Hey Bob, I have 2 Aluminade solar blow ups. Bought for camping, but left one in my kitchen window for 4 years. The power went out in storm this past summer, I took it out of the package expecting it to be 'dead' but it went on, gave enough light to light our way through the dining room and kitchen for over 5 hours (then the power was back on so not sure how long it will light but did what we needed). I sure believe in this one as the most light out of even my little battery operated ones. Great product.
Just love CheapRVliving field testing a.k.a. consumer reports!!! That sure was great Bob. Can't wait to see the results of your thorough, scientific work with KC. Your comments/descriptions are authentic & endearing...not to mention funny as all heck...really appreciate your taking the time to do all this. I watched your fan comparison video and am very satisfied with the recommended purchases that perfectly fit my needs. That's what I like about your vids. You test the products fairly and give good honest advice, as well as helpful options. Each person has different requirements. That's talent!! And I don't have to waste lots of money trying out different ones that work marginally with short life spans, when the right product at the right price is at hand. We'll be tuned in!! Hugs to you both ;D
Two comments about the Luci (and similar lamps): 1) Get the frosted varieties. The unfrosted will blind you if you accidentally look at the LEDs, and they don't diffuse the light well and act more like spotlights than lamps. 2) Don't put them in your windshield on warm days. They can get very hot, and the plastic can harden, making them harder to inflate and deflate.
The luci light to get is the luci lux. It puts out a warm, soft light, like a soft white home bulb, not the cold , industrial blueish light of many LEDS. Its available in the regular style for about $20-, and usb chargeable, which can charge a cellphone, and has a 2000 mah battery, for $35- on amazon.
Great video Bob with great info for comparison / different options for light at night Thank you for sharing this info..Anxious to see the results of the different lights
I'm waiting to see how these work out for you. I'm acquiring things as I go in preparation for when we hit the road. Thanks for taking the time to do all of this and making the videos to demonstrate how they work. It,s very much appreciated.
Hi Bob. Altho this is an old video, I still enjoyed it very much. I'll be watching for the results, if it ever pops up on your channel. I do have to get a couple different lights like these. Thanks.
Can’t wait to see how these perform! I have a BioLite SunLight that I am very impressed with. I use it almost daily. It has a built in solar panel on the back and a light on the front, as well as a built in sundial, ISB rechargeable. You can also change the color of the LEDs. It was under $25, and you can get it for $21 or so if u buy it on Black Friday
Hey Bob great info like usual fantastic information on those lights I don't know about anybody else I learned a lot from your videos thank you very much for all your videos
Thanks for this info. Great to see other products. I own 4 luci lights and i find them indispensable. Mine are solar charge only. I put them out on my hood every day. Tell bob you have to pinch the base of the stem while you blow. It seems to be a one-way valve to keep the air in, but it does slowly leak out unless you push the cap in. Alt to blowing it up, i usually just pull the opposite ends apart while pinching the stem and that inflates it sufficiently for my use.
The Luci Light you demonstrated was not the one with the USB port for charging and that's why it was $19.95. The ones with the USB are 34.95 but I got the 2 for 1 deal on Black Friday so spent 19.95/ea. I have one that just charges by solar but in my climate (NE in RI) I didn't think I'd have enough sun to charge it in winter and I was right. Just an FYI
I got a luci light about a year ago and I’ve left it outside in the summer for weeks and it never charged in NH. I don’t know if I just got a dud or if the sun isn’t strong enough even in the summer up here. I also got an emergency light, radio that can be crank charged, usb charged and solar charged but the solar charging didn’t work on that either in the summer outside for weeks on end. I would be interested to learn about other people’s experiences with solar charging devices in the NE area because I am hesitant to purchase anything solar charged with my past experiences. Maybe a larger panel would work but I don’t want to spend that money until I hear about other people’s experiences.
