I’m a 3rd year chippy and I’m starting to build one of my toolboxes into a charging station for all the gear. One of these solar blankets would just top it off perfectly for work and for keeping the beers cold on the tracks! I’ve got an Engel battery box at the moment, but I’m working on a more permanent solution. Watching 4wd24/7 after all these years have really taught me so much about my set up! Thanks legends!
Solar Panel on Roofrack is the way I went, as I have awning for shade, so my vehicle can sit out in the sun with no worries! I do admit that one of them foldable solar blankets would be good if youre camping under trees and if you have a long enough lead with ando plugs you can still locate sun close by! My Solar Panel is connected direct to my Ecoflow, haven't needed a DC/DC charger as yet!
Great Video Shauno .. we have an off-road camper, and l fixed a solar panel to the rack on top! So when setting up camp l need to be mindful of the direction/angle of the camper to catch the sun. A portable solar panel would be perfect to grab the sun for the full day .. cheers 🍻
worth mentioning the watt density of each of the options, generally the rigid fixed panels have the highest watt density, then portable folding panels, then solar blankets.
Hi Shane. Really live your videos. I go camping sometimes. I can’t seem to keep my battery charge. The blanket would fix my problem if I could afford it. thanks for the info. Dave.
Also worth mentioning that not all Solar blankets are created equal. He is demonstrating RedArc blankets which are high end panels. Lots of people can't afford them, so they will opt for a cheaper one and find out it struggles to reach its rated wattage. For a low end budget, you are much better off with a fixed panel in my experience
Hi. Currently looking for a portable setup as I do a lot of travel whilst working for Just4kids Childrens Charity and spend about 200 days on the road. Big adventure in May to Kimberly with Charity. I’m a retired guy and living on a very fixed income. Love what you guys are doing to promote responsible 4x4ing. Be safe. David M. Wilson
The solar blanket would work so well with our camping setup in the patrol. We regularly have the roof rack loaded with swag etc (so a fixed won’t suit) and tend to park up at a campsite for a couple of nights. The blanket would work great to keep our deep cycle topped up for a few days running the fridge and camp lights. Great informative video!
Hi Shane, my tiny home was wiped out in Cyclone Gabriella now I'm living out of my vehicle so a portable solar panel would be an absolute lifechanger. Love all you boys you're bunch of legends.
We’re always limited as to how long we can stay at one spot before we run up of power so this solar blanket would be awesome. Perfect for when you just need a few more nights 👍
Explained it perfectly Shauno! Me, my wife and 2yr old daughter are doing our first ever big road trip up to the cape this June/July. Many years of dreaming, finally doing it!
Shauno, the hints and tips I get from these vids have finally pushed us to lock in our tour dates for the family and I to do a 6month stint next year. Happy days!! Keep ‘em up!
Camping out in the Rocky Mountains in Western U.S. and my battery went flat that powered my diesel heater. As you Aussies would say it got bloddy cold! with nighttime temps hitting -15 Fahrenheit. Sure would have been nice to have a solar panel to keep that battery topped off.
just started my 4wd and camping build in my landcruiser (go the YOTAS). First was my 12v set up and the solar blanket would complete my 12v system to keep my beers cold and kids happy on our long camping trips. We utilise out roof top for all of our camping gear so no space for a fixed panel. Having this blanket paired with my Redarc DCDC would give me the best peace of mind that my deep cycle is always being topped up. Another great video Shaun thanks for all the info.
My partner and I have just added a new addition to our family he is five months old currently and cant wait to take the family on some good camping trips to make memories and traditions as being new and young parents it’s hard to spend a lot of money on certain items but this would make a great addition to my setup as it’s in its processes, would be awesome for a fridge to keep all kids food and our food nice and cool. Cheers graham , Shauno and the team at 4WD 24/7.
My partner loves his cruiser and solar is something he has been talking about for some time. I thought it would be a great suprise to sort out a solar solution for him to tackle both his daily use and those trips away. Now, I know zilch about this sort of thing and that's how I found your video! Please help me make my man's cruiser dreams come true haha. Thanks for stellar advice on solar options! Super helpful!
As a suzuki driver I dont have much space at all. I just installed a dual battery isolator and looking at getting a solar panel/blanked. This video has helped me a lot to decide on what to get. Thanks Shauno!
Great video guys & it has come at the right time. My son rang me this morning & asked what type of solar panel would suit his Ute with a rooftop tent, he is just setting up his unit. I forwarded the link to this video so he can make the right choice when purchasing a solar panel. Thanks for a indepth insight into solar & for making my job easier. Cheers.
I just bought a battery box for our next camping trip. It's my first time to use this and just planning to charge it at home and bring it to camp. A solar blanket is a good choice for charging my battery box while on the campsite. Your videos helps a lot for me. Cheers.
There is a few of us heading to Frazer island at the end of the year and this solar panel will work like a treat. I always enjoy your videos and looking forward to seeing Frazer. Thanks mate. Really appreciate it Steve
Taking the fam on a 6 week trip from Perth to the Victorian high country, this video came up just as I was looking for which way to go with solar. Solar blanket looks like the way to go. Cheers lads
7:03 As a Tradie, run an inverter and a fridge that runs 24/7. Would help with those campsites for the weekend and not worry about power!! Love the channel.
