Outback SafeTrack

It depends on what you're running. A basic setup with LED lights, phone charging, and a small fridge might only need 50-100Ah of battery capacity. But if you're running an air conditioner, a bigger fridge, laptops, and other gadgets, you're looking at 200Ah or more. The trick is to add up the wattage of everything you'll use, work out how many hours you'll run them, and add about 20% extra as a safety buffer. Not sure about the maths? Give our off-grid shop a ring, and we'll help you calculate exactly what you need.

Your old-school generator is great for heavy-duty work but gets loud and isn’t exactly subtle. Inverter generators, on the other hand, are the quiet achievers. They produce cleaner power that's safe for sensitive electronics like laptops and phones, they're way quieter (some run at just 60db), and they're more fuel-efficient because they adjust their engine speed based on the load. 

You can, but it takes a decent setup! Air conditioners are power-hungry beasts, especially when they first kick on. You'll typically need at least 400-600W of solar panels, a solid lithium battery bank, and a good quality inverter. The thing is, your panels only generate power when the sun's out, but you'll probably want the aircon running at night when it's still hot – that's where your batteries come in. The team at our off-grid store can help you spec out a solid system.

A quality lithium battery can give you 3,000 to 5,000 charge cycles, sometimes even more. Compare that to traditional lead-acid batteries that might only last 300-500 cycles, and you can see why lithium's becoming the go-to choice. In real terms, if you're a regular camper heading out monthly, a good lithium battery could easily last you 10-15 years.

Absolutely! They won't pump out as much power as on a bright summer day, but they'll still generate electricity. On an overcast day, you might get 10-25% of your panel's rated output, which is still enough to trickle charge your batteries and run small loads. Winter's actually not too bad in most parts of Australia – the cooler temperatures can make panels more efficient, and we still get decent sunshine. The key is sizing your system properly. If you're planning to camp year-round, we'd recommend adding an extra panel or two to your setup to account for those grey days.

Looking after your kit isn't rocket science, but a bit of regular maintenance goes a long way.

• Lithium batteries do well at a 20-80% charge when stored, and don't leave them sitting flat for months. 
• Give your solar panels a wipe down occasionally – dust and dirt can reduce their output by 20% or more. 
• Generators need regular oil changes and a run every few months, even if you're not using them. 
• Keep your inverter and charge controllers clean and dry. 

The biggest killer of camping gear is actually moisture and corrosion, especially in our humid coastal areas. A quick clean after each trip and proper storage will keep your off-grid products and equipment running strong for years.
Read Less