@@livinglike_lisa7954 I found the sun didn't really charge my small solar devices until I moved to the northwestern edge of Pennsylvania. Oddly enough I started to tan as well. I lived most my life in CT and never really tanned much working outside 3 hours a day. Here 20 min and I'm starting to tan.🤔
@@livinglike_lisa7954 I'm in RI, about 100 or 150 miles to the south and in the summer my solely-solar-charged Luci Lights worked great. They charge in the sun during the day and then I used them at night. Simple and I loved them. But then I got to thinking that they wouldn't work in the winter. It started in the Fall when no matter where I'd put them in the yard or even next to the window inside, the sun moved too swiftly away and it was a constant case of a dog chasing its tail. But for me, the summer was perfect to charge them and I don't know whether you got a dud. My first USB solar Luci Light I know wouldn't stay inflated so I did send that one back and they immediately sent me a replacement. Hope this helps.
livinglike_ lisa the tech and mfg are still imperfect. Sounds like you got a dud. Send it back and they'll replace it. I have 4 in nor cal and they work pretty well when i leave them in full sun for several hours. They don't usually last too long so i go through 2/night.
Thanks for this review, Bob ... I've been upgrading my solar lights for Boondocking and thus far have come to appreciate my Luci Light. Going to compare others as well ...will look into some of these, too! Later, sir ... God Bless
good job Bob . One thing id like to add if you strapped for money I went to the dollar store and got two solar drive way lights for a dollar each they worked great in my Astro van I even had to cover them up late at night because they last all night with no off button lol hope this helps every one ......
@@johnbergholm there just thoughs made in China drive way lights or walkway lights there mostly right as you walk in the door or even maybe in the Christmas section right now hope this helps you good luck
When we go camping, we use Eneloop Rechargeable AA / AAA batteries and spacers in our Streamlight Seige Lanterns and we also use d.Light Solar Lanterns which are both sturdy products and has held up very well despite being dropped several times. We use a solar panel to charge the batteries and use them in the Streamlights. This system works great for us. Thanks for sharing.
There are a ton of lights out now. Ow they are a lot cheaper than they were a few years ago. I bought a Waka Waka light a few years ago and it’s still going strong. It was not cheap, I love it & I would buy it again. Thanks for putting out these great videos!
I used the Lucy lights for five months (I was living in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, and my section was without electricity for half a year) and in the lowest setting, they lasted till first light the next day.
I love the luci light because its bright, easily charges up completely, can stay lit for about 2-3 days AND im sensitive to bright light but it seems very natural like regular sun light
Nicole Lacy you are getting 2-3 days? You are lucky. I'm getting MAYBE 4 hours on low. But i'm in nor cal and between smoke and weather i'm lucky to get that much. I have 4 lights so 2 usually gets me thru the evening.
John Bergholm oh wow, im in central cali. I havent used them in these few days the weathers been rainy but on regular days i can put it on low and last for days. I was surprised myself. That’s why when I bought one at regular price and saw how long it lasts and how bright it gets I went ahead and bought three more too
Bumped into your channel very interesting,, myself and my wife recently purchased a bell tent along with 4 acres of land so with a bit of work over the next couple of months I believe where going to call that home for 6 months out of the year and see how we go and hopefully we’re going to make it a permanent thing. Well we appreciate you sharing and will continue to follow you Stay safe my friend
Hello Bob. I have been looking at headlights for my RV. These are LED also however that are not solar and that makes sense they are only used when you travel at night. I changed all my inside lights to LED a few months ago. Big drop in power consumption off the battery. I hope your test works out. Be safe have fun and enjoy the holidays. Bye now.
I've got one of the TechLite Lumen Masters. I've been using it for years. The one I'm using now replaced one that I used for five or six years. I abuse the hell out of the thing! If you're looking for something durable that puts out a decent amount of light, I highly recommend this one.
Can't wait to see results !!!! After Katrina people was using cheap Walmart walk way lights stick in the ground kind -- bring in at night put out in day -- they just don't turn off LOL but most go all night -- Looking forward to results !!!!!!!!!!!!!
We used the light bulb shaped one at the rtr and never ran it dead. Still works. Got it for $2 off ebay shipped from china. Should have gotten a couple of them.
Great info! Something you might consider doing is including a quick shot of how bright these lights are INSIDE your van at NIGHT... As a Newbie, I haven't a clue how bright 60 or 75 lumens is. Will I need only one light, or more? etc.
