Beginnerâs Guide: CHEAPEST Way to POWER Your VAN Life!
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 2. 07. 2024
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Join us as we review the New BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC50B, the ultimate van life simple power solution. With its 448Wh capacity and 700W output, this can easily charge your phone, laptop, and other van life items.
đŽAMAZON LINKS:
â Bluetti AC50 Power Station
amzn.to/3RRKTcK
Use "AC50B5OFF" for an extra $5 Off
â Bluetti EB3A Power Station
amzn.to/3RR3khL
â COSTWAY PORTABLE WASHING MACHINE
amzn.to/3W5w34X
â ENLGLE FRIDGE
amzn.to/45OuBqG
â EF ECOFLOW 1800W Dual Fuel Smart Generator
amzn.to/3VNpK4M
â EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA Max 2000
amzn.to/3RXelxZ
â ALL BLUETTI POWER STATIONS
amzn.to/3xLSLWr
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AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
âĄïžPower Stations
amzn.to/3P4S3YV
âĄïž12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
âĄïžPortable Solar Panels
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âĄïžHard Solar Panels
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âĄïžGas and Dual Fuel Generators
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Thanks for watching!
This is the god father of nomadic/van life CZcams. Heâs been sharing stories and rigs for quite some time
Get the biggest one you can afford is solid advise. The smaller power stations are not able to run most appliances. No crock pot, no air frier, no water kettle. My AC180, which is just over 1 kWh, can run my fridge for 2 to 3 days, that's it. If I use it for anything else I'm running out quicker. I think the AC1800 or Ecoflow Delta 2 are rhe sweet spot.
Thanks for sharing. Theirâs so many now idk which one to pick lol
I wouldn't get an ecoflow, the one I have has had nothing but problems. (I have a delta max)
I have a ecoflow delta 2000 and it runs my Coffee maker and instantapot with no problem
Get the wattage off the tags of all your appliances add them up and you'll see how many watch you will need I love ecoflows and I love bluetti
I have a bluetti AC200P powering my van. I have been on the road full time for a year now, and it has worked very well. It runs my window ac unit in the hot season and my fridge/freezer. It also powers my diesel heater in the winter. I have 720 watts of solar on my roof and, so far, so good. I have a champion 2000 watt generator for back up which I use when it is very cloudy for a few days. I also have a bluetti EB3A that I use to recharge my phone, usb water pump, and other devices. I also use it to power my soldering iron, tire air pump, and anything else where I need portable power outside my van for repairs or whatever. I have been very happy with both Bluetti units and I have reccomended them to other rv people I have met on the road. All thanks to reviews Bob did a few years ago. Thank Bob. Safe travels Sir.
I didn't know you could run an a/c on a power station and solar panels....?
Glad to see promotion of these units. Several years ago, I had bought a âsolar generatorâ for use in my camper van. I got so much grief on the boards. How stupid it was to buy one when I could make one cheaper, etc. Well, I had also made one with a lead acid battery and as an older woman, it was very heavy. I tried to explain that I had talents others didnât have (like I made almost all clothing and foods from scratch), but electronics was not one of them. So, my Inergy Apex plug and play fit my needs much better than putting together all the parts to make my own system. For me, spending the money made more sense.
Good for you., attitude.
I'm all for DIY myself but your points, especially making your own clothing & food, are very valid.
Also the DIY generators generally take up more room and are less portable.
Do whatever is best for you Pattie đ
"Hello Everyone and Welcome To MY Next Project." Me, after everytime Bob recites his opener.đ đ
Once in a while I would like to hear more about budgeting. How much does one spend on food, gas, car insurance etc. not an exact amount but a rough outline of expensesâŠperhaps devoting 2 or 3 minutes to spending issues. Thanks
He's done videos on that topic.
That's highly variable, depending on lifestyle. Here are some examples:
âą free camping vs paying
âą gas to single destination and out again vs local vs regional vs national travel
âą gas consumption of your rig
âą propane consumption
âą eating in vs eating out
âą cooking from scratch vs prepared foods
Most nomads have to figure this out for ourselves.
Start by identifying your fixed monthly costs, like cell phone service, insurance, emergency fund contribution, etc.
Then start estimating your other costs by category and go from there. Expect to experiment for a couple of months or more before your have a stable budget pattern.
About the same amount as you would spend living anywhere. Minus rent and utilities, maybe a little less on gas if you stay put for 14 days at a time.