Cheers for the video as always. We have a 9 month old son that we love to take camping and a new solar blanket would help us keep all his things charged and keep out there making the memories together.
I’ve been working through all the pros and cons of a 12v system and solar is a big part of that. I think you have convinced me that a blanket is the go. To win one would definitely get me on my way big time.
Just bought an offroad camper trailer and I think this would be a perfect solar blanket for our setup with three kids they chew through the battery power when at camp, thank you very informative.
This video was a bloody treat , last weekend i got the boys around built out the back of the 105 with some form ply to make a spot for everything and put in a dual battery and control panel , i’m thinking of going a solar panel to keep the fridge cold and the good times coming cheers for the video legends 🍻🍻
I have just recently bought a second hand Ranger that I want to setup for camping as a first timer your videos are giving ideas of what I need and a Solar Blanket would be great to help me get this 4WD camper setup. Thanks for your help guys
Watching your RUclips channel has definitely inspired me to get my first 4wd and get out there and explore our great country. Have recently fitted Ute with 12v and run a fridge on the jobsite. As mentioned in your vid, I have a short commute and struggle to keep battery charged so am definitely in need of solar.
Shauno! Ive got me Troopy ready to go on an adventure up the east coast from vic in a couple weeks. One thing i don't have is a way to charge me flippin second battery while shes all parked up. Be stoked if i could get some help with that. Cheers guys
My partner and I have just started kitting out our Y62, we are currently working on our 12v set up and this solar blanket would be the perfect addition to keep our batteries charged!
Just picked up a new ute for work and want to slowly set it up to be able to go off grid as well. As solar blanket would be the perfect addition to the start of something great! Love watching the videos and have done so for many years now
I had a portable blanket but my son tripped over and fell on it and cracked all the panels. He is saving his pocket money to buy me another but at $2 a week it’s going to take a while for him to save up. 😂 Please pick me for the new Redarc blanket. Both my son and I will be thankful. Cheers , Ben.
This would be the cherry on top of my new duel battery set-up. The solar part has been confusing the hell out of me, and this video has helped me narrow down the decision on what to get. Our first 4x4 adventure to lawn hill then to the Cape is only a few months away, and this solar panel will definitely be seriously tested for the 8 weeks of camping
Awesome video that helps figure out what solar setup to choose. After years of dealing with a major medical condition we are finally able to travel more than an hour from hospital and head out bush. Getting a camper trailer within the month after an almost 18 month wait and finally ready for some incredible trips away. A solar blanket would definitely help us head away more remote and for longer.
Shauno. i'm trying to build my first tourer to take the family out on holidays. Like everyone else the cost of living is really killing us, would love a solar blanket and it would definitely help create those great memories. All the best, keep up the good work to all the team!
Hi, fellas, the reason I would love a solar blanket is, I have an off-road caravan, 2001 Kedron pop top that I’m slowly doing up and recently I’ve had trouble charging the batteries when it’s cloudy, or when the best camp spot is under a bunch of trees. So far, I’ve got a couple of new batteries and a solar controller from Kings. Just by the way, love the show
Honestly the solar blanket will be awesome for my set up, setting up the ranger has been slow going due to funds, but being able to keep my batteries topped up on my solo tours will work a treat. Thanks for the video Shauno, this has definitely helped me when Im finally able to afford solar charging, love your work.
Hey shauno, either a blanket or panel would suit me. Few weekends away here and there with some mates on school holidays and would be handy to keep the fridge cold
Just bought my first lithium batteries and stumped on what to go with for charging them up thanks for the vital information from someone who does this for a living on ya 4wd 24/7 crew hope I'm the lucky one but that's like winning the lotto 🤙🏻 keep up the awesome info for set ups definitely helped me a tonne
I’ve been searching at many different types of solar panels and couldn’t make my mind of what to pick. Now with that information that you shared i can get a better understanding of what I will want. Thanks mate 🍻🍻
We are getting ready for a big trip (4mths) around WA for the first time and so a solar blanket would be a great addition to our setup to keep the fridge going and the beers cold!
You wouldn't read about it but my solar blanket for what ever reason stopped working reading zero amps. I use it for camping/touring in our Opus camper and soon will need it for my 4WD. The blanket is the best option for me because its portable, interchangeable and folds up for space saving.
Even though I have a fixed panel on my 80series, I always try to park in the shade and can't get the most out of it. A portable set up I could put in sun would help me stay longer and enjoy more. Keeping the missus and kids happy. Got a 280ah lithium powering everything including induction cooktop. So need to recharge asap every day.. keep this awesome content coming.
Just starting my 4WD journey and I’m loving. A solar blanket would be so helpful because I like to run my fridge out the back of the Ute and I’m normally the only one with a car suitable to charge everything.