We use Goal zero top shelve product. They have more stuff for back packing that would fit for any situation then most other products. I've been charging a battery and keeping it fully charged on my trailer for the last 3 month here during all the rain and cloudy days we have here in PNW..
I have that Energizer headlamp and it has served me well. I insist on a separate button for red light so I don't have to cycle through the whites. Thanks, I look forward to your results.
Bob, you don't blow up the Luci light, you squeeze the valve and pull it open! That keeps spit moisture out of the light. Also, they have a more expensive version that does also charge by USB. Love the comparison videos : )
great video. I will buy through your amazon link, but you didn't provide one for the folding usb solar panel. Would you please put that up? There are several on amazon, but I would like to know which one you prefer.
Hey Bob, just found about about this life 2 days ago, and I'm doing everything in my power to make sure that another year doesn't go by with me living as a 'Norm', I'm hooked. This is off-subject, but I have a question: Saw a houseless vid that stated that if you are buying an RV, possibly larger van, and designate is a Live-In, you can then get a Mortgage loan instead of an Auto Loan. Have you heard of that? Perhaps it's state specific, I don't know. If true, that would change everything, paying $2-300/mo for a rig instead of ~$7-800! Now, I'll watch and learn about Solar Lights, LOL.
PS - just checked out Surefire's website and found the Sidekick keychain light for $29.99, not for $70.00 as Bob mentioned. Amazon prime does have a similar model on sale for $57.98 or so. Be sure to do due diligence comparison shopping. ;D
I have tried several solar lights but the original Waka Waka light is the best.8+ years on the original batteries and when they need to be replaced I can buy them anywhere. It takes rechargeable AAs. No usb charge port on the original version but I haven’t needed it. The newer version has a usb charge port but takes a special battery.
I don't live in a vehicle. l am in a stick-'n-bricks house. But for economic reasons, I began to live here like I might live in a vehicle, and so I think some of my experience might be helpful. Bob discounted headlamps as a one-size-fits-all answer to lighting a van. He pointed out that they have limited use when you have company. The light shines in your guests' eyes, and, of course, typically only provides sufficient light for the one wearing the lamp. Still, for someone who can afford it, I would suggest a headlamp. Specifically I would recommend a Zebralight headlamp. Here are some reasons why. Many of the Zebralight models run on rechargeable batteries, such as AA Eneloop batteries. The ones that use rechargeable 18650 batteries have days long runtimes on their medium settings. Each light has a variety of settings from super-low to super-high. I've had the medium setting on one 18650 light on for several days straight without the battery running low. The lamps can be easily removed from their headlamp bands and used as standalone lights. The Zebralight headlamps are right angle lamps, meaning the can be set down and pointed wherever needed. Also, a wide angle lamp can be mounted temporarily on the ceiling of a vehicle to give a floodlamp that illuminates the vehicle for everyone. For a softer light, the headlamp can be aimed at the ceiling and put on a high setting, to give a nice, even glow everywhere. The lights are small and lightweight, so easy to mount. One way is to attach a magnet to the light and stick them up places. So, because of their size, weight, runtimes, wide angles, multiple settings, and use of rechargeable batteries, along with many other advantages such as high CRI which means the composition of the beam resembles daylight, Zebralights are an option worth exploring. You would only need one because of their versatility. The main downside is the relatively high upfront cost, plus the need to purchase batteries and battery chargers.
I have 2 Suoaki lights company has changed names, 1st light was Ergalogik, handle fell off (not found) rubber feet fell out, company replaced, new one has a logo of Bigfoot (name change) the accordion plastic is creased funky & does not open/close correctly-came that way. Now they are called Suoaki unless they improved them I do not recommend, I'll give these away. I enjoy my Luci light, charged in WI summer sun & no issues in AZ so far.
Hilarious when bob demonstrates how the flashlight is also good for self protection. Bob is always practical! #1 Bob wisdom comment: " it's just poop! Don't complicate things!"
