RV FEATURE
Charging devices stored in the car .
We have a number of batterypowered devices in the car that we use on a daily basis . It is essential these are kept fully charged . All the USB ports in the car are being used to power the dash camera , the HEMA Navigator and my wife ’ s mobile phone , so recharging these items often gets overlooked .
Now I use the 20W BEAM Outback solar charger and its twin USB outlets to charge my ZOLEO Global Satellite Communicator and my Uniden handheld UHF radio when we ’ ve parked up for the day . The solar panel sits on the dashboard and the equipment is kept on the centre console out of the direct sun .
Now our ZOLEO is always charged up for when we need it and the UHF radio is good to go for when my wife guides me reversing into the next campsite .
Should you buy the BEAM Outback Solar USB chargers ?
If you ’ re into hiking , bushwalking or 4WDing , you will absolutely find a use for the BEAM Outback solar USB chargers . It didn ’ t take me long to realise they have a very real purpose and can be used in a variety of situations any traveller may find themselves in .
The sheer proliferation and reliance on battery-powered devices means there will always be times when you need an alternative to a USB charger plugged into a 240V mains outlet , and the BEAM Outback solar USB chargers are just the thing for those times .
If you have some form of emergency communications device that is USB-recharged , then using one of the BEAM Outback range will ensure it is charged up and ready to go when you need it the most .
Personally , I ’ ve got the most use out of the 6W and the 20W panels . That said , if I only had the 11W panel , I wouldn ’ t be concerned as it would still meet most of my needs .
Whichever one ( or more ) you buy , you can be assured they are an excellent product that is well designed for our conditions . They are small and lightweight so they are easy to carry and store . The carabiners and power cords supplied are also top quality and should last the lifetime of the panels .
If you rely on battery-powered devices during your travels , the BEAM Outback solar USB chargers are a great investment .