How long can Starlink Mini run from trailer batteries?Updated 10 days ago
A Starlink Mini consumes an average of 18-20 watts when in use, and 15 watts when idle. (More power is required when starting up, and when the "snow melt" mode is on.)
You can roughly estimate the amount of time you'll be able to power your Starlink Mini, from any battery bank.
First, start with an estimate of the capacity of your trailer's batteries, using the chart below.
Capacity of battery banks in most travel trailers (assuming typical battery size and capacity)
| Battery type | Number of batteries | Watt-hours of usable capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (including AGM) | 1 | 500 Wh |
| Lead-acid (including AGM) | 2 | 1,000 Wh |
| Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) | 2 | 2,500 Wh |
Second, estimate how many hours per day your Starlink Mini will be connected to power via the AIR GEAR MiniLink. Don't include time when the Starlink Mini is expected to be in "Sleep Mode". (Sleep Mode is an optional setting in the Starlink app that powers down the unit during the night.)
Third, multiply the estimate of hours per day of usage by 20 (Watts). This gives you your total Watt-hour consumption per day. For example, 4 hours usage per day X 20W average = 80Wh per day.
Fourth, divide the battery capacity (in Wh, from the chart) by the estimated consumption per day. For example, 1000 Wh / 80Wh = 31.25 hours.
Divide hours by 24 to get days of runtime. For example, 31.25 hours / 24 = 1.3 days.
Important note
Actual runtime will probably be less than this calculation implies. That's because this calculation doesn't take into account the consumption of other appliances in your RV that will also be using the batteries. Usage of items like the furnace, electric refrigerator, on-board inverter, etc., will greatly reduce the length of time your trailer batteries will last.