🌙 Off-Grid Adventures – Freedom Without the Hook-Up
One of the great things about the Moonlight Adventures Trekker X is the freedom to get away from campsites and enjoy a few days completely off-grid.
Our van has been upgraded specifically to make off-grid camping as easy and comfortable as possible, with a 235-watt upgraded solar panel, upgraded solar charging system and a 160Ah lithium leisure battery.
With sensible energy use and reasonable weather conditions, a couple of days off-grid is more than achievable – and it can be a fantastic way to experience the freedom of campervan travel.
☀️ But there is a little bit of responsibility involved…
When you're connected to an electric hook-up, you don't really need to think about how much electricity you're using. Off-grid, things are a little different.
The solar panel continually puts energy back into the battery when there is sufficient daylight, but the amount of energy generated depends on the weather, time of year and available sunlight. At the same time, everything you use in the van takes energy from the battery.
Therefore, when camping off-grid, we simply ask you to be mindful of your electricity consumption.
Things such as:
- 💡 Using the lights when you need them
- 📺 Watching the TV sensibly rather than leaving it running for hours
- 🔌 Avoiding unnecessary use of electrical appliances
- 🔋 Keeping an eye on the battery level
- ☀️ Making the most of sunny daylight hours when the solar system is charging
Small changes make a big difference.
🔥 Heating – We've Got You Covered
We've also upgraded the Trekker X with an Autoterm diesel heater, giving you another very efficient option when you're off-grid.
The heater takes a small amount of diesel directly from the van's main fuel tank and uses very little electrical power compared with many other heating options.
If you're connected to an electric hook-up, you can use the electric heating provided in the van.
However, when you're off-grid, the Autoterm diesel heater is by far the most economical way to heat the van, rather than relying on LPG gas.
🔥 Efficiency
The Autoterm heater takes a small amount of diesel directly from the campervan’s main fuel tank, so there’s no separate fuel tank to fill or carry.
How much diesel does it use?
The amount of fuel used depends on the temperature and the heat setting:
- Low heat: approximately 0.10–0.12 litres per hour
- Medium heat: approximately 0.15–0.18 litres per hour
- Maximum 2kW output: approximately 0.24 litres per hour
In normal overnight use, the heater will usually cycle on and off rather than run continuously, so typical consumption is around 1–3 litres of diesel over a 24-hour period, depending on outside temperature and how warm you like the van.
🌙 The Golden Rule of Off-Grid Camping
Think of the battery like the fuel tank for your electrical system.
What goes in depends on the sun. What comes out depends on what you use.
If it's a bright sunny day and you're sensible with your electricity consumption, the solar system can put a good amount of energy back into the battery.
If it's several days of poor weather, however, solar generation will be reduced – so you'll need to be a little more careful with your usage.
🏕️ Enjoy the Freedom
Off-grid camping isn't about going without. It's about using what you need, being a little more conscious of your energy consumption and enjoying the freedom that comes with not being tied to a campsite hook-up.
Our Trekker X is well equipped to give you that freedom, and for most hirers, a couple of nights away from an electric hook-up is perfectly achievable.
Just remember
☀️ Let the sun put it in.
🔋 Keep an eye on the battery.
💡 Use only what you need.
🔥 Use the diesel heater when off-grid.
🌙 And enjoy the freedom.
