With limited space in some RVs, having products that can be used in multiple ways is key to organized, efficient traveling. The same goes for anything that can keep you traveling when things go a little awry.
Power packs are compact, portable, and multi-functional power units that can handle a multitude of electrical RV and vehicle jobs. In addition, they take up about as much space as a small cooler.
Power packs can jumpstart a dead battery, charge your phone, and give you much-needed light—all in one package.
Photo by POTEK
These five power packs go beyond the RV and can also be used by tent, van, and car campers. With their jumpers, power, lighting, air compressors, and other features, no one should be on the road without one.
1. Duracell Powerpack Pro 1100 or 1300
Photo by Duracell
The Duracell Powerpack Pro is a heavy duty worker in a small package. Weighing only 23 lb. this powerpack does a variety of jobs. The Powerpack Pro includes two AC outlets with up to 600W of combined available AC power for 115V AC devices.
It also has two 2.4A USB ports and one 12V DC outlet for powering up mobile devices and appliances. The Powerpack Pro also has a 160 PSI compressor to inflate tires and it can jumpstart 4, 6, and 8 cylinder vehicles.
Other features include an emergency LED light, inverter overload and overheating protection, and a reverse polarity indicator. The Powerpack Pro comes in both 1100 and 1300 peak amps and costs around $120.
2. Schumacher FR01239
Photo by Schumacher
If you need something a little more lightweight, the Schumacher FR01239 is a more compact power pack. Weighing in at just under 8 lb., this device offers 500 peak amps for mobile living.
The FR01239 is primarily used for jumping batteries, but it also has a 12-volt outlet, a 2A USB port and a built-in LED light. This device also has a handy alarm that sounds if it is connected improperly to a battery. It is kept charged with its own retractable cord. The FR01239 only costs about $70.
3. SOUL Solar Kit
Photo by SOUL
For RVers who want to be a little more eco-friendly, the SOUL Solar Kit might work for you. The Solar Kit is an ultra-lightweight powerpack that runs off the sun. Weighing in at just over one pound, the kit is about the size of a rolled-up towel. When fully charged to its maximum power of 28 watts it outputs 17.5 volts and 1.68 amps.
The Solar Kit not only can jumpstart a car, but it can also charge up lights, mobile devices, cameras and even laptops. The entire kit comes with the rollable solar panel, the SOUL Power Bank that doubles as a flashlight and even a 150 gram LED camping light with a remote control. The entire kit fits into its own case and it’s also waterproof. This device is currently under development at Indigogo. Pre-order the Solar Kit on the SOUL website.
4. POTEK Car Jump Starter
Photo by POTEK
The easy-to-use POTEK Car Jump Starter is great for RVers who want a little more power with their power pack. This 14 lb., $90 powerpack offers 1,000 peaks and 500 instant amps for jumping dead batteries. It also has a 150 psi air compressor for quickly inflating flat tires on vehicles or bikes.
The POTEK also has a USB port for charging mobile devices and cameras and a 12-volt port for appliances and inverters. What’s great about the POTEK is that it has a battery indicator with lights that lets you know when it needs to be charged. In addition, it can be charged via AC power at home or by DC power in your vehicle.
5. Goal Zero Yeti & Accessories
Photo by Goal Zero
Anyone familiar with van or small vehicle camping knows about Goal Zero. These smart, portable banks have become a popular option for compact power.
The Goal Zero power packs and banks come in a variety of sizes. The Goal Zero Yeti 150 and 400 are the smallest and offer 150 to 400-watt-hours of power. They also offer several USB, AC, and 12- volt outlets for charging laptops and phones.
They can also be charged up via AC power, DC power, or with Goal Zero solar panels. The base units stop there, but Goal Zero also offers a variety of accessories for ease of use on the road. Choose from the Guardian 12 volt charge controller for charging batteries, a Yeti home integration kit, and dozens of cords and adapters.
Goal Zero is not the least expensive of this group. The Goal Zero Yeti 150 is around $200 and the Yeti 400 is around $450. However, each of the power packs offer a wide range of options in one unit.
