Portable Power Stations Uses with Campers | Tips Tricks & Hacks

[@cdawgRJ]

This guy is the BEST reviewer I’ve seen. Every time I watch his video I feel smarter on the subject. He’s such a good teacher and awesome speaker

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate the support.

[@betsyross2.065]

100 percent

[@ARLGD]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I completely agree with you. This KZbinr is fantastic at explaining things and making us feel smarter on the subject. Speaking of portable power stations, have you heard of the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile powerhouse with a massive 5kWh capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof technology. It's definitely worth considering for all your camping adventures!

[@MikeBraid-qi5bo]

I am trying to find the video where he installs the Anderson connectors right to the goal zero power station and bypasses the battery so there is a dc-dc connection but I can’t find it. This guy’s videos are amazing, learning so much, getting more interested in boondocking every day.

[@edwardfensholt6767]

You have the best, clearest, most pragmatic camping/camper videos out there.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate you watching the channel.

[@Spacecarboy]

When viewing videos regarding various power solutions, I only find a presentation worth praising about 3 or 4 times a year. Outstanding Brian.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I really appreciate that, thank you for swinging by!

[@freegee3503]

I agree! Great work, Brian and Thank You!

[@ailbakdad894]

حاجة

[@ailbakdad894]

7ن

[@J4Julz]

Once again, you bring it all together in a way that makes perfect sense. Thank you Brian!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you Julie for watching and supporting the channel!

[@freezinweasle1]

I really appreciate your input and teachings. Thanks! Hopefully I won't fall for advertising hype due to your educating us.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, best of luck with your projects!

[@dschroeder144]

Great job. You are a natural teacher! I have been dry camping for twenty years now and love what solar generators have done to change it for the better. We leave our Honda generator at home now. Funny, I did the same wonky thing in charging our trailer lead acid battery using the solar generator and external battery charger. As you say, it is super inefficient, but it totally worked. Thanks for putting yourself out there.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I appreciate you swinging by! I have gone through all of the trials and tribulations too. The power stations are a HUGE leap forward in capability, but like any tool, you still have to learn how to use it. Thanks again!

[@brianjessen547]

Dude, I have been trying to solve all these problems and glad I ran into your video.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's great to hear, I'm glad you found us too!

[@neelimabaird3159]

Honestly, your reviews , creativity and articulation - you should have WAY more subscribers! Great job, again!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much for that, I really appreciate the comment.

[@commonsense2469]

Another great video! You sir have a very natural and relaxed manner about you in front of the camera. You need a TV show!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Haha… thanks for the nice comment. There should be a TV show about tiny campers and off grid living, I’d watch it!

[@morinbaptiste636]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@geoffreno3584]

Just watched this video again for at least the 4th or 5th time. I pick up new details every time I watch it. Such a thorough and thoughtfully put together teaching video. Thanks once again for everything you do for the small trailer community. Based on your teachings, I was able to understand how nonsensical it would be to "upgrade" my camper batteries to lithium. So I'm sticking with the 200 ah of AGM and augmenting with my just purchased GZ Yeti 1000X and 100 watt GZ Boulder briefcase. My career is in teaching Lean principles, and the waste that "locked down" lithium camper batteries create would have made me loco. I'm running my camping refrigerator here at home off the Yeti 1000X and charging with the Boulder 100 BC placed on the back deck. This setup is giving me an opportunity to play with the set up which is helping me learn how the system works while also keeping that refrigerator "at the ready" for when we can finally get outside to do some winter camping. Maybe someday, you can make some videos on the work you do at the Zen center. That's fascinating stuff to me. Cheers!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

This makes my day, really glad it was helpful. What kind of fridge are you using? Can be a lot of fun to hone our system in and lean and flexible will prove its value. Thanks for watching and the nice comment! - Brian PS… the zen work might make it’s way in some time, pretty cool stuff

[@eddarby469]

I'm glad you learned some valuable things here. I'm learning about my YETI too. My experience suggests you will ultimately want another 100 Watt solar collector, so keep you eye open for a sale on another one.