I like your very thorough answer. Thanks much
Do you write out your budget or use a computer program to track expenses. Iâm looking for a free simple program to figure monthly expenses.
These videos on power stations are highly useful. And your unbiased opinion on each and every one of them is extremely helpful. As always you are doing a great service to your viewers. Keep up the great work Bob !
I love love love my portable washer-spinner machine. The clothes are almost dry when the spin is done.
Can you tell us more details like the brand and model number please ?
Yes please đ
I had a pecron 2000 gifted to me that ran my Alpicool 18 qt fridge for almost 10 days. Bluetti is still the best I think.
I have a portable washer with a spinner. I got mine at walmart online Costway is the brand. It cleans better than my big washer. I need to build a platform to raise up the height to not strain the back. Then put rollatrs on it to move it around. I currently put in in the bathtub and you have the drain and sprayer right there. Hope this helps everyone.
Re: the washing machine, if it wobbles where you normally use it (probably not where you just tested it), believe it or not, pool noodles can absorb some of that movement and prevent its wanting to "dance, and then walk away!" I've got them between my washer, the wall, and the dryer in my doublewide and it's much better than without it).
This is a great review. Thank You for taking the time to get it posted. Stay Safe, keep posting and I'll keep watching đđđâđŠșđ
Looking forward to your washing machine video.
I have one of those machines and to me, the issue isn't how much power it uses but how much water. Between washing and rinsing, you can figure on a minimum of about 10 gallons. And that's with one rinse. One good thing is that you can fill the tub with water and you don't have to have hookups. It holds very little clothing and the spin basket holds even less, so you have to run the spin cycle in batches (like, maybe 2 shirts at a time). The wash cycles are on a timer so if you want it to agitate for more than 15 minutes, you have to reset the timer. You also have to set the switch to drain when the cycle is done. Nothing is automatic on these. The one good thing is that the spin cycle removes a lot of water so the clothes are just barely damp when you're done. (It was advertised as a "washer/dryer". It's NOT. The spin cycle is the "dryer", I guess.) But I really don't think this is worth the space it takes up.
Yeah Bluetti is my favorite. TY for this video, it was extremely helpful bc I have been lookin around to expand a bit. The fact that Bluetti has external batteries they sell that can connect to the bigger device is the winner for me. Just keep recharging the lighter external battery via the transportable solar panels and it'll keep the large Max Bluetti charged. That way there's no lugging the big one in & out of your rig. I have yet to afford the external battery but it's on the list!đâïžđŒâ€đ»âïžđ
*Expansion Battery
I love my portable washer... shopping for a power station
What brand/model do you have?
I bought Goal Zero back in 2019. No one speaks of them anymore. Have 1500 & 500 plus suitcase solar panels. No issues. In Subaru Crosstrek. Iâve used 500 when staying in cabins with no power. Perfect size. The 1500 is harder to get out of vehicle & is heavier. It powers my Dometic fridge.
Goal Zero makes good reliable equipment. Costs a bit more but well worth it.
I agree. Goal zero has served me well
Any full-time van dwellers here who don't have a fridge, solar panels, shower, plumbing, graywater tank, freshwater tank, black water tank, sink, toilet or running water? I've been living in my van full time for almost a year and I don't have any of those things and don't even want them. I do however have a AutoTerm bunk heater and a very large battery to power it. Got to have a heater for the winter.
I lived in vans like that also without all the fancy stuff
And if you connect an inverter to the large battery, you have an inexpensive DIY power station. After blowing fuses when getting too aggressive with the inverter load, I changed to a circuit breaker between the battery and inverter which is the way to go.
I cannot live without air conditioning!! From Texasâ€
My FIRST PPS is a Jackery 500 Explorer, lol. Then I bought a bigger Ecoflow River 2 Pro; NOW, I just bought a Bluetti AC180. I still use my Jackery in the kitchen for power outages, and it's so small, I bring it along in the van when I'm on the road--with the EcoFlow and the Bluetti!
I love my Bluetti AC200P's. They stand behind their product. I buy the older tech to save money. They work fine! Thank you for your videos and honesty.
I bought the Ecoflow Delta 2 package which includes the alternator charger that has reverse charging feature so I can charge my coach battery. Plus it came with 1-110w folding solar panel. I paid $1053.00 for all it was a steal. 800 watts alternator charger is a game changer. Love the reviews Bob thanks đ
This is why I love watching your videos. Real information about what works and what don't work đ
Get the 2000 watt capacity (u pick brand) No regrets. Spend the $$$ Have the 2000, 1000 and 500 Jackery And Champion 4500 duel fuel for insurance
I have a Grecell T1000. Love it! Very nicely priced and probably less than 20lbs. Charges quickly with the solar panel they also sell
I just ordered the BLUETTI EB 55 to hopefully run a fan for a compost toilet. The washing machine example looks like a good use too!
