Is THIS the Holy Grail of VAN COOLING? My Brutally HONEST Review of ECOFLOW Wave 2 AC for VAN LIFE!

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  • Опубликовано: 21 авг 2024
  • Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
    In today's video, I'm diving deep into the ECOFLOW WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner! Is this the holy grail for van lifers seeking an AC solution on the road? Join me as I uncover the details about its size, power draw, efficiency, and most importantly, if it's worth investing in for your nomadic lifestyle. I'll lay it all out on the table, sharing my unfiltered thoughts to help you make an informed decision.
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    Thanks for watching!

Комментарии • 787

  • @jimbojones9665
    @jimbojones9665 3 месяца назад +123

    I used to hear stories told a long time ago.
    They were about something called integrity.
    It's difficult to recognize, because it's been such a long time, but I think I just saw some.

  • @bobandvickiw
    @bobandvickiw 3 месяца назад +213

    You're the only RUclipsr I do trust the reviews. Thank you, for taking massive amount of time & effort on the reviews.

    • @dreamcatcherjulie1
      @dreamcatcherjulie1 3 месяца назад +3

      me too!!

    • @seanh4841
      @seanh4841 3 месяца назад +4

      True, Bob is one of the few reviewers who can give an honest warts n' all opinion

    • @ahyungrocks5509
      @ahyungrocks5509 Месяц назад +1

      I know I can trust you (CheapRVLiving) when you did the toilet video where you said your poop is good as anyone else. Thank you!

  • @prladue
    @prladue 3 месяца назад +181

    Not even a nomad but I greatly enjoy your videos!

    • @tandiparent1906
      @tandiparent1906 3 месяца назад +11

      I'm not a nomad anymore; but, love Bob's reviews n suggestions for my 288sf tiny house🙂

    • @margriet5004
      @margriet5004 3 месяца назад +4

      Not a nomad YET 😊

  • @brendan817
    @brendan817 3 месяца назад +145

    You're the only person on RUclips I've seen give honest reviews for stuff you get for free. It means a lot to us!

  • @stonemadein
    @stonemadein 3 месяца назад +182

    Thank you for Truly considering us in your reviews. This is just one thing we love you for. Thanks Bob

  • @brookedolby6853
    @brookedolby6853 3 месяца назад +160

    It seems that my little swamp-cooler works better than that huge heat producing box. Thank you for your honesty Bob.

    • @aedanhickey5264
      @aedanhickey5264 3 месяца назад +11

      So that just a cooler, with a fan filled with ice?

    • @eveadame1059
      @eveadame1059 3 месяца назад +45

      Moisture from a Swamp Cooler in Humid Areas, Grows Deadly Mold

    • @jennyeagan1840
      @jennyeagan1840 3 месяца назад +10

      Had one a few summers ago in an arid place. Worked great. Put out a lot of moisture from the cold ice. Had to sit in front of it. What relief in triple degree days. The air conditioner in that last place was built a bit funky. There was an a/c that was positioned just above the wash machine closet drain pipe. Had place dry towels a few times to monitor the moisture, dampness but this was ok because during on peak hours I could place in front of a portable fan to help cool, or use it for wiping spills or dust.

    • @SyntheticStuntMan
      @SyntheticStuntMan 3 месяца назад +48

      @@eveadame1059 a swamp cooler in humid areas wont work anyway.

    • @kathleendittmer2447
      @kathleendittmer2447 3 месяца назад +10

      It's great to get your honest review, Bob.

  • @Dan__S
    @Dan__S 3 месяца назад +70

    These honest reviews are Important for the manufacturers to hear, they need to know how a device like this needs to function for the people who are using it.

    • @Liberal.Linda.
      @Liberal.Linda. 3 месяца назад +1

      Exactly. They should appreciate Bob, not ask him to change his review.

  • @jlewis4587
    @jlewis4587 3 месяца назад +16

    I’ve been a trucker for nearly 30 years, living on the road. I’m also about to downsize from my small Wolf Pup travel trailer to just living out of my pickup truck.
    My point is that I bought a Stanley/Lasko high velocity blower fan several years ago, and I carry it around everywhere on the road. It’s just a fan but has been the absolute best thing to keep air circulating comfortably. I’ve been stuck in Miami, FL with a broken AC in the peak of summer heat and was quite comfortable. It only cost about $50 on Amazon.
    It used ac current, so I plug it into my little 300 watt inverter and never have any issues with it.

    • @dianeibsen5994
      @dianeibsen5994 3 дня назад

      Thank you for sharing this. Can you say which one, because there are several.

  • @dustinwalker1373
    @dustinwalker1373 3 месяца назад +118

    Bob, you are the man! We love your brutally honest reviews and commentary! Keep the info and videos coming.

    • @thetwooldpeeps3528
      @thetwooldpeeps3528 3 месяца назад +2

      @@user-sd5ul1jy6ehe did say it could work for a few, you’re just being negative

    • @darryllamie3730
      @darryllamie3730 3 месяца назад +1

      Mabey do a video on a 12,000 but inverter A/C. They are very unique and cost only about $400 bucks with little amp draw. Need an inverter for 120 v but will be less power and cool way better. But must be vented outside just like a window unit. Great videos!

  • @carmenmarcinkiewicz7149
    @carmenmarcinkiewicz7149 3 месяца назад +62

    What an incredibly gorgeous mountain range behind you!!! WOW!!!

    • @believer7733
      @believer7733 3 месяца назад +8

      I was thinking the same! It’s absolutely stunning!

    • @KarensTinyCarCamper
      @KarensTinyCarCamper 3 месяца назад +6

      I was wondering the same thing! Being from AZ i was curious to know where this is.

    • @lbrown6859
      @lbrown6859 3 месяца назад

      Yesss!

