Beginner’s Guide: CHEAPEST Way to POWER Your VAN Life!
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 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.
🔴AMAZON LINKS:
✅Bluetti AC50 Power Station
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Use "AC50B5OFF" for an extra $5 Off
✅Bluetti EB3A Power Station
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✅COSTWAY PORTABLE WASHING MACHINE
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✅ENLGLE FRIDGE
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✅EF ECOFLOW 1800W Dual Fuel Smart Generator
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✅EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA Max 2000
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✅ALL BLUETTI POWER STATIONS
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Thanks for watching!
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. Their’s so many now idk which one to pick lol
i recommend one power station that can do at least 800w because you're eventually gonna want a 3 quart instant pot that uses 700 watts.
i also recommend that instead of getting the biggest watt hour battery you can afford, you should get two smaller ones that add up to enough watt hours. that way if one blitzes out, you have a backup, and two smaller ones are easier to carry, deploy, and stow than one big one.
This is the god father of nomadic/van life RUclips. He’s been sharing stories and rigs for quite some time
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.
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 expenses…perhaps 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:
• free camping vs paying
• gas to single destination and out again vs local vs regional vs national travel
• gas consumption of your rig
• propane consumption
• eating in vs eating out
• 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. I’m looking for a free simple program to figure monthly expenses.
Glad to see promotion of these units. Several years ago, I had bought a “solar generator” 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 didn’t 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.
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....?
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 !
"Hello Everyone and Welcome To MY Next Project." Me, after everytime Bob recites his opener.😅😅
I love love love my portable washer-spinner machine. The clothes are almost dry when the spin is done.
This is a great review. Thank You for taking the time to get it posted. Stay Safe, keep posting and I'll keep watching 🙏👍🐕🦺😎
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. I’ve 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.
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!😄✌️🏼❤🌻✝️💕
*Expansion Battery
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.
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 😊
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).
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. 🙂
That's profound....😂
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 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
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 love my portable washer... shopping for a power station
What brand/model do you have?
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. 😊
This is why I love watching your videos. Real information about what works and what don't work 😎
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 you😊
I'm in Australia. I'll trade you 😂 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.
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 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.
Really great review. Thanks! One thing not mentioned is how good the app is for the device. I don’t 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 just started my van life journey,, I'm thanking of posting videos on RUclips,, starting out with the basics ,,, 😎😁
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!
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
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 RUclipsr 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.
bluetti ac500 with b300s is about the best set up out there
Can you explain the watts to solar and what it means? Or show an actual hookup of the solar to the chargers
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 🌞
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...?
Hello from Puerto Rico Bob and friends
Thank you, Bob
A very informative video that I'll have to listen to again when it's time to get one . Thanks Bob for teaching us.
Great advice. I loves my Bluetti. Buy the best quality and the largest capacity you can afford.
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!
Great Video. You always have those amazing mountains view in the back ground ❤❤❤❤ I love the White cap mountain 🗻 aswell 😊
Great review, thank you for sharing the information and recommendations!
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. :)
That Beautiful Background though ♡
Cool I love these! ❤Thank u!🎉
Thanks Bob!
Have you tested a VTOMAN? I’d like to see what you think about these as I have a 1000v & a 1500v.
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.
such a useful review thanks so much!
Bob, I didn’t 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! 👍
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-.
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.
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
And Another Great Video ! 🤘😆🤘
Thanks for sharing a great video
Anker 767
👋😄 Thanks for the review, they are always informative.👍
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 😁. Love all these power units if i could id buy all the brands units😂
love this! and the washer review was chiefs kiss whoot whoot!
Thank you, Bob, for a very informative video ❤
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.
Amazon Prime day sale is coming up July 16 -17. Deal to be had.
Thank you foe the information
🔔 CRVL: MORE POWER TO YA!
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.
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
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 🔌, 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 🥵🌡️ suffering off-grid, trying to build a truck camper build slow process because funds,& not enough watts to use powered saw, tool's.😢 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 👍👍
thank you
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.
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.
#Grateful 🙏 love you guys, thank you, #mahalo
Great video thank you. Very informative. I personally am a Bluetti fan. Just where I landed cause I got a great deal. I’m still a newbie and I’m 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.
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 😂😂
Cool
Where is the Anker i got a Amker they been around longer then them
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.
can you use that dc to dc alternator charger on bluetti also?
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.
Would it be possible or logical to collect small 1s that you can afford & use them all when you are ready ? 🤔 Love & Thank You so much! Bob 🕺
what is the difference between the ac and eb bluettis?
I miss Rockpals. Mine still going strong (so far).
Hey, Bob, how are you doing? I have a all power 700. Watt solar generator can you review them? Are they any good?
Where is the link for the 3way cable?
What are your thoughts on Pecron?
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... 🇺🇸 🌎
What do I need to power 2 cpaps?
I really want a bluetti ❤😭🙏😅😊
you should also check non-name brand power stations. same features, way cheaper. i think a lot of manufacturers are working to break into this booming market and offering really good products.
i have a 298wh 'Outable Go' with a LiFePO4 battery, pure sine wave, and 60w pd that works flawlessly, and it costed under $150. the 268wh bluetti currently costs ~$200.
i also have a 999wh 'Egretech Sonic' that works great that i paid ~$400 for. the 864wh bluetti ac70p is currently trying on sale for $550.
i had the bluetti 716wh eb70s and i gave it away. it had a dummy light that showed only bars of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% for power remaining- totally useless for real world use. it was also glitchy in other respects. two friends also have bluettis and one out of the two ditched it for flaky readings and other problems.
i remember when jackery was all the rage and that product didn't even have a lifepo4 battery chemistry, so it had life half the lifespan of lifepo4, but had excellent marketing.
all just to say, don't get too hooked on name brands.
Bluetti is having a HUGE sale right now. With Amazon Prime Days happening July 16-17, most of the major power bank sellers (Bluetti, EcoFlow, Anker, etc.) are offering GREAT deals right now. I think (not 100% sure) that Bluetti’s sale runs through the end of July. I just got a Bluetti AC180 (regularly $999) for $567. Bluetti was also doing free shipping. Happy hunting!!! 😊
Bluetti can be charge while using it.
What is the point if u get a battery u can't charge it without the car on
So you have power with the car off.
🤘
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 😂😂😂
❤
Do you still go live on Wednesdays ?
Editing question: Curious-- is the background real or a green screen?
Most units will accept overpaneling with no issues.
What about goal zero?
Inadequate air conditioning is the main reason I cannot do full-time van life.