For me a 700w inverter is a good number as it will run almost all Dash products, a 3 qt Instapot for a 700 watt kettle
Amazon Prime day sale is coming up July 16 -17. Deal to be had.
Ty for sharing
I enjoy the bluetti that I own. And I'm appreciating the reviews you're giving of these newer power banks. Amazing and welcome how much the technology has changed over the last 5 years!
I have 3 Bluetti power stations, I LOVE them, they charge fast and last!
That Beautiful Background though âĄ
Thank you, Bob
Thanks Bob for the DC to DC charger explanation.
I originally bought a Bluetti EB70s about 18 months ago. A couple months ago I got a great deal on an EB3a. Only $116. It does have the numbers for the charge, whereas the 70s just has the "range". Love them both. đ
Thank you for all your knowledge. I'm changing my Altima into a car home, it's definitely a process. Your video are so encouraging and informational
Thanks Bob!
Hello from Puerto Rico Bob and friends
Thanks for another informative video! I love watching your reviews as well as the walk around videos of different peoples setups.
Two days without sun! Well I'm in Ireland Bob so better not buy one of those! I'll keep on using my hand grinder for coffee beans then, plus it's cheaper than going to the gym!
Great video as always , many thanks to youđ
I'm in Australia. I'll trade you đ our sun bites.
I laughed too as I live on the mainland, the UK is fickle weather wise, but I do have 2 small power banks, that I recharge on the grid and last me about a week, I only charge my electronics and my heated blanket, but one day I will upgrade, but in my car there's not a whole lot of room lol.
@@trudesinadelaide
It's a deal!...Well...for a few days anyway!đ
@@vanessaboman9840
Yeah, it can be a bit of a squeeze in a car alright, well done for sorting the powerbanks. I have a small van but a vivid imagination so may even turn it into a double decker bus one of these days! Dreamers of the world...unite!đ
A very informative video that I'll have to listen to again when it's time to get one . Thanks Bob for teaching us.
I just started my van life journey,, I'm thanking of posting videos on CZcams,, starting out with the basics ,,, đđ
Great Video. You always have those amazing mountains view in the back ground â€â€â€â€ I love the White cap mountain đ» aswell đ
Great advice. I loves my Bluetti. Buy the best quality and the largest capacity you can afford.
This is very informative. I wish there was charging stations, where you could recharge your power stations if you donât have solar panels
Thanks Bob! been doing my due diligence and that was very helpful! Im leaning toward Echoflow for my wants, didnt know about the 28 v max charging stipulation, a Game changer for sure. Looking forward to watching next, your video on the Echo Flo you committed to.
so appreciate all your in-depth and technical info and evaluations! Im not a nomad yet, hope to be this time next year or sooner if possible.
I absolutely love the EcoFlow alternator charger, I've got it hooked up in my Transit work van running my cooler and other electrical loads. When compared to solar (which definitely has its place) it charges at 800w anytime of day so long as the engine is on. :)
Great review, thank you for sharing the information and recommendations!
love this! and the washer review was chiefs kiss whoot whoot!
Thank you, very helpful. I bought a Jackery a long time ago, and just have used it in my house or short camping trips. (sometimes power has gone out in the house) but am retired now with less money, so will probably just stick with it, but who knows, and it is important for me to have an honest review so whatever I buy, I will probably be happy!
And Another Great Video ! đ€đđ€
Really great review. Thanks! One thing not mentioned is how good the app is for the device. I donât have any experience with Bluetti but really like the EcoFlow app for managing the charging and use of the power station. I agree sticking with Bluetti or EcoFlow is a wise decision.
I have the Bluetti EB200P that does up to 2400 watts and the folding 350w solar panels and it runs everything in my camper that's all AC, no 12-volt: my fridge, my microwave, my washing machine, electric kettle, electric stove top and even my rooftop AC! (Although it will only get a few hours of the AC so I don't use that when I'm off grid and if it's very hot or very cold I pay for powered campsites)
The EB200P will keep me powered for days or continuously if the sun keeps shining đ
đđ Thanks for the review, they are always informative.đ
bluetti ac500 with b300s is about the best set up out there
I really like my EcoFlow River 2 Pro.
such a useful review thanks so much!
