Van life is a lifestyle that many people dream of, but also one that comes with some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is how to power your devices and appliances while living off the grid. You need a reliable and efficient power source that can keep your fridge, lights, fan, laptop, phone, and other essentials running without draining your vehicle’s battery or relying on noisy generators.
That’s where Goal Zero power stations come in. Goal Zero is a leading brand in the portable power industry, offering a range of power stations that can store and deliver electricity from various sources, such as solar panels, wall outlets, or car chargers. Goal Zero power stations are designed to be rugged, versatile, and easy to use, making them ideal for van life.
But which Goal Zero power station is the best for van life? That depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Goal Zero power stations vary in size, capacity, output, features, and price. To help you choose the best Goal Zero power station for van life, we’ve selected three of the most popular and highly-rated products from the brand and compared them based on their features, performance, and value. Here they are:
Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium: Best Overall Power Station for Van Life
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium is a powerful and versatile power station that can handle almost any device or appliance you need in your van. It has a massive 1425Wh (132Ah) capacity, which can run a 60W laptop for over 20 hours, or a mini fridge for over 10 hours. It also has a peak output of 3000W (1500W continuous), which can power most household appliances and tools.
The Yeti 1400 Lithium has multiple ports and outlets to charge your devices and appliances. It has two AC outlets (pure sine wave), four USB-A ports (two with Quick Charge), two USB-C ports (one with Power Delivery), one 12V car port, one 6mm port, one 12V Power Pole port, and one Anderson Power Pole input/output port. It also has a built-in MPPT charge controller that optimizes the charging efficiency from solar panels.
The Yeti 1400 Lithium is easy to use and monitor, thanks to its LCD screen and buttons. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity and app control that allow you to check the battery level, input/output status, firmware updates, and customer service from your phone. You can also connect the Yeti 1400 Lithium to other compatible Goal Zero power stations or external batteries to expand the capacity and output.
Pros
- Huge capacity and output
- Multiple ports and outlets
- Built-in MPPT charge controller
- Wi-Fi connectivity and app control
- Expandable with other Goal Zero products
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Expensive
- No wireless charging option
Goal Zero Yeti 500X: Best Midsize Power Station for Van Life
The Goal Zero Yeti 500X is a great midsize power station that offers a lot of features for a reasonable price. It has a decent 505Wh (46Ah) capacity, which can run a 60W laptop for over seven hours, or a mini fridge for over four hours. It also has a peak output of 1200W (300W continuous), which can power most small appliances and gadgets.
The Yeti 500X has several ports and outlets to charge your devices and appliances. It has two AC outlets (pure sine wave), two USB-A ports (one with Quick Charge), one USB-C port (with Power Delivery), one USB-C PD input/output port (with Power Delivery), one 12V car port, one 6mm port, and one Anderson Power Pole input/output port. It also has a built-in MPPT charge controller that optimizes the charging efficiency from solar panels.
The Yeti 500X is simple and convenient to use and monitor, thanks to its LCD screen and buttons. It also has an integrated LED flashlight that can provide light in case of emergencies or dark situations. You can also connect the Yeti 500X to other compatible Goal Zero power stations or external batteries to expand the capacity and output.
Pros
- Good capacity and output
- Several ports and outlets
- Built-in MPPT charge controller
- Integrated LED flashlight
- Expandable with other Goal Zero products
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or app control
- No wireless charging option
Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD: Best Compact Power Station for Van Life
The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD is a portable and lightweight power station that can charge your devices quickly and efficiently. It has a modest 94Wh (25Ah) capacity, which can charge a smartphone about eight times, or a laptop about two times. It also has a peak output of 60W, which can power most USB-powered devices, such as phones, tablets, cameras, and laptops.
The Sherpa 100PD has several ports and outlets to charge your devices. It has one AC outlet (pure sine wave), two USB-A ports (one with Quick Charge), two USB-C ports (one with Power Delivery), and one wireless charging pad that can charge Qi-compatible devices at up to 5W. It also has a built-in battery management system that protects the power station from overcharging, overcurrent, and short circuits.
The Sherpa 100PD is compact and easy to use and monitor, thanks to its OLED screen and buttons. It also has a fast-charging feature that can recharge the power station in about three hours from any USB port or compatible solar panel. You can also connect the Sherpa 100PD to other compatible Goal Zero power stations or external batteries to expand the capacity and output.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Several ports and outlets
- Wireless charging pad
- Fast-charging feature
- Built-in battery management system
Cons
- Limited capacity and output
- No MPPT charge controller
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or app control
Conclusion
Goal Zero power stations are some of the best options for van life, as they provide reliable and efficient power for your devices and appliances while living off the grid. They are also rugged, versatile, and easy to use, making them ideal for van life.
We’ve reviewed three of the best Goal Zero power stations for van life: the Yeti 1400 Lithium, the Yeti 500X, and the Sherpa 100PD. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on your needs and budget.
But whichever one you choose, you can be sure that you’ll have enough power for your van life adventures. So go ahead and order one today, and enjoy the freedom and comfort of Goal Zero. You’ll thank us later.