    • @edwardhoward4708
      @edwardhoward4708 3 месяца назад

      My first thought.
      Where is this?

    • @justgivemethetruth
      @justgivemethetruth 3 месяца назад

      I was about to say the same thing.

  • @Gest-wg2yb
    @Gest-wg2yb 3 месяца назад +53

    Thank you for your honesty
    The company that really listens to your critiques and manages to provide a product that really meets our needs will make an absolute killing

  • @jonelder4552
    @jonelder4552 3 месяца назад +83

    I found that a small window ac is about the best thing for me, I have a Haier 5000 btu unit that draws about 600 watts at max and an average of 250-400 watts for most of the day and partway into the night. It only cost about $100 new and about an hour and $30ish to mount it so it exhausts to the outside, there are a lot of resources online about how to do this. I did this shortly after you did a video with a fellow in a small travel trailer with a dog, he was really into the solar oven thing too but I forgot his name :( super interesting fellow though. Anyways, 800 watts of solar with a 200 amp-hour lithium battery runs my little ac fine with no problems whatsoever! All the panels and battery, wiring, controller, and the AC was pretty close to the price of just this unit.

    • @masshoudy8474
      @masshoudy8474 3 месяца назад +9

      Can you show a picture of this product? We would be grateful

    • @OverlandOne
      @OverlandOne 3 месяца назад +36

      I have a Walmart $200 keystone 5,000 btu window ac in my van and it works very well. It is an energy star model, which is important for conserving power, and it draws 360-380 watts when the compressor is running, and 60 when it is not and just the fan runs. In eco mode, which I run all the time, the compressor only kicks on now and then. I power it with my Bluetti AC200P easily with no problems. This unit can make my van ice cold even in the hot Kentucky summer. Many people tell me window units will not last long in a van, and I should have installed a $3,500 unit designed for vans and rv use. We'll, Walmarts are everywhere and if/when it blows up,I will get another one. I have had it a year and so far so good. The truth is, I can buy a new unit every year for 16 years with the money it would have cost me for a "real" roof rv ac unit. I have a picture of my install on my channel where I am showing my diesel heater exterior install if anyone is interested.

    • @melissasmess2773
      @melissasmess2773 2 месяца назад +2

      Nice, how do you power it if it's cloudy for days? I run mine off a 700watt Honda gas generator, runs 2-3 days for $4.

    • @JohnDavenport-ot8ex
      @JohnDavenport-ot8ex 2 месяца назад

      @@OverlandOne where do you install it?

    • @nextbizzy
      @nextbizzy Месяц назад

      ​@@melissasmess2773if it's cloudy is probably not very hot

  • @veterantraveller-dq4re
    @veterantraveller-dq4re 3 месяца назад +70

    Thank you for putting us first

  • @dawnmtwild5409
    @dawnmtwild5409 3 месяца назад +28

    I've lived in Montana for 63 years
    I was recently forced out of being able to rent as some people from Idaho bought the home I rent.
    I am on disability second pacemaker defibrillator...
    They raise the rent so high that I only have $93. A month left to pay my power phone Van insurance, dog food.
    I am so thankful I have my van.
    It is a 1997 Chevrolet Express with a high top.
    I bought the eco-flow Wave 2
    For myself for my 63rd birthday May 11th.
    It took me a long time to save for it,
    Now I will save for the battery.
    I do have a 200 watt solar panel on top of my van, that I used to run my 12 volt fridge/ freezer chest, and it keeps my phone and my tablet charged.
    Thank you so much for the review, I love every one of your videos.
    Bob if you get to Montana you let me know 😀

    • @dawnmtwild5409
      @dawnmtwild5409 3 месяца назад +6

      Also I seen that really hot vent that you can put out the window, someone put like a sleeve over it to Incase that hot hose so that less heat would radiate off it out into the van. I'm going to try that.

    • @dawnmtwild5409
      @dawnmtwild5409 3 месяца назад +6

      Also my van is not insulated but Montana Summers do not get too hot it's the winter I would worry about .
      Again I am just thankful to have this Van to move into. Everything else can come on its own time.
      God is good.

    • @theowlgirl-c5n
      @theowlgirl-c5n Месяц назад

      @@dawnmtwild5409 im in a van in montana and it's getting over 100 degrees inside my van. It definitely gets hot enough in montana for AC!

    • @theowlgirl-c5n
      @theowlgirl-c5n Месяц назад +1

      @@dawnmtwild5409 please stay safe! I'm also disabled and in a van and have to have AC to live.

  • @sciologist
    @sciologist 3 месяца назад +60

    I use a mini swamp cooler I got from Home Depot. Takes 3 gal of water per day, and uses only 60 watts. Works great.

    • @Penny-mk7fv
      @Penny-mk7fv 3 месяца назад +4

      What’s the brand and model?

    • @LadyMissCoppertone
      @LadyMissCoppertone 3 месяца назад +3

      Which one?

    • @RG-hn6dg
      @RG-hn6dg 3 месяца назад +28

      I wish I lived in a dry enough climate to use a swamp cooler. They don’t do anything in Houston.

    • @seanh4841
      @seanh4841 3 месяца назад

      ​@@RG-hn6dgCorrect

    • @PrairieNightMoon
      @PrairieNightMoon 3 месяца назад +3

      @@RG-hn6dg I'm also in south Texas looking for a way to keep cool with solar. If you come up with anything, please let me know.

  • @2nd_of_3
    @2nd_of_3 3 месяца назад +42

    Glad to see you back on your feet ❤

  • @theoriginaldirtbikejoe7636
    @theoriginaldirtbikejoe7636 3 месяца назад +65

    Glad to see you again. Watching from Belize. Living in Cayo. I live on my SS. ALL my bills total $800 USD . I live good here that includes a house cleaner. No cold weather and a USD is worth 2 BZD..... Mountains to the sea 2 hrs. Enjoying my life here, come join me.

