We recently upgraded our camp gear with a powered fridge, leading us to require a larger battery. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of our battery choice and share our experiences from a five-day camping trip at Mount Rainier National Park.

Our Power Needs

Our primary power draw comes from the Set Power RV 45D fridge, consuming 60 to 80 watts. Additionally, we use LED string lights and plan to incorporate floodlights into our campsite setup. With the addition of a new battery, we're considering winter camping with amenities like an electric blanket or a diesel heater for our rooftop tent trailer.

Battery Selection Criteria

When choosing a battery, we had specific requirements:

• Simple Setup: We needed an easy-to-use system.

• Duration: The battery had to last 2-4 days without charging.

• Bluetooth Monitoring: We wanted to monitor the battery status from inside our rooftop tent.

• Solar Suitcase: We opted for a Renogy 12V 100Ah lithium battery and a 200W solar suitcase for its reputed reliability and safety features.

Bluetooth Monitoring

The integrated Bluetooth feature proved to be valuable, providing detailed information on battery percentage, current settings, remaining time, amps withdrawn, battery temperature, and cell voltage. The Bluetooth range was impressive, and the low-temperature protection feature worked effectively during cold camping nights.

Auto Balance Feature

Our chosen battery has an auto balance feature, balancing power when connected to another battery. While we haven't added a second battery yet, it's reassuring to have the option.

Solar Suitcase Setup

The Renogy 200W solar suitcase, though a bit heavy at 36 pounds, impressed us with its sturdiness, waterproof design, and convenient wraparound zipper case. Setting it up was straightforward, and the extension cable ensured flexibility in capturing sunlight.

Battery and Solar Performance

During our five-day camping trip, the battery performed exceptionally well. Even with minimal sunlight and only two hours of solar panel charging, we returned home with 25% battery remaining after running the fridge consistently at 35 degrees. The battery endured 85-degree weather and maintained its efficiency.

Overall Thoughts

Our battery and solar setup exceeded expectations, providing the power needed for our camping adventures. If you're looking to enhance your camping experience with reliable and efficient power solutions, consider the Renogy battery and solar suitcase combo.

For more gear reviews and camping insights, visit our YouTube channel @exploretrekadventure. See you on the next adventure!