Choosing the Right Power Station for Van Life!

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AMAZON PRIME DAY IS JULY 11-12th, 2023:
Van Life Power Simplified: Bluetti Power Station Comparison Guide to help you find your perfect power solution! Which one is right for you?
MY VIDEO REVIEW OF THE AC180:
• Bluetti AC180 Power St...
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Thanks for watching!

[@susiejohnson1583]

Please .. don’t think we get tired of you helping us with battery packs .. we NEED this .. I am not literate about these and all the help I can get I will take!! Thank you Thank you Thank you for doing/teaching us ❤

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Thanks for this review. Makes me so happy I got the EB70S last year. I’m hoping the B80 will be on sale for Amazon Prime Day. C’mon, Bluetti, give a girl a (price) break! 😊

[@keith01956]

I just got the New AC180 with a 350 watt solar panel last week. The reason I got the AC180 so I could used a refrigerator because I'm a diabetic and i need to keep my insulin cold. I paid 799. For the AC180 & 400 for the 350 solar panel. Thank you

[@MetalVentor]

Had a Jackery solar panel. After a couple camping trips it stopped working. I got it as a gift from a coworker. The coworker died at the same time the panel stopped working. I couldn’t get receipt. I couldn’t bother the family for such nonsense when they were grieving. The ABSOLUTELY would not warranty it. Checking online it is a known issue. Not something unusual. I agree. Do not buy a Jackery.

[@jreton8971]

Assume you contacted Jackery? Several fellow campers have Jackery units and issues arose. They weren't great but they did eventually come through. I have Jackery, bought directly from them - after 10 months with near daily use has worked as expected.

[@scoop2591]

I bought a Vtoman 1500X. Dont waste your money. Very unreliable to power things. I wondered what it could be bcuz it charges great with the 2 100w solar panels but is very unreliable in running any appliance, power station wont stay on. I reachef out to Vitoman and they were pretty quick to email me back but they did not have an amswer to my problem. Very unhappy. 😢

[@eileensimpson3725]

I have heard that about the jackery

[@irefusetoaskmydoctorifyour6401]

THANKS BOB!!!! Videos like this are incredibly informative for those of us in the beginning stages of our nomad journey! You have a natural ability to break it down and make it understandable for us 'newbies'. Thank You!

[@robertdeere854]

Thank You Bob for bringing me so much information on the bluetti. Without you I would of went with jackery just based on name recognition.

[@chucklewis9938]

Great comparison! I own the EB55, EB70S, AC200P and AC500 units along with 3 expansion batteries. Bluetti makes great stuff and their customer service has come a long way. I would say that the EB55 is a great fit for Van Life, especially if you add an B80 to it. It’s $100 less than the EB70S and smaller/lighter. The downside to all of the stations alone is the solar input. You’re right when you say that only the AC180 will power a 12v fridge year round but that’s because of the 700watt solar input. Adding an expansion battery to any of them changes everything.

[@seanh4841]

I'm New Zealand, thank you Bob and your comment that the EB55 is good for van life

[@lonestarlaurel]

Bob, your videos on these power stations have been fantastic tutorials, but you knocked it right out of the park with this one. Holy cow! I just bought my 200 watt folding panels today!! And a little power station. Wouldn’t be able to do without you, and Bluetti. This is new video is among your greatest hits on my list. Putting together a hit the road outfit. Happy trails 🙏🏼🐾🎶

[@therealWoD]

Strangely I had just purchased the smaller Bluetti EB3A just about 12 hours before this video came out on Amazon. It listed for $299 with a $90 coupon but with tax at around $21 I got it around $230. Glad I watched this video seeing as you've given the product a great review. I also purchased it with a folding 100 watt panel. Can't wait to take it out next week to Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Thanks!

[@juliec9]

That's a great deal!!

[@oldmillrd8153]

I have had my EB3A for over a year and it is a great product. Adding the B80 battery, as Bob said, is a game changer.

[@markpashia7067]

Bob, you talked me into the EB70 right before the EB70S came out. And I got a fridge and the Bluetti 200 watt solar set. I use them year round for two weeks at a time in Florida for the last couple of years. Even in January I had plenty of sun to charge up fully as long as it was not cloudy for days. When that happens I just have to find a 110 volt outlet to recharge. Campground, laundromat, some public park pavilions, etc. By using my sun shades on all windows to keep the car cool as possible for the fridge (parked in the sun while on the beach) I get about two days of running on a charge. I love it and it works. That said my only issue is the 200 watt limit that Bluetti puts on charging input. They need to find a larger charging system for solar. I have heard that some other brands have fixed that so they can use double the input to cut down charging time. That is where I am looking for gains. Have not done my homework yet but the brand that has that will be my next buy.