Thanks for this guide! Why I would love to win this solar blanket: My girlfriend and I just bought our first shared vehicle: A 1986 VW T3. We are so proud of it, even though it is currently in her parents shed being converted into a super cool off-grid long-term cruiser/overlander. However, we are working on a tight budget so we havent really figured out what to do with the electrical system yet. This blanket would definitely run the small electrical ice box I found somewhere for free and provide such a great basis for the rest of the system :)
I am new to all this 4x4ing stuff and really appreciate these kinds of videos. I have always wanted a solar blanket as I believe these are the best of both worlds. Charges the Ute when not driving, but pack away nice and small when driving! I just don’t have the $$$ to splash out, but if your keep to help a bloke out, I’d be eternally grateful! Please keep up the awesome work! 👍🏻👊🏻👌🏻
Needing a Solar Blanket for our daughter. She has just turned 18, got her first car, a Prado 90 series. She is about to fit it out as a tourer, therefore the Redarc Solar Blanket would be a great kick start to her Fitout. 🤞 Cheers Tony & Dawn
100% need a solar blanket to take away with the camper trailer. The 150W I have lives in the Hilux so a new awesome blanket would look good in the camper. Great job Shauno
As for tips we run a 100ah LiFePO4 in a battery box with the solar charge controller attached to it. We can then move it around, leave it at camp to run everything all the while it's getting charged too and we aren't tied to the vehicle to provide charge or power the site.
A solar blanket would be a great asset to my little setup, in keeping the battery topped up in the trailer when it's not being used or keeping everything charged when I'm out & about. Keep up the good work 😃👍
We work out in areas where power isn't always available, and generators aren't always allowed, plus of course it would come in a heap of help during camping!
Great video Shauno! A solar blanket would be a great addition to my camping collection helping my family to go camping a few days longer than we’re used to
I'd love a folding solar blanket. Just got myself a camper trailer and want to do some 4wd trips without the trailer so a portable solar blanket would be perfect. Love the show. Shauno, ur a champ.
Hey guys, I have a jeep with a small roof rack, RTT and fixed solar panel, but as you touched on it’s not ideal particularly around trees and with the tent setup I can’t easily move. I’d love a blanket to help keep my system topped up by being able to move the blanket around to find the sun. Love your content I’ve been watching your DVD’s from magazines for over a decade and very pleased you are on RUclips :) 🎉
Having a soler blanket when camping would work good for us as we do a lot of off grid camping and with 2 kids wanting to go to the fridge all the time for drinks knowing the soler will keep the battery chaged and drinks cold makes a good camp trip with the family and can go out and injoy this beautiful country
Love the videos. The wife and I are 3 months into our lap and our current set up is not enough. 180w charging our 240ah lithium in our can and our 120w Kings blanket trying to keep our 100ah lithium in the car charged is a battle. An extra more efficient solar source would be awesome.
At the beginning of this month, went down to High Country for the first time with mates from work (wow, what a special corner of the world). My ute only has a tub and a hard tonneau and space was limited as I took my son with me. My folding solar panel just took up so much space, there are definitely changes I need to make to allow more space and an easier time, a solar blanket would go a long way in helping that.
I'm a month away from doing the big lap haven't been able to decide if I wanted fixed panel or a portable panel but after seeing this video I think I'm going to have to get a portable one. Great video, I'm glad I saw this before I headed away.
The solar blanket would be the perfect power for us as we head up to scotland wild camping this year as we had to cancel it twice oafter having 2 heart attack which I ended up on surgery for both times. currently im converting my ford ranger double cab pick up into a camper getting the roof tent fitted next month but been looking at solar system for ages and the blanket would work best in our set up keep up the good work chap and good luck to everyone
i’m a weekend warrior, me and misses get away every chance we can. run the second battery just off the alternator at the moment. so longer trips are out of the question without abit of solar. would help heaps 🤙 love the video lads
Hello from NYC! The lady and I love to camp in our new 2021 4 Door Bronco. We need a foldable panel for lighting and a refrigerator. I've got a lot of things I'm installing, and money is tight. Your tips help a lot, brother! Be safe!
Finally able to do some longer touring trips, bought a 20 yo Troopy and doing it up DIY on a budget to head off with the missus for some adventure time again. Would really love that solar blanket for our set up, help keep the drinks cold when parked up.
Have started doing bush camping with my daughter fridge in the canopy and in camper trailer a solar blanket would really help my daughter enjoy her time away more
Dirty30 needs fixed panel on the dog box unless you create more storage on the box then a blanket or maybe both? The blankets appear great for saving weight and space with portability to maximise direct sun. Also fantastic for providing back up solar if you are dragging a camper/van like me! Solar blanket would be perfect set up for me after watching your video Shaun. Informative as always!
Hey Shauno, the family and I have just purchased out first camper trailer and the solar blanket would work perfect for out small 12v setup. Cant wait to get the kids out and about in the bush!
G'day guys. The solar blanket would work a treat with my set up. I'm a tradie so I carry plenty of gear on my roof but on weekends my 4wd is parked in the shade when not out in the bush. A solar blanket would be the bees knees to keep my battery topped up when I'm also at work running an inverter to charge my tools. I also run a 45l fridge 24/7 along with some camp lights and interior canopy lights. Cheers boys, love your work
Hey mate! You've won a REDARC portable solar blanket! Please send us a message to our Facebook page with a screenshot of this comment & we'll sort you out. If we don't hear back in 7 days, we'll have to re-draw or save it for the next one!
