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Quick answer: For most campervan owners, the Anker SOLIX C1000 (original) offers an excellent balance of capacity, appliance power and charging flexibility. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro suits compact vans and lighter travel, while the EcoFlow DELTA 2 is a capable expandable alternative.
A weekend road trip is easier when you can keep your fridge cold, charge your laptop and power your lights without running your engine. But buying the wrong power station can leave you short of energy—or carrying unnecessary weight. Here is how to choose.
Best portable power stations for van life: comparison
| Model | Battery capacity | Continuous AC output | Maximum solar input | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro | 768Wh | 800W | 220W | Compact campervans |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 (original) | 1,056Wh | 1,800W | 600W | Best overall balance |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 | 1,024Wh | 1,800W | 500W | Expandable storage |
These specifications are for the exact models named, not newer generations. Available capacity at AC outlets is lower than the nominal battery capacity because of conversion losses.
1. Anker SOLIX C1000: best overall for van life
The original Anker SOLIX C1000 combines a 1,056Wh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a 1,800W continuous AC inverter. That makes it useful for a campervan fridge, lights, laptops and occasional higher-power appliances—although heating and cooking equipment can still drain a 1kWh battery quickly.
It supports up to 600W solar input under suitable conditions. A compatible expansion battery can increase rated storage to 2,112Wh. At approximately 12.9kg, it belongs in a secure, ventilated storage position rather than being moved constantly.
Pros: versatile 1kWh-class capacity, strong inverter, solar input and expansion option. Cons: heavier than the RIVER 2 Pro, and high-power appliances shorten runtime.
Best for: regular road trippers and couples who need a fridge and several devices powered throughout the day.
See the original C1000 specifications from Anker. Do not confuse it with the C1000 Gen 2, which has different specifications.
2. EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro: best for small campervans
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro has a 768Wh LFP battery and 800W continuous AC output. Its smaller size makes it attractive for micro-campers, solo travellers and shorter trips. It can power phones, cameras, LED lights, laptops and suitable small appliances.
EcoFlow specifies up to 220W solar input. Its main limitation is capacity: if you run a fridge overnight and work on a laptop, you may need to recharge it every day. Always check the combined wattage of appliances before plugging them in.
Pros: easier to carry, useful for everyday electronics, LFP chemistry. Cons: lower capacity and inverter output, and no compatible expansion battery in the RIVER 2 series.
Best for: solo travellers, short breaks and vans where every centimetre of storage matters.
See the RIVER 2 Pro from EcoFlow.
3. EcoFlow DELTA 2: best expandable alternative
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 provides 1,024Wh capacity, 1,800W continuous AC output and up to 500W compatible solar input. It is a practical alternative to the Anker for powering several devices during road trips, and it supports an extra battery if you later need more stored energy.
It weighs approximately 12kg, so it is better suited to a dedicated storage area. As this is an older product generation, compare the current selling price, warranty and availability with newer models.
Pros: substantial capacity, powerful inverter and expansion options. Cons: bulky for small vans, and actual AC runtime will be lower than a simple capacity divided by wattage calculation.
Best for: longer stays and travellers who want to add battery storage later.
For a closer comparison, read our Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 vs EcoFlow DELTA 2 guide.
How much power does a campervan need per day?
Estimate energy use in watt-hours (Wh) by multiplying each appliance’s average watts by the hours it operates. The following is an illustration, not a measured appliance test:
| Appliance | Illustrative daily usage | Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor fridge | 35W average for 12 equivalent operating hours | 420Wh |
| LED lighting | 10W × 5 hours | 50Wh |
| Laptop | 50W × 2 hours | 100Wh |
| Phone and camera charging | Estimated | 40Wh |
| Total | 610Wh |
At 610Wh per day, the 768Wh RIVER 2 Pro may be tight after conversion losses and reserve are accounted for. A 1,024–1,056Wh model gives more breathing room, but even that may require daily recharging. Fridge consumption varies greatly with temperature and duty cycle.
For a step-by-step method, see What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need for Camping?.
How to recharge your power station on a road trip
Solar panels
Solar can extend your time away from mains electricity, but rated panel wattage is not guaranteed real-world output. Clouds, shade, panel angle and season matter. Confirm that the panel’s voltage and current match the power station’s supported input limits.
Read our solar charging guide before choosing a panel.
Charging while driving
A standard 12V accessory socket is convenient but often slow. Dedicated alternator charging may be faster, but only use equipment approved for your vehicle and power station, with appropriate installation and wiring.
Mains charging
Starting every journey with a fully charged battery is often the simplest strategy. Check the model’s charging settings and manual, especially when using the unit to power appliances while it charges.
What matters most when buying for van life?
Battery capacity versus inverter power
Watt-hours (Wh) describe stored energy. Watts (W) describe the amount of power delivered at once. A 1,800W inverter does not mean the battery stores 1,800Wh. Electric kettles and heaters can use up a 1kWh-class battery very quickly.
Size, weight and ventilation
Measure the storage compartment, secure the unit against movement while driving and keep cooling vents clear. Protect the unit from moisture and excess heat.
Battery chemistry and expandability
All three stations discussed use LFP batteries. Check each exact model’s warranty, cycle-life claim and expansion-battery compatibility before purchase.
Realistic fridge runtime
A compressor fridge cycles on and off. Its daily energy consumption matters more than the highest wattage printed on its label. If refrigeration is critical for medicine, use a dedicated monitored setup and a backup plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 1,000Wh power station enough for van life?
Often, for a weekend or for daily use when you can recharge regularly. It depends on your fridge, cooking habits, electronics and weather. Calculate your watt-hour demand first.
Can a portable power station run a campervan fridge overnight?
Many can, if the fridge’s starting and running requirements are within the unit’s limits. Actual runtime depends on temperature, fridge insulation and battery losses.
Should I buy more battery capacity or a solar panel?
Solar can be useful in sunny, unshaded conditions; extra storage may be more dependable in poor weather. A balanced setup is usually best for longer trips.
Final verdict: which should you buy?
Choose the Anker SOLIX C1000 for the best all-round mix of storage and power. Choose the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro for a lighter, smaller van setup. Consider the EcoFlow DELTA 2 if expandable storage and a competitive price are priorities.
Still comparing? See our best portable power stations for camping buying guide.
Editorial disclosure: This guide uses published product specifications and illustrative energy calculations, not hands-on tests. Manufacturer links are informational and are not represented as affiliate tracking links.