Good video especially for budget flashlights the solar stuff is great but I have 35-40 dollar flashlights that put out 500-1300 lumens that will fit inside all of the flashlights you showed 😂 a good budget model is made by wowtac check them out they are inexpensive and made by thrunite would be great to show on your channel
what do you recommend for a security light that is a motion detector that would maybe sit on top of your van to spot people, solar of course, maybe have a warning alarm on it??? merry christmas
Rewatched this review and it is very infomative. Practice info. However, it seems that 100 watt solar panels and battery banks are used merely to charge cell phones, lap tops, and some lights.
John Bergholm thank you..I looked on his Amazon link and it does show a clear plastic strap..want to run a string thru a few of them to charge at once hanging out of a window...I'll wait for part 2 bfor I decide..thx again✌😊
At 7:16 you unfairly compare a folding solar panel to an entirely different model from GoalZero. GoalZero does make a folding solar panel with USB charge connectors. They advertise being able to strap it to your backpack for charging either their own brand of battery banks or any other while you're out hiking, walking, jogging, etc.
Tinlizzy , it’s this one: AQUA LAMP Earth Friendly Emergency LED Lantern Runs on Water and Salt, Uses No Batteries, Electricity, Sunlight or Liquid Fuel www.amazon.com/dp/B07BH38WRF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_6aSdCbG3PSVY5 I’m curious to see how well it works, but I’ve seen a few videos that look promising.
While working at the lab in Albuquerque, we were messing with a lot of the Solar development in the 70s that exists today. Also, another exciting thing is the Photovoltaic research, using mirrors to concentrate heat that runs generators.
I am not a nomad or camper, but I find your videos super informative for the everyday person. Thank you for the great videos.
Thank you KC for putting funny bloopers at the beginning of some videos. it puts a smile on my face. thanks.
Some great options Bob. Thanks. Of all the nomad types I get more practical advice from the way you present your videos.
Hey Bob, I have 2 Aluminade solar blow ups. Bought for camping, but left one in my kitchen window for 4 years. The power went out in storm this past summer, I took it out of the package expecting it to be 'dead' but it went on, gave enough light to light our way through the dining room and kitchen for over 5 hours (then the power was back on so not sure how long it will light but did what we needed). I sure believe in this one as the most light out of even my little battery operated ones. Great product.
Just love CheapRVliving field testing a.k.a. consumer reports!!! That sure was great Bob. Can't wait to see the results of your thorough, scientific work with KC. Your comments/descriptions are authentic & endearing...not to mention funny as all heck...really appreciate your taking the time to do all this. I watched your fan comparison video and am very satisfied with the recommended purchases that perfectly fit my needs. That's what I like about your vids. You test the products fairly and give good honest advice, as well as helpful options. Each person has different requirements. That's talent!! And I don't have to waste lots of money trying out different ones that work marginally with short life spans, when the right product at the right price is at hand. We'll be tuned in!! Hugs to you both ;D
Two comments about the Luci (and similar lamps): 1) Get the frosted varieties. The unfrosted will blind you if you accidentally look at the LEDs, and they don't diffuse the light well and act more like spotlights than lamps. 2) Don't put them in your windshield on warm days. They can get very hot, and the plastic can harden, making them harder to inflate and deflate.
Absolutely loved his casual placing of the plastic wrap in his pocket!
The luci light to get is the luci lux. It puts out a warm, soft light, like a soft white home bulb, not the cold , industrial blueish light of many LEDS. Its available in the regular style for about $20-, and usb chargeable, which can charge a cellphone, and has a 2000 mah battery, for $35- on amazon.
KenDroid66 mine do. Solar panel up or down?
I totally agree with matt on the on the temperature of the two styles. I have found, however, that the clear white light is good for task lighting.
Bob - this is super helpful and well done... thank you!
Bob, you have taken on a big project. Many will be anxious for the results and thankful.
Thank you for this video!!! I can't wait to see how the lights compare in the update!
I have been wanting to get some lights for my van. This is great timing.
Great video Bob with great info for comparison / different options for light at night Thank you for sharing this info..Anxious to see the results of the different lights
I'm waiting to see how these work out for you. I'm acquiring things as I go in preparation for when we hit the road. Thanks for taking the time to do all of this and making the videos to demonstrate how they work. It,s very much appreciated.