[@kevinhannah8636]

Excellent video! I am not getting my teardrop until April but trying to learn as much as I can. The more I watch your videos the more I learn. I go back and rewatch them and pick up something new each time. Thank you for doing this Brian. You are quick with the response to my questions.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I’m so happy to hear that, that’s what I’m doing it for! I have it set up on my phone so comments come in like text messages, that helps me stay on top of things. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonypredes7655]

I love watching your videos and have learned much from you. Thank you. We bought an Ecoflo Delta max AND a Delta pro. Over $7000.00. Fried them both in a week. No reason or rhyme. Since we changed our phone number after we bought them, the company won't recognize us and warranty the products. I bought a 4000 watt inverter. A 400 amp hour lithium lifepo4 battery. A 40 amp mppt solar charge controller and made my own solar power generator using the 4- 160 watts(each) solar panels that came with the Delta Max. I now have a KILLER SYSTEM more powerful than anything on the market at the price point.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Omg… I’m so sorry you got burned like that. I love the home build systems. It’s really easy to work off raw cells w a BMS as well. What you lose in portability, you gain in performance AND serviceability!

[@anthonypredes7655]

Yes. I am mounting a diamond plate truck tool box to a 4 wheel hand truck and installing all of the components other than the solar panels in it to make it safe and portable. 👍

[@triptonmiller8532]

I am a beginner with jeep camping with little to no mechanical knowledge. Thank you for your detailed input with your videos. I love your videos and feel more confident as a new adventure seeker. I am to make this investment thanks to you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s exciting to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@Dylcandraen]

Thank you for the wonky solution, it is perfect for my needs. Great videos, keep up the good work.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's great to hear, thanks for watching!

[@danemmerich6775]

This is the sytem I want to mimic! Great video and information. Thank you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Nice, thanks for watching!

[@danemmerich6775]

My question is, it seems like the Solar Generators can easily power anything. What about AC units and Heaters? That is what I feelni need to build around, right? Those are the needs for boondocking in the true heat and the cold. What size plug and play do you recommend when using AC and Heater?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@danemmerich6775 heating and AC are the Mount Everest of offgrid use. I have a propane furnace that only uses the battery/powerstation for the fan, that lasts a very, very long time. If you are using at an electric heater, the power station will run it, but not for long at all. To get a battery or a power station that could provide you run time would cost a lot more than replacing the heater. Unfortunately, AC is just as bad. Most people spend several thousand dollars to get an AC that works without shore power or a generator. A small gas powered generator is almost always the best solution for that. If you dig through the videos on the channel, I have a video on a small DC AirCon that works well.. pricey. All of this will make more sense with experience but off grid climate control is very tough and almost everyone switches to gas or fuel sources for heat. Hope this helps!

[@danemmerich6775]

@@DIYOutdoorLife your answer basically answered my question perfectly. You said exactly what I was thinking......propane heat source seems like the ticket. I have plenty of 20Lb tanks....... And for AC, it seems like a inverter generator to run a small AC unit or a DC air conditioner wich would work but pricey, correct? Thank you so much for your expertise and knowledge. I so subscribed and am watching all your videos!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@danemmerich6775 happy to have you on board! If you go with a nice inverter generator, save money by just getting an efficient AC AirCon, no need for the DC AirCon if you have that generator. Next, if you want to build up your system, you can get a really good portable power station. A larger unit will carry the AC throughout the night while you’re sleeping, you can charge it in the morning with the gas. generator

[@bradleylee7311]

Thanks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for watching!

[@S.JerseyJim]

The most important video I’ve been looking for is your next one and I can’t find it!!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Do you mean this one? Using Goal Zero for RV Battery kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX61eppmiN-bY5I

[@eddoolittle]

Brian, this video is so good. I just picked up an Ecoflow River Pro and it has 2 DC5521 outputs; I bought a DC5521 to PowerPole adapter - but I could easily have made my own. By the way, my Phillips CPAP has an available DC cord - and as you said it's much more efficient that using the 120v plug because that plug has an inverter to convert to low voltage anyway. Using the 120v cable means you're relying on two inverters (12v to 120v & 120v to 12v) when you don't have to. I tried it out with my old Jackery, and I saved somewhere between 30 and 50% power.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Very nice power station, glad you’re testing and playing too! Thanks for swinging by.

[@gearsNtools]

Great video, I like your style, chill but very informative!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you turning in!