Now with a new addition to our family (baby boy currently 4 weeks old) being a family of 4 (4yo son as well), we are constantly are having to use electrical devices not only to keep the 4yo old entertained but we need to use power to create bottles for our 1 month old and my old Fleabay special 120w solar panel struggle to put the power back into my 12v system to get our power supply topped up and everyone happy and healthy……. So yeah, a better quality higher wattage solar panel would be greatly accepted for our off grid adventures!
Great overview of the types of panels available and what may work best for a particular setup. However two points: 1 - All solar panels are negatively affected by heat (i.e. as they get hot, their output is reduced), thus, all panel types need decent airflow to work as effectively as possible (not just the fixed panel as you stated). So this is a rather important consideration when deciding where you will place your solar blanket (if that is what one decides to go for). 2 - The two Redarc blankets discussed in the ‘amorphous Vs monocrystalline’ segment. Pretty much right with your comments; however, you really needed to highlight the difference in output power (i.e. power output/area). Both of those blankets are pretty much the same size (black mono, 1.81 sqm versus red amorphous, 2.20 Sqm), but the mono produces more than twice the output power. This is a huge con, especially when you look at the price difference of the two. Without the ability to do my own testing, given the more than 200% increased power output (per sqm) of the mono, I don’t think that you would see much of a difference in overall power output when both are operating under a relative amount of shade (I’d like to see this tested Shauno to see if I need to update my knowledge… I’d be happy to do that testing for you if you can send me the relevant panels :) ). Other than that, thanks for the vid, as I’m sure you’ve helped a lot of people out.
Another great comparison video guys! The REDARC SOLAR MONOCRYSTALLINE SOLAR BLANKET would be a great addition to my weekend camper van. It will provide peace of mind that I’ll always have cold beverages and fresh food available, as well as keeping my phone charged to keep my family in the loop and take plenty of action videos.
The good lady is very open to doing more remote camping in the camper trailer and I would really love to make life even more comfortable with solar blanket set up so we can stay that little bit longer. Win win I say 😊
i'm just beginning my 4WD experiences. Been looking at all the things to help with the camping adventure and and i want to create a 12v set up. thins would be absolutely brilliant to have.
My last vehicle had a flat hood and I can a flexible solar panel permanently mounted to it. After the crash I ended up replacing it with a vehicle that doesn’t have room on the hood for any solar. To many air vents. I’m looking into the blankets for the new rig. It’s been difficult rebuilding after the loss of my favorite 4x4 but it saved my life and I’m great full for that. We camp with our twins, fridge, lights are our main reason for solar. We don’t have a second battery in our build
Have just got our first 4x4 Ute and our new battery set up. Finally starting our off road adventures and haven't got the solar system sussed yet. Definitely say you guys have motivated us to get out there. Vids are awesomekeep it up.
Currently building the ultimate off road home, Mercedes sprinter 4x4, this will be our on the road home with a full star link set up, we want to park it in the shade but still be able to get charge anywhere in Australia so we can continue to work and explore this beautiful country, a solar blanket would be perfect for us to keep the van and dogs cool and still be able to get a charge each day.
I just scored myself a camp trailer which will allow my family to go camping on a regular basis. I have an old very large 160w solar panel which takes up a lots of room. The solar blanket would be fantastic when it comes to space in the trailer
I recently had the redarc bcdc40 system fitted to my 200, my next move after some handy tips from Shauno is a solar blanket over the hard suit case style. Thanx and keep up the good work. 👍🏼
![[TESTED] KINGS vs REDARC solar blankets - shoot-out! 🤠](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/AActNzBZ9FA/mqdefault.jpg)
![[TESTED] KINGS vs REDARC solar blankets - shoot-out! 🤠](/img/tr.png)
Owning a Jimny, space is everything. The portable solar blanket is the perfect low volume solution for my packing room in the back.
I’m a 3rd year chippy and I’m starting to build one of my toolboxes into a charging station for all the gear. One of these solar blankets would just top it off perfectly for work and for keeping the beers cold on the tracks!
I’ve got an Engel battery box at the moment, but I’m working on a more permanent solution.
Watching 4wd24/7 after all these years have really taught me so much about my set up! Thanks legends!
Solar Panel on Roofrack is the way I went, as I have awning for shade, so my vehicle can sit out in the sun with no worries! I do admit that one of them foldable solar blankets would be good if youre camping under trees and if you have a long enough lead with ando plugs you can still locate sun close by! My Solar Panel is connected direct to my Ecoflow, haven't needed a DC/DC charger as yet!
My dad has 10m lead for his folding setup handy for chasing the Sun
How are you finding the EcoFlow? Tossing up between them and Bluetti
Great Video Shauno .. we have an off-road camper, and l fixed a solar panel to the rack on top! So when setting up camp l need to be mindful of the direction/angle of the camper to catch the sun. A portable solar panel would be perfect to grab the sun for the full day .. cheers 🍻
worth mentioning the watt density of each of the options, generally the rigid fixed panels have the highest watt density, then portable folding panels, then solar blankets.