    • @Penny-mk7fv
      @Penny-mk7fv 3 месяца назад +11

      What’s the visa situation like?

    • @patriciamuskevitsch8359
      @patriciamuskevitsch8359 3 месяца назад +11

      And...folks speak English, folks are kind. Roads are narrow.

    • @tommackay7433
      @tommackay7433 3 месяца назад +5

      Sounds too good to be true. I’d like to hear the downside.

    • @joeglennaz
      @joeglennaz 3 месяца назад +9

      Start a RUclips channel to tell us all about this I’m interested in this for retirement

    • @weareallamericans7358
      @weareallamericans7358 3 месяца назад +4

      Heard Belize has a High Crime situation 🤔

  • @sovereigns1grace
    @sovereigns1grace 3 месяца назад +24

    Very accurate review. I have one in my 2022 Ram Promaster 1500. I got it and used it last year. It does not have a permanent spot in the van so I kept it on the floor next to my pantry and at night lifted it onto the passenger seat for venting out the passenger window. It is HEAVY!! I'm 67 and not weak, but having to move it from the floor to the seat every day was IRRITATING! But I couldn't live without it. I used it primarily at night so I could get good sleep. I live in San Diego County in the hot inland area. During the day I would drive down to the coast by the beach & find a tree to park under. At night I have obligations inland so the air conditioner was essential at night. Worth it? NO. HEAVY, huge power draw (thank goodness for shore power). Takes up a LOT of space. I felt I was a slave to it. No other options, though. I wish there were. I would sell it but I truly do need it. So, this year I will break my back moving it back and forth from the floor to the seat again. Oh ... and the hoses are a pain and are NOT built to be expanded & collapsed daily. I'm beginning to see cracks in them and will be getting out the duct tape soon. Edited: One other thing not mentioned in the video ... you have to collect the condensate. That's the water that builds up. There is a drain and hose that comes with the unit but you have to have some way to catch that water or it ends up all over the floor. It produces about a gallon over night depending on the humidity where you are.

    • @JonTanOsb
      @JonTanOsb 3 месяца назад

      Maybe you could get a longer vent hose, so you could leave the AC on the floor?
      Jon in rural BC, Canada

    • @kitbram2033
      @kitbram2033 3 месяца назад +4

      @@JonTanOsbthe problem is the vent hose isn’t insulated so it just heats up the space inside as the hot air passes through. Like a radiator

    • @WizardsBastard
      @WizardsBastard Месяц назад

      Why not try a mini split or roof ac?

  • @jefflunt9615
    @jefflunt9615 3 месяца назад +17

    When it gets that warm out, I think it's time to move north or up in the mountains. A short drive up in the mountains makes a huge difference when you gain altitude. If desperate you can always wet a cloth and put it on your neck and head, and wet your hair and put a fan on, it works.
    Good honest review as always. Thank you, Bob.

    • @chartmann43
      @chartmann43 3 месяца назад +2

      Not if you have a pet. You have to be able to keep them cool and safe inside the van.

  • @loriirons9503
    @loriirons9503 3 месяца назад +33

    Appreciate your honesty Bob. We need more of that everywhere.

  • @savanna6340
    @savanna6340 3 месяца назад +12

    I have a converted E250 Ford van. No high top. I don’t like to be hot…so air conditioning was very important to me. I removed the back window and replaced it with a thick piece of wood paneling…painted white. I cut out a square hole for my 5000 BTU A/C and installed it there. It works great and probably doesn’t use as many watts as that Eco Flo A/C unit. Plus I don’t have to worry about lugging it around or taking up too much space. It certainly would not be any worse of an eye sore as that EcoFlow model either. It’s installed in the back window out of the way of the interior and works great!

  • @dekuramen3283
    @dekuramen3283 Месяц назад +1

    I use an electric car(90kWh) with free fast charging, to keep my two EcoFlow Delta Pros charged and utilize the Wave 2 really well in BC, Canada. I have a 13ft fiberglass trailer. I plan on getting the EcoFlow DC XT150i cable to make the Wave 2 DC powered, no inverter losses. I also plan on upgrading my solar (300W) to 2.4kW with the new Aptos 370W bifacial panels. Good honest input, I really enjoy your channel.

  • @user-nk3tt6zt2l
    @user-nk3tt6zt2l 3 месяца назад +24

    Thanks for being honest to the folks that NEED good and honest reviews.

  • @deborahanderson5508
    @deborahanderson5508 3 месяца назад +30

    Your honesty is gold and appreciated!

  • @OlmanEg
    @OlmanEg 3 месяца назад +35

    Thank you Bob! ❤

  • @plantstho6599
    @plantstho6599 3 месяца назад +18

    I've looked all over at different ideas for AC. I've also experimented and come up with more elaborate ideas. I'm in an Ext Express. At the end of the day, spending more on a battery system and just getting a window unit seems the best option. I went to the junk yard and bought a spare rear driver's side door with a window (I wanted to experiment and my original didn't have a window cutout). Rear doors are way easier to remove than side barn doors as they have bolts. Side doors are pinned on and a real pain. I saw on Endgame's channel here on youtube that he built a sort of hidaway for his window unit install that made everything look more "stealth" or at least presentable. I'll be copying that for my build and I'm near certain that will be one of the easiest and best looking build's for this purpose. The reason for boxing it in that way is that sometimes I work in more affluent areas with HOA and, as you may know, they look for any reason to fine or kick people out. That sort of install keeps it looking more like a service vehicle.