[@Joe-cu4hi]

I really, really appreciated how well you educated us on all the nuances of using a power station. We are brand new to power station world. We have a Honda generator but have come to appreciate that this is a perfect complement. I did look at Jackery, Okmo, Bluetti, Pecron, GoalZero but finally went with Vtoman and paired it with a 130w Bougerv solar panel so far so good. Thanks again!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Nice set up! Thanks for watching!

[@LivingInSantaClarita]

This is a great video! I am at exactly this spot right now. Inverter? Power Station? back and forth. We dry camp most of the time and are ok with our weekend usage of the two 12v batteries we have (with or without using our solar). We currently charge with the little Goal zero 150. We need to upgrade from that as it doesn't last the whole weekend and has limited power usage. I like your two choices in the video and how you explained using them. I will watch this again and the other videos about power. Thanks for explaining this in simplest forms. I can't wait for the set up video!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I really appreciate the feedback...new video coming soon, have to wait a little .. sunday maybe?

[@ericwilliams952]

You need a big 60 Solar panel on your trailer roof. Renogey has great controllers.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

No charge controller needed for this set up, it’s built into the power station. Check out my video on the solar panel on roof, I also have some videos on Renogy charge controllers too. Thanks for watching!

[@jrinventormusic]

you're great at this my bro thank you for showing us - great presentation!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@bimdynamics6406]

Thank you for your video. You gave me a bunch of ideas for my travel trailer camper conversion

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's great to hear, make sure to circle back with info and pics when you're done!

[@allencolter]

Great Video. I have a couple of the Goal zero 1000x model. I was already doing most of the things you described.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Nice, how have your results been?

[@allencolter]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Results have been great. I have a truck topper on my Nissan titan with 500 watts of flexible Sunpower panels on top. I did add 4 of the expansion batteries as well to help with the storage capacity to run all my power needs. I am still experimenting with new ways to do things.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@allencolter nice set up!

[@ericwynne4519]

Holy crap. I should have found this video before I did any upgrading of my battery capacity on my Bushwhacker! I have to use a CPAP. When I first got the camper I got about four hours out of my battery using the CPAP before it tapped out. I've been playing with how to get decent output to run the CPAP. I've got the adapter piece to bypass the humidity/warming chamber. I've added a second marine battery in parallel. And it worked ok. It gave me a night but again it tapped out the battery capacity if I use any camper electrical, in addition. With your recommendation I purchased a River 2 from Ecoflow. Plugged in the CPAP in to it. But it wouldn't give me a full night. I've got a good system down now as I got the River 2 plugged into a Sinewave inverter, which is plugged into the camper, drawing power from the batteries. From there the CPAP is plugged into the River 2. It works pretty well. At the end of the night the River 2 is topped up and the camper battery isn't too drained. So I added a solar panel which charges the camper batteries. So I can boondock pretty well. But now ... based on your recommendation about at DC plug for the CPAP (which I didn't know existed) I've ordered the cord. I should be running way more efficiently. I think if I keep watching your videos I might finally get this system down. Thanks.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Bypassing the heater/humidifier and running on a DC plug is key. In some situations, it's cheaper to buy a different CPAP than it is upgrading the battery system. And your case, it looks like you're making excellent changes, keep me in the loop!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

PS also try plugging the Eco flow into the 12 V plug instead of the inverter, you will save a ton of runtime that way

[@daveinohio9383]

Another xlnt vid !! Thanks and the Core 1000 kept the fridge, internet and B'Cast TV running for several hours during a recent power failure.... So its a great device beyond just using on camping trips in the Bushwhacker !

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks, glad you got in on the deal! Many many uses!

[@johnwdavisjr]

Looks like you plugged the Anderson cable from the battery box to the Goal Zero? Cant wait for the next video so i understand this better.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

and just like that, everything changed!!! -One of the features that I've used on GZ units for years is the anderson high power DC...It has some amazing capabilities. You can run a cabin off of it!

[@TrailWright]

Nicely done!! Thanks for sharing...

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@CallaFab]

I plug my Ecoflow delta into the battery dirreclty using the 12volt DC plug. I bought a male-to-male plug into a standard 12 volt plug wired to the battery. It's been working great.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I have a video on that. It works great for light use up to ~140 watts and under. Very handy!

[@pvttom]

Ed, are you running directly form the 12volt DC output on your solar generator to the house battery in the camper? Could that over charge the house battery?

