Van Life Essentials: I Bought Super Cheap and Easy Solar on Amazon

[@stevenrobertson7069]

I have seen a few of this guys videos. I do big jobs solar Installations like whole house installs . This guy is good at breaking things down and explaining it very well.... most people on KZbin dont know what they are talking about . This guy has done his homework. I am fan of his videos and I am a classified solar installer .......

[@karenw8929]

I highly recommend solar Luci lights ... they runs for hours on a single charge. Just place it in the sun. I've used mine for years and they do the job without having to utilize another charging source.

[@my2cents2u]

I have three of the Luci floating lanterns. I love them. I actually use them in my home to save electricity. Especially helpful for the short days in the winter months. I just hang them outside my kitchen window each morning. There is also a model just like mine but _with a usb port._ Will probably get one of those next for my phones and tablet.

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

I have one but will be adding another one and checking on the solar luck string lights. They work well!!!

[@klutzycutie]

I just bought a luci lantern and also have a luci string lights which I love. Does yours still work? I’m using them to save on electricity and love them.

[@sarabegay6339]

Harbour Freight now has a solar light they call a shed light. Has a 16 foot cord so it reach anywhere in your vehicle and a solar panel that sits in your window or on your dashboard lights up really well.

[@KarmaDogmasEvilTwin]

I found a 48 inch daylight spectrum 2500 lumen LED shop light fixture that is corded (and has a motion sensor) for around $30. I bought one for my stationary RV campsite and went back for a second the next day cuz I thought it might be handy for a van.... lol, but I really like the sound of that Harbor Freight set up.... 🙂👍

[@markshoenus2591]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@johnshannon]

The reviews for that Luminar Outdoor Solar Shed Light are not good at less than 3 stars.

[@taradead]

Bright is good, but a warmer spectrum in a van is much better. I would never use "daylight" spectrum in a van...too cold looking for me.

[@lancerevell5979]

I have three charger bricks. One is 22,000mah, two are 33,000mah. They kept my smartphone online during a four day power outtage after a hurricane. The small one stays on my bedside table. One of the larger bricks kept my phone charged during a 5 month hospital stay last year. Of course the brick had to be charged a few times. I am a believer in them. I just got the folding solar panel for them. We old dogs can learn new tricks!

[@briancollins3177]

Bob, On your recommendation a few years ago, I bought the Opolar fan, and a few of the 20,000 mah battery bricks. I have been amazed that the Opolar fan will run for 4 entire nights on one of the battery bricks

[@williamley7380]

Great video Bob. So many people get discouraged with power and solar. I'm not full time, more of a weekend warrior but for working out of town a few days a week. I use a similar 50w foldable solar panel when needed. I have a 200w power bank I use to run/charge usb fans, cell phone, headlamp and laptop. When the power bank gets around 35%-40% I use my 50w foldable solar panel to charge it or i can plug my devices into the panel directly. I just set it on the van's dashboard and I'm in business. It's my mobile home and office.

[@ronayling1979]

Ok if you live in a desert area, it gets a bit more tricky if you live were you can have grey skies for days in the winter, You can buy "Biolights" now small wood burning stoves that supply a few watts, thought I'd mention it.

[@anzbatman2297]

Keep up the good work Bob...you sir make the world a better place

[@lisabailon1010]

Thank you I am solar panel and technology challenged. Didn't have a clue. Keep informing us on what's new and what works best. 👍

[@veraarena1583]

Learning a lot... to become a nomad in 6 months....

[@charlottepatterson21]

me too!

[@rebeccadees2300]

Congratulations! Happy travels!

[@patriciaharris2844]

💗🚐💗

[@AA14CBF]

There are so many USB gadgets out there, lights, fan, heat pad, mini cooler, coaster....... 12V is even more amazing.

[@romanroseborough1111]

He mentioned the 12v option but maybe I'm not seeing it on the 30watt solar panel kit. Is 12v the cigarette lighter/car charger plug?

[@fenraven]

@@romanroseborough1111 Yes.

[@johnkarlson8692]

Thanks, good info - like how u make things simple for novices like me.

[@IraQNid]

This is also handy for people who live in buildings as an introductory to cheaply produced electricity, reducing their reliance on city or county power services, and having an emergency power delivery/battery bank. After I got into watching your videos I got my power usage down to $15 monthly (with a windows A/C it is doubled for economy mode).

[@shamsshams20261]

I agree with you about the light 7:13. A year ago I bought 3 differents models and that's the only one It still works with very good light (and cheaper than the others). Thank you very much for sharing.

[@johnshannon]

I wonder what the watt equivalent is...prob less than 60 watt equivalent?

[@taradead]

That cold spectrum light would be very depressing for me. Having a warmer spectrum light in a van makes a huge difference in ambiance.

