Lighting needs a power source but you don’t have to go to the effort of installing a separate leisure/house battery in your vehicle. Let’s take a look at 3 separate options for powering your lighting system and also explain why using your vehicle’s main battery isn’t a good idea.
USB rechargeable lighting
Some lights come with a built in battery and can be charged at home before your travels. (or if you have got a leisure battery in your van, you can charge them after you’ve installed some USB ports.)
They range in price and brightness from this small, cheaper puck light to this larger, brighter LED lighting.
When choosing a rechargeable USB light for your campervan, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Brightness – Consider how bright you need the light to be and whether you want adjustable brightness levels.
- Battery life – Look for lights with a long battery life or ones that can be easily recharged.
- Durability – Choose lights that are durable and can withstand the rigors of travel and camping.
- Mounting options – Look for lights that can be easily installed in your campervan or ones that can be mounted using adhesive strips or suction cups.
Overall, rechargeable USB lights are a great way to light up your campervan while saving money and reducing your environmental impact. With a variety of options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect light for your needs.
Powerbanks
Powerbanks can be charged at home and taken with you to power your USB lighting on the road.
The voltage provided by power banks varies depending on the specific model and manufacturer. However, most power banks typically provide a voltage output of 5 volts.
This is because the majority of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are designed to operate on a 5-volt power supply. Therefore, power banks are designed to provide a compatible voltage output that can charge these devices safely and efficiently.
This means that any USB lighting strip with a USB plug can be plugged into a powerbank to work directly without charging.
Usually these strips came with an adhesive backing and can be stuck to most surfaces without the need for running wires or installing fuse boxes.
Generator / Solar Generator
Generators and solar generators are both types of portable power sources that can be used to provide electricity when off the grid or during power outages. While traditional generators run on gasoline or diesel fuel, solar generators use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity.
They are basically massive power banks and work in essentially the same way but have a much greater capacity to run far more than just your lights.
Many generators and solar generators do come equipped with USB ports, which allow you to charge devices such as smartphones, tablets, and other electronics that can be charged using a USB cable. The number and type of USB ports vary depending on the model and manufacturer of the generator or solar generator.
Some models may only have one or two USB ports, while others may have multiple USB ports of different types, such as USB-A, USB-C, or even wireless charging capabilities. It’s important to check the specifications of the generator or solar generator to determine the number and type of USB ports it has.
USB ports on generators and solar generators can be very convenient, especially when camping or travelling, as they allow you to charge your electronic devices without needing access to a traditional power source. Additionally, some generators and solar generators may also have other types of outlets, such as AC outlets or DC outlets, which can be used to power other types of devices or appliances.
Bar far the most popular solar generator comes from a company called Jackery.
They come in various sizes which means there’s a Jackery to suit your needs and your budget. Lightweight and portable, they can be charged at home or linked up to their own folding solar panel system, or plugged into your own solar system.
Why you shouldn’t use your vehicle battery to run your van lights.
TLDR: you’re going to drain your battery and leave yourself stranded and unable to start your vehicle.
A vehicle battery, also known as a starting battery, is designed to deliver a short burst of high power to start the engine of a car, truck, or other vehicles.
These batteries are designed to provide high current output for a short period, typically a few seconds, to crank the engine and get it started. After the engine starts, the alternator takes over and recharges the battery.
On the other hand, a deep-cycle leisure battery is designed to provide a steady, low-level current over an extended period.
These batteries are commonly used in applications such as recreational vehicles, boats, and off-grid power systems. They are designed to be discharged deeply and recharged repeatedly.
The main difference between the two types of batteries is their internal construction. A vehicle battery has thin, highly conductive plates that allow it to deliver high current output quickly. In contrast, a deep-cycle battery has thicker plates designed to withstand repeated deep discharges and recharges.
Using a vehicle battery as a leisure battery can lead to a shorter lifespan for the battery. If you use a vehicle battery for applications that require a deep-cycle battery, you may find that it needs to be replaced more frequently.
The repeated deep discharges and recharges will cause the thin plates in the vehicle battery to deteriorate more quickly, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Another issue with using a vehicle battery as a leisure battery is that it may not have enough capacity to meet your power needs.
A leisure battery is designed to provide a steady, low-level current over an extended period, whereas a vehicle battery is designed to deliver a short burst of high power. If you try to use a vehicle battery for applications that require a deep cycle battery, you may find that it doesn’t have enough capacity to power your devices for as long as you need.
In conclusion, using a vehicle battery as a deep-cycle leisure battery is not recommended. The internal construction of these batteries is different, and they are designed for different purposes. Using a vehicle battery in applications that require a deep cycle battery can lead to a shorter lifespan for the battery and may not provide enough capacity to meet your power needs.
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