Great point mate! 💡
@@4WD247 I do a lot of off grid camp I find the blankets panels are not as effective as the Rigid fixed panels.
Hi Shane. Really live your videos.
I go camping sometimes. I can’t seem to keep my battery charge. The blanket would fix my problem if I could afford it. thanks for the info. Dave.
Also worth mentioning that not all Solar blankets are created equal.
He is demonstrating RedArc blankets which are high end panels.
Lots of people can't afford them, so they will opt for a cheaper one and find out it struggles to reach its rated wattage.
For a low end budget, you are much better off with a fixed panel in my experience
Hi. Currently looking for a portable setup as I do a lot of travel whilst working for Just4kids Childrens Charity and spend about 200 days on the road. Big adventure in May to Kimberly with Charity. I’m a retired guy and living on a very fixed income. Love what you guys are doing to promote responsible 4x4ing.
Be safe.
David M. Wilson
The solar blanket would work so well with our camping setup in the patrol. We regularly have the roof rack loaded with swag etc (so a fixed won’t suit) and tend to park up at a campsite for a couple of nights. The blanket would work great to keep our deep cycle topped up for a few days running the fridge and camp lights.
Great informative video!
Hi Shane, my tiny home was wiped out in Cyclone Gabriella now I'm living out of my vehicle so a portable solar panel would be an absolute lifechanger.
Love all you boys you're bunch of legends.
We’re always limited as to how long we can stay at one spot before we run up of power so this solar blanket would be awesome. Perfect for when you just need a few more nights 👍
Explained it perfectly Shauno! Me, my wife and 2yr old daughter are doing our first ever big road trip up to the cape this June/July. Many years of dreaming, finally doing it!
Sorry guys, couldn't finish watching because my battery went flat. Could do with a redarc blanket... :p
Shauno, the hints and tips I get from these vids have finally pushed us to lock in our tour dates for the family and I to do a 6month stint next year. Happy days!! Keep ‘em up!
Camping out in the Rocky Mountains in Western U.S. and my battery went flat that powered my diesel heater. As you Aussies would say it got bloddy cold! with nighttime temps hitting -15 Fahrenheit. Sure would have been nice to have a solar panel to keep that battery topped off.
just started my 4wd and camping build in my landcruiser (go the YOTAS). First was my 12v set up and the solar blanket would complete my 12v system to keep my beers cold and kids happy on our long camping trips. We utilise out roof top for all of our camping gear so no space for a fixed panel. Having this blanket paired with my Redarc DCDC would give me the best peace of mind that my deep cycle is always being topped up. Another great video Shaun thanks for all the info.
This is strikingly cool. Its visual impact is immediate and lasting.
My partner and I have just added a new addition to our family he is five months old currently and cant wait to take the family on some good camping trips to make memories and traditions as being new and young parents it’s hard to spend a lot of money on certain items but this would make a great addition to my setup as it’s in its processes, would be awesome for a fridge to keep all kids food and our food nice and cool. Cheers graham , Shauno and the team at 4WD 24/7.
My partner loves his cruiser and solar is something he has been talking about for some time. I thought it would be a great suprise to sort out a solar solution for him to tackle both his daily use and those trips away. Now, I know zilch about this sort of thing and that's how I found your video! Please help me make my man's cruiser dreams come true haha. Thanks for stellar advice on solar options! Super helpful!
As a suzuki driver I dont have much space at all. I just installed a dual battery isolator and looking at getting a solar panel/blanked. This video has helped me a lot to decide on what to get. Thanks Shauno!
Great video guys & it has come at the right time. My son rang me this morning & asked what type of solar panel would suit his Ute with a rooftop tent, he is just setting up his unit. I forwarded the link to this video so he can make the right choice when purchasing a solar panel. Thanks for a indepth insight into solar & for making my job easier. Cheers.
Just when I was looking at what type of solar panel would suite my needs I came across this. Just what I needed. Thank you
I just bought a battery box for our next camping trip. It's my first time to use this and just planning to charge it at home and bring it to camp. A solar blanket is a good choice for charging my battery box while on the campsite. Your videos helps a lot for me. Cheers.
Can you guys please make a snorkel video between rear facing and the forward facing snorkels and I can't decide which one
There is a few of us heading to Frazer island at the end of the year and this solar panel will work like a treat. I always enjoy your videos and looking forward to seeing Frazer. Thanks mate. Really appreciate it
Steve
Taking the fam on a 6 week trip from Perth to the Victorian high country, this video came up just as I was looking for which way to go with solar. Solar blanket looks like the way to go. Cheers lads
7:03 As a Tradie, run an inverter and a fridge that runs 24/7. Would help with those campsites for the weekend and not worry about power!! Love the channel.
Cheers for the video as always. We have a 9 month old son that we love to take camping and a new solar blanket would help us keep all his things charged and keep out there making the memories together.
I’ve been working through all the pros and cons of a 12v system and solar is a big part of that. I think you have convinced me that a blanket is the go. To win one would definitely get me on my way big time.
Just bought an offroad camper trailer and I think this would be a perfect solar blanket for our setup with three kids they chew through the battery power when at camp, thank you very informative.
