Alternative power source for camping

tirod3

Active member
The same batteries you use for power tools. There's a lot of discussion of on board generation, and it's important as a source - along with shore power. How we use it with accessories is often dependent on that device having some kind of rechargeable battery in it - or being powered by one via USB.

This concept came to mind when I picked up a 750 watt inverter marked down in the discount aisle at Wally World, and it expanded when I noticed Ryobi has a battery "cap" charger that just slips on. The inefficiency of hooking up 12vdc to gain 110 AC isn't being ignored, in this case Ryobi had a device that would charge their batts off 12vdc but then abandoned it. Workmen or DIY need a charging source in their vehicle to keep their tools running out in the field. Aside from a small inverter generator, having an hard wired inverter running while transiting from one place to another is feasible.

The results are keeping a small set of batts charged while rotating them thru the numerous accessories available, and Ryobi isn't the only one, but does seem to have some of the least expensive. I took inventory of what I had and found a small AM/FM radio, table lamp, vacuum, and air compressor, all suitable for use camping. I've been beating on that vacuum for years now, it shows it, but cleaning up wood ash around the stove in the winter, wet leaves tracked in, dry spills, etc it's left in the living room and earning it's keep. It would get a lot of camp use, brooms can't do it all. Other tool makers offer the same in their assortments to add to the usefulness of the battery packs in their system. As more batts arrive on the market as slide ins, adapters are becoming much more common to change the diverse terminal arrangements and work as a cross breed combo. I don't expect a universal power tool interface, it does offer some interchangeability making different systems compatible.

I'm not thinking a leaf blower is actually "camp equipment", but the above, fans, cell phone charging, etc takes the load off a integrated battery set now and again. A 20v impact gun for lug nuts has changed my opportunities (to loan it to my neighbor working on his zero turn) by eliminating the compressor and 100 ft of hose to use a pneumatic one. Out in the field some farmers keep a generator and 110v compressor in the bed of their truck, I accomplish much the same with battery powered I already own. Much lighter, less to pack etc.

If you already spent the money building a power tool assortment, consider how those (very) expensive batteries could be used out in the wild. How to charge them won't be a universal answer, some can use solar, others a genset, an onboard inverter off the vehicle system is common, too. This may free up some budgeting as tool only pricing is pretty good when you are already invested in a battery type. Not hyping the wild green brand as much as the concept, as usual, shop the system then individual devices. I'm starting a diversion into Hercules from HF as I upgrade, the first item was a 1/2" drive impact with free 5A battery. That combo was a half price deal and moving into brushless is a significant improvement.

Got batts?
 

tirod3

Active member
Perusing othet forums discussing what tools to have camping, aside from the common and obvious, one suggestion actually was a battery operated leaf blower. Not only to clean the campsite but also the slideouts before retracting them. I could see an October week's worth of leaves needing it.

I thought I was just kidding. : )
 

TwinStick

Explorer
Yes, being able to use your power tool system to help you camp is awesome.

I am bought into the HD Ridgid 18v battery system. I will eventually put my aux power system into this truck but not until I make the bed weather tight. I use a HF 2000/4000 pure sine wave inverter, aux battery & charger, Ridgid 18v chargers, bright movable led light, power strip, and a bunch of Blue Sea products.

But we use the 18v Ridgid lights, phone charger, fans & drill driver. It is nice to get more use out of existing stuff that you already own, instead of buying more stuff.
 

Buddha.

Finally in expo white.
I used a leaf blower last weekend to get the fire going, very effective.
 
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tirod3

Active member
I've used the leaf blower on dry snow, did ok where it hadnt set up. The FD was using a back pack blower the next week on wet snow and getting it to move.

I used to run personal electronics on AA when in the field, now Its rechargeable on a C USB. Its relatively high amp, having a rated port in a trailer would be a way to go for tablets, etc.
 

smbisig

Adventurer
I carry one of these in my Alu-Cab Canopy Camper, like metioned above, they are great for helping get a fire going, especially in the wet and snow of of the PNW. But I mainly use it for blasting the back door of dust before opening it up at camp and cleaning off the solar panels.

I bought this compact knockoff Dewalt and it works very well (uses Dewalt batteries).

Cordless Leaf Blower for Dewalt 20V Max Battery
 

DirtWhiskey

Western Dirt Rat
I use my power tool batteries for all sorts of things when camping. I use my huge 60v flex volt batteries for our water filter pump for pulling off streams. I bring my mini leaf blower for dusting and blowing, fire staring and inflating kayaks. I bring my impact for tire changes. I sometimes bring my recip saw for light trail clearing and firewood cutting. Find new uses every day.
 

tirod3

Active member
A tilt up turbine on the trailer would be interesting. Just watch for low overpasses. I hear the FL keys always have trade winds, we have a county sized wind farm just north.

Now where is that old GM alternator I threw in this box of junk . . . All I need is to maintain 1750 rpm on a one wire . . .
 

tirod3

Active member
There appears to be a lot of wind turbines on the market, from a few hundreds to thousand of dollars. Instructables has diy turbine plans, too. Seems inverter tech has spread and made a big difference.
 

Verkstad

Raggarkung
Fwiw,
I have a wind turbine at my offgrid cabin.
Was given to me from a Sailboat user who was happy to be rid of it for good reason.
Offhand, I dont remember its watts output. It blades sweep 48" dia.
For it to make useful power, wind has to be blowing pretty hard & steady which is no fun place to be camping.
Further, its noisy. A high pitch whirring which constantly changes pitch as wind velocity changes.
Dunno average RPM, but it seriously gets spinning...
Its about 20' up on a mast attached to the bathouse building which is about 25' away from the living space.
Its anoying. I seldom let it run when I am there.
500W solar keeps the batteries charged otherwise.

There appears to be a lot of wind turbines on the market, from a few hundreds to thousand of dollars. Instructables has diy turbine plans, too. Seems inverter tech has spread and made a big difference
 
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