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What size power station do I need for van life?

Q: What size power station do I need for van life?

Plan on a power station with at least 8500 watt-hours of capacity and 270W continuous / 880W surge output to run this for 24 hours. A Expandable home backup (≈6,000Wh+) covers it, running the load about ~17 h on a charge.

A weekend off-grid in a van means keeping a 12V-style fridge cold, lights on, devices charged, and increasingly Starlink online — for a full day between charges. The fridge and Starlink are the two loads that actually move the number.

The load

Mini fridge — 90W running, 700W starting
LED lights (per room) — 30W running
Laptop — 65W running
Phone charger — 10W running
Starlink dish + router — 75W running, 100W starting

POWER PLATE5 LOADS · 24 H RUNTIME

Continuous draw

270 W

Startup surge

880 W

Energy for 24 h

7,624 Wh

Buy at least

8,500 Wh

Look for ≥8,500Wh capacity, ~270W continuous / 880W surge or better.

Field note: Size this around daily energy, not peak watts — then plan to refill it. A folding solar panel or a drive-time DC charge is what turns a one-day station into indefinite off-grid power. Starlink's standard dish is the hidden energy hog here; the Mini draws far less.

Right size: Expandable home backup (≈6,000Wh+) · 5,000W

Typical price $3,500-6,000+ · e.g. EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, Bluetti AC500 + B300S (stackable)

Backing up whole circuits through a transfer switch; add battery modules for days of autonomy, especially with solar. A home-backup system, not a grab-and-go unit. For 240V loads or true whole-home coverage, compare against a standby generator.

Runs this load ~17 h on a full charge.

See current prices on Amazon

This is a heavy or long load for battery power — plan on solar recharge or compare a fuel generator.

Adjust for your setup

Different loads or runtime? Uncheck and re-check below and drag the runtime slider — the plate recomputes live.

POWER PLATE5 LOADS · 24 H RUNTIME

Continuous draw

270 W

Startup surge

880 W

Energy for 24 h

7,624 Wh

Buy at least

8,500 Wh

Look for ≥8,500Wh capacity, ~270W continuous / 880W surge or better.

Capacity includes inverter loss (~15%) and a usable-charge margin, so the station isn't run flat. A solar panel or vehicle charge extends runtime past this number.

How long do you need to run it? 24 h

Kitchen Refrigerator (full-size) 300W run / 1500W start Mini fridge 90W run / 700W start Chest freezer 250W run / 1200W start Microwave (1000W) 1400W run Electric range (one burner) 1500W run Coffee maker (drip) 900W run Toaster 1100W run Electric kettle 1400W run Dishwasher 1300W run / 1500W start Instant Pot / multicooker 1000W run

Heating & cooling Window AC (5,000 BTU) 500W run / 1500W start Window AC (8,000 BTU) 800W run / 2200W start Window AC (12,000 BTU) 1100W run / 3000W start Central AC (3-ton) 3500W run / 8500W start Space heater (1500W) 1500W run Furnace blower fan (gas furnace) 600W run / 1600W start Heat pump (2-ton) 2500W run / 6000W start Box fan 100W run / 150W start Ceiling fan 75W run / 100W start

Pumps & well Sump pump (1/3 HP) 800W run / 1500W start Sump pump (1/2 HP) 1050W run / 2200W start Well pump (1/2 HP) 1000W run / 2100W start Well pump (1 HP) 2000W run / 4000W start Sewage ejector pump (1/2 HP) 1000W run / 2200W start

Electronics TV (55" LED) 80W run Wi-Fi router + modem 15W run Laptop 65W run Desktop PC + monitor 350W run / 400W start Phone charger 10W run Starlink dish + router 75W run / 100W start

Medical & safety CPAP machine 60W run Oxygen concentrator 350W run / 600W start

Lighting LED lights (per room) 30W run

Laundry Washing machine 700W run / 1600W start Clothes dryer (electric) 5000W run / 6000W start Clothes dryer (gas) 700W run / 1800W start

Household Garage door opener (1/2 HP) 550W run / 1200W start Water heater (electric tank) 4500W run EV charging (Level 1, 120V) 1400W run

Tools & outdoor Circular saw 1400W run / 2300W start Air compressor (1 HP) 1500W run / 3000W start Welder (140A MIG) 3500W run / 4000W start

RV & camping RV air conditioner (13,500 BTU) 1300W run / 2900W start RV converter/charger 500W run Electric griddle 1200W run Slow cooker 250W run

Power stations that fit

Right size: Expandable home backup (≈6,000Wh+) · 5,000W

Typical price $3,500-6,000+ · e.g. EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, Bluetti AC500 + B300S (stackable)

Runs this load ~17 h on a full charge.

See current prices on Amazon

This load is heavier or longer than portable stations cover well. Add solar recharge, shorten the runtime, or look at a fuel generator for sustained high-wattage loads.

This site earns commissions from qualifying purchases made through links to Amazon and other retailers, at no extra cost to you. Wattage figures are typical estimates — actual draw varies by model. Always verify against your appliance's nameplate, and consult a licensed electrician for any panel or hardwired connections.