DIY Truck Camper Solar, Lights & More! - Bluetti AC180 ( Part 6 )

[@blackberryhideout5793]

First, the music for this video was delightful. Second, I can see how the Bluetti would be a really useful addition to a variety of situations and setups. Third, love seeing the stages of the camper progress.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Jessica😊🙏

[@DiHandley]

As always I’m amazed at your incredible fabrication skills. The Bluetti power unit is the final link in the chain to give you true independence out there in the wild. What a great product and very versatile too. Awesome work! Cheers.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you for checking it out! Yes the Bluetti makes for quite a nice compact and ready to go system. Now I’m excited to get into figuring the sleeping aspect out… stay tuned! 😊🙏

[@Frenchy5117]

I just purchased the Bluetti ac180 during prime days , I can run my entire trailer thru the 30amp plug in on the side of the trailer to include the ac unit on low for about 4 or 5 hours, nice build 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

That’s great to hear! It certainly is a nice compact unit and packs a punch!

[@Frenchy5117]

@@homesteadonomics yes it does

[@MannyFontes1968]

Joe, I'm always waiting for the notification of when your videos have posted because you never disappoint with your camper builds. I feel sorry for any clown that tries to steal anything from your camper or try to lock you in there...lol

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Manny! If I do any videos with respect to how I’d deal with clowns like that they’ll be on the Rumble sister channel to this one😉👍

[@catgynt9148]

Another great video in your collection. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and design. If you are looking for a rainproof vent, consider locating it in the bottom of the section that extends over the truck cab roof. There appears to be several inches of air gap that is in shade and probably cooler. Wishing you and your family a blessed week filled with gentle seasonally appropriate weather. Peace brother

[@homesteadonomics]

That is one of the ideas I’ve been playing with is to locate the pass through ventilation in that underside. Perfect even if there was a downpour. But I’ll still probably do a fan on the roof as well. Of course my space is limited so I’m just digging around seeing what kind of options I can have for good airflow

[@BTimmer]

I just returned from our first camping trip with the AC180 and it did very well running my CPAP machine and charging my phone. It also recharges very quickly as you noted.

[@homesteadonomics]

Well that’s very good to hear! I know folks who use a CPAP say it makes a huge difference between a good nights sleep and a bad one. Happy camping on the next trip😊👍

[@garagejim1956]

Hi Joe, your build is wonderful, your meticulous fore thought on each install was well done. I have had the AC180 for a little over 1 year and use at our off grid cabin as it sole power source, also charged with 2×100 watt panels. We are running our 12v Explore Bear refrigerator, recharging our Ryobi batteries and most important making coffee. Always enjoy your content and appreciate the time it takes to put out an episode. Best....

[@homesteadonomics]

@@garagejim1956 Hey Jim, Thank you! It really is a great unit and I’m glad to hear it’s doing well for your off grid cabin too! Btw…. I sent you a reply in Rumble as well. But I wanted to send you a shirt for supporting when I tried the locals page. I tried to look up your email there but for some reason I was not able to. So anyways, if you’d like a shirt would you check out the bonfire page and see what color and size shirt you’d like. And then email me with that info plus your shipping info. Just wanted to give you a thank you since I haven’t kept up on my end on that page. Joe

[@garagejim1956]

@@homesteadonomics I responded back, also I was at the cabin when I read yours. I will get back to you once I get to your store. Thanks, Joe!

[@homesteadonomics]

@@garagejim1956oh good! I didn’t get a notification but I’m sure it’s just cause they are a newer platform. But enjoy your time at the cabin and whenever you get a chance let me know😊👍

[@mchunley]

Weird that as I started watching this a storm was happening here in East TN at the same time and the power went out. The thunder there and thunder here was crazy. Great job on your build.

[@homesteadonomics]

Well I hope it wasn’t too long of an outage. I love a good storm….just so long as it brings more in terms of good rain versus lighting and damaging winds. And glad you enjoyed the video…. Few more things to come and then it’ll be ready for a first trip video. Stay tuned!😊👍

[@mchunley]

@@homesteadonomics thanks. Can’t wait to see your work.