[@jameswatson5011]

Love ya Bob. ONE MORE YEAR till I retire and hope to see you out on the road!

[@jeffblock1806]

Hi, cheap RV living. I enjoy your videos. I have been watching for about three years. I don't mean to say your wrong, but my EB70s ran my iceco vl45 with no issues. Ran it off the DC side. I've been living out of my yukon Xl for a bit over 2 years. I upgraded my electrical system after my vehicle was broken into and all electronics were stolen. I now have a AC200 max with 400w on the roof. If you'd like a tour, let me know.

[@MishaCartomancy]

So glad you're testing some cheaper generic ones, can not wait to see that video. I'm disability and then I work bit for extra, so I don't have a whole lot of money. But I have my van now and need to get out of the house I'm currently staying soon. Gona head to Arizona and well not sure what after that yet lol but, I know HOWA is down there and lots of nomads so. Anyway thank you for all the videos you make I can't wait to hit the road and start my new life.

[@billbradley2480]

I own several brands of solar power stations and Bluetti is my favorite.

[@misstbikini]

Bob you’re a treasure, this is great!

[@lonestarlaurel]

This new video is among your greatest hits on my list. Thanks, Bob. Happy trails. 🐾🎶

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

No kidding you got a few there! I have two Bluetti to get me going from listening to your good advice Bob!

[@kjkayjay]

For the same amount of power, the LiFePO4 battery will weigh significantly more than a lithium-ion battery which is the battery used in laptops, phones, power tools -- and a Jackery ( they do have a LiFePO4 unit) It doesn't have as many cycles but since I have to move it around a lot (I'm old and weak!!) I get more power for the weight that I can lift.

[@DeliberateNRandom]

Fine if you don't need it as often or have trouble moving it if needed, but if it's something you plan to use frequently, I wouldn't go for it. I bought a Bluetti PS70 with the NMC 700Wh battery 500W inverter for $200 on Black Friday. I don't regret it, it was so cheap! Definitely looking at LiFePo4 for something more permanent. Good to have options, I always say!

[@kele1264]

Sounds like Bluetti is really trying to create what the nomad community needs. They seem to be the industry leaders, and I'll be the market will follow. Prices should come down some, I hope. We're heading for some planet-saving tech at the grass roots level. And that's what it will take, for most of us to use solar energy. Loving it! Thanks Bob! Great comparison video and explanations!

[@dwightlilly4208]

I carry both the Ecoflow Delta 2 and Max on the road with me. 500 watts of solar on the roof and 300 watts portable.

[@jw3843]

I managed to win an AC180. It is a great unit. Right now it is at $799. The ac60 and the b80 batteries I believe are $599 each right now, I think the non-sale price will be $699 or $799. The only reason I know of that the AC60 is only 400 wh is because with 2 b80 batteries it gives you 2000 wh.

[@cindychurch925]

This is an awesome review. I appreciate your input and analysis

[@sharpenrightservicesllc]

I have the little EB3A and I use it all the time. It runs every sharpening machine I have with no problem. I like the idea of expanding the battery. I'll wait for the price to come down. Which is happening fast. Thanks Bob for this review. I always get great ideas from you and I'm not even an RV'er or Nomad. 🙂

[@milesandmemoriesonthebackr8244]

Jackery Techs advise to Not charge and discharge at same time because it shortens life span if battery overtime, even though, they have the ability to do so. What’s your thoughts on this. Never quite get a straight answer from Them. Thanks

[@ahmoseh3718]

I'm curious too.

[@patriciamuskevitsch8359]

Thanks so much for the reviews. I'm sold on blue, but kinda disappointed about the fridge thing.

[@jenniferharrison2997]

This is a💡 Powerful Video💡

[@daynadiggle8169]

Thanks Bob , very informative !

