This is What You Need to Build the Ultimate Off-Grid RV

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One of the most practical and adventurous ways to live is in an RV. Nowadays, everything you need for both indoor and outdoor living can be included in RVs. But what happens if you wish to travel and live off-grid, where you are not using the public grid of utilities? 

For an off-grid home, you will have no electricity. There won’t be a power outlet or a direct water line to fresh water. Most RV users generate electricity and water with the help of connections and hookups. 

This week, we want to explore some options and amenities like electricity you can add to your RV that can give you ultimate comfort when you’re off-grid camping. 

Table of Contents

• Modify Your Off-Grid RV with Solar Power
• Sunflare XPLOR: Types and their features
• Sunflare XPLOR 105W/Weekend Panel
• Sunflare XPLOR 126W/Adventure Panel
• Sunflare XPLOR 180W/Expedition Panel
• Add Amenities to your RV with some Upgrades
• Upgrade your RV with an Efficient Battery
• Upgrade your RV with Better Tires

You must come up with solutions for the lack of utility connections if you want to lead a normal life while off-grid traveling. In other words, your off-grid RV requires its own source of power. In this situation, solar power systems come out to be remarkably effective and simple for an off-grid RV adventure.

Modify Your Off-Grid RV with Solar Power

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Solar power is one of the most widely used electrical sources in RVs nowadays. That makes sense, since most of the time, our vehicles are outside in the sunlight. You can take advantage of this natural source to gain power. 

With the help of recent technological advances, solar panels are now lighter and less expensive than other power sources. Many off-grid RVers and overlanders are upgrading with solar panels so they can power all sorts of items off-grid. 

Other power source installations are typically time-consuming and costly, and frequently involve drilling mounting bracket holes in the vehicle’s top. In this situation, you can use Sunflare XPLOR to make installation trouble-free without the need for drilling altogether.

Our Choice: Sunflare XPLOR Types and Features

The XPLOR series of solar panels from Sunflare is made specifically to be placed on vehicles without the use of brackets. A strong adhesive can be applied to the panel’s back to speed up installation. 

You can give your off-grid RV roof a good cleaning before gently setting the solar panel on top. The adhesive forms a long-lasting bond over the course of the next 48 hours, keeping the panel in place even when moving at highway speeds. 

The ease of assembly is just one of the reasons that this is our favorite solar panel. Below is a list of Sunflare XPLOR features that have the characteristics you should look for in your off-grid RV.

Sunflare XPLOR 105W/Weekend Panel

If you like to go on off-grid RV trips that require less power, the Sunflare XPLOR’s first option is ideal for you.

Because of its size and weight, this panel is also ideal when you need some extra power but don’t have much space. With an estimated daily power generation of 368 watt-hours, this can be a perfect option for you.

Sunflare XPLOR 126W/Adventure Panel

Check out Sunflare XPLOR’s mid-range option if you require additional camping solar power. It is one of the best options for you when traveling long distances. 

The Adventure Panel has an estimated daily power generation of 441 watt-hours. This 126W of power provides your off-grid RV with the optimal balance; however, it takes longer to charge up than the weekend panel.

Sunflare XPLOR 180W/Expedition Panel

This exceptional panel is the heaviest of the three, though it’s still ultra lightweight. The Expedition panel provides better power to an off-grid RV for its size and weight. 

Sunflare XPLOR’s 180W solar panel is designed for expeditions where people will be staying off the grid for a long period of time. The Adventure Panel has an estimated daily power generation of 630 watt-hours, enough to charge a 100-watt laptop for 6.5 hours. 

Where to Buy Sunflare XPLOR Solar Panels:

• Overland Addict
• GTFOverland
• AV Overland Supply

Add Amenities to Your RV With Some Upgrades

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Off-road RV features have improved significantly during the past ten years. But these RV upgrades raise the bar in terms of convenience and comfort. Check out our ideas that will make you enjoy your off-grid RV much more.

Upgrade Your RV with an Efficient Battery

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The standard battery for an off-grid RV is one 12-volt battery. This is good for keeping the lights on for a while. A larger battery or even a different kind of battery is one of the greatest RV upgrades you can do if you want to camp off the grid. 

We recommend upgrading to batteries with lithium compounds. The lithium batteries can also be used as an energy storage device in an RV, which can store solar energy from the sun efficiently.

Upgrade Your RV with Better Tires

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When it comes to an off-grid RV or trailer, tires are often ignored. They are only ever checked after a blowout, which usually means it is too late. You can increase tire capacity by using different kinds of tires. 

Try 12-ply tires with an F load range index, which has the widest load range of any tire. These tires are far more robust and can support your rig’s weight much better than the original.

This is an easy upgrade to make, yet one that can make your off-grid RV or adventure vehicle much more capable. At the end of the day, it’s all about functionality and comfort, and these upgrades provide you with just that!

Other Recommended Overlanding Gear

Learn More:

Yes, You Need Solar Panels for Camping

Solar Panel Sizing Guide