[@jptucsonaz8503]

Howdy, really nice job on this project. 2 things... 1, you may want to look into getting the type of battery isolaotor that you can use to have the solar either/and/or your truck alternator be able to charge the Bluetti on cloudy days, high power use, etc. You would want to power only with the engine running of course. Eh, about $100 in parts, but worth having a backup charging scheme. 2, can't tell from the angle shown... Where you show those aluminum peices that cover the wiring near the fuse block... First you will want to get some rubber edge strip that you can glue onto the ends (like a grommet) to protect the insulation from rubbing while driving. Next & similar... Check that your screws that go thru those same pieces can't rub the threads against the insulation there either! You can use nylon standoffs to cover the screws. Easy peasy. 🌞

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you JP! 1… yes that is definitely a worthwhile add in my opinion as well. Probably will be adding a tap on the main trailer hitch wiring to direct up into bed rail for easier trailer/brake/tailight function… and can tap into the auxiliary trailer wiring there. Same wire that currently charges the trailer brake battery when towing. 2…. Yes I need to make sure those are a bit more dialed in for sure😊👍

[@gregvalunas6342]

In case you're still looking, a good friend of mine bought a kit canoe from a place in New Hampshire called Newfound Woodworks. Liked it so much he bought and made another. Liked that so much he wanted to do a third, but apparently his wife put the kibosh on that one. For now, anyway. They are beauties! He's in Colorado and had them ship the 1st one. Took a road trip for the 2nd. Just thought I'd pass along another option for you. Cheers! 🙂

[@homesteadonomics]

I have not ordered any kits yet so I will definitely take a look at that. I’ve got an old book with plans for various strip canoes and was planning on just getting the ripped strips of western red cedar whereever I could find them cheapest. But it sounds like the newfound woodworks has quite the product if he went back 3 times!! Haha…. Definitely gonna check ‘em out😊👍

[@stuartkorte1642]

Some NC momentary light switches instead of toggles. Make up a coated cable and padlock to replace or complement the bungee. Great work on the wiring.

[@homesteadonomics]

Well now you got me thinking of a separate security add on like the travel trailer ones I did for the battery and hitch coupler🤔🤪🙏

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

Where your wires exit those aluminum channels is a short circuit waiting to happen. Add some form of plastic protector/edging so the wires aren't chafing on metal when it vibrates going down the road! Also a good practice for mobile DC is to fuse the negative terminal close to the supply at the maximum it will be supplying. In case of a short in the 12 volts to the fuse block it is an extra layer of protection! I run ham radio gear in my car, both positive and negative wires are fused at the battery(literally 1 inch away) to prevent any chance of a short that can start a fire. I do the same with my house solar, the battery bank is fused right at the battery, positive and negative!

[@homesteadonomics]

I will definitely add some extra insulative protection for those wires. All good suggestions with experience behind them. Thank you Mary😊🙏

[@knutblaise9437]

I would consider a foam pad under the Bluetti and a few eyelets surrounding the base of the Bluetti which would allow you to hold the Bluetti in place when traveling down rough roads. If you do not do this, pop a gopro in the compartment to verify the suggested mod is not required. LOVE your creation 🙂

[@homesteadonomics]

I think that’d be a good add for sure. I think this is fine for regular driving but if I’m rougher back roads your suggestions will definitely be the better option😊🙏

[@ishtarlopez6203]

Amazing build and the bluetti is pretty cool. Happy camping 😊!

[@keithscabin]

We used the maxx air fan in our van (2 of them). I highly recommend the more expensive 2 way 10 speed. Having a fan that blows in and out is a huge benefit.

[@homesteadonomics]

I’ve got a MaxxFan on my travel trailer and like it a lot. But I didn’t know about the 2 way version. Thankyou😊🙏That sounds like a great option to get airflow. I also want to add something like a vent to the underside of the cabinet portion so I can have good airflow when the rain is falling.