[@lonestarlaurel]

Huge gratitude for this excellent tutorial, Bob. I have next to zero e knowledge and now feel confident to make a smart decision on Prime Day. Oh, and think I now have realistic solar and power station expectations. Hope to meet you on the road one day soon, in my little gray Prius! Grins and happy trails, all 🙏🏼🐾🎶

[@TremaMorris]

I would love to have the AC 60. I think that might check off most of my boxes of what I need.

[@joelincolnlincoln6315]

I been in suv 4 days week for 8 yrs only had one of these small one, bought rv, realized unless you sownd like 2k on one, they don't do much. I have 5 now all about $220 to $330 mostly.bluetti, 5 of them just to keep fans on when I'm in trailer, and charge main battery on rv each day which I. Ever use for anything but it needs little power foe propane fridge. I finally gave in and ordered gas generator last week because with 4 solar panels I still would never have e Pugh power

[@Tracy-en6ph]

Always great videos from you Bob, thank you 😊 from New Zealand

[@joymacasieb9540]

Thank you for your reviews they are so helpful and informative!

[@WisconsinWanderer]

This was really good video for figuring all this technical stuff out thanks Bob😊

[@Zorazora1234]

Thank you for the update !

[@alive-awake]

Always enjoy your videos! The bluetti ac180 showed up on walmart site for $799.

[@gb4939]

16:20 I am not getting tired at all because your video is super useful. Very informative thank you👍

[@inglesd90]

You can get more battery and you get tons of solar into these, but one thing you can't do is get more inverter capacity. Oversize your inverter if you get a Bluetti.

[@TimHayward]

I would point out these are rated in Watt-hours vs batteries often rated in Amp Hours. I hope more people will start using watt hours in the future.

[@danthesquirrel]

Manufacturer's work to keep us ignorant of important specs because if they all came with specs in watts, amps, charge time and price then it would be easy to see which unit was the best price and people could see things like brand name are meaningless. I bought a Pisfau battery last year (not available now) for $499 on Amazon that closely matches the specs of the Bluetti AC60 with B80 combo selling for $1,138. My choice only supported 1,000 watt running time instead of 1,200 and it takes longer to charge (mine still has 50 Wh capacity more, a tiny amount so really the same) but it all comes in one small package (uses less than half the space) and saved me $639. To find a microwave that would run on my battery I had to guess (and I guessed correctly thanks to some reviews) on the running wattage because not one single microwave out there shows running watts, just the cooking watts, and they leave the consumers to guess.

[@Torin_by_the_Ocean]

Love my EB3A 😊

[@tedbecker7484]

Thank you for the info.

[@cjoybe4448]

Thanks! Appreciate you 👍

[@lpklpk447]

Thank you Bob👍🚙🏞🌞

[@ramontoro]

Always interesting your excellent information

[@RVingwithLuck]

I love my BLUETTI EB3A AND my BALDR 330.

[@davidgraemesmith1980]

A lot of us have been daisy chaining solar charged power packs via DC to DC and have suggested the easy option of expansion batteries to the various manufacturers as new methods of revenue

[@jennslifeinhuntingtonwv2678]

Thanks

[@sunidaze]

Oh wow. The Prime Day pricing is crazy. I hope they hsve similar deals next year when i will be able start my build.

[@WillowTrainer]

Thanks buddy!

[@seanh4841]

I'm in New Zealand, thank the lucky stars, we have a Bluetti dealer in Auckland

[@shwartz166]

This video help me a lot, thank you :-)

[@sorrynormal6551]

200w of solar input is really low. As much as prices have dropped, if you want an AC or a microwave, you'd either get the most expensive unit or still roll your own system. The solar controllers really need to be updated.

[@jasonchesnet3922]

Nice😮

[@truthdisseminator]

If the internal battery of EB70S cannot be charged anymore or it doesn't hold the charge anymore, could it still the external B80? Is the internal battery of EB70S replaceable?

[@nancyadamson6755]

I'd like to hear more about the less expensive ones please

[@kenhurley4441]

Someones paying attention to those who live out of their vehicle. Planning on doing this myself.

[@CAMO-hb8wc]

Liked and subscribed \m/

[@aumetalmental8403]

Which uses more electricity, 12 volt or 110 volt as far as say a refrigerator, cook tops, ac? I bought fridge and AC unit, both 110 volt. Keep in mind I have the AC200 unit.