    • @a.w.thompson4001
      @a.w.thompson4001 3 месяца назад

      Thanks for the info, Plantstho (and Endgame).

  • @gringoenespanol
    @gringoenespanol 3 месяца назад +68

    Thanks for not trying to sell us that ball and chain. Guess I'll be chasing 70 degrees.

    • @believer7733
      @believer7733 3 месяца назад +6

      I’m going to be chasing 70 degrees as well! Kinda hard on the east coast of the country but I remain positive!

  • @frederickcarranza839
    @frederickcarranza839 2 месяца назад +7

    This is so true and honest! I have an EcoFlow wave 2, and I pair it with an EcoFlow delta pro, and it really wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. I drive a truck and was hoping to be able to sleep in my cab overnight without idling, so I had some high hopes for it. When I finally got it up and running, my first thoughts were, “That’s it?” It wasn’t really even a hot night, but the machine itself made it warm inside the cab. I guess it drew a lot from my battery (fully charged) so the battery only lasted 4 hours. Even though it said the ambient temperature was down to 60 farhenheit, it was actually blowing out that air, and yet since the hoses were in the same room as me, the hoses heated up and it made me a bit warmer. Also, and not like a lot of people really pay attention to it anyway, both the EcoFlow delta pro and wave 2 generate relatively large electromagnetic fields. It even says in the manual that those people with a pacemaker need to be cautious about spending time around it. That should also say something. Even with shielding, it’s eh because the shielding needs to breathe, meaning that when it cools you down, you still need to find a way to circulate the air, and a fan likely won’t penetrate the shielding unless you place it inside the shield. You sleep with the fan on the outside, though, and you still end up getting too hot. So in a way, the wave 2 creates more problems than it does solutions. While it keeps the cab somewhat cool, it has a slew of other issues (takes up space, EMF field, not really that cool, generates heat through the tubing, heavy power draw, very costly compared to a regular old generator, etc). It’s a great idea, in theory, and to its credit, it is quiet, and no one would have a clue that you have an A/C unit running. It is electric, so hey, it is pumping out less fumes into the air. Obtaining the LiPO4 battery and the way it is produced is very questionable. As for practical applications, it needs more work. I don’t know that I can justify paying $3200 for the bundle pack (that is with the delta pro and wave 2 as my source). Bob is right in that the wave 2 costs less on its own (about $900 when you factor in tax or buy the battery with it, it is currently advertised as $799 as a standalone). Even with a small room, you have to question the ROI. If you save money in rent for a year, and your average rent is $1000 a month, maybe then if you were using it every night and not getting hotel rooms or any storage units, you could recoup the costs quickly, but if you are living a nomadic lifestyle, chances are you will have costs that will be hidden and unusual, things you didn’t have prior. Also, you need to think about the time it takes and the space it takes to set it up. If you don’t have a lot of room, the effort to operate this equipment takes exponentially longer to set up and move around the next day you can walk normally in your own space. The equipment is a bit heavy, so you don’t want to have to move it every day if you can help it. Once you factor those things in and add the cost of the unit(s), you then need to ask yourself how long you are willing to endure those conditions to make the ROI worth it. It’s tough to find out the resultant conditions of these devices without buying one for yourself. But if you do all that work and find you are not suffering too badly and can stick it out for a couple years (anywhere up to however many hot nights you anticipate experiencing), then I would say it is a justifiable purchase and recoups its value. Otherwise, it is not a wise purchase, and you are better off using other methods. Bottom line: this one is a long game, and for particular cases, it can work. However, just as Bob said, for the majority of people, it is not a wise purchase, and you are better off doing something else, even if that means using a regular generator. The numbers need to make sense.
    I really appreciate Bob taking the time to be honest about these cons, separate of what the companies want him to say. If they are good companies, they’ll take the criticism (“thanks for your feedback,” right?) and grow from it.

    • @user-yv9nm2bn6h
      @user-yv9nm2bn6h 20 дней назад

      Thanks so much for mentioning emf. People make me feel foolish for doing it. I worry sbout getting panels for this reason, and often wonder if the panels create a field even when theyre not plugged in. I really dont like the ecoflow products i have because of the emf i worry about. When i get a new van, i will have to figure out how to isolate the emf/dirty electricity they create. We havr the same experience with the ecoflow products. The delta pro also throws heat!! These peoducts are so disappointing besides the charge times

  • @csmith9189
    @csmith9189 3 месяца назад +30

    Thanks Bob you’re the Best

  • @jeterman29ny
    @jeterman29ny 3 месяца назад +16

    I absolutely LOVE your honesty! It's why we turn to you over everyone else!!!

  • @waynelast1685
    @waynelast1685 3 месяца назад +11

    At least I can count on your honesty. Most RUclips videos just hype up products.

    • @Canthus13
      @Canthus13 3 месяца назад

      I've found reviews are usually fine. A lot of people mistake paid promotions for reviews, though.

    • @waynelast1685
      @waynelast1685 3 месяца назад

      @@Canthus13 understood there is value still but overall everything is slanted and they don’t express complete reality, not because they are trying to be deceptive, although some are, but just because nobody wants to say anything negative.

