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Camping Essentials in 2023: Portable Power Stations

August 11, 2023

The need to keep our electronic gadgets constantly charged grows as they become increasingly ingrained into our daily lives. But we can’t take the electricity grid with us. Portable power stations are the ideal way to keep us… well, powered up! These days power stations add enough convenience to justify adding one of these to your everyday  life as well.   

a yellow and black machine sitting in the trunk of a car.

The type and size of portable power station you’ll want depends on your specific needs and use cases. If you frequently go camping, engage in outdoor activities, experience power outages, or need a reliable power backup for your devices, a portable power station can be a valuable investment. They also offer the convenience of portable power without the noise and emissions of traditional generators, meaning you can safely use them inside.

Benefits of Portable Power Stations:

  • Portability: As the name suggests, these power stations are designed to be easily moved around, making them ideal for camping, outdoor activities, or emergency situations.
  • Renewable Energy: Many portable power stations can be converted to solar generators through the addition of solar panels, allowing for eco-friendly power generation.
  • Quiet and Emission-Free: Unlike traditional generators, portable power stations are quiet and produce no harmful emissions, making them more environmentally friendly and you can safely use them indoors!
  • Multiple Charging Options: They come equipped with various charging options (household wall outlets (AC), automotive-style ports or solar panels (DC)).
  • Backup Power: Portable power stations serve as reliable backup power sources during power outages at home or when camping in remote areas without access to electricity.
  • Built-in Inverter: power stations have built-in inverters, converting DC power to AC power, enabling you to run AC-powered devices and appliances with pure sine wave electricity.

 Champion Power Stations

The Champion Power Equipment Portable Power Station line features compact, feature-rich portable backup battery solutions ideal for RVing and camping, tailgating, work sites, or as a backup generator in case of an emergency.

 There are 2 distinct ports on a power station:

  1. INPUT: these ports allow the power station itself to charge
  2. OUTPUT: these allow the power station to send power to other items – like recharging your personal devices, or powering a TV

Champion Power Station Features:

  • Long-Lasting: Since there is no engine, no moving parts and no pollutants, the advanced li-ion technology provides long-lasting, fade-free power that you can use inside.
  • High-Speed Charging: Use AC or solar power alone to quickly charge your battery to 80% in just a few hours or combine solar and AC power to charge even quicker.
  • Expandable: When powering your house, office, or other space, you may increase your run time by connecting up to 10 extension batteries (sold separately).
  • Parallel Ready: To increase your output power, connect your power station to a ParaLINK-capable gas-powered inverter or another Champion power station.
  • Champion Support: There is a 3-year or 1000-cycle limited warranty included, as well as FREE lifelong technical assistance from committed specialists.

All in all, owning a Champion power station for any outdoor adventures is a wise investment. It not only keeps your appliances and electronics functioning during power outages, but it also gives you peace of mind in the case of an emergency.

Hurricane Season Readiness: What You Should Do Now

June 1, 2023

Hurricane season is upon us, and with it comes the potential for power outages. When a hurricane strikes, you want to be sure that you, your home, and, most importantly, your family are prepared. The best way to ensure your safety from storm-caused power outages is to take care of important items now, while there’s still time. Here’s everything you need to know so you can be prepared.  

a satellite image of a hurricane in the middle of the night.

Plan Ahead

Evacuation Plan: Make sure everyone in the family knows the recommended evacuation route should an evacuation order be put in place. It’s also important to keep your gas tank full so you won’t have to wait in long lines at the pump during an emergency. 

Supplies: Keep water and other supplies on hand such as canned goods and non-perishable items. A well-stocked hurricane kit is also essential and can save you time later. Your kit should include a first-aid kit, medications, a NOAA battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a whistle, and don’t forget local maps in case your phone isn’t working.

Important Documents: Back up your computer and make copies of important documents like birth certificates, insurance cards, driver’s licenses, bank statements, etc. Store your copies in a secure location like a safety deposit box or another safe location outside of your home.

Prepare Your Home

Secure outdoor items like furniture, tools, grills, garbage cans, and anything else that could become airborne in strong winds. Have a professional inspect your roof and shingles to make sure they’re in good condition and are rated for high wind speeds. 

Find the Right Generator

When hurricanes strike, chances are you could be without power for days or even weeks. Having a reliable generator will provide peace of mind knowing you can charge phones, run appliances, and cool off your home when the power goes out. There are two main types of generators for hurricanes: portable and home standby.

