Introduction
Are you tired of lugging around heavy gas canisters for your camping adventures? Needing to fill them – secure them and manage the volatility while using gas for cooking can be nerve racking for some.
For generations, Gas has really been the only viable, compact fuel source for cooking and heating other than firewood which is not always practical or not allowed in many places in Australia.
However, in the last few years we have seen 12v lithium battery solutions progress to the point where going Gas-Free for outback travel has become possible.
Many of our customers love the tried and tested gas systems we provide for cooking in our 1980 and Dual Wide Diesel Deluxe models. However, a few people don’t love the challenges that come with gas.
This article explores the practicalities and advancements of gas-free camping solutions, highlighting how the latest innovations like Trayon’s Gasless Camper is addressing some of the long-standing issues – offering a safer, simpler and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
The Rise of Electric Solutions
In recent years, technological advancements have paved the way for more sustainable and user-friendly camping solutions. The advent of 12v lithium battery technology has been a game-changer, providing reliable and long-lasting power that can support all the needs of modern campers – from lighting to cooking and even heating, all without the traditional reliance on gas.
Benefits of Induction Cooking
One of the compelling advantages of switching to a gasless camping setup is the efficiency and safety offered by induction cooking:
- Safety: No open flame reduces the risk of burns and fire.
- Efficiency: Cooks food faster using less energy. Heat transferred into the pot with minimal heat loss from environmental conditions (e.g. wind).
- Cleanliness: Smooth surface is easier to clean.
- Control: Allows for precise temperature control.
Pros and Cons of Going Gasless
Pros:
- Enhanced Safety: Avoid gas-related hazards such as leaks and fires.
- Convenience and Simplicity: Forget the hassles of gas canister management.
- Cost-Efficiency: Save on gas purchases and enjoy lower long-term expenses.
- Quiet Operation: Experience the tranquility of silent electric systems.
- Consistent Performance: Benefit from unwavering electric heat and power.
- Low Maintenance/Long Life: The battery management system looks after your battery and modern battery architecture means a very very long battery life.
- Redarc Red Vision: capability to be controlled through bluetooth on your phone
Cons:
- Initial Investment: Higher upfront costs compared to traditional gas setups.
- Increases Dependence on Power: Plan for recharging in remote off-grid areas.
- Weight and Space: Consider the space and weight of battery systems.
- Technology Familiarity: Acclimate to managing an electric power system.
- Climate and Weather Dependence: Ensure efficient solar charging even in less ideal conditions.
From a practical standpoint – the main adjustment is that you are increasing your reliance on 12V power. All your cooking would now be done via an induction cooktop through a large inverter. This means you need a much higher capacity battery bank then a traditional setup.
Even with a higher capacity battery bank you need to consider how you replenish that power source over the course of your trip. So it’s crucial you have adequate solar when you are off grid, along with other methods of charging such as DC-DC charging from the vehicle and a 240v AC inlet to charge at powered sites if need be.
Keep in mind that you do need pots and pans built specifically made for induction cooking.
How to Transition to Gas-Free Camping
Transitioning to gas-free camping with an electric setup can seem daunting at first. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can embrace the change smoothly and enjoy a more sustainable, safe and efficient outdoor experience. Here are some practical tips and considerations for making the switch:
Trip Planning and Preparation
- Assess Your Energy Needs: Before setting out, estimate the power requirements for your trip. Consider the duration of your stay, the gadgets you need to power, and your daily energy consumption.
- Route and Location Planning: Identify locations where you can recharge if necessary at powered sites if the weather isn’t great. While electric campers are designed for off-grid living, knowing your nearest power sources can provide peace of mind.
- Weather Considerations: Plan your trip with the weather in mind. Solar panels are less effective in cloudy conditions so additional planning may be required for energy management in less sunny environments.
- Emergency Preparedness: Always have a backup plan. Carry portable power banks for essential devices and research local services in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Energy Management
- Monitor Power Usage: Keep an eye on your energy consumption on the daily. So you can identify if you are using too much power.
- Conserve Energy: Adopt energy-saving habits such as turning off appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient lighting, and cooking efficiently.
- Utilise Solar Power: Make the most of your solar panels. Park your camper in sunny spots to maximize solar charging and adjust the panels as needed to catch optimal sunlight.
- Balance Appliance Use: Spread out the use of high-power appliances throughout the day to avoid overwhelming the battery system.
Appliance Selection and Usage
- Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances: Opt for appliances designed for low power consumption. This includes LED lighting, energy-efficient refrigerators and induction cooktops.
- Understand Appliance Power Requirements: Familiarise yourself with the energy needs of your appliances. Knowing which items consume the most power can help you manage your energy resources better.
