RV/Van Life Off-Grid Duration Calculator
Created by: Lucas Grant
Last updated:
Calculate how long you can camp off-grid in your RV or van by analyzing all your limited resources. This calculator determines your battery power, water, propane, and waste tank duration to identify your limiting factor and maximum boondocking time.
What is an RV/Van Life Off-Grid Duration Calculator?
An Off-Grid Duration Calculator helps RV and van owners determine how long they can camp without hookups by analyzing all limited resources: battery power, water, propane, and waste tank capacity. This tool identifies your limiting factor and calculates maximum boondocking time.
Whether you're planning a desert adventure, forest retreat, or just want to understand your self-sufficiency capabilities, this calculator helps you prepare for extended off-grid stays and identifies which systems to upgrade for longer duration.
Understanding Off-Grid Resources
Power: Battery capacity minus daily usage, supplemented by solar
Water: Fresh tank capacity divided by daily consumption
Propane: Tank capacity divided by cooking and heating usage
Waste: Black and gray tank capacity vs daily waste production
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay off-grid in my RV or van?
Off-grid duration depends on your limiting resource - usually water, power, or waste capacity. A well-equipped van with 200Ah batteries, 400W solar, 30 gallons water, and 15-gallon black tank can typically stay 5-7 days comfortably. Larger RVs may go longer or shorter depending on systems.
What usually runs out first when boondocking?
Water is typically the limiting factor, lasting 3-7 days for most setups. Black tank fills next for most people. Power with adequate solar is usually sustainable indefinitely in sunny conditions. Propane lasts weeks to months depending on heating needs.
How do I extend my off-grid duration?
Conserve water: use public restrooms, take navy showers, use paper plates. Extend power: add solar, increase battery capacity. For waste: use campground restrooms, reduce water use. Bring extra propane tanks. The key is identifying and addressing your limiting factor.
How much water do I need per person per day?
Conservative van lifers use 2-3 gallons per person daily. Moderate use is 4-6 gallons. Full RV living with regular showers uses 10-15 gallons. Factors include shower frequency, dish washing, toilet type, and whether you cook with water frequently.
Can solar panels fully sustain my power needs?
Yes, if solar production exceeds daily consumption. You need roughly 1W of solar for each watt-hour of daily use divided by sun hours. So 50Ah daily use at 12V (600Wh) needs 600Wh ÷ 5 sun hours = 120W+ of solar. Add 20-30% buffer for inefficiencies.
How long does propane last when boondocking?
A 20lb propane tank holds about 4.7 gallons. Cooking uses 0.1-0.2 lbs/day. Hot water heater uses 0.5-1 lb/hour when running. Furnace uses 0.5-1.5 lbs/hour. Summer: 20lbs lasts 3-4 weeks. Winter with heating: 20lbs lasts 5-10 days.
What's the relationship between gray and black tank duration?
Gray water (sinks, shower) typically fills 2-3x faster than black water (toilet). If you wash dishes and shower in your rig, gray often limits before black. Using minimal-water showers and wiping dishes before washing extends both.
Should I plan for worst-case or average conditions?
Plan for average conditions but have contingencies for worst-case. Know where dump stations and water fills are along your route. Carry extra water containers for emergencies. Have battery power for 2-3 cloudy days. Don't cut it too close on any resource.
Sources and References
- Mortons on the Move - Full-Time RV Living Resource Guide
- Gone with the Wynns - Van Life Systems Analysis
- Technomadia - Off-Grid RV Power Systems
- Campendium - Boondocking Resources Database