In stealth vanlife, powering your setup isn’t just a technical issue — it’s a strategic one. You want to stay invisible. No panels on the roof. No wires hanging. No signs that someone’s living inside.
That’s why I chose a simple and flexible setup that suits both my needs and my philosophy:
⚙️ My Setup
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🔋 Portable power station (like Jackery, Bluetti, EcoFlow, etc.)
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☀️ 100W portable solar panel, used only in remote or hidden locations
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💡 Rechargeable camping lanterns (USB-powered)
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🔌 No connection to the van’s original electrical system — fully isolated from the starter battery
📦 Why This Setup?
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Complete stealth: nothing visible from outside
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Mobility: I can move or hide the gear as needed
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Modular: start small, upgrade later
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No risk: the van’s battery is untouched — I’ll never get stranded
🔍 Common Power Setups — Pros and Cons
🔋 Fixed Auxiliary Battery (AGM or Lithium)
Pros:
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High power capacity
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Fully integrated and can stay hidden
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Can power large devices (fridge, heater, etc.)
Cons:
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Complex installation (relays, fuses, DC-DC chargers)
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Requires holes, wiring, and ventilation
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Can make noise or attract attention
☀️ Fixed Solar Panels on Roof
Pros:
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Constant, passive energy harvesting
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Good for long-term parking
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Higher output (200W or more)
Cons:
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Obvious — reveals it’s a camper
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Risk of theft or damage
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You can’t move them to chase the sun
🔌 Alternator Charging (via relay or booster)
Pros:
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Charges while driving
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Works in all weather
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Ideal for road trips and off-grid stays
Cons:
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Needs electrical modifications
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Risk of draining starter battery if misconfigured
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Usually requires a pro install
🌙 Lighting: Simple and Independent
I use USB-rechargeable camping lanterns:
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Run for days on one charge
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Magnetic, hanging, or handheld
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Recharge via power station or any USB plug
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No noise, no wiring, no attention
💭 Reflection
This setup isn’t about power — it’s about freedom.
It’s lightweight, discreet, and efficient. I know what I use, and when. I adapt to it.
No noise. No waste. No dependency.
It’s not the biggest system — it’s the one that makes sense for how I want to live:
Low profile. Low consumption. High autonomy.
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