Excellent information for me ! I’ll be watching for the results. Thanks
Hi Bob. Altho this is an old video, I still enjoyed it very much. I'll be watching for the results, if it ever pops up on your channel. I do have to get a couple different lights like these. Thanks.
Great video! Very informative. Looking forward to seeing how they check out. Till next time, Happy Trails!
Can’t wait to see how these perform! I have a BioLite SunLight that I am very impressed with. I use it almost daily. It has a built in solar panel on the back and a light on the front, as well as a built in sundial, ISB rechargeable. You can also change the color of the LEDs. It was under $25, and you can get it for $21 or so if u buy it on Black Friday
Hey Bob great info like usual fantastic information on those lights I don't know about anybody else I learned a lot from your videos thank you very much for all your videos
Thanks for this info. Great to see other products. I own 4 luci lights and i find them indispensable. Mine are solar charge only. I put them out on my hood every day.
Tell bob you have to pinch the base of the stem while you blow. It seems to be a one-way valve to keep the air in, but it does slowly leak out unless you push the cap in.
Alt to blowing it up, i usually just pull the opposite ends apart while pinching the stem and that inflates it sufficiently for my use.
The first light bulb you showed I have 3 in my kitchen I use one every night and 2 on charge. and has lasted 5 years now. Best lights I ever got.
The Luci Light you demonstrated was not the one with the USB port for charging and that's why it was $19.95. The ones with the USB are 34.95 but I got the 2 for 1 deal on Black Friday so spent 19.95/ea. I have one that just charges by solar but in my climate (NE in RI) I didn't think I'd have enough sun to charge it in winter and I was right. Just an FYI
I got a luci light about a year ago and I’ve left it outside in the summer for weeks and it never charged in NH. I don’t know if I just got a dud or if the sun isn’t strong enough even in the summer up here. I also got an emergency light, radio that can be crank charged, usb charged and solar charged but the solar charging didn’t work on that either in the summer outside for weeks on end. I would be interested to learn about other people’s experiences with solar charging devices in the NE area because I am hesitant to purchase anything solar charged with my past experiences. Maybe a larger panel would work but I don’t want to spend that money until I hear about other people’s experiences.
@@livinglike_lisa7954 I found the sun didn't really charge my small solar devices until I moved to the northwestern edge of Pennsylvania. Oddly enough I started to tan as well. I lived most my life in CT and never really tanned much working outside 3 hours a day. Here 20 min and I'm starting to tan.🤔
@@livinglike_lisa7954 I'm in RI, about 100 or 150 miles to the south and in the summer my solely-solar-charged Luci Lights worked great. They charge in the sun during the day and then I used them at night. Simple and I loved them. But then I got to thinking that they wouldn't work in the winter. It started in the Fall when no matter where I'd put them in the yard or even next to the window inside, the sun moved too swiftly away and it was a constant case of a dog chasing its tail. But for me, the summer was perfect to charge them and I don't know whether you got a dud. My first USB solar Luci Light I know wouldn't stay inflated so I did send that one back and they immediately sent me a replacement. Hope this helps.
livinglike_ lisa the tech and mfg are still imperfect. Sounds like you got a dud. Send it back and they'll replace it. I have 4 in nor cal and they work pretty well when i leave them in full sun for several hours. They don't usually last too long so i go through 2/night.
Joyce LeBaron thank you!
Thanks Bob! 💡🔌🔋🔦🎞️
Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄
looking forward to the results, thanks for your efforts
Great information, thank you for sharing!😎
Thanks for showing us some different options!
Thanks for this review, Bob ... I've been upgrading my solar lights for Boondocking and thus far have come to appreciate my Luci Light. Going to compare others as well ...will look into some of these, too! Later, sir ... God Bless
Great information I am looking forward to seeing how these perform. Thanks Bob.... And your partner Casey.
good job Bob .
One thing id like to add if you strapped for money I went to the dollar store and got two solar drive way lights for a dollar each they worked great in my Astro van
I even had to cover them up late at night because they last all night with no off button lol
hope this helps every one ......