  • @theroadhome_Liz_Summers
    @theroadhome_Liz_Summers 3 месяца назад +12

    First, I am a huge ECOFLOW fan and have Wave1 and Wave2 plus their Frig/freezer, River2 Pro and Delta Max 2000. They all work well for me! I use Wave1 and Wave2 in my small house in Montana: low humidity and I use the exhaust hoses with thermal wraps. I don't experience heat from the unit itself, but the exhaust hose - YES, which is why the thermal wrap. I have Wave2 in my "living room" which opens to my bedroom ... a floor fan to move air from living room to bedroom. Wave1 is in my "office" and cools that 11x11 south facing room plus another fan to move air to adjoining kitchen. My house is '85 vintage. I have the aux battery for WAVE2 but at "home", I am plugged in so power is not an issue. BUT, I did test battery and consistently get 7 hours at 90F temps.
    In my RV, I have used the units for off grid. Now, 33 foot Class A motorhome, 2 slides and I do have a 5K Onan gen but prefer not to use it except to recharge.
    IDK ... I am very happy with Wave1 and Wave2 in my situation. I am planning on downsizing to ??? and even if a van, I would put Wave2 in passenger area vented out passenger window with cool air hose to living area. I know minimal insulation in a van vs home vs motorhome AND I never intend to be in temps of 100!!!
    So ... my experience.

  • @21stcenturyshowgirl
    @21stcenturyshowgirl 3 месяца назад +13

    yeah the heat is my enemy so much more than the cold. i concur :) thank you for your unboxing.

  • @arvinbrown2808
    @arvinbrown2808 3 месяца назад +11

    Have been looking at this thanks for helping me not waste $$$

  • @phildavis6284
    @phildavis6284 2 месяца назад +1

    I like your videos, I own one and I absolutely LOVE it. No more miserable days and hot fitful nights. got it on sell 1200 with battery. To me it was one of the best investments I've made.

  • @shawnpowelljoseph8748
    @shawnpowelljoseph8748 3 месяца назад +8

    Thank you for posting this review. I have owned the Wave 2 with the optional battery for about a year. I travel, live and work from a 19' travel trailer. While I did not initially purchase the Wave 2 to cool or heat the TT, I have tested the unit out in the TT and realized similar results to yours. What I do use the unit for is supplemental cooling for my SUV as I travel with my dog. It works well keeping this small space cool for my pup, but struggles to cool the TT. Should anyone want to make the investment to add this unit to your kit, please know that while it works, there are many concessions that one may want to consider before moving forward. For those who may want to use this unit in an RV or TT, I have found setting it up in the bedroom and closing the door to work well for cooling this room first. I then open the bedrrom door and use well-placed fans to circulate the cooled air. Thanks again for posting your findings. I was beginning to think that my experiences were unique to my particular unit.

  • @GinaKayLandis
    @GinaKayLandis 3 месяца назад +21

    We trust you Bob. Thank you for doing the review.

  • @saschawilliams1
    @saschawilliams1 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you. That was very helpful. I have a 23' RV, with an Ecoflow Delta 2 Max, plus 2 100ah lithium batteries AND an additional 12v 9000 btu roof ac (plus the traditional 12,500 btu Dometic AC which requires the generator or shore cord plugin to operate).
    I was curious about the Wave 2. And I just spent the last hour watching various RUclips reviews about it.
    Your review was by far the most informative. You covered virtually every question I had.
    I appreciate the work you put into this review and this video.

  • @mikem9892
    @mikem9892 3 месяца назад +41

    The only thing stopping me from full time van life is the cooling problem

    • @nmr6988
      @nmr6988 3 месяца назад +4

      Same here.

    • @ReeseL4D
      @ReeseL4D 3 месяца назад +7

      I briefly contemplated getting an ice cube machine but the nearly 200 watts power is too much for my setup, compared to a USB fan that costs $5 and uses 3 watts. Main thing I learned is, do not park in direct sun, even with solar panels. If the solar panels can block sun and cool the vehicle, then fine. If not, then the amount of power gained from direct sun is not worth the power lost by cooling the added heat.

    • @HH_A.M.
      @HH_A.M. 3 месяца назад +2

      Get a Chinese air conditioner; I bought one for my van when I had it and I loved it. Used less power and cooled it off awesomely for 500 dollars and my 400watt panels and 5 agms @ 100watts had no problem running for hours….

    • @jgplmp1984
      @jgplmp1984 3 месяца назад

      *same*

    • @journeyhome98
      @journeyhome98 2 месяца назад

      @@HH_A.M. Do you have a link to that? I have never heard of one. TY

  • @NoZenith
    @NoZenith 3 месяца назад +21

    Haven't even started the video yet and i'm saying thank you so I don't forget to express my appreciation

  • @donnafarley3274
    @donnafarley3274 3 месяца назад +9

    Thank you Bob for being so honest!
    🙏😊👍🏼

  • @geovanniinusa5973
    @geovanniinusa5973 11 дней назад

    Don't ever give in to the bullies that live and die on a good review. Honesty is best along with the performance of a product. Love CheapRVLiving and am looking to become a nomad in 2025. See you at the RTR.

  • @PulpParadise
    @PulpParadise 3 месяца назад +7

    The best system we've seen so far is the AC split that Brian reviewed last year. Thank you for being honest and telling us what we need to know, Bob! I can't believe someone actually sent you a request to change your review after it was already posted; that took some nerve.

  • @solartramp1745
    @solartramp1745 3 месяца назад +2

    I ordered one of these when it was on sale for 40% off a week or so ago, and it came with the 800 W alternator charger and battery, so I hope it works well in my van.

  • @1stJohn3.9-10
    @1stJohn3.9-10 3 месяца назад +4

    1:05 My family and friends pressured into getting an apt, but I don't want to keep paying $15K/yr. I lived in my Jeep with my Cat, while traveling from FL to CA and back for 9 months.
    I want to get a Cargo Van, and install a CATIO cage thru the floorboard that provides her with shelter, shade, cross breeze and a hiding place while I'm in the store or charging my Jackery; I was leaving all of my windows 1/2 way down with only a wire grate, that anyone could have easily broken into.