- Cooking with Induction: Embrace the benefits of induction cooking. It’s faster and more efficient than traditional methods but remember that it requires compatible cookware and uses significant energy on demand.
Trayon’s Approach to Gasless Camping
Trayon embraces innovation while honouring our proven design principles. Our slide-on campers, suitable for 4WD utes, are tailored for Australia’s rugged landscapes. They offer a lightweight and robust solution for adventurers preferring not to tow. And is often the camper of choice for remote Australia.
Our design philosophy since 1994 has been to build campers that stand the test of time. We now integrate modern lithium battery technology and efficient solar panels, providing a dependable, gas-free power source. The Trayon platform is one of the longest running, unchanged camping platforms in Australia.
Our gasless campers maintain Trayon’s signature durability while incorporating new technology for energy efficiency. This approach ensures a smooth transition for those used to traditional camping, by replacing gas dependencies with advanced electric solutions, catering to the needs of modern outdoor exploration.
Innovative Features and Capabilities
Trayon’s gasless camper is equipped with state-of-the-art features that ensure comfort, convenience, and autonomy that have undergone extensive field trials for over 2 years and provides:
- High-Capacity LifePo4 Battery Bank (Up to 600Ah): Powers all onboard appliances and systems, designed for extended off-grid adventures.
- Charging Options: Being able to charge with these three flexible options:
- Charge while driving: Run your car and keep the battery system charged
- Charge via standard GPO: Keep topped up at home, or fully charged at powered sites.
- Charge via the sun: High capacity, compact solar charging, up to 420 watts.
- Built in Inverter: Up to 3000w on-demand inverter to run home appliances.
- Induction Cooking: Offers a safer, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to traditional gas stoves.
- Smart Energy Management: Systems in place to monitor and optimise power usage, ensuring campers can maximise their off-grid capabilities.
- Digital Switching: Convenient control over the campers lighting and electrical systems via a touch screen inside the camper as well as on mobile.
Trayon Gasless Models
A Gasless Camper can be ordered as a Trayon 1980 (for single/extra cab utes) and Dual-Wide (for dual cab utes) Diesel-Deluxe variants (only). Which means the hot water system and the cabin heating is still provided by the diesel heater.
However, the cooking, lighting and accessories all run off the 600Ah lithium battery bank.
This means the Gas cooktop/grille is gone and the Gas locker / storage space is now open storage. And where the gas cooktop was mounted above the fridge is now a open benchtop inside the camper along with an additional pull out drawer above the fridge.
We also wire in popup 240v points in the camper to give you ample access to power. The same popup outlet also has wireless charging for your phone and additional USB-C and USB-A charging ports for your devices.
And now you would use a portable dual plate induction cooktop which can be used either on the inside or outside of the camper.
Since you no longer have the gas grille that came with the original gas system, the 3000 watt inverter gives you the option to also add a toaster or sandwich press to your setup.
We also provide a screen with digital switching which allows you to control:
- Turn on/off and dim lighting
- Turn on/off the inverter
- Turn on/off the water pump
- Turn on/of diesel heating
Just to name a few…
You can download the app onto your Apple or Android device and connect via bluetooth to your camper to control devices. Along with monitoring your battery system (charge state and solar input) you can also see the level of your water tank.
Keep in mind that although removing gas has many benefits, one of those is removing the weight of carrying the 9kg Gas bottle from your vehicle’s payload – adding a 600Ah battery bank adds weight. So our Gasless Diesel-Deluxe camper is heavier than the normal Diesel-Deluxe variants.
None-the less our Gasless camper is gaining popularity as it allows you to do away with Gas while increasing modern day conveniences during long term camping trips.
Following in the Trayon design principles that are tried and tested since 1994 – The added weight in the camper is placed in front of the rear axle of the vehicle ensuring that the center of gravity stays as low as possible and keeps your weight distribution as forward as possible to reduce unnecessary strain on your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
Conclusion:
Embracing the gasless lifestyle with Trayon’s Gasless Camper marks the beginning of a new era in outdoor exploration. By minimising gas dependency, we alleviate the common concerns associated with gas usage and transportation which inturn provides peace of mind for those apprehensive about fuel safety. The switch also introduces the superior convenience and efficiency of induction cooking and enhanced overall charging conveniences and removes one more fuel type from your camp setup which simplifies your camp life.
Our commitment to innovation combined with our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that every adventure with a Trayon camper is not just a journey but a safe and reliable adventure of a lifetime
Download our brochure and pricing information now and take the first step towards a cleaner, more efficient camping experience with Trayon’s Gasless Campers.