I'm in an astro, too. Can you tell me mfgr and make of those lights?
@@johnbergholm there just thoughs made in China drive way lights or walkway lights there mostly right as you walk in the door or even maybe in the Christmas section right now hope this helps you good luck
Thanks for your educational comparison video. Will be interested in seeing which works better.
Than you SO MUCH for this information and for the test you are doing for us! :-)
Very useful video. You can never have too many lights. Thank you Bob.
Awesome Bob! Can't wait for the results.
When we go camping, we use Eneloop Rechargeable AA / AAA batteries and spacers in our Streamlight Seige Lanterns and we also use d.Light Solar Lanterns which are both sturdy products and has held up very well despite being dropped several times. We use a solar panel to charge the batteries and use them in the Streamlights. This system works great for us. Thanks for sharing.
There are a ton of lights out now. Ow they are a lot cheaper than they were a few years ago. I bought a Waka Waka light a few years ago and it’s still going strong. It was not cheap, I love it & I would buy it again.
Thanks for putting out these great videos!
I used the Lucy lights for five months (I was living in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, and my section was without electricity for half a year) and in the lowest setting, they lasted till first light the next day.
Looking forward to the results. Thanks for this video.
I love the luci light because its bright, easily charges up completely, can stay lit for about 2-3 days AND im sensitive to bright light but it seems very natural like regular sun light
Nicole Lacy you are getting 2-3 days? You are lucky. I'm getting MAYBE 4 hours on low. But i'm in nor cal and between smoke and weather i'm lucky to get that much. I have 4 lights so 2 usually gets me thru the evening.
John Bergholm oh wow, im in central cali. I havent used them in these few days the weathers been rainy but on regular days i can put it on low and last for days. I was surprised myself. That’s why when I bought one at regular price and saw how long it lasts and how bright it gets I went ahead and bought three more too
Bumped into your channel very interesting,, myself and my wife recently purchased a bell tent along with 4 acres of land so with a bit of work over the next couple of months I believe where going to call that home for 6 months out of the year and see how we go and hopefully we’re going to make it a permanent thing.
Well we appreciate you sharing and will continue to follow you
Stay safe my friend
Excellent video...looking forward to the results! 👍
Hello Bob. I have been looking at headlights for my RV. These are LED also however that are not solar and that makes sense they are only used when you travel at night. I changed all my inside lights to LED a few months ago. Big drop in power consumption off the battery. I hope your test works out. Be safe have fun and enjoy the holidays. Bye now.
I've got one of the TechLite Lumen Masters. I've been using it for years. The one I'm using now replaced one that I used for five or six years. I abuse the hell out of the thing! If you're looking for something durable that puts out a decent amount of light, I highly recommend this one.
You tell em' Mr. Bob. Thanks again for another great and informative video.
Can't wait to see results !!!! After Katrina people was using cheap Walmart walk way lights stick in the ground kind -- bring in at night put out in day -- they just don't turn off LOL but most go all night -- Looking forward to results !!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Welcome back to my next videoooo" love the Intro
Guy you are going to save lives with this stuff. How often are you going to post the results? I want to see more.
We used the light bulb shaped one at the rtr and never ran it dead. Still works. Got it for $2 off ebay shipped from china. Should have gotten a couple of them.
Great info! Something you might consider doing is including a quick shot of how bright these lights are INSIDE your van at NIGHT... As a Newbie, I haven't a clue how bright 60 or 75 lumens is. Will I need only one light, or more? etc.
We use Goal zero top shelve product. They have more stuff for back packing that would fit for any situation then most other products. I've been charging a battery and keeping it fully charged on my trailer for the last 3 month here during all the rain and cloudy days we have here in PNW..
I have that Energizer headlamp and it has served me well. I insist on a separate button for red light so I don't have to cycle through the whites.
Thanks, I look forward to your results.