  • @madsxolotl378
    @madsxolotl378 14 дней назад

    Thank you so much for this video! It means the world that there's someone who tests all these products so we don't have to, and who's willing to give us honest (and detailed!) reviews so we can really trust them! Your channel is amazing and truly a life saver for any vanlifers and vanlife-want-to-be's in the future! Please keep making content and thank you so much for all you do.

  • @Nemo_IRL
    @Nemo_IRL 3 месяца назад +3

    Price alone is a no go. Bob don't expect to many companies to ask you to review their products, you're to honest. 👍👍

  • @danthesquirrel
    @danthesquirrel 3 месяца назад +7

    Temperature drops 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit every 1,000 feet of altitude. Anywhere north of San Francisco on the coast will be way cooler in the summer from the arctic ocean water. And a van in the open sun versus in the shade of trees in the forest makes another big difference. Being able to escape the heat in a cold lake or creek makes a difference too. With fairly accurate weather forecasts a week into the future van lifers should be able to drop the temperature of their vans as much or more as an Ecoflow Wave 2 with better planning and driving. Since my avatar is a squirrel I should also mention splooting: Laying on your tummy on a cool patch of ground. I have never had the guts to try this in public but it's a popular option with dogs, cats and squirrels.

    • @victoriabaker4400
      @victoriabaker4400 3 месяца назад +1

      The problem with the coast is that there are widespread restrictions along the coast in all 3 states north of SF about overnight parking. Just reminding folks.

  • @SoOthersMayLiveandStuff
    @SoOthersMayLiveandStuff Месяц назад +1

    Thank you for sharing your open experience and wisdom with US, Bob. You are very appreciated… or you wouldn’t be popular. 🙂

  • @travelinvanman706
    @travelinvanman706 3 месяца назад +10

    I have one of those 12v mini splits, it works great,does well running on my 600v solar charging system..✌

    • @Penny-mk7fv
      @Penny-mk7fv 3 месяца назад +1

      Nice, you have a Tesla coil? Or is that 600w 😜

    • @otterishly777
      @otterishly777 2 месяца назад

      @@Penny-mk7fv Or maybe a lightening bolt? 😆

  • @jw3843
    @jw3843 3 месяца назад +4

    I am glad to see an honest review of one of these. I know if you ran it off an ECO Flow PowerStation with the DC connector it would take less power to run. I think most people show it taking about 300 watts that way. But unless you have one dedicated to it and enough solar to power everything, it would still take too much to run it and the space it takes up is important. I went with an 8000 btu Midea u shaped inverter window unit for my trailer, it works but also takes plenty of solar to keep it going all day. But my battery bank is big enough to keep it going all night. At the lowest compressor speed, it takes about 150 watts. At the highest compressor speed, it takes about 900 watts. Most of the time it is between 300 and 500 watts. It cost about $400 after taxes. If I was in the desert, I would probably go with a swamp cooler instead. The best thing about the window unit is that it takes very little space inside my trailer and is powered by my solar setup.

  • @skasztan
    @skasztan 2 месяца назад +1

    The best, authentic review I have seen yet. It goes beyond the technical analysis of the item and really focuses on the consumer and the practical application of this AC unit. Thank you Bob for making us a priority and speaking to our needs and concerns. I heard the the things I wanted to hear about value, function and how it's going to perform in specific situations. No one wants to buy something, only to have to return it when it can't perform adequately to meet your needs. This would have failed spectacularly for what we wanted to use it for. Again, thank you for making US the priority! THIS is what I call an honest review.

  • @randy1203
    @randy1203 3 месяца назад +6

    Hello again, Bob it's good to see you up and moving around. Thank you for your honest review. I'm sending a blanket prayer to you now for continued strength and good health. Toledo 💙

  • @spidrawebster
    @spidrawebster 3 месяца назад +4

    Thanks, Bob. I spent many hours this week trying to decide whether to pop for one. I had already ruled it out (mostly on the basis of reviews of Ecoflow's customer service = bad), but I feel better about the decision now. (LOL at wearing Bluetti hat while doing this...)

  • @zoik2420
    @zoik2420 2 месяца назад

    I think I am a good judge of people and I trust you 100%

  • @123susanbee
    @123susanbee 3 месяца назад +1

    I tried this and got even worse results. In cooler weather AND using it plugged straight into an electric hookup. Wish I would’ve had this review sooner and saved a colossal amount of $$. Thanks Bob!! Appreciate your integrity.

  • @jasonthemason1971
    @jasonthemason1971 3 месяца назад +3

    I have the first eco wave flow. It’s bigger, 800ah battery. I does cool my ambulance good. I have a designated 200w solar panel on the roof of my ambulance to charge the air conditioner and my various power stations.
    The new eco flow wave 2 also has heat.

  • @egrace407
    @egrace407 3 месяца назад +28

    Hey Bob, try the backpack mini split unit! Very curious about that.

    • @TheBeardedAxe
      @TheBeardedAxe 3 месяца назад +4

      Agreed. Compact enough to work and roughly the same price as this monster.

  • @Zeke2575
    @Zeke2575 15 дней назад +1

    I have one and love it in my ambulance build. Just designed the build to accommodate the size. FYI you can use to port on the unit to directly insert solar.

  • @1shirleynewman
    @1shirleynewman 3 месяца назад +9

    Thank you Bob. I have a Chevy full size 1/2 ton.

  • @bensprinks
    @bensprinks 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you. There is a mini split that plugs directly to solar panels. If sun is shining. Its working.

  • @marlaplunk2833
    @marlaplunk2833 3 месяца назад +2

    First of all, thank you CheapRVliving for the video. It is much appreciated. Secondly, just about every video I'm watching on yt regarding heating/cooling in a van/camper talks about how "well" the units work, but rarely do any of them mention insulation variables. My guess is, the better the insulation, the better the results. I'm planning my camper DIY build with Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) which are extremely efficient, which would help with the power draw of the heat/AC unit tremendously. I just don't know what approach to take yet. I'm a huge fan of mini woodburning stoves for heat (venting out the side, not the top). I've also seen DIY air conditioners using coolers and ice. I'm currently trying to figure out how to make an ice maker work (very low power draw) as the ice source, and then feeding the ice maker with the melted ice from the cooler somehow. Any ideas?