This video was a bloody treat , last weekend i got the boys around built out the back of the 105 with some form ply to make a spot for everything and put in a dual battery and control panel , i’m thinking of going a solar panel to keep the fridge cold and the good times coming cheers for the video legends 🍻🍻
I have just recently bought a second hand Ranger that I want to setup for camping as a first timer your videos are giving ideas of what I need and a Solar Blanket would be great to help me get this 4WD camper setup. Thanks for your help guys
Watching your RUclips channel has definitely inspired me to get my first 4wd and get out there and explore our great country. Have recently fitted Ute with 12v and run a fridge on the jobsite. As mentioned in your vid, I have a short commute and struggle to keep battery charged so am definitely in need of solar.
Shauno! Ive got me Troopy ready to go on an adventure up the east coast from vic in a couple weeks. One thing i don't have is a way to charge me flippin second battery while shes all parked up. Be stoked if i could get some help with that. Cheers guys
My partner and I have just started kitting out our Y62, we are currently working on our 12v set up and this solar blanket would be the perfect addition to keep our batteries charged!
Just picked up a new ute for work and want to slowly set it up to be able to go off grid as well. As solar blanket would be the perfect addition to the start of something great!
Love watching the videos and have done so for many years now
I had a portable blanket but my son tripped over and fell on it and cracked all the panels.
He is saving his pocket money to buy me another but at $2 a week it’s going to take a while for him to save up. 😂
Please pick me for the new Redarc blanket. Both my son and I will be thankful.
Cheers , Ben.
This would be the cherry on top of my new duel battery set-up. The solar part has been confusing the hell out of me, and this video has helped me narrow down the decision on what to get. Our first 4x4 adventure to lawn hill then to the Cape is only a few months away, and this solar panel will definitely be seriously tested for the 8 weeks of camping
Awesome video that helps figure out what solar setup to choose.
After years of dealing with a major medical condition we are finally able to travel more than an hour from hospital and head out bush. Getting a camper trailer within the month after an almost 18 month wait and finally ready for some incredible trips away. A solar blanket would definitely help us head away more remote and for longer.
Shauno. i'm trying to build my first tourer to take the family out on holidays. Like everyone else the cost of living is really killing us, would love a solar blanket and it would definitely help create those great memories. All the best, keep up the good work to all the team!
Hi, fellas, the reason I would love a solar blanket is, I have an off-road caravan, 2001 Kedron pop top that I’m slowly doing up and recently I’ve had trouble charging the batteries when it’s cloudy, or when the best camp spot is under a bunch of trees. So far, I’ve got a couple of new batteries and a solar controller from Kings. Just by the way, love the show
I need one of these solar blankets… going to cape after your inspiring videos. It was never on my bucket list, but thanks to you we are going!!!!
Honestly the solar blanket will be awesome for my set up, setting up the ranger has been slow going due to funds, but being able to keep my batteries topped up on my solo tours will work a treat. Thanks for the video Shauno, this has definitely helped me when Im finally able to afford solar charging, love your work.
Just started 4w4 myself and looking to finally travel and complete the big lap. Super keen to see what our beautiful country has to offer
Hey shauno, either a blanket or panel would suit me. Few weekends away here and there with some mates on school holidays and would be handy to keep the fridge cold
I recently bought and done up our first camper trailer. Thanks for the video as my next project will be Solar for it
Great vid Shauno. Going from East to West trip next year. Solar is going to be a big part of the trip. Great info! Thanks.
Just bought my first lithium batteries and stumped on what to go with for charging them up thanks for the vital information from someone who does this for a living on ya 4wd 24/7 crew hope I'm the lucky one but that's like winning the lotto 🤙🏻 keep up the awesome info for set ups definitely helped me a tonne
I’ve been searching at many different types of solar panels and couldn’t make my mind of what to pick. Now with that information that you shared i can get a better understanding of what I will want. Thanks mate 🍻🍻
We are getting ready for a big trip (4mths) around WA for the first time and so a solar blanket would be a great addition to our setup to keep the fridge going and the beers cold!
New to the 4wd scene and a got plenty of travel planned and a solar blanket will help keep me off grid 🎉
You wouldn't read about it but my solar blanket for what ever reason stopped working reading zero amps. I use it for camping/touring in our Opus camper and soon will need it for my 4WD. The blanket is the best option for me because its portable, interchangeable and folds up for space saving.
Even though I have a fixed panel on my 80series, I always try to park in the shade and can't get the most out of it. A portable set up I could put in sun would help me stay longer and enjoy more. Keeping the missus and kids happy. Got a 280ah lithium powering everything including induction cooktop. So need to recharge asap every day.. keep this awesome content coming.
Fantastic source of information. Currently setting up our car and Caravan that a portable solar panel would be a great addition
Just starting my 4WD journey and I’m loving. A solar blanket would be so helpful because I like to run my fridge out the back of the Ute and I’m normally the only one with a car suitable to charge everything.