[@ushereonyoutube]

I bought the BLUETTI AC200MAX and I love it, I mounted 600 watts of solar on the roof of my truck and I power a portable ac in my ford truck. The AC200MAX is awesome but can I add another bluetti power station to it or no?

[@juliec9]

Ok i gotta ask, if i buy the biggest bestest but end up not using 75% of the power....is that ok? Would it hinder the battery to not be used much?

[@kathysteele4212]

Arighty, Bob, you get the one you want and I get dibbs on the others? Fair enough? Thanks, Kathy

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Thanks for review😊. Can the B80 hook to EB55?

[@shortyruiz9970]

T.y.so much

[@TremaMorris]

I am having such a hard time deciding.

[@tinamcclure7984]

How much do i need to run a cpap and a fridge or nice electric chest. Thanks😊

[@agr8h2o]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@kirkdyck5797]

So do they all charge from car alternator and shore power?

[@CarrieMtn]

Hmm I bought an AC50s 500wh. I like It but with my starlink it is just not enough. Is there a way to add to this or do I just need to buy an entire new system?

[@andueskitzoidneversolo2823]

Can you please tell us when the new cable is available? I been trying to get info about having the b80 connected to eb70s.

[@lindasams6058]

What cheap one are you testing Energizer ? How is it going

[@XiLi-uy7zx]

Just saw a KZbin adv stating Delta airlines is hiring remote workers up to $40 per hour

[@daniellekeister]

Oh, I'm also confused by something else. You call some of these units "batteries" and others "power stations." Aren't they all power stations? What is the difference? I just bought the AC180 (very first power station, never had or used one before whatsoever so I have no clue how all this stuff works), but these different terms make me wonder now if I am going to need a "battery" as well for it to work???

[@tommcqueen3145]

🙂

[@daniellekeister]

Hi Bob! Newish subscriber here. I am a complete novice to power stations and solar. After two years of dithering around and being indecisive and s l o w l y trying to educate myself, I finally pulled the trigger on the Bluetti AC180 for Prime Days and what was listed as a companion solar, the Bluetti PV120s. But after watching your video here, it's sounding like the PV120s will be woefully insufficient/inefficient for the AC180. I have no hands-on experience whatsoever so it's really hard understanding the different levels and how they work with the various size power stations. Should I cancel my order on the PV120s and get (much) bigger solar panels? Or will the PV120s work, just be painfully slow and inefficient? (If anyone else is knowledgeable and has answers on this, they are welcomed, too. Please and thank you!!!)

[@Boyfromthecountry]

Are there any developments in next generation batteries past LifePO4?

[@rhondarobinsonsine1693]

This is all i need to get going a solar generator but with i just cant afford one

[@kinderliving1]

Please forgive my ignorance, but if you get the Bluetti 180 and expansion battery how do you keep your fridge running while they are charging?

[@KatyInNH]

They have pass thru charging meaning that you can take power out of the unit while putting in power , from solar or wall plug or the extra battery Hope this helps

[@kinderliving1]

​@@KatyInNH Wow, that's fantastic. Even with the largest model, it seems a lot cheaper than buying and having someone install all the solar on the roof and getting charge controllers, inverters, and whatnot. I am not the least bit handy and would have had to have hired someone to do all of this and got quoted $10,000 to put in a power system. Bluetti, I think, is very forward-thinking. Even purchasing a small quiet generator, one that Bob featured in another video, would still put me ahead of the game.

[@dianepines9014]

Where can beginners go to learn about this?

[@aumetalmental8403]

AC200 is the one I purchased. The one you don't show. Did I buy an oddball unit? It's a Bluetti

[@deborahsofia4732]

The AC180 is $799 on sale. Regular price is $1199

[@nmr6988]

Not having a technical brain, I still find all this very confusing. Which standalone bluetti battery has the most power please?

[@cpoul]

There are much larger ones than the ones shown here. It all depends on what you want to power and for how long.

[@showmeadventurevanlife49]

My batteries are amp hour. Why are these watt hour? I have 624 amp hours of battery and 600 watts of solar pannel. It runs my 12 volt compressor freezer set at 0 F and 12 volt compressor refrigerator set at 34 F. Just fine. And it has for the last 2 1/2 years

[@Cindyluwho2626]

Bob.. I would like to ask you are you knowing anything about Halo power stations and if so what you think? TIA!!!!Cindyluwho2626

[@theiceageiscoming.5516]

💪😎🇺🇲