If you have the dollars, buy some battleborn 100 amp batteries (4) and run everything you come across. You can keep upgrading forever, but then you find that you outspent what it would've cost for a permanent setup.
Run a micro, a fridge,an ac, coffee pot all at the same time. Mess around with one of these, eventually you'll be sorry.
Battleborn cost more than most of these just as batteries. Better to go with a brand that is not giving away batteries to every CZcamsr they can find. Lear to set up and figure out what you need for 1/4 the cost. If you have a few grand burning a hole in your wallet, do it AFTER you have your system built out and wired.
Thank you, Bob, for a very informative video â€
If Bob ever wanted to leave nomad living behind, he could shave his beard, cut his hair, and put on some casual attire and step right into the city life. We would never recognize him. đ
That's profound....đ
Until they heard his voice cause it's distinct.
Or if heâs lacking a little money at Christmas time, we could definitely rent him out as a Santa Claus. He is so cheerful.
Love my eb3a and pv68 ive had it for over a year with no problems. I also have an ac2a and pv 120. I have a runhood Rallye 600 with swappable batteries too đ. Love all these power units if i could id buy all the brands unitsđ
Thank you foe the information
Thanks for sharing a great video
The Eco-Flow (pronounced E-co, not echo) is a terrific power box. But I am happy with my EB70S Bluetti, 800 W. :) Nice to see you coming around to new technology, Bob.
Hopefully, I'll have my Class B+ this weekend. :)
Jon in rural BC, Canada
There has been a conversation about "Bluetti," too. Is it BLUE-eh-tee, or is it BLU-tee...?
#Grateful đ love you guys, thank you, #mahalo
Engel coolers are great too ! Better ice retention than a Yeti, and a 50 qt is only around $200-. A Yeti is more like $500-.
Bob, I didnât like the first look at the power station until the last minute when you showed the handle. Gotta have a way to get ahold of it! đ
When the Jackery 500 was fairly new on the market you reviewed it and spoke so favorably about it and the Solar Saga solar panels that go with it, that I bought it, even though it was a lot of money for me. So it is shocking to me to hear that you just wrote it off now. Mine is still new in the box, in a Faraday enclosure for a power down type scenario, but I never would have bought it if it hadn't come highly recommended, not only by you but others in the RVing space also.
I have one too- works great! Use it !
Battery technology has evolved considerably since that Jackery was new. That being said, I have been relying on the Jackery 500 for years during camping trips and power outages to power my CPAP, 12V refrigerator, and other devices. It continues to work great.
I had an original Jackery 500 as well. It had no USB-C outlet and no fast charger outlet compared to all newer makes and models. It worked fine but I eventually upgraded to a larger unit from a different brand with more useful charging outlets. Perhaps those are the reasons Bob dismisses them now. And it is true that Jackery is more expensive per Wh than other brands. But the old 500 will work for what it's designed for. It's just outdated and expensive for what it doesn't do. Since yours is unused in box for awhile, it might be that Jackery's best feature--its warranty--is already lapsed.
I got a minn lots battery box with a lithium phosphate battery and an inverter and made my own. 1200 watts for around 32 cents a watt hour
Cool
This was such a good source of information to me! Thank you. I have never heard it broken down like this. I am looking at the 1000w ecoflow for my purchase. But now am also thinking maybe I should get the 600w one too since it is affordable and I would like a fridge plugged in on it's own. As for solar panels though, I think I can only afford a 100w to start with after buying the power stations needed. I am keeping my eye on the 1800w ecoflow too but so far it is not .50c a watt so will keep that in mind.
Anker 767
thank you
đ CRVL: MORE POWER TO YA!
Hello Bob, I've been watching your videos awhile since I've been off-grid lifestyle, I have the Antique Jackery since 2021, I've used my sewing machine on it, those battery camper fans with a universal plug đ, yeah stills working, but back then wasn't any best choice made yet as now are choices everyone has units now available. At first i ordered the milk jug sized Patrorite brand, that i sent it back,was horrible experience just being out on my own first time off-grid didn't run my Coleman 12 volt cooler, another lame product out in 3 digits heat. I'm in great needs to upgrade the antique Jackery, it only good to recharge phone, laptop, tablet, maybe a fan few hours, a lamp, or when i sew quilts, and stuff.