Thank you so very much for sharing Bob! Awesome 👍❤️
Bob, you don't blow up the Luci light, you squeeze the valve and pull it open! That keeps spit moisture out of the light. Also, they have a more expensive version that does also charge by USB. Love the comparison videos : )
Was literally just tt my husband yesterday about Luci lights! This is great info. Waiting on results! 😁
Thanks for sharing this informative video. I'm a BioLite fan.
Saw you on the Retro Report this morning! You’re famous🥰
I love the comment about I appreciate the no blowing part... LOL
Really interested in that folding solar panel. What kind is it??
And thanks for this awesome breakdown
great video. I will buy through your amazon link, but you didn't provide one for the folding usb solar panel. Would you please put that up? There are several on amazon, but I would like to know which one you prefer.
Hey Bob, just found about about this life 2 days ago, and I'm doing everything in my power to make sure that another year doesn't go by with me living as a 'Norm', I'm hooked. This is off-subject, but I have a question: Saw a houseless vid that stated that if you are buying an RV, possibly larger van, and designate is a Live-In, you can then get a Mortgage loan instead of an Auto Loan. Have you heard of that? Perhaps it's state specific, I don't know. If true, that would change everything, paying $2-300/mo for a rig instead of ~$7-800! Now, I'll watch and learn about Solar Lights, LOL.
PS - just checked out Surefire's website and found the Sidekick keychain light for $29.99, not for $70.00 as Bob mentioned. Amazon prime does have a similar model on sale for $57.98 or so. Be sure to do due diligence comparison shopping. ;D
So glad I found this Video... I gotta have one of those RAVpower solar panels... can you get those at a local store. I don't do amazon.
The solar light bulb works great, I have had mine for 2 yrs now and my daughter has one
I love you talking about the USBs multiplying like Rabbits. Hilarious.
Can't wait to see part 2!
I have tried several solar lights but the original Waka Waka light is the best.8+ years on the original batteries and when they need to be replaced I can buy them anywhere. It takes rechargeable AAs. No usb charge port on the original version but I haven’t needed it. The newer version has a usb charge port but takes a special battery.
I don't live in a vehicle. l am in a stick-'n-bricks house. But for economic reasons, I began to live here like I might live in a vehicle, and so I think some of my experience might be helpful.
Bob discounted headlamps as a one-size-fits-all answer to lighting a van. He pointed out that they have limited use when you have company. The light shines in your guests' eyes, and, of course, typically only provides sufficient light for the one wearing the lamp.
Still, for someone who can afford it, I would suggest a headlamp. Specifically I would recommend a Zebralight headlamp.
Here are some reasons why.
Many of the Zebralight models run on rechargeable batteries, such as AA Eneloop batteries. The ones that use rechargeable 18650 batteries have days long runtimes on their medium settings. Each light has a variety of settings from super-low to super-high. I've had the medium setting on one 18650 light on for several days straight without the battery running low.
The lamps can be easily removed from their headlamp bands and used as standalone lights. The Zebralight headlamps are right angle lamps, meaning the can be set down and pointed wherever needed. Also, a wide angle lamp can be mounted temporarily on the ceiling of a vehicle to give a floodlamp that illuminates the vehicle for everyone. For a softer light, the headlamp can be aimed at the ceiling and put on a high setting, to give a nice, even glow everywhere. The lights are small and lightweight, so easy to mount. One way is to attach a magnet to the light and stick them up places.
So, because of their size, weight, runtimes, wide angles, multiple settings, and use of rechargeable batteries, along with many other advantages such as high CRI which means the composition of the beam resembles daylight, Zebralights are an option worth exploring. You would only need one because of their versatility. The main downside is the relatively high upfront cost, plus the need to purchase batteries and battery chargers.
I hope they're for sale at Quartzsite this winter. I plan to drop into the gathering at Quartzsite to do some shopping....lol.
Thanks for info. You know you can be a good Santa Claus happy New year.
Men are lucky you don't have to die your hair men look sufistacaded we just look old.
I want an RV for Christmas , I have been a good boy all year.
I hope Santa brings one your way!🎅🎄
@@ChristineBEACHCRICKETLowery Thank You Beachcricket
Happy holidays !