Thanks for this guide! Why I would love to win this solar blanket: My girlfriend and I just bought our first shared vehicle: A 1986 VW T3. We are so proud of it, even though it is currently in her parents shed being converted into a super cool off-grid long-term cruiser/overlander. However, we are working on a tight budget so we havent really figured out what to do with the electrical system yet. This blanket would definitely run the small electrical ice box I found somewhere for free and provide such a great basis for the rest of the system :)
I just bought my first 4x4 after being inspired by you guys!
The solar blanket would help me heaps in starting to set up my rig!
I am new to all this 4x4ing stuff and really appreciate these kinds of videos. I have always wanted a solar blanket as I believe these are the best of both worlds. Charges the Ute when not driving, but pack away nice and small when driving! I just don’t have the $$$ to splash out, but if your keep to help a bloke out, I’d be eternally grateful! Please keep up the awesome work! 👍🏻👊🏻👌🏻
Definitely looking at the folding panel now. Thanks for the detailed Vid Shauno.
Needing a Solar Blanket for our daughter. She has just turned 18, got her first car, a Prado 90 series. She is about to fit it out as a tourer, therefore the Redarc Solar Blanket would be a great kick start to her Fitout. 🤞 Cheers Tony & Dawn
100% need a solar blanket to take away with the camper trailer. The 150W I have lives in the Hilux so a new awesome blanket would look good in the camper. Great job
Shauno
Solar blanket would be the ticket for me. Great for overnighters and longer stays in my camper. Help keeps the beers cold longer
Good advice on cleaning the panels. Cleaned dust off min and gained 10w.
As for tips we run a 100ah LiFePO4 in a battery box with the solar charge controller attached to it. We can then move it around, leave it at camp to run everything all the while it's getting charged too and we aren't tied to the vehicle to provide charge or power the site.
A solar blanket would be a great asset to my little setup, in keeping the battery topped up in the trailer when it's not being used or keeping everything charged when I'm out & about. Keep up the good work 😃👍
We work out in areas where power isn't always available, and generators aren't always allowed, plus of course it would come in a heap of help during camping!
Great video Shauno! A solar blanket would be a great addition to my camping collection helping my family to go camping a few days longer than we’re used to
Going on our first trip in April to do the VHC, one of these solar blankets would be a sensational addition for myself and my son.
I'd love a folding solar blanket. Just got myself a camper trailer and want to do some 4wd trips without the trailer so a portable solar blanket would be perfect. Love the show. Shauno, ur a champ.
Doing a few week long trips this year and a good quality solar blanket would come in handy keeping the batteries chard and the cold ones cold
Setting up the prado to head up to the cape this year so a foldable blanket would be great to top up the battery running the fridge
Hey guys, I have a jeep with a small roof rack, RTT and fixed solar panel, but as you touched on it’s not ideal particularly around trees and with the tent setup I can’t easily move. I’d love a blanket to help keep my system topped up by being able to move the blanket around to find the sun. Love your content I’ve been watching your DVD’s from magazines for over a decade and very pleased you are on RUclips :) 🎉
Having a soler blanket when camping would work good for us as we do a lot of off grid camping and with 2 kids wanting to go to the fridge all the time for drinks knowing the soler will keep the battery chaged and drinks cold makes a good camp trip with the family and can go out and injoy this beautiful country
Love the videos.
The wife and I are 3 months into our lap and our current set up is not enough.
180w charging our 240ah lithium in our can and our 120w Kings blanket trying to keep our 100ah lithium in the car charged is a battle.
An extra more efficient solar source would be awesome.
At the beginning of this month, went down to High Country for the first time with mates from work (wow, what a special corner of the world). My ute only has a tub and a hard tonneau and space was limited as I took my son with me. My folding solar panel just took up so much space, there are definitely changes I need to make to allow more space and an easier time, a solar blanket would go a long way in helping that.
I'm a month away from doing the big lap haven't been able to decide if I wanted fixed panel or a portable panel but after seeing this video I think I'm going to have to get a portable one. Great video, I'm glad I saw this before I headed away.
The solar blanket would be the perfect power for us as we head up to scotland wild camping this year as we had to cancel it twice oafter having 2 heart attack which I ended up on surgery for both times. currently im converting my ford ranger double cab pick up into a camper getting the roof tent fitted next month but been looking at solar system for ages and the blanket would work best in our set up keep up the good work chap and good luck to everyone
i’m a weekend warrior, me and misses get away every chance we can. run the second battery just off the alternator at the moment. so longer trips are out of the question without abit of solar. would help heaps 🤙
love the video lads
Hello from NYC!
The lady and I love to camp in our new 2021 4 Door Bronco. We need a foldable panel for lighting and a refrigerator. I've got a lot of things I'm installing, and money is tight. Your tips help a lot, brother! Be safe!
Finally able to do some longer touring trips, bought a 20 yo Troopy and doing it up DIY on a budget to head off with the missus for some adventure time again. Would really love that solar blanket for our set up, help keep the drinks cold when parked up.
Have started doing bush camping with my daughter fridge in the canopy and in camper trailer a solar blanket would really help my daughter enjoy her time away more
Dirty30 needs fixed panel on the dog box unless you create more storage on the box then a blanket or maybe both? The blankets appear great for saving weight and space with portability to maximise direct sun. Also fantastic for providing back up solar if you are dragging a camper/van like me! Solar blanket would be perfect set up for me after watching your video Shaun. Informative as always!