[@JB-mf1zc]

Nice project sound like you're fixin to get some of that Glory water!!! God Bless!!!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh yeah….tanks are getting close to full. Love monsoon season! God Bless you too😊🙏

[@mmx3662]

Great video and demonstration of the latest upgrade to the truck camper! 👍😃

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you MMx3 🙏😊

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

You are a pretty amazing and creative guy.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you…appreciate the kind words😊🙏

[@smiffy5467]

Simplistic answer to the tailgate issue would be to make a split door… 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Well…. Not with the door already being built🤪. But yes, I see you’re point 😉👍

[@markb.1259]

Please show us how and where people will sleep in the camper top?? Great video Joe!!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff Joe! 😃👍🏼👊🏼

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Fred! 😊🙏

[@wdwtx2.0]

Moving right along. Can't wait to see it in action.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And I’m looking forward to having an official first trip soon!

[@Claythargic]

water proof 12v led tape and 3m 5mm clear gel 2 sided tape to mount it, remove the adhesive from the leds before mounting its beyond garbage

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes that sounds like that’d do the trick😊🙏

[@toddshook1765]

It seems that lot of people are using these battery box systems which work great and easy to use. Instead of having separate battery, inverter, and wiring. Love the updates on build. Thanks

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Todd! Yes they make for a nice plug and play system to get a quick start to adding power!

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

True Todd, they are much simpler and work great. However, i myself much prefer to build my own with separate components.

[@BigSkyAtNight]

Amazing work as usual! Hope to see it up north soon!

[@homesteadonomics]

Our normal summer camping got thwarted with some work scheduling conflicts. But we still plan on making it up at some point. And then Marley has an elk hunt in October but that’s gonna be in the area south east of flagstaff. But if we come up I’ll definitely let you know😊👍

[@BigSkyAtNight]

@@homesteadonomics bummer, you enjoy that camping trip so much! Hey, we’re SE of Flagstaff too 🤔😂. If it works out, it’d be awesome to say hi. 👍😁

[@p3692]

Joe, amazing job so far, thank you for sharing

[@lorenbush8876]

That looks really nice and very well done. Thanks

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much Loren!

[@NO-wf4nb]

I like your 🚗... Terminator ❤

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@BryanKirch]

Great work

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@CncObsession]

A cigarette plug is good for about 10 amps. In fact it is clearly marked on the front of the Bluetti. This supplies your fuse block in which there were multiple 10 & 15 amp fuses. There are no other 12v out on that unit, maybe an Anderson or an XT connector?

[@homesteadonomics]

@@CncObsession haha… yep that was me just using fuses that I had. You’re correct about the Bluetti socket being 10A. But it’s all within the limit as I totalled the draw for all the lights and it is within the 10amps of the plug. The fuses probably only need to be 5amps or less for the fuse block. But I was just filling them up with what I had on hand for the video. Now when I add an exhaust fan it will likely put me over the edge for that single socket. At least in regard to running every light (floods, compartments, interior, etc).

[@WA-eg7ft]

Excellent job Joe

[@sithinstructor]

Those tailgates are pretty easy to pop off. At least the last one I had was. I'd just take it off, use the bumper as a step.

[@homesteadonomics]

@@sithinstructor these have 4 screws and the red part is sealed to the black flange. Definitely not hard to take off.… but they don’t pop off. Did you have problems with people taking them off? Because I can’t imagine someone risking an altercation to get a $10 taillight. But then again, there are people who are still wearing masks driving in their cars alone😂

[@sithinstructor]

@homesteadonomics Mine was the two cables, then you lifted it off. Kinda nice. No one ever stole it... but my truck was totaled before that became a thing. To steal tailgates I mean. True enough about the masks 😷 🤣

[@jaystewart9947]

Great work Joe. Always look forward to your videos. Bluetti 180’s are great power stations as well. Thanks for sharing

[@davestewart9146]

Well thought out and nicely designed camper sir 👍😁

[@waltherlorenz7390]

Well done in a perfect shape - thank you

[@danielfisch655]

Great job, thank you for sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you for checking it out Daniel! Btw…. My buddy told me he met you at the Pima air and space museum a while back. At least I think that was you

[@danielfisch655]

@@homesteadonomics yes it was me and I was wearing a Homesteadonomics shirt so he asked me if I knew you and I said that we never met but I’m a loyal subscriber. It’s really a small world.

[@markphillips8019]

You should have used a larger diameter wire from the switch to your fuse box.