  • @bethmikels3613
    @bethmikels3613 3 месяца назад +3

    Thanks for the review!! To my knowledge the only real way to cool your van, ambulance, school bus, shuttle bus, or whatever you have is to use a mini split AC / heat pump if you have enough battery bank and solar input to handle it. The smallest mini splits would draw about the same amount of power but I am guessing about twice the BTU output of cooling. Like any heating or cooling system, really good insulation is your greatest friend.

    • @otterishly777
      @otterishly777 2 месяца назад

      This unit actually IS a heat pump, and will provide both heating and cooling. The two hoses form the "outdoor" loop, and the intake and outflow vents form in the indoor loop.

  • @amyd1549
    @amyd1549 3 месяца назад +8

    Great vid as always Bob.
    Thank you for all you do!

  • @Johndee5191
    @Johndee5191 3 месяца назад +6

    Thanks for the very honest review. I had been wondering about these. I think I will pass. Keep up the great work!

  • @josettepaquette6240
    @josettepaquette6240 3 месяца назад +3

    Honesty is the best policy !!! Just a thought Bob, not a nomad here but in heat and humidity would a dehumidifier benefit people - it's smaller and more compact. It seems to help in my house even w/out running the A/C. 90F in the desert and in Florida aren't the same.

  • @Staetik
    @Staetik 5 дней назад

    Had this sitting in my Amazon cart for a month debating. Glad I found your video. Thank you.

  • @abercrombiefuffufnick6090
    @abercrombiefuffufnick6090 3 месяца назад +2

    TY Sir, you are a gem! I am just beginning my budget build, with a plan for a very humble, full-time vanlife retirement. I have been seriously considering the Ecoflow 2 for several months and, with the recent "ON SALE" discounts they are offering, was on the verge of pulling the trigger. Though it pains me to have to surrender and need to go back to the drawing board, I cannot afford costly quality of life mistakes.

  • @kensmith2839
    @kensmith2839 3 месяца назад +11

    Thanks for another excellent video.

  • @leroyackerson8540
    @leroyackerson8540 3 месяца назад +3

    I own one, and I agree with your assessment. I did however find that if the tubes can be insulated (in my case I used a couple jackets and bungy cords), it added about 30% efficiency. Respects

    • @otterishly777
      @otterishly777 2 месяца назад

      Nice to hear from people who are using one. Thanks for your comment!

  • @ImOnTheRoadLiving
    @ImOnTheRoadLiving 4 дня назад

    I purchased this for my school bus and sent it back definitely wasn’t a fan… thanks for giving me the courage❤❤

  • @Rock-Bottem1982
    @Rock-Bottem1982 Месяц назад +1

    I live in my 2011 BMW 335xi, have been for 6 months now. I've been idling my engine so I can have air conditioning during the hot summer days and nights. I literally just bought this ecoflow wave 2 air conditioning unit 5 minutes ago, and yesterday I bought a 1500 watt generator from homedepot. All in I'm around $1,600, and can't wait to get my ecoflow a/c unit, as I'm spending $40.00 in fuel alone, also the added wear on my engine isn't a sustainable or smart thing to do to my car. I'm really excited about living more comfortably, and spending less in fuel costs, and not having to idle my vehicle engine anymore for cold/ warm air

  • @crusherjones6809
    @crusherjones6809 3 месяца назад +3

    This thing would be an absolute must-buy if it were 400-500 bucks. I bought a refurb with a battery pack for 900 bones, and after testing the living hell out of and building out ducting for it, etc. I just gave up on it and returned it.
    Bulky, not gonna play nice with humidity, and you gotta build your own window interface while wrestling with huge tubes. If you duct it and point it right at your face while you're in the shade it's fine, but otherwise? Knock out a window, get with an engineer friend to build a brace, and get to engineering a less elegant AC unit solution.

  • @sherrihodges849
    @sherrihodges849 8 дней назад

    if you have a smaller rig and lots of power this is great!
    My friend has an SUV and loves this. She uses her generator for about 90 minutes every day to charge this and her power station and that keeps everything running. She stores generator and A/C unit when not in use in a cargo box on her bumper.
    I believe this is an option if you have power, space for storage, a small rig and money

  • @joeglennaz
    @joeglennaz 2 месяца назад +1

    Thanks, Bob. I really appreciate the fact on you tell us how it can work rather than just telling us well it won’t work or it will work or it’s bad or it’s good because most products have some good and bad or rather they just have normal limitations so I love the fact that you said if you have 700 W, you can use this item and you walk us through the thought process Because the bottom line is machine requires X amount of wattage to run around the clock. And that’s true of any given machine.

  • @Rolling3
    @Rolling3 3 месяца назад +1

    Your honest reviews of the content , truly helps the people living on a monthly income... we all appreciate you're honest breakdowns of items.

  • @cotter9751
    @cotter9751 3 месяца назад +1

    Thanks for testing it, and giving us the context of why it will work for a few, and why it's not reasonable for most. Thanks!

  • @itsschiegg
    @itsschiegg 3 месяца назад +3

    Thanks for an honest and thoughtful review! I’ve always been skeptical of these, they seem like a great concept… but portability often has tradeoffs

  • @valeriaproductions
    @valeriaproductions 3 месяца назад +4

    I appreciate the honesty. I have a generator and 2500 watts in jackery power stations so I think this would work well for my situation. See you in January at the RTR!