[@CallaFab]

@@pvttom I turn off the house battery and run the Delta to a 12 volt plug. I have never used the house battery, but it's there 'just in case'. I like how it lets me know my usage.

[@pvttom]

@@CallaFab ok cool I get it. Do you know if I could charge the house battery by: running a line from 12volt DC outlet, to a solar controller, to the house battery? Does that make sense, that way I would not overcharge the camper battery.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@pvttom You wouldn’t want to do it that way. They make small DC to DC charge controllers that allow that though. Since the DC poor is 10a max, you’ll need a small DC DC charge controller

[@jaredheidicarroll4335]

Thanks Brian for sharing your knowledge. I enjoy your topics on the Channel!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for tuning in! It’s been fun, hoping the channel grows 😀

[@raysboatingandadventure1277]

Totally agree with your use. I like pratical videos, keep up the good work

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you swinging by.

[@thevideostump46239]

Being that I use a Cpap, possibly installing a DC plug and conserving usage is intriguing!! Consequently i have a travel cpap with a DC plug.. I'm going to have to try this. Hoobilly

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Heading for the airport now, flying to Indiana. Maybe I’ll see you in Columbus tomorrow!

[@TheBigMinky]

Very nice setup, I was curious if this would work as I am new to the camper world. Thank you for all of your great content and stay safe and healthy out there !

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I’m really happy you found us!

[@eddarby469]

I purchased a Yeti 1500x with a 100W panel. Reading the documentation I realized using it as emergency power for my fridge and the AC port would not be efficient. So I bought a portable fridge that runs on the 12VDC outlet. I have also purchased two more 100W panels. This will now let me cool the fridge for two 1 hr periods during the day while also running the portable fridge. I believe this will be a good system for the next power outage that we get.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Nice set up, you’ll get some great use out of that!

[@zkat13]

I love cake. Got my jackery after tornados knocked out power Easter 2020. Got my minivan. A non build. Everything can come out and put in another if needed. Tiny camper (3 weeks I hope!!!!) will just allow more space. Currently don't plan on a "house" battery for it. It will have a shore power hook up. Since I already had tent and van camped, I have a lot of USB rechargeable items. Lights, fans etc. Use small battery back ups. Even got a little electric kettle that is fast and works with the jackery. I think carrying that super simple system over to the camper will be seamless.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

You got it! When people have a background roughing it, the tiny camper feels like total luxury! It's going to be so convenient being able to move the power with you rather than buying new gear. Circle back w/ photos when you get the new rig!!!

[@zkat13]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Absolutely!

[@OutdoorTXs]

Power Poles FTW!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

huge

[@vanessamansfield4252]

thank you ... you gave some great info i needed .

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Awesome, thank you for watching and commenting!

[@LuckyLE0]

How do I talk to you about this? Please help out a newbie!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I just emailed you back, talk to you soon!

[@jayw900]

Not calling them solar generators earned a like from me. The actual information in the video is good as well.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Haha... i'm with you

[@jayw900]

Never mind, he called them solar generators in another video.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@jayw900​​⁠stopppp... lol I'm with you, I've said 100 times in videos. If you don't put solar generator in your tag, nobody finds the video, because everyone calls themv by the wrong name.

[@russell1265]

Another awesome Visio thanks you know your stuff 👍🏻

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I appreciate you watching the videos on the channel, thank you!

[@refugiopoint]

Great video, nice that all the BS has been ripped out and it's just sharing for the betterment of life, thank you!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@RangerStranger5]

Excellent video. Subscribed.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, really glad you came aboard!

[@sniggyflu]

Excellent video! now subscribed :)

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Welcome, thank you for subscribing!

[@FrugalShave]

You could also wire up a cigarette lighter plug to Anderson power pole to get power into your camper as well. You would likely be limited to 10A but that should be no biggy on a small camper where you are not running anything bigger than some LED's and the fans on a propane fridge.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That is correct, I have a video on the channel explaining how to do that. It's a great way to use a power station without Anderson, although in a limited capacity.