[@robertrozzell6770]

One way light is rated is in Kelvin units. 3500 Kelvin will produce light in a yellowish color or more red spectrum light, where 6500 Kelvin will be a will be brighter whiter looking color but with more blue spectrum.

[@shamsshams20261]

@@johnshannon I think is less but really I don't know.

[@shamsshams20261]

@@robertrozzell6770 hmmm... interesting.

[@lisapittman4788]

Awesome. Thanks again Bob 😅

[@valerieanderson3833]

I have had soooooo many questions lately, and you answered a bunch of them with this video!! Thanks so much 🤗

[@SoulfulVeg]

I'm just dipping my toe into van life, so this was extremely helpful. I thank you!

[@beckypincalifornia1985]

I can vouch for the Opolar fan! I have two in my van and they keep me cool on 85° days. Two speeds and super quiet. Very efficient power usage. Can run two fans on a 20k power bank all day! Just ordered the TP 30 watt kit ... primarily to use as a car battery trickle charger and to charge battery banks. What I really like is it comes with a 6.5 foot DC extension cord, so often missing from these kits. Keep fingers 🤞 this works!

[@Persephone0110]

Thank you, this was super helpful! I'm just thinking about getting started with nomad life and I have a little car. I didn't know this was an option for solar, and this really makes sense for a beginner!

[@darlinshel1]

Having even a small solar option is a game-changer for power

[@tomhumphries6606]

Don't forget, you can always have multiple collectors and batteries, if one seems a little too small for your needs.

[@marizee5615]

Very helpful, thanks Bob! I just ordered the 30w solar on Amazon for an upcoming road trip. You made the decision easy for me as I trust your judgement and opinions. :-)

[@derykmacleod4979]

Thanks Bob! Can't wait till friday, I have been watching Will Prowse Video's and am building a 200 amp hour lithium battery with a BMS! Overkill for my needs but that means it should last and under $750!

[@cynthiacrawford1573]

You going to share how it goes?

[@OkieBobby]

Bob, I've been watching your videos for a while now, and wanted to say 'Thank you!" All your videos are great quality, helpful, and very positive. Oh and the background scenery in this one was so amazing!!! I couldn't help but mention it.

[@yaivajoni]

Thanks for sharing, I live the boonies with no electricity and I'm always on the lookout for ways to power my devices.

[@anitabedella9708]

Like so many others I'm slowly getting educated on RV living ( but in a van). This is all very very new to me. You and everyone else has helped me so much through you videos. This is a biggie for me so thank you and hope to meet you and others some day. Anita.

[@donaldstotmeister3838]

Ok. I like the simple, small and easy idea. Couple lucy lights and a fan. Now I just need a van. Gonna retire soon and want to travel out west to visit relatives. But want to "nomad" too. Looks like a good way to get started. Thanks Bob.

[@a.l.alexander3668]

My reason for wanting to do this to my 2007 Honda EX van is to get out for photography purposes. So this info is great! Need to get to sleep now but will be looking forward to viewing another video tomorrow. Peace Al

[@MsBsPlace]

Thank you Bob you are so helpful to so many people. May all your good deeds come back on you 100 fold.

[@Out_GalliVANtin]

Luci lanterns are my favorite!

[@johnbarclay88]

How about Luci Lastic?

[@africanyak41]

Love my Luci's with USB ports.

[@EM-kl9bq]

I have that same exact fan and I can vouch for sure. I love it! 😎

[@Primalxbeast]

I like the Big Blue 28 watt solar panels that come with a gauge so I can see how much power is getting to my devices. I made the mistake of buying a really long cord so I could sit in the shade with my panel in the sun and found out quickly that long cords can't carry much power. It takes 5 hours a day of charging power banks with two 28 watt panels to get enough power to run my 5 inch fan 24 hours a day and keep my phone charged, so I don't think a 30 watt panel will run that large fan all day. One of my 20,000 mah power banks is a jump starter for cars which is nice to have.

[@darrell-jeanglover6807]

Anyone using the old electric skillet to cook with???

[@Ladysuesue]

i would recomend the off brand "go-pro"(SPORTcAM) I USE vEMONT SPORT CAMS OR YUNTAB Sport Action Camera Vlog DV, HD 1080P 2.0 inch, 5MP, 120 Degree Wide-Angle, 30m Underwater Waterproof Camcorder(Blue) FOR 19 BUCKS, you may sacrafice some features but they work great

[@CJGfarm]

Thank you for posting. Very interesting. I'm hoping to build a van, but want my first build to be simple. I'm not an electrical and can't fathom building panels on a roof just to sleep over a bank of batteries, wires, inverters, etc. Minimalism is definitely more up my alley!

[@marlo376]

Thank you Bob. This information has saved me a lot of money. I didn’t realize how easy my charging solution could be! 😎

[@kele1264]

Great video - looking forward to the rest of the series. Love the fan!

