There’s something incredibly freeing about heading out in an off grid campervan with no campsite bookings, no electric hook-up, and no fixed itinerary. Whether you’re parking up in the Scottish Highlands, tucked away in Snowdonia, or enjoying a quiet coastal sunrise in Cornwall, off grid camping gives you complete independence.
But true off grid camping requires more than just a full tank of fuel and a sense of adventure. To stay comfortable and self-sufficient, your campervan needs the right setup.
In this blog, we’ll take a deeper dive into what makes the best off grid campervans and the essential equipment you’ll need to travel confidently. If you’ve recently bought a campervan from us here at camper_versions, and you’ve been considering an off grid camping trip for a while, this guide will give you a better understanding at how to enjoy your adventure comfortably.
What is off grid camping?
Off grid camping essentially means camping without relying on external services such as electric hook-up points, campsite facilities, or mains water connections. Instead, your campervan generates and stores its own power, carries its own water supply, and provides everything you need to live independently for days – or even weeks.
Going off grid typically means:
- Producing electricity via solar panels
- Storing power in leisure batteries
- Using gas for cooking and heating
- Managing fresh and waste water supplies
- Planning food and refrigeration efficiently
Off grid camping is popular because it gives you flexibility. You’re not restricted to campsites, you can stay in more remote locations, and you can often reduce travel costs. Off grid camping is also closely linked with wild camping, although the two aren’t exactly the same. If you’re unsure what wild camping is, our guide explains how it works, what to consider and whether it’s right for you.
What is the best off grid campervan?
The best off grid campervan isn’t necessarily the biggest or the most expensive. It’s the one that’s properly equipped for self-sufficient travel.
Modern off grid campervans – and all of our campervans here at camper_versions – are typically built on reliable based vehicles such as the VW T6 or T6.1, offering strong performance and efficient engines. But the real difference lies in the conversion.
A well-prepared off grid campervan should include a few key elements. As standard, all of our campervans come with:
- A robust electrical system with solar integration
- A high-capacity leisure battery setup
- Efficient insulation and heating
- A practical kitchen layout
- Adequate storage for longer trips
If you’re travelling as a couple and you want flexibility and easier parking, a short wheelbase (SWB) vehicle is an ideal option. On the other hand, long wheelbase (LWB) vehicles do give more internal space, which is ideal for extended off grid camping.
Ultimately, the best campervan for off grid travel is one that balances comfort, practicality, and power capacity. A professionally converted van, like ours here at camper_versions, ensures your systems are safe, compliant, and built to handle real-world use.
Essential equipment for off grid camping
When it comes to off grid camping equipment, your main focuses should be on power, heating, cooking, and long-term sustainability. Here are some of the key equipment to ensure you have for your off grid trips.
Solar panels
Solar panels are the backbone of any off grid campervan setup. They allow you to generate renewable electricity directly from sunlight, which reduces your reliance on campsites.
Roof-mounted solar panels are the most common solution, and for most off grid campervans, a 100W to 200W system provides a solid foundation. Larger systems are ideal if you plan to power multiple appliances such as fridges, laptops, and lighting.
You can pair your solar system with a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller to ensure efficient energy conversion and better battery performance – which is especially beneficial given that sunlight in the UK can be inconsistent.
Inverter
An inverter converts 12V battery power into 230V mains electricity, which allows you to run small household appliances inside your campervan.
However, choosing the right inverter size is important. A 1000W inverter is suitable for most campervan setups, but if you have higher-demand appliances, a 2000W system is probably a better option. It’s worth combining your inverter capacity with your battery and solar setup as this will help avoid draining power too quickly.
For many off grid campervans, a pure sine wave inverter is typically recommended, as it provides stable, clean power that protects sensitive electronics. Choosing lower-powered campervan appliances can also help reduce the strain on your electrical setup and make your available battery power last longer when travelling off grid.
At camper_versions, our campers are fitted with a Powerbank – the Anker Solix C1000 – which is an alternative to an inverter. This compact lithium battery, 1056Wh portable power station, delivers 1800W (2400W surge) output. It recharges from the mains in less than an hour (0-100% in 58 mins) and means you can power 230v appliances whilst off grid with ease. It also has an additional foldable solar panel, so you can recharge whilst you’re off grid. It’s also very lightweight, so moving it from your living area space to an awning is easy to do.
Leisure battery
Your leisure battery is what stores the energy generated by your solar panels or alternator. It’s arguably the most important component of any off grid campervan electrical system.
There are two main types commonly used, which are:
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries
- Lithium batteries
AGM batteries are more affordable and widely used, but lithium batteries are lighter, charge faster, and provide deeper discharge cycles, which makes them ideal for serious off grid camping.
If you’re planning extended trips without an electric hook-up, investing in a high-capacity lithium battery is your go-top option. Many off grid campervans now use 100Ah to 200Ah lithium setups to ensure reliable performance.
We’d also recommend that your electrical system includes battery monitoring so you can track your usage and avoid unexpected power losses.
Self-refillable LPG gas tanks
When camping off grid, gas is essential for cooking, heating, and sometimes hot water. Traditional gas bottles work, but self-refillable LPG gas tanks offer a more convenient and cost-effective long-term solution.
Refillable LPG systems allow you to top up at fuel stations across the UK and Europe, which avoids the hassle of having to swap bottles.
Combining LPG gas with a diesel heater (such Eberspächer or Webasto) also creates a reliable heating and cooking setup that doesn’t solely rely on electricity.
What are some other essential camping equipment to have?
As well as the above key off grid systems, there are a range of additional off grid camping equipment that you should consider having for your travels. These include:
- Portable water containers
- LED lighting
- Insulated window covers
- A portable toilet
- Folding outdoor tables and chairs
While these extras aren’t strictly electrical components, they can greatly improve your comfort when staying away from campsites.
Ready to find your dream off grid campervan?
If you’re planning more independent adventures, you should consider investing in a properly equipped, professionally converted off grid campervan as they can make all the difference in comfort.
At camper_versions, we build and offer high-spec campervans that are designed with real-world travel in mind. Whether you opt for one of our conversion packages or you want a bespoke build tailored to your adventure style, we can help you create a van conversion that gives you true freedom.
Be sure to take a look at our huge range of campervans for sale today – some of which are ready to drive away and all are ready to go off grid. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about creating your ideal off grid campervan.
Off grid campervan equipment FAQs
Do I need solar panels for off grid camping?
While solar panels aren’t mandatory, they’re highly recommended for serious off grid camping. Solar panels allow you to recharge your leisure battery without running the engine or visiting a campsite. For most off grid campervans, a 100W-200W solar setup provides a reliable source of renewable energy.
What size leisure battery do I need for an off grid campervan?
For basic off grid camping, a 100Ah leisure battery may be sufficient. However, if you plan to power a fridge, inverter, lighting, and other devices, a lithium battery between 100Ah and 200Ah is often recommended. Lithium batteries provide more usable power and are ideal for extended off grid travel.
Can you use a microwave in an off grid campervan?
Yes, but only if you have a sufficiently powerful inverter and battery system or Powerbank. Microwaves usually require high wattage, so you’ll need a strong inverter (often 1000W-2000W and adequate battery capacity. Many off grid campers prefer gas cooking to reduce electrical demand.
Are VW campervans good for off grid camping?
Yes, VW campervans – particularly the T6 and T6.1 – are excellent bases for off grid campervan conversions. They offer reliable engines, efficient fuel economy, and enough space for solar panels, lithium batteries, and LPG systems, making them ideal for self-sufficient travel.