What Size Portable Power Does an RVer Really Need?

RV Life

From Weekend Trips to Full-Time RVing, Get the Power You Need

Picture this: you’ve found the perfect campsite—no hookups, just you, the stars, and the quiet of nature. But you still need power. Maybe it’s to keep the fridge running so your food stays fresh. Or maybe it’s to ensure you can brew that perfect cup of coffee each morning. Heck, maybe you just want to watch a movie under the stars without worrying about draining your RV’s batteries.

Portable power stations give you the freedom to do all this and more. No noise, no hassle—unlike a gas generator. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the one that’s right for your needs? Let’s dive in and figure out what size portable power station you, as an RVer, really need.

What Is a Portable Power Station?

trailer plugged into Bluetti power station — Photo courtesy of BLUETTI

Let’s start with the basics. A portable power station is essentially a beefed-up battery bank (lithium) with an inverter. In layman’s terms, it’s like having a high-tech generator minus the smell of gasoline. These devices store energy and convert it into usable power. They often include a variety of ports: USB ports, 12V ports (like a car’s cigarette lighter outlet), and standard 120V AC outlets for household items.

Among the various options out there, BLUETTI is one of the key players in the portable power station arena. They offer a wide range of products suitable for everything from light weekend use to full-scale off-grid adventures. We’ll touch on some of their models later in this guide to help illustrate what different sizes can do for RVers.

What Does ‘Size’ Really Mean with Power Stations?

When we talk about the size of a power station, we’re really talking about two things: Storage Capacity and Running Watts. Storage capacity—measured in watt-hours (Wh)—tells you how much energy the station can store. Running watts—measured in watts (W)—indicate how much power a device can draw from the station at one time.

Some models can power smaller items like laptops, fans, and lights, while others can handle larger appliances like a fridge or even an air fryer that guzzles 1500W while making those oh-so-delicious camping fries everyone loves.

Choosing the Right Size: Small vs. Medium vs. Large

collage of photos showcasing campers using Bluetti power stations in various ways — Photo courtesy of BLUETTI

So, what size should you choose? Well, it depends on your specific RVing needs. Let’s break it down by RV type and camping style.

For Small RVs and Weekend Warriors

If you’re a weekend traveler, you’re probably not after a massive power station to run everything. Something like the BLUETTI AC70 (1000W, 768Wh) could be the perfect fit for you. It’s portable yet powerful enough to keep your devices charged for a few days off the grid. Think lights, fans, drones, and maybe a few hours of Netflix—but not all at once. The more devices you run simultaneously, the faster the battery drains, which makes a station like this perfect for smaller, less power-hungry setups.

For Full-Time RVers with Moderate Power Needs

If you’re living the RV life full-time and want to avoid a noisy gas generator, the BLUETTI AC180T (1,800W, 1,433Wh) might fit the bill. This is enough to keep your essentials humming, including charging laptops, powering kitchen gadgets, or even running an A/C unit in a pinch. The AC180T offers a versatile middle ground between size and capability, which is great if you need a balance of power and portability.

For Power-Hungry Devices or Extensive Off-Grid Living

For those looking to run power-hungry devices—say, an electric griddle, a large residential fridge, or maybe even a mobile workspace—you’ll need a serious setup. The BLUETTI AC200L (2,400W, 2,048Wh) or the AC300+B300K (3,000W, 2,764.8Wh) is where you should set your sights. These portable powerhouses will allow you to use multiple high-draw devices, making them ideal if you’re living off-grid for long stretches and need consistent power.

Why Go Portable?

You might be wondering—why not just slap a solar system on the roof and call it a day? Sure, if you’re a long-term RV owner, installing a solar power system directly onto your rig makes a lot of sense. But that comes with its own set of costs and constraints, especially if you only RV part-time.

Portable power stations are convenient because they can do double duty; you can use them in your home, take them to the backyard, or bring them with you for a few days at the lake. They’re not fixed in one place, which makes them ideal for a lot of different scenarios, including powering medical devices like CPAPs and providing backup during natural disasters.

Plus, these power stations offer multiple charging options: from a wall outlet, from your vehicle, and, of course, from solar panels. Solar is a big draw here. Most portable stations pair perfectly with foldable solar panels, making them the ideal companions for boondockers or dry campers who want to stay off the grid.

Save On BLUETTI’s Newest Product

woman and man sitting at camping table with appliances plugges into a Bluetti and enjoying coffee and the scenery — Photo courtesy of BLUETTI

If you’re still undecided, you might want to take a look at BLUETTI’s brand-new offering: the Elite 200 V2. This all-around upgrade to the AC200P boasts automotive-grade LFP battery cells with an astonishing 6,000+ cycle life to 80%, which means you’re looking at serious durability—potentially up to a 17-year lifespan. With a whopping 2,073.6Wh capacity and a maximum output of 2,600W, it’s ready for anything from high-demand power tools to all your glamping comforts.

Oh, and if you’re curious about the pricing—it’s launching with an early bird price of $1,099 (retail $1,999), plus BLUETTI has thrown in an exclusive discount for RV LIFE readers. Just enter the code ELITE200V2-RV on their website or ELITE200V2PR on Amazon to get your savings at checkout.

Plus, with our Black Friday Sale starting now and running until November 28th, you can save up to 52% on a range of BLUETTI products. It’s the perfect chance to grab top-tier portable power at an unbeatable price!

If you’re considering a solid long-term power solution, this holiday season might just be the perfect time to snag one.

Finding Your Portable Power Match

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or living the full-time RV dream, there’s a BLUETTI power station that fits your needs. Smaller packs like the AC70 are perfect for occasional trips, while the AC200L or AC300+B300K provide serious off-grid power. And don’t miss the all-new Elite 200 V2 with its standout features. It could be the ultimate fit for your RV lifestyle.

Portable power is about convenience and flexibility. No matter what kind of RVer you are, there’s an option that keeps you powered up, no gas needed, no strings attached.