I never heard a review on Harbor freight solar, battery, panels, or those Patriots brand. Current weather đ„”đĄïž suffering off-grid, trying to build a truck camper build slow process because funds,& not enough watts to use powered saw, tool's.đą I have a Silverado truck needs cabover super badly, due to i had to let go of my 1979 Dodge cab over, i just need to run Ac unit i have new in a box since 2020
Great video of helping others đđ
Please add link for the DC to DC charger, want to learn more about it. Excellent video for beginners in selecting power stations, lots of very helpful, great tips. Appreciate the solar notes on the AC50 Bluetti.
See Renergy or victron electronics.
Hi bob were you at Hannaford store yesterday in mechanic falls near oxford country maine? If so I was right next to you..And Great videos
Thank you Bob , for the info ! So very very important for us !!! Are their any issues with getting water out their ???
Great video thank you. Very informative. I personally am a Bluetti fan. Just where I landed cause I got a great deal. Iâm still a newbie and Iâm in the research mode for solar panels for my EB3A. I would like to find a nice alternative to the Bluetti 200w that is a bit pricey.
Where is the Anker i got a Amker they been around longer then them
The Bluetti EB3A has the Power Lifting Mode which will let you use devices from 600W to 1,200W for running resistive load devices such as Hot Plates and Coffee Makers and I am assuming Microwave Ovens too... đșđž đ
I miss Rockpals. Mine still going strong (so far).
đ€
No matter how hard I try, I cannot understand solar speak.
Can you explain the watts to solar and what it means? Or show an actual hookup of the solar to the chargers
â€
The work around for that blueetti that can't take an input greater than 28 volts is to plug a wall charger into the AC source from your inverter and then into the bluetti.
Doing this is inefficient because you are converting DC to AC, then converting the AC back to DC.
If you're into electronics, you can also build a DC to DC voltage regulator that can drop your greater than 28 volts, down to 28 volts, or even lower i you prefer.
Or just get another unit will đđ
Have you tested a VTOMAN? Iâd like to see what you think about these as I have a 1000v & a 1500v.
Good video the master of nomads big Bob Wells aka the grizzly adams look alike. Grizzly Adams never died he is alive and doing cheap rv living you tube videos. Good information thank you.
đđđ
1. Life Cycles or how many times can you recharge it and what percentage will it keep once charged over the life of your power station. Example: Bluetti AC190, Life Cycles: 3,500+ Cycles to 80% Original Capacity.
2. Buy cheap, buy twice. Buy cheap, cry twice. Buy the best you can afford, the first time.
3. Power level indicator only shows increments of 20% power remaining.
Hi Bob, like many I am a huge fan of yours and really enjoy your information videos and van tours.
I am on a very tight budget and am using a Koolatron cooler and would like to upgrade to a real fridge and battery pack.
I am in Canada and would love some advice based on your experience. I don't need a huge fridge.. enough for some milk and a few staples. I have a laptop, tablet and cell that would also be requiring battery usage. Is the EB3A no longer a good option? In Canada it goes on sale at around $289 plus taxes so around $350. Thank you so much
Looking forward to the washing machine review.If anyone knows of a full size washer that actually fills with sufficient amounts of water please post the brand and model number.
stay a week 7 to 14 hours of volunteering ,stay a month if yiu need to just help each day,very simple
In some of your previous vids, you talk about various jobs for travelers. Some of those jobs request that travelers have a class B rv. Does that mean a class C is prohibited or a class B is the minimum requirement? As I understand, a class C is larger than a class B. Does parking and/or support of these classes come into play? Thanks for your consideration.
Would it be possible or logical to collect small 1s that you can afford & use them all when you are ready ? đ€ Love & Thank You so much! Bob đș
What do you think of the Duracell line? I saw one a few days ago.
Its a LOT cheeper to go with a stand alone 100 amp hour battery. You can get them under $300.
Hey, Bob, how are you doing? I have a all power 700. Watt solar generator can you review them? Are they any good?
Whats a good power station to run an induction stove?
Question. I have 4 100amp Lipos and 570 watts of solar on my rig. How would these compare to my setup?
They don't compare. You have a Cadillac , bobs showing cheapos
Don't even bother. Maybe get a small one so you have power outside your rig.
ALLPOWERS 600W Power Station? Around 12.8 lbs (5.8kg). Can also act as a UPS.
WHAT'S the watt hours? Inverters don't weigh very much đđđ
can you use that dc to dc alternator charger on bluetti also?
What power station do you use if youâre always giving these away ?