Mastering Self-Sufficiency In Your Camper: A Guide

Self-sufficient camping is a great way to explore the world and save money. It allows campers to stay away from towns and shops for weeks, giving them the freedom to camp in remote locations without relying on external providers of utilities. To become a self-sufficient camper, you will need to ensure you have access to clean drinking water, a toilet, a shower, lighting, power, and food. You will also need to consider how to deal with waste and how to stay warm.

Solar panels and power sources

Solar panels are a key component of a self-sufficient camper setup. They allow you to generate your own electricity and can be combined with a 12V leisure battery to provide an efficient power supply when the engine is off. This setup gives you the freedom to stop wherever you like and still have power for your appliances, without needing to rely on external power sources.

Solar panels come in a variety of formats, from fixed to 'free' designs. Fixed panels are mounted onto the roof of your camper, while 'free' panels can be moved around to maximise charging. With a fixed panel, you may find yourself constantly adjusting the angle of your camper to charge up, whereas a 'free' panel offers more flexibility.

When choosing solar panels, it's important to consider the wattage and size. A higher wattage will provide more power, but also take up more space. Additionally, you'll need to ensure your panels are properly secured, especially if you plan on mounting them on the roof.

In addition to solar panels, you can also invest in portable solar power banks or generators to supplement your energy needs. These can be useful if you're experiencing cloudy or rainy weather, which can reduce the effectiveness of your solar panels.

Another important consideration is battery storage. Deep cycle AGM batteries are commonly used in camper setups and can store the energy generated by your solar panels. It's important to calculate your energy needs and ensure you have sufficient battery capacity to power your appliances.

Properly equipped, a self-sufficient camper can remain off-the-grid for extended periods, potentially even indefinitely. This allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of camping in remote locations without sacrificing modern comforts and amenities.

Water storage and purification

Water is essential for drinking, bathing, and cleaning, so it is important to have a good water storage and purification system when camping.

The amount of water you need to carry depends on how many people are camping and how long you will be camping for. As a general rule, you should take anywhere from 3 to 15 litres of water per person per day. If you are planning on having showers, you will need a lot more than that. Water is heavy, so it is important to plan and calculate how much water you will need.

There are a few different options for storing water when camping. Jerry cans and water bottles are a cheap and straightforward option. For a more permanent solution, you can invest in a water tank or bladder. These can be installed in your camper and will provide a larger water storage capacity.

If you are camping near a creek, river, or lake, you can use this water for dishwashing and showers. However, it is important to treat this water before drinking it. Boiling the water will remove most harmful products, or you can use a water filter or purifier.

To ensure you have access to clean drinking water, it is a good idea to bring some water purification tablets or a portable water filtration system. This will allow you to treat water from natural sources and make it safe to drink.

When camping, it is important to conserve water as much as possible. This can be done by using water efficiency practices, such as only running the dishwasher or washing machine when they are full, and taking shorter showers.

It is also important to properly dispose of greywater and wastewater. Greywater is the water that comes from your dishwasher, washing machine, and shower. This water can be disposed of in a road drain or a greywater tank. Blackwater, or wastewater, is the water that comes from your toilet. This water needs to be disposed of in a blackwater tank or by digging a hole and burying it.

Waste management

Grey Water Management:

• Use only environmentally friendly, biodegradable products for washing dishes and taking showers. This helps to minimise the environmental impact of grey water disposal.
• If there is no specific waste disposal site available, grey water can be disposed of in a road drain.
• Consider collecting grey water in a tank or jerry can and disposing of it responsibly when you have the opportunity. This is especially important in environmentally sensitive areas.

Black Water Waste Management:

• The most common option for black water waste management is a cassette-type chemical toilet. These toilets need to be emptied regularly, and the waste should be disposed of at designated dump stations or campsites, usually for a small fee.
• Another option is a portable potty, which is more compact and can be stored discreetly in your campervan.
• In remote locations without access to dump stations, burying human waste is an option. However, it is important to do this responsibly by digging a hole at least 50 metres away from any water sources, ensuring the hole is 6-8 inches deep, and properly disposing of toilet paper.
• Composting toilets and incinerating toilets are waterless options that eliminate the need for a black water tank, as they do not require any water for operation or flushing.