Portable generators: A portable generator is perfect for backing up just a few essentials. You’ll be so grateful to have the ability to keep the lights on, phones charged, fridge and freezer cold, fans on, and TVs working. Portable generators come in various sizes and running capacities. Some are powered by gasoline and others by propane. If you like options, Dual Fuel generators run on either, and generators with Tri-Fuel technology have the ability to run on natural gas, gasoline, or propane. Determining which fuel type is best for you will help you select a generator. If you choose this solution, make sure you are well versed in safely operating a portable generator – far away from buildings, doors, vents and air intake openings.

Home standby generators: Home standby generators are a set-it-and-forget-it solution. This type of generator is a more powerful solution since it connects to your home’s propane or natural gas system. You’ll be able to power your whole house instead of a few select items. Plus, your home standby generator starts automatically when the power goes out and returns to standby when power is restored, ensuring security and convenience for your family during a hurricane power outage.

Implement Your Plan

Having a plan in place and implementing it early gives you the best chance of staying safe should a storm hit. Don’t let a potential power outage leave your family unprepared – prepare now. Thinking ahead and having the right equipment can help keep you, your family, and your home safe during hurricane season.

Quick Takeaways

  • Know the recommended evacuation route and keep your car’s gas tank full.
  • Keep a hurricane kit stocked with essential items including a first-aid kit, medications, a NOAA battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Copy important documents and store them in a secure location outside of your home.
  • Secure outdoor items and inspect your roof and shingles to ensure they are in good shape.
  • Consider getting a generator to back up your power in case of a power outage.

Don’t Let Grime Win: Pressure Washer Tips For Simple Spring Cleanup

May 1, 2023

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and spring has sprung! But, as you head outside for a breath of fresh air, you can’t help but notice the layer of pollen, mold, mildew, and dirt coating everything. Fear not. With a pressure washer in hand, you can tackle spring cleaning with ease.

a man using a pressure washer on a driveway.
Here are some ways to make your spring outdoor cleanup a breeze.

Choose the Right Nozzle

First, after you’ve read your owner’s manual, choose the right nozzle. Different nozzles create different spray patterns, so select one that suits the task at hand. A 0-degree nozzle is great for a deep clean on concrete or metal surfaces, while a 25-degree nozzle is ideal for general cleaning like washing your car or patio furniture. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging surfaces and save time by doing things right the first time. 

Be Safe

Next, safety first! Wear closed-toe shoes, safety glasses, and ear protection. You’ll also want to protect any electronics, outdoor furniture, and delicate landscaping from the water stream. Plastic sheeting and tape can help protect anything you don’t want to come into contact with your pressure washer.

Select Safe Soap

You don’t have to use detergents with your pressure washer, but sometimes it might be necessary. Remember to rinse from the top down and consider using environmentally friendly soaps to help clear away the grime. Choosing the right detergent also means you need to read the label and make sure the detergent you choose is biodegradable and the ingredients are environmentally friendly. You’ll also want to check the toxicity levels of the product to make sure it won’t cause harm to people, animals, or plants.

Walkways and Patios

Once you’re geared up and ready to go, start with the toughest cleaning jobs first. This allows you to get them out of the way and makes tackling everything else seem like a breeze. Concrete patios, driveways, or sidewalks are great places to start. Use a 0-degree nozzle to blast away dirt and grime, following up with a 25-degree nozzle to remove any debris left behind.

The Outside of Your Home

Now you can move on to the exterior of your home. Start at the highest point and work your way down, so you don’t wash debris onto already clean areas. A 25-degree nozzle is perfect for washing away all of the winter dirt from your siding, doorways, and windows.

Decks and Fences

If you have a deck or fence, be sure to give them some TLC too. Use a wood-safe cleanser and a 40-degree nozzle to gently clean away mold and mildew. Tackling these surfaces with lower pressure will prevent damage to wood and staining.

Vehicles

Don’t forget about your vehicles! Pressure washing your car, truck, or SUV is an easy way to get rid of grime, dirt, and salt buildup from winter roads. When washing your car, it’s best to use a 25-degree nozzle, working from the top down to avoid pushing dirt into crevices.

Bye, Grime 

After you’ve finished spraying everything down, turn off your pressure washer and disconnect it from the power supply. Always drain the water out of the pressure washer’s hoses and spray gun before storing it. 

Remember, don’t let grime win! Select the proper nozzle, gear up for safety, and work your way through your to-do list starting with the toughest jobs first. With a little effort, and a Champion pressure washer by your side, you’ll have your property looking fresh and clean and ready for spring.