[@_DivineTruth_is_Home_]

So this would be better then buying two lithium batteries and all that do-n-do if i wanted to go with the system your showing? As I have the same batteries now as you do and I am inspired by your share ❤

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes, a large power station would do the trick. The yeti 1500x is nice. A lot of folks are doing the same set up with the EcoFlow pro, it costs more, but is very, very nice. amzn.to/43WUEd0

[@frito_bandito_]

Good video, thanks for making it. Don't those Lithium power stations have a floating ground? If your camper has a GFCI, does it still trip on ground faults?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes it does. With some very sensitive devices, electric cars come to mine, you can use a neutral to ground bonding plug, but GFCI will trip fine.

[@matthewmee7551]

Great video. Thank you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@robohay]

I don't know how we survive electrically with our CLC TD? We have a 206 WH PPS (solar charger with Fe in the battery & about 5 lbs). I think it translate to about 17 amps (maybe 14 or so recoverable). Never come close to running out of juice. I understand you and Cosmo and Drew and others run video productions out of your TDs with concurrent electricity demands. But for the rest of us more casual campers I think a much simpler less expensive systems will do the job with comfort. As a retired sailmaker I see lead acid batteries as a relic from the last century. But I'm enjoying your videos and have picked up some useful ideas. So keep up the good work. PS: blue & white

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for swinging by, this is a refreshing comment. I am used to people saying that they need more capacity than what I feature…. Electric skillets, hairdryers and air conditioners! Less is more, thanks for watching!

[@adecarlo29411]

I had an old rack mountable Tipp-Lite UPS hanging around. Replaced the batteries and it's good to go for about 8 hours. Fits right under the bed in the Teardrop. The one amazing thing I discovered was to unplug the battery on the front of the trailer, then plug into shore power on the UPS. My run time went from about 120min to 480min...

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Great call and repurpose. You definitely want to disconnect the battery, the battery charger will eat that UPS up. Great score!

[@curronhill2744]

Hey just checking in to see if you are doing ok.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

All well here, crazy year. All good stuff, just very challenging to edit and post videos. We'll be back better than ever soon. Thank you for checking in!

[@_DivineTruth_is_Home_]

Thank you ❤

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@Stephankerby]

Can you run your ac through the night off that battery bank? Thank you for all the help.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Running air conditioning is the trickiest off grid. Yes, I can run my AirCon overnight but it’s more complicated than that and makes it challenging to offer advice on. What AC, how it’s configured, what temperature is it outside, what humidity, how many people are sleeping in the camper, and so on and on…. The advice I give most people when starting off to get an outlet timer. Just put the AC on for an hour or two before bed and start there. It’ll cool things down enough to sleep and you’ll be able to see where you can go from there. Sorry for not being able to get a straight answer, thanks for watching!

[@MacksellAKQJ109]

I have a Sepower fridge or freezer. I use it as a freezer. If I plug it in my Jackery 1000 using the dc plug will it be more efficient than plugging in to the ac side? If so about how more efficient? I’m leaving for quartzite this weekend. Thanks for a masterful video. I am going to watch it again.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hello, thanks for watching. It will be CONSIDERABLY more efficient to run on the DC side. The number can be anywhere from 30 to 40% more efficient. The refrigerator compressor runs on DC. When you plug it into the AC side of your power station, the following conversions take place: the jackery battery is DC- it converts to AC for the outlet- the brick on the set power converts it back to DC and it runs the compressor. During both of those conversions, energy is wasted, 15-20% times 2. Whenever possible, run off the DC side and experience much longer run times. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!

[@MacksellAKQJ109]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Brian, Thanks so much. Your explanations are so much easier to understand than any I’ve heard. I bought my Jackery before I saw your channel. I was planning to get a 200 watt solar panel installed in quartzite to be able to camp in cities along with boo docking on BLM land. Do you think I could get by with 100 watts using the dc plug. Are you going to be in quartzite this winter?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@MacksellAKQJ109I prefer the 200w panel in this situation to go with the jackery 1000. Even though your fridge would likely be fine w/ the 100, I think you will be more pleased in practical situations with the 200.... cloudy days, shade, short days, travel days etc Unfortunately, wont be able to quartzsite this year. Maybe next year!