General Waste Management Tips:

• Always follow the "leave no trace" principle when camping. This means leaving your campsite exactly as you found it and taking all your rubbish with you when you leave.
• Plan ahead and ensure you have sufficient storage capacity for your waste, including both solid rubbish and wastewater.
• Be mindful of the impact of your waste on the environment and other campers. Respect the natural surroundings and do your part to preserve and protect the area.

Food refrigeration and cooking

When it comes to food refrigeration and cooking, there are a few things to consider when setting up your campervan for self-sufficient travel. Firstly, think about the types of food you want to eat. Non-perishable foods are a convenient option as they do not require refrigeration and can save time and money. These include foods such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, canned goods, and pre-packaged meals. If you do want to bring perishable foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, or dairy, you will need to invest in a reliable refrigeration system.

For refrigeration, a portable cooler is an option, but it can be bulky and may not provide enough space. A mini-fridge is a more convenient choice as it takes up less space and can run on different power sources. If you have a larger camper trailer, consider a bigger fridge or even a separate freezer to increase your food storage capacity. This will allow you to bring more perishable items such as meat, fish, and dairy products. Additionally, having a separate freezer gives you the option to pre-make meals and sauces to save time during your trip.

For cooking, a two-ring gas hob is a common choice for campervans as it is compact and efficient. It allows you to prepare a variety of meals, from scrambled eggs to stir-fries. If you prefer cooking outdoors, a portable BBQ is a great option. Just be sure to pack the necessary utensils and cookware for your chosen cooking method.

When planning your meals, consider the duration of your trip and the amount of food you will need. For longer trips, you may want to bring more non-perishable items to reduce the burden of constantly restocking fresh produce. Additionally, think about the weight and bulkiness of the food items. For example, bread can easily get squished during transit, so you might opt for alternatives like pita bread, tortillas, or dinner rolls.

Lastly, don't forget to bring condiments and seasonings to add flavour to your meals. Condiment packets from fast-food restaurants can be handy, and basic seasonings like salt and pepper are essential. With some planning and the right equipment, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals even when camping off the grid.

Campervan etiquette

• Waving to other campervans: Some people enjoy the social aspect of campervanning and will wave to every campervan they pass. Others find this tiresome and would rather not wave. If you feel like waving, go for it! But don't expect everyone to wave back.
• Letting other drivers pass: If you're driving slowly and a queue of vehicles builds up behind you, pull over when it's safe to let them pass.
• Campsite selection: If you're travelling with children, make sure the campsite is kid-friendly. If you're bringing a dog, check that the campsite is pet-friendly and keep your dog on a leash if required.
• Noise: Be mindful of noise levels, especially at night or during designated quiet hours. If you're playing music, keep it at a reasonable volume and turn it off later in the evening.
• Campfires: Check with the site owner or other campers if campfires are allowed. Some campsites may have portable fire pits to prevent damage to the grass. Never cut down living trees for firewood, and make sure your campfire is fully extinguished before going to bed.
• Waste disposal: Dispose of your waste responsibly. Find out the recycling rules at your campsite and separate your waste accordingly. If the campsite doesn't offer recycling, consider taking your waste to a recycling centre. Always leave your pitch clean and tidy.
• Wild camping: Wild camping is generally illegal in England and Wales, but it may be permitted with the landowner's permission. In Scotland, wild camping is allowed almost anywhere thanks to right-to-roam laws. Leave no trace, respect wildlife, and don't light any fires.
• Socialising: Be friendly and cordial towards your fellow campers. Invite neighbours over for a drink or a game, but also respect their privacy if they seem to want some space.
• Privacy: Give other campers their space by leaving a good amount of room between your campervan and theirs, especially if there are no designated parking areas.
• Games: Feel free to set up games like cricket or ring toss, but make sure you're not too close to anyone's campsite. Avoid games that involve balls near tents or campervans to prevent accidental damage.
• Cleanliness: Keep the campsite clean and tidy. Collect your rubbish and dispose of it properly, either at the campsite bins or by taking it with you to the next bin you see. Clean up after your meals and leave the facilities in good condition for other campers.

Frequently asked questions