I’ve had a solar blanket for years. It’s def got tired and i need a new one; but it has worked brilliant for my needs.
Hey Shauno, the family and I have just purchased out first camper trailer and the solar blanket would work perfect for out small 12v setup. Cant wait to get the kids out and about in the bush!
G'day guys. The solar blanket would work a treat with my set up. I'm a tradie so I carry plenty of gear on my roof but on weekends my 4wd is parked in the shade when not out in the bush. A solar blanket would be the bees knees to keep my battery topped up when I'm also at work running an inverter to charge my tools. I also run a 45l fridge 24/7 along with some camp lights and interior canopy lights.
Cheers boys, love your work
Hey mate! You've won a REDARC portable solar blanket! Please send us a message to our Facebook page with a screenshot of this comment & we'll sort you out. If we don't hear back in 7 days, we'll have to re-draw or save it for the next one!
Now with a new addition to our family (baby boy currently 4 weeks old) being a family of 4 (4yo son as well), we are constantly are having to use electrical devices not only to keep the 4yo old entertained but we need to use power to create bottles for our 1 month old and my old Fleabay special 120w solar panel struggle to put the power back into my 12v system to get our power supply topped up and everyone happy and healthy……. So yeah, a better quality higher wattage solar panel would be greatly accepted for our off grid adventures!
Great overview of the types of panels available and what may work best for a particular setup. However two points:
1 - All solar panels are negatively affected by heat (i.e. as they get hot, their output is reduced), thus, all panel types need decent airflow to work as effectively as possible (not just the fixed panel as you stated). So this is a rather important consideration when deciding where you will place your solar blanket (if that is what one decides to go for).
2 - The two Redarc blankets discussed in the ‘amorphous Vs monocrystalline’ segment. Pretty much right with your comments; however, you really needed to highlight the difference in output power (i.e. power output/area). Both of those blankets are pretty much the same size (black mono, 1.81 sqm versus red amorphous, 2.20 Sqm), but the mono produces more than twice the output power. This is a huge con, especially when you look at the price difference of the two. Without the ability to do my own testing, given the more than 200% increased power output (per sqm) of the mono, I don’t think that you would see much of a difference in overall power output when both are operating under a relative amount of shade (I’d like to see this tested Shauno to see if I need to update my knowledge… I’d be happy to do that testing for you if you can send me the relevant panels :) ).
Other than that, thanks for the vid, as I’m sure you’ve helped a lot of people out.
Another great comparison video guys!
The REDARC SOLAR MONOCRYSTALLINE SOLAR BLANKET would be a great addition to my weekend camper van. It will provide peace of mind that I’ll always have cold beverages and fresh food available, as well as keeping my phone charged to keep my family in the loop and take plenty of action videos.
I like the look of that blanket. I'd prefer the red one, but the black one will certainly do the job!
The good lady is very open to doing more remote camping in the camper trailer and I would really love to make life even more comfortable with solar blanket set up so we can stay that little bit longer. Win win I say 😊
i'm just beginning my 4WD experiences. Been looking at all the things to help with the camping adventure and and i want to create a 12v set up. thins would be absolutely brilliant to have.
My last vehicle had a flat hood and I can a flexible solar panel permanently mounted to it. After the crash I ended up replacing it with a vehicle that doesn’t have room on the hood for any solar. To many air vents. I’m looking into the blankets for the new rig. It’s been difficult rebuilding after the loss of my favorite 4x4 but it saved my life and I’m great full for that. We camp with our twins, fridge, lights are our main reason for solar. We don’t have a second battery in our build
Have just got our first 4x4 Ute and our new battery set up. Finally starting our off road adventures and haven't got the solar system sussed yet.
Definitely say you guys have motivated us to get out there. Vids are awesomekeep it up.
I need a solar blanket because a fixed panel on my RTT won’t let me go into car parks anymore. Love the vids Shauno!
Fantastic video!! new to rooftop tent camping in Canada and I found this extremely helpful!
The solar blanket would be a great addition to my current setup. Having the flexibility to be used in both vehicles.
I want one of the portable solar blankets because one day I want to do off reading and it would be a good start
Please comment on this 🙏
Currently building the ultimate off road home, Mercedes sprinter 4x4, this will be our on the road home with a full star link set up, we want to park it in the shade but still be able to get charge anywhere in Australia so we can continue to work and explore this beautiful country, a solar blanket would be perfect for us to keep the van and dogs cool and still be able to get a charge each day.
I just scored myself a camp trailer which will allow my family to go camping on a regular basis. I have an old very large 160w solar panel which takes up a lots of room. The solar blanket would be fantastic when it comes to space in the trailer
I’d love the solar blanket as I just got myself a new rig and now the build begins. Would be a handy thing to tick off the bucket list for the 12v🤟
Started looking for solar blankets this past weekend. Perfect timing with the giveaway lads. Nice knowing I don’t have to buy one now.
I recently had the redarc bcdc40 system fitted to my 200, my next move after some handy tips from Shauno is a solar blanket over the hard suit case style. Thanx and keep up the good work. 👍🏼