[@stevetrojak5372]

LOOK at that view behind you!!! OMG! Beautiful. GReat information. Thanks!

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Thank you Bob! Everyone please buy on Bobs Amazon store. Help support the nomads that may need help someday.

[@kristiporreco7476]

Thank you Bob for this information, helping me get closer to the nomad life❤️😊 and that view behind you amazing!

[@robertthomas4907]

you're awesome sir! I hope I run into somewhere someday. God Bless you and keep being you!

[@johnpavon799]

thanks for the video on solar!

[@beverly9885]

Perfect timing Bob! I just need the minimum for power, and this is perfect. It’s fire season, and if I have to evacuate (we have 4 times in 15 years, and it’s already bad out there) Due to health, have been isolated since January, have ‘TIL Jan to go, and if I had to leave, I’ve got the van ready...just no power. ow the van is ready to roll; and when I can finally travel, I’ll put in more solar. So thank you so very much for this awesome video and the links to purchase items! Love your channel as always, and can’t wait to be able to really hit the road. 😁

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Beverly Swingle. Best of luck!!

[@richardroyles1423]

Thank you. Kansas

[@nmr6988]

Bob, this is great information! It's pitiful to admit that I did not know there were USB powered light bulbs like the one you showed. I love my Luci Lights (which I learned about on @CheapRVLiving), but the bulb that you just showed looks like it would deliver more light, and sometimes I just need a lot of light in one area for cooking or other tasks. The fold-out solar panels you showed looks perfect for me. Thank you.

[@karinhart489]

Nancy M-R, I got a similar light Bob showed in 2018 that came with its own 5w solar panel the plugs in via usb to charge the bulb’s built in battery. YES! They are very bright.

[@nmr6988]

@@karinhart489 , thanks again! I always need more light due to senior eyes. These look perfect.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Check out headbands with USB lights for more light. Also senior eyes. Lol.

[@amyschaefer1140]

Great information! Thanks you, Bob.

[@julianatrejos9913]

Bob you video is so educational. I feel intimidated just thinking about the solution for solar you make it look so easy

[@he7is7at7hand]

Those look like Joshua trees at the beginning and in the background. Thanks for the video and information.

[@backdoormanintheend]

Thanks Bob.

[@TheFeelButton]

Thanks for shining some light on mobile solar Bob! Cheers!!

[@maehay4065]

I am going to check out these different products for my personal needs. Great video for portable solar salutions! Thank you for sharing this important information ℹ️

[@coreyhattenstein]

I have a small opolar fan that I use next to the recliner. Love it. 3 speeds but rarely get out of 1st gear. I too would replace if broken.

[@paulmortimer8500]

Thankyou. Looking forward to the next video on solar

[@samanthadodd8112]

I got a jackery 160 and a 50 watt panel. This was just to get some solar for my phone, fans, and tablet. I got them both for emergency at home, and to go out for weekends. I got them around Christmas (on sale). I paid right at $200 for both. I got that fan from ur video on fans. I did get the one with battery and love it.

[@nmr6988]

That iPad mini with built-in LTE is on my list now. Thanks again!

[@karinhart489]

Nancy M-R, I have a regular iPad Air (3rd Generation so I can draw) and it hardly any battery. I decided to get this instead of a laptop & have been quite pleased.

[@nmr6988]

@@karinhart489 , thank you so much! I've been a Microsoft user for years due to my profession, but Windows 10 is the devil! I've been looking for alternatives, and this would serve my correct needs.

[@jorjastonej]

Nancy M-R MS 10 is the 😈

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

Great video Bob and 11 months later, Im sure there are even more improvements that have been made for nomads. I’m looking forward to getting on the road in the near future. Hope to meet you there!

[@hg2.]

Another classic, most helpful Bob Wells video - thank you!

[@hg2.]

Great video! It's time to start a sub-folder on RV Electricals -- "USB" Then comes "12 Volt" Then comes "Inverters and Generators" Tough subject to rap ones head around. You do a great job with it - thanks!

[@micheleharris2730]

Wow, great information Bob. I liked seeing everything side-by-side and all at once. It made it much easier to understand. Thank you.! 😊

[@helenbritcher9353]

This was VERY helpful. Thank you

[@hg2.]

Thank you for getting me updated on USB C. "Gotta keep up with these things."

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Thanks, Bob ... as is true for so many things, less is better in most cases! Trim my need and so be freed :) Enjoy! God Bless

[@arroyobaby38]

I love you Bob!! Another GREAT Video!!!

[@tinyelephant77]

Awesome, this is what I need help on!

