Full-time van lifer since 2019. Tests power stations and solar setups in the conditions they're actually used in — Arizona summers, Maine winters, mountain passes.

Background

Marcus has lived full-time in a Sprinter van conversion since 2019, after a decade as a mechanical engineer in renewable energy. He runs a small YouTube channel on van electrical systems and brings hands-on field testing across temperature extremes and long-term durability cycles. On whatpowerfor he covers the gear that survives real use — and calls out the gear that doesn't.

Areas of focus

• 12V/24V RV and van electrical systems
• Cold-weather and high-altitude testing
• Long-term durability over multi-year use
• Portable solar panel field performance

What Marcus covers here

Off-grid living, RV and van life, battery chemistry, cold-weather and durability

Articles by Marcus

• LiFePO4 vs lithium NMC: which battery should you buy in 2026?
• Pure sine wave vs modified sine wave inverters: what to know
• What I learned testing 6 power stations through a Montana winter
• Connecting a portable power station to your house wiring without burning it down
• Lithium battery air travel rules in 2026: TSA, FAA, IATA, and what changed

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Independence statement

Marcus Kim writes for whatpowerfor.com on a flat editorial retainer, not per-article. No article is sponsored, no recommendation is paid for, and Marcus does not accept review samples that come with conditions attached. Affiliate links across the site fund the publication as a whole — see our full disclaimer.