[@dagwood1327]

You have built a nice looking camper

[@samiralbalushi4611]

Good 👍 job love ❤ it Samir

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Samir!😊🙏

[@jesskrulicki2402]

Awesome stuff man been following the whole build. One thing I noticed and didn’t see in the comments is the struts are upside down.

[@omegaroyal]

Comment. On your video. Comment comment comment. What an awesome comment.

[@96chevydually6.5L]

Very nice!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@DrMott]

Soooo motivating!! Thank you

[@tonyclark6958]

Great job

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Tony!

[@jasonmushersee]

like the solar setup there was a youtuber had similar on his van but no controller just manual disconnect already charged battery overcharged exploded burned entire van. my leer topper has screen behind every window rain really does'nt get in ive hauled up to 8 bull calves home from sales barn in a thunderstorm they were all laying down in there all dry

[@homesteadonomics]

Ahhh!!! That’s scary😳. I checked with this Bluetti and once fully charged is automatically shuts down the incoming current. But the overcharging fear is also why I added that cut off switch from the panel to the unit…. As a just incase ability to isolate

[@One_Crazy_Dog_Mum]

Joe, will you install one of those little ball fire extinguishers in the bluetti space in case of fire? I’ve seen van lifers add them in their battery boxes. Cheers Shell 🇦🇺

[@homesteadonomics]

You know what….i have been thinking of something regards that as I know there is always a risk of overheating and batteries in small confined spaces like that. So I’m definitely going to do a search for those now. Thank you Shell 😊🙏

[@Patrick-en2rv]

Long time, big fan. Was looking at your merch. I see lots of shirts, hoodies, etc. Do you have any hats? Big hat guy would love to buy one! Thanks.

[@homesteadonomics]

Hi Patrick, You know what, I haven’t even checked out if bonfire offers them. And I’m a big hat guy too… as you already know! When I originally set up that store I don’t think they offered hats….and I had already had some embroidered ones made. So I guess I need to check again. But in the mean time, if you might remember the hat I sometimes wear with the leather patch with the homesteadonomics logo lasted on…. That was from my buddy who runs www.coloredredleathergoods.com Even though he mostly does wallets and things like that I know he can also do a hat like that leather patched one if you send him a message. Otherwise, stay tuned and I’ll check the bonfire store again to see if I can get some added

[@steveramirez1654]

👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

😊🙏

[@280zone]

I have a similar Bluetti unit and am curious if you spoke to them about the compatibility of their units in our extreme temperatures. I like that extra security tube!

[@homesteadonomics]

I have not spoken to them about that specifically…. But I do know that their online customer service chat is pretty responsive. And the heat sensitivity would definitely be the biggest concern in our environment for sure.

[@280zone]

@@homesteadonomics I finally got a moment to give them a call, and confirmed the tech specs from their website; Operating Temperature: 32-104℉ (0-40℃) Storage Temperature: 14-113℉ (-10-45℃) That was disappointing, I'm going to have to leave town in May and not return until September.

[@mikei8957]

Nice build ! 😎👍

[@pureblood2020]

How much does it weigh? Hope you can keep it out of the hail! Awesome build.

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh boy…. I’m not sure. And part of me is afraid to weigh it because I don’t want to know….haha. But my originally ball park guess was going to be around the 6-700lb range. But that could be totally off when I actually do get around to figuring that out. And yes…. The hail fear is real…. Hoping this one doesn’t get hat kinda storm the trailer got. But I know it’ll likely happen at some point.

[@recepsahin5293]

teşekkürler emeğinize sağlık 🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@lorettamcgee969]

Niiiice!😊

[@EstherHsiao-v8p]

좋아요❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@mikecole900]

Love what you do my man. Any concerns with the unprotected lines on the id? UV sucks!

[@MANSOURALASSAF-pj2pc]

Hi can you please show us how did you stabilise the camper to the truck, thanks

[@fernandobatas7914]

New subscriber here!!! I just watched your video from 5 yrs ago about the cargo trailer 12v wiring. My question is: how are you charging the battery and did it have shore power?

[@pureblood2020]

👍

[@edjackson4389]

How much was the aproximate cost of the aluminum (frame, diamond plate, and angle) for this project?

[@aaronrust3213]

How is the camper attached to the vehicle. Like pickup campers have binder or clamps

[@coueshunter6483]

First!!