Getting some grub cooked up using our solar power system

On the road with Rolling With The Whitneys, usually involves cooking with solar power. There are lots of times when we want to stop fix lunch or just take a break. This is usually at a rest stop or some kind of park along the way. Got to stretch the legs and fill the belly. A man has gotta eat!

None of these places offer or do we find electrical outlets or any kind of electricity. Luckily we have 320 watts of RV solar on our van that allows us the freedom to use solar power to accomplish most of our goals in a rest stop.

Here are the things to know along the way if you plan on cooking with solar power in a rest stop:
Not all rest stops have security – this is an important consideration especially if it is late at night. We travel with children and usually try to not stay at rest stops that do not offer security. There are more secure areas to dry Camp including staying in Walmart parking lot or BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands or other types of arrangements.

When we stay in a rest stop for a short period of time to make lunch we often consider what items that we want to cook so we can minimize the amount of power that we will use.

For example, if we were making grilled cheese sandwiches we would probably use our induction cooktop plug it into our inverter charger and use our battery bank. This would be an especially useful choice if we have great weather and a whole day of charging ahead of us.

Solar Tip: Always try to use your heavy loads early in the day. This allows more charge time for your batteries to recover.

Always be very mindful of the nature of a rest stop with people coming an going. Lots of animals can be out and there will often be a lot of activity. We usually keep our kids reading at a table or in their seats while we prepare lunch. Rest stops are great for many reasons like bathrooms and stretching out the old legs, but keep in mind the random comings and goings.

We are using the Solar Elite Charging System in our van. It the solar kit that has two 190 watt solar panels with the IC-2000 inverter. You can check out the this kit and other in the links below.

When camping, having the right cooking tools is crucial for preparing meals efficiently and enjoying the outdoor experience. Portable stoves are popular, with options like propane, butane, or wood-burning stoves available, depending on personal preference and available fuel sources. Cast iron skillets are versatile and durable, ideal for cooking over an open fire. Grills are perfect for barbecuing, with portable charcoal or propane models available for camping. Camping utensil sets include essentials like knives, forks, spoons, and even specialized tools like marshmallow skewers. Mess kits provide compact nesting pots, pans, and plates for easy storage and transport. Collapsible containers save space and are great for storing leftovers or prepped ingredients. Water purifiers ensure access to clean drinking water, and camping coffee makers provide a comforting cup of coffee in the morning. Campers can enjoy delicious meals while immersed in nature by choosing the right cooking tools.