Going above and beyond many RV membership clubs, FMCA offers Medical & Travel Assist, which protects you when the unexpected happens. FMCA members can travel with peace of mind, knowing they’re covered when they’re more than 75 miles away from home. Additionally, Tech Connect+, Family RVing Magazine, and access to exclusive benefits make FMCA the perfect home base for RVers. If full membership doesn’t feel quite right, the FMCA Pathfinder membership offers prospective RV owners the chance to learn more and explore the benefits before fully committing to RV life.
RVing off-grid offers unparalleled access to extraordinary views and some of Mother Nature’s best-kept secrets. As you explore remote places and uncharted territory, there are a few simple sustainability practices you can implement to do your part in keeping wild spaces beautiful.
Although the benefits of off-grid RV living are far-reaching, boondocking in remote places should not be attempted without the proper safety precautions. No matter where you choose to venture off the beaten path, safety should be of the utmost importance.
Prioritizing safety includes having easy access to emergency supplies suited to your adventure. A first aid kit should be essential for ANY outdoor adventure. Basic first aid supplies can be the difference between life and death for you, anyone you’re traveling with, or a stranger in trouble you encounter on the road. Additionally, having the tools to repair essential parts of your RV, spare tires, and survival essentials will keep you safe when the unexpected happens.
Beyond that, reliable navigation tools can prevent these emergencies from occurring in the first place. Satellite GPS, communication devices, and even the internet can be a lifeline during an emergency. RV upgrades like Starlink can offer trusted connectivity no matter how far off the grid you travel. This simple addition will allow you to contact loved ones or emergency services in a worst-case scenario.
Best RV GPS Devices
Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S: Specifically crafted with the camping enthusiast in mind, this Garmin GPS comes with specific RV routing and road mapping to ensure you don’t end up on a route not suited to your RV or towable trailer. It also has a directory of RV Parks and Services with adjustable features to help you find the perfect campground. Add in hands-free calling, voice-activated navigation, smart notifications, and live traffic updates, and this is the ideal GPS to navigate your next RV adventure safely.
Garmin Overlander: Built to “roam the unknown,” the Garmin Overlander offers all-terrain navigation for the rugged adventurer. Explore topographic maps of North and South America with turn-by-turn directions and top-of-the-line navigation tools. Pre-loaded with iOverlander and Ultimate Public Campgrounds, easily locate established, dispersed, and wild campsites around every corner.
Best Emergency Kits
Uncharted Supply Co First Aid Plus Kit: Wrapped up in a 100% waterproof pack, this kit offers everything you would need for first aid in the backcountry. With a complete CPR kit, various bandages, a multitool, matches, a space blanket, gloves, sheers, and more, this kit comes with all the essentials to help an injured camper until first responders arrive.
USKITS All-in-One Auto Emergency Kit: This roadside emergency kit combines tools and survival gear to help you through various emergency scenarios. Complete with jumper cables, an air compressor, a fire extinguisher, first aid supplies, and more, this kit will give you peace of mind that you’re prepared for anything the road throws your way.
Best Satellite Phones
Garmin inReach Mini 2: This compact satellite communicator has global 2-way communication, location tracking, and interactive SOS capabilities. No matter how far into the backcountry you go, this device keeps you connected to loved ones, tracks your precise location, and allows you to call for help should an emergency arise.
Iridium GO! Satellite Wi-Fi: This portable device connects to five devices wirelessly to satellite internet. In addition to being a helpful safety measure as you remain connected and can call for help in an emergency, this device also doubles as Wi-Fi on the go. Use it to work on the road and stay connected in the most remote boondocking locations.
Boondocking is one of the best ways to disconnect while RVing and immerse in beautiful, wide-open spaces. With a robust and reliable power system, you can enjoy the best of both worlds with all the benefits of being off the grid without sacrificing your favorite appliances and electronics. Although traveling off-grid poses certain challenges, with proper planning and dependable gear, it’s arguably the best way to experience camping in your RV. By utilizing renewable energy sources, high-quality components, and batteries, you can successfully take your RV lifestyle off the grid in 2025.
No matter how you prefer to camp in your RV, we have a system to meet your needs. Whether you want to charge your devices and use your lights or utilize a variety of kitchen appliances and your RV, our team of technical experts can design the perfect system for your RV. Explore the different sizes and form factors of Battle Born Batteries and begin crafting your dream off-grid electrical system to take the comforts of home on the road with you.
Ready to upgrade your RV electrical system for off-grid camping in 2025? Dive further into the benefits of lithium batteries with the Battle Born Lithium Batteries Buying Guide and check out our full range of product offerings. Then, explore the latest options for energy independence in our RV Boondocking 101 resource for extra tips and tricks for sizing your electrical system to boondock successfully. Once you know what you want to power off-grid, calculate your system needs with the Battle Born Batteries Calculator and check out the essential accessories and power sources for full RV system integration.
Building or upgrading an RV electrical system can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help. Our Reno, Nevada-based sales and customer service team is at (855) 292-2831 to answer your questions!
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