[@spaceanon5930]

I really appreciate you sharing all you know. Your videos are the most helpful of all. Im considering your classes cause i could use all the help i can get. Take care

[@robertwagoner9078]

Thank you. Great job explaining it all. Can't wait for your next video in this series. You have answered a lot of questions pertaining to my future plans.

[@debbieweckler5239]

Thank you, Bob. This is exactly what I needed to know.

[@miamisammy4020]

You’re always so thorough, Bob! Love your videos!

[@longdogt6724]

Very helpful, and you explain things well! Thank you 😊

[@SatchelCornstalk]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@thebigmann81]

I have very tiny portable swamp cooler. Add water on those extreme hot days.

[@vaquero3578]

"it's just a Fantastic Fan"...I see what you did there :)

[@DavidGodley-n6j]

I have those lights. They come two to a pack and there’s a splitter so you can run them together from the same USB port. I’ve got two of these fans and they are USB powered and are quiet.

[@sueellenmcgoey8708]

Thank you for teaching this!❤

[@DS40764]

Thanks, I'm taking notes. This is a starting point and so I found it helpful(also that only that will get ypu that far.

[@shaunhall1838]

Tablets make a lot of sense over laptops. So much lighter and they sip electricity.

[@nmr6988]

The opening shot is so beautiful 💞

[@stunnagoldknakis5918]

Did he jus say it's a "fantastic" fan? Haha very useful review ty

[@fuppeduck6120]

Love it solar power the way to be

[@marccross55]

Excellent video, as usual ! We're looking to get started in solar, hoping you do video soon for the next step up from 35W system. Love the idea of folding panels and power bricks !

[@gramma_gglynis8615]

Thank you so much for all you do for us. Safe travels.

[@morrisshepherd1637]

You have given some great information on the solar video it has helped us get started with the minimal and work toward more as we grow. Thank you!!!

[@bluelady7]

Hi Bob. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@johnthomas5806]

thanks bob

[@lenurban]

This is excellent. Plenty of people need these demos.

[@alanschaller5869]

Great information... what you showed is all I need... I don't plan to use a toaster or Airfryer oven 😆 ...

[@rutyael18]

Thank you Bob.

[@ShawNshawN]

Really great channel. More geared to retirees, but great info on how to do solar on the cheap. Really takes the relief off having to buy a massive goal zero option for solar.

[@IslamicOrigins]

This was so informative, thank you!

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Thank you! Once again you have helped me figure out how to get started and save $ for the future.

[@KajunDee]

Just discovered your channel. Enjoying your videos, especially the No- build vans. I’ve been contemplating going that way myself but I don’t know of any nomad groups. It’s something I will look into beforehand, as I’d rather be part of a community of likeminded living than being alone. Keep up the great videos, I look forward to them.

[@SteveV1960]

Till the cows come home! I haven't heard someone say that since I was in my 20's back in the 80's.

[@thomasmalone6654]

Thanks Bob! Rock !

[@shwartz166]

Great info, thank you very much!

[@emanuelgamboa7536]

Thank you Bob great information

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Thank you for all the information. It is very helpful. Keep up your great work. Hope to meet you someday. Just getting started.

[@johnsalim6063]

thanks for the sharing sir, greeting from jakarta , Indonesia

[@Pondsofpurple]

Such great information..thanks so much for sharing. Stay safe friend.

[@patrickloper671]

Bob you make it easier to understand for us that can't seem to keep up with techno stuff

[@edweed6039]

Very informative

[@robertrozzell6770]

I guess it looks like three things a person needs to get started. A solar panel, charge controller and battery for energy storage. Then add on from there?

[@Gwen3344]

For simple power needs, you do not need a charge controller or high-capacity battery. To power simple USB devices (e.g., phones, USB fan, tablet), all you need is a solar charger and one or more power banks like the ones shown in the video. The solar panel charges the power bank; the power bank powers the USB devices. Charge controllers are for high capacity solar setups that power *appliances* like portable refrigerators, microwaves, blenders, Instapots and the like. In other words, anything that would be typically plugged into a wall outlet (AC power) to run it. Tip 1: As an alternative to the high-capacity power banks or power stations, consider buying two or more smaller capacity power banks; for example, power banks with 6700mah (milli-amp hour) capacity. The higher the power bank's capacity, the longer it will take to charge it to maximum capacity (not that it has to be charged to max capacity to use it.) Tip 2: You can charge a higher power consumption device like a laptop using an inverter and your car's accessory port (cigarette lighter) and alternator.

[@lindasunderlin6936]

Plus, the highest speed charging cables that will fit each of your devices!

[@davevan6984]

Pretty much. I don't have, nor would I use an inverter.

[@StuartGrantChannel]

The mountains and desert and clouds in the background are amazing. They look like a painting. Great job framing the camera!

[@a.l.alexander3668]

Thank you! I look forward to seeing you down the road sometime.