The last one you showed I have along with the next to last both in one package at Amazon
I have 2 Suoaki lights company has changed names, 1st light was Ergalogik, handle fell off (not found) rubber feet fell out, company replaced, new one has a logo of Bigfoot (name change) the accordion plastic is creased funky & does not open/close correctly-came that way. Now they are called Suoaki unless they improved them I do not recommend, I'll give these away. I enjoy my Luci light, charged in WI summer sun & no issues in AZ so far.
Haha. Bob Stark: “Winter is coming”
I can vouch for D. Light solar lanterns. I own a few and the oldest one I have is over 5 years old and is still going strong.
Hilarious when bob demonstrates how the flashlight is also good for self protection. Bob is always practical!
#1 Bob wisdom comment: " it's just poop! Don't complicate things!"
Good video especially for budget flashlights the solar stuff is great but I have 35-40 dollar flashlights that put out 500-1300 lumens that will fit inside all of the flashlights you showed 😂 a good budget model is made by wowtac check them out they are inexpensive and made by thrunite would be great to show on your channel
Great video!
Good idea. I look forward to the results 👍😃
have two lucy lights right now... on sale 2 for 19.95, looking forward to see if something is better
what do you recommend for a security light that is a motion detector that would maybe sit on top of your van to spot people, solar of course, maybe have a warning alarm on it??? merry christmas
Thank you for sharing.
Looks sunny there. None of these work well in the 3 hours of sunlight we get per week during the winter in the midwest
Bob I know you are busy but when you get a chance can you do a review on wireless RV security systems. Thank you in advance.... :)
Bob turn your headlamp around & strap it to a full gallon of water at night & it will really illuminate thru the water jug! NO KIDDING!
Rewatched this review and it is very infomative. Practice info. However, it seems that 100 watt solar panels and battery banks are used merely to charge cell phones, lap tops, and some lights.
“ Yhea that kinda sucks” Hilarious
Do the lucilites have a hook for hanging? Looking frwd to part 2..thx Bob n kc✌💜😊
CherBear they have a strap on one end that you can hang on a hook but you have to supply the hook.
John Bergholm thank you..I looked on his Amazon link and it does show a clear plastic strap..want to run a string thru a few of them to charge at once hanging out of a window...I'll wait for part 2 bfor I decide..thx again✌😊
Bob. When are you going to repost that video with the bad sound (for phones) about the RTR schedule etc. thanks.
it worked fine on my iPhone
I’ll try again. Thanks Carrie.
At 7:16 you unfairly compare a folding solar panel to an entirely different model from GoalZero. GoalZero does make a folding solar panel with USB charge connectors. They advertise being able to strap it to your backpack for charging either their own brand of battery banks or any other while you're out hiking, walking, jogging, etc.
Didn’t realize there are so many options.
Have you tried a salt water powered lamp? I just ordered one...
That sounds interesting!
Tinlizzy , it’s this one: AQUA LAMP Earth Friendly Emergency LED Lantern Runs on Water and Salt, Uses No Batteries, Electricity, Sunlight or Liquid Fuel www.amazon.com/dp/B07BH38WRF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_6aSdCbG3PSVY5
I’m curious to see how well it works, but I’ve seen a few videos that look promising.
Where can I find the results?
I've got it Bob, your new name is Solar Wells. You love solar. Your last name Wells, provides water which is life.
Like Grandma always said, "If only there was some type of infinite energy source that was totally free".
Uh...the Sun! We just have to tap into it - and these options look to be worth testing!
While working at the lab in Albuquerque, we were messing with a lot of the Solar development in the 70s that exists today. Also, another exciting thing is the Photovoltaic research, using mirrors to concentrate heat that runs generators.
I can never find any USB cords! I think they go the same place my working pens go.
Thank you Bob! As usual you pass on great information! You are appreciated. =)
Very good info very smart video because.... we will be checking back for results . LOL
AND i got it last year on black friday for $5 each!
your affiliate link to the 4 panel solar array is missing.
Looks like a "V" instead of a "CTRL-V" :)
Suaoki
Does this mean, everybody's only getting a LED Light ,
For Christmas? Except me?
I love you Santa