  • @thomassimmons1686
    @thomassimmons1686 10 дней назад +1

    @cheaprvliving Recently homeless and trying to figure out how to convert my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. Only real problem is keeping my dog cool. This device will save my dog's life living in the Texas heat. I'll cut a hole in my van to run the exhaust no problem. Please let me know if you are selling it 🙏🏼 Thanks for all the tips and honest reviews! 💯

  • @moni6058
    @moni6058 3 месяца назад +5

    Seems like the best bet would be a smaller 5000 BTU window unit and buying two power units for the price of the ecoflow.

    • @schassismx3115
      @schassismx3115 3 месяца назад +2

      Honestly those efficient window units almost always end up being the answer if you're able to mount it. These hose exhaust AC's are way too inefficient.

    • @otterishly777
      @otterishly777 2 месяца назад

      @@schassismx3115 This double-hose one is very different from the single-hose ones that are notoriously inefficient. For one thing, it does not cause a negative pressure differential (thus drawing a volume of uncooled, outdoor air into your space in direct proportion to the heated air it's expelling through the hose). This is actually two closed loops, so doesn't create a pressure gradient.

  • @ActivateTrueHealth
    @ActivateTrueHealth 3 месяца назад +1

    You are the most honest person on RUclips and I come here to learn the truth

  • @marlaking7866
    @marlaking7866 2 месяца назад

    Your honesty is SO APPRECIATED ❤️

  • @kennethbailey9853
    @kennethbailey9853 3 месяца назад +8

    Thank you so much. 😊

  • @michaelorlando4405
    @michaelorlando4405 3 месяца назад +1

    I have this... on particulary hot nights I just put the hose in the sleeping bag, some sort of pod system is the only way to use it with 400w. On the real hot days I find power and plug it in or use a LPG generator... my battery bank is oversized for rain and due to limited solar space.

  • @jeremytorgersen
    @jeremytorgersen 3 месяца назад +2

    Thank you for another great video and honest review. I will plan on continuing without an A/C unit and be a snowbird and use rechargeable fans.

  • @iknowheis
    @iknowheis 3 месяца назад +2

    What a beautiful backdrop you have today!

  • @juliegarfield2685
    @juliegarfield2685 3 месяца назад +4

    Always so entertaining and informative!!!

  • @thenena7777
    @thenena7777 19 дней назад

    Thank you so much for your integrity! I'm thankful it still exists.

  • @DefunctDisney
    @DefunctDisney 3 месяца назад +1

    I think this will work for my teardrop based on your review. Thank you for the heads up

  • @tonverfall_studio
    @tonverfall_studio 3 месяца назад +1

    I really appreciate your forthright and no-nonsense review videos. One thing I don't get is why more people doing vanlife don't prioritize white vehicles. I know not everyone has the option to choose paint color when they're getting into vanlife, but it makes such a HUGE difference to comfort if you can, and it works hand-in-hand to optimize any cooling solution.

  • @101meowkitty
    @101meowkitty 15 дней назад

    Honest reviews just earned you another follower my friend.

  • @VivecaV2020
    @VivecaV2020 3 месяца назад +3

    However, were someone who does camping at state parks or places they have electricity it works really well. But as you say, you have to have the space work. I have the zero breeze mark two and if it is over 105° it doesn’t do a great job during the daytime, but it does take the humidity out which helps me in South Florida. But at night time about two in the morning I have to turn it off usually because it gets really cold.

  • @ramonalesafifth1694
    @ramonalesafifth1694 3 месяца назад +1

    Truly appreciate all you do for others and your honesty
    Many Blessings
    Butterfly

  • @janetkoball44
    @janetkoball44 3 месяца назад +1

    Thanks Bob for a direct and honest review. Maybe one if these days someone will make a smaller, more powerful A.C. set up to match a decent amount of solar. But until then , the high elevation and some shade is our home. From Central Oklahoma

  • @marilynrenaud1892
    @marilynrenaud1892 3 месяца назад +1

    We always know that you are 100% honest with your reviews...I never purchase anything without a Bob recommendation. Your word is as good as gold.👍😁

  • @Frank-James
    @Frank-James 3 месяца назад +1

    There is no doubt a need and a demand for a product that will cool a van at an affordable price which doesn't eat up all of your power. The fact that they sent this to you tells me they want to develop that product. I believe that your feedback to them will help them to move towards a solution. Fingers crossed! Thanks for another great video!

  • @ramontoro
    @ramontoro 3 месяца назад +2

    Thanks Bob for all the information on New products , that system looks interesting

  • @leeanderson42
    @leeanderson42 2 месяца назад

    Thank you for a very rare honest and practical review for normal people.
    Too many RUclipsrs love the free stuff and give positive reviews.
    Well done!

  • @jameskringlee8974
    @jameskringlee8974 3 месяца назад +5

    First Insulation, Insulation, Insulation. Then figure out how to run a standard 120 volt 5,000 BTU window air conditioner? Perhaps even at a lower input power level

    • @MrThisIsMeToo
      @MrThisIsMeToo 3 месяца назад +1

      Yes, because for the one hour you can run it in a van will do absolutely nothing in a van.

    • @ceefiveceefive
      @ceefiveceefive 3 месяца назад

      Did you mean to say a 5000 BTU window AC?

    • @ezapata3200
      @ezapata3200 3 месяца назад

      $150. Slow-start a/c units are easily available Now you have plenty $ for batteries. And inverters ...

    • @jameskringlee8974
      @jameskringlee8974 3 месяца назад

      @@ceefiveceefive Yes

    • @jameskringlee8974
      @jameskringlee8974 3 месяца назад

      @@ceefiveceefive Yes, Thank You for the correction