[@MacksellAKQJ109]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Thanks again. Sorry you won’t be in the Q. You would be a great speaker at the RTR. I hope you do a meet up with your subscribers when you are here next year

[@SimonLanglois-w9v]

Hi Brian, thanks for the video very informative! For some reason I can't find the "how to install Anderson Powerpole" connectors video. If you share the link with me that would be great! Thanks

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hi Simon, thanks for watching! I do a quick tutorial in this video I’ll link, but there is a bunch of excellent dedicated videos on KZbin if this doesn’t help. Using Goal Zero for RV Battery kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX61eppmiN-bY5I

[@jeannenason6472]

I enjoy your videos and for the most part, I can follow. My husband passed away so I’m having to learn about things that I really didn’t want to think about. My question is, when talking about isolating, how can you do that with your AC, refrigerator, furnace, etc because they don’t have plugs that you can access? I have a Thor Compass 24KB which has a huge basement pass thru storage compartment and I know you said it is inefficient but my plan is to get a Bluetti AC200Max put it in the storage compartment and plug the MH in using the power cord. I know I can’t dry my hair, make coffee in my Keurig, and run the AC. At the same time. To charge it, I’m getting 2-350 watt solar panels. I have a generator and a 100 watt solar system installed at the manufacturer, I would like to use the generator to charge but how would you connect it. I know this is a basic question for you but again, I’m on my own as I live in Alaska and have no idea who I would take this to to set it up.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hey Jeanne, thanks for reaching out. Im going to Alaska for the first time next month, pretty exciting. Your question isn't basic at all, quite the opposite. Theres a million considerations here, I'll do my best to help any way I can. Shoot me a line at [e-mail] and Id be happy to get you started.

[@billleland957]

Yes, my next step in camping is a 12 VDC refrigerator. I already have a Jackery 500 & solar panel. I have a new teardrop on order & it comes with a 110a AGM. I know the refrig will be the main draw and plan on using the Jackery for it. The camper AGM be for the lights and fan. Will mostly recharge the Jackery when in route to the next camp site.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's a solid system, are you adding any solar to the 110ah agm?

[@billleland957]

@@DIYOutdoorLife if I add solar to the camper it will not be expensive because I know it has a risk of walking away. I am taking your advise and will go directly solar to the battery.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@billleland957 these are the things you don’t find in owners manuals…lol -Cheap foldable like Dokio might not work as well, but since you can put it away easy, less likely to walk. They always work better when they don’t disappear..haha

[@dmitry7908]

Can you make a film, or have you already made one explaining the uses of a portable power station like this as a shore power source? As many travel trailers, ours has a 30 amp connection. Why not just directly plug it into the PPS? Thank you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

We talk about that in this video that you’re commenting on. It’s a topic I’ve mentioned a lot on the channel, but there’s not a dedicated video to it. Here’s the problem. Your power station battery is DC. The inverter makes it AC. When it runs back to your camper, the converter makes it DC. It activates your battery charger and starts to charge the battery on the camper. Each one of these can waste 10 to 20% during the inversion and conversion process. At the end of the day, you’re likely getting less than half of the energy out of your power station. If you give this video another watch, you’ll see that when we plug it in that way, the results are so terrible. The ways that we demonstrate in this video will last twice as long and are far more economical, although I understand the temptation of just plugging it in. If you get a large portable power station, and turn the disconnect switch off on your camper, you’ll get the best results . They won’t be good results, but maybe for convenience alone it’s the best option.

[@dmitry7908]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Appreciate the expanded response to my question! I watched your video attentively and see what you mean now! Your channel is excellent. I appreciate not being subjected to background music, pop-ups and silly advertising. Subscribed. Will you be delving into the mini-split cooling systems for campers? Our Casita rooftop Coleman-made a/c is as loud as a jet and is probably extremely inefficient.

[@Capnchaos4202]

I wish you would do a video on how to connect the new Jackery 3000 pro to a camper

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Unfortunately, jackery does not offer the high current DC 30 amp output. I was disappointed when I saw they didn't include it on the new pro model either. Although you can still use the methods in this video to use the power station while camping, to power your camper off the DC, you'll have to follow this video for backfeeding up to 10a. RV Power Station Hack | Interior Back-Feed kzbin.info/www/bejne/opeVn5V5gdp_ebs

[@Capnchaos4202]

@@DIYOutdoorLife thanks for the response

[@dsas89]

I LOVE your videos. They are practical, helpful, and easy to understand. I currently have an AGM battery with 10 gauge wiring would I need to convert to 6 gauge wiring to use a portable power station?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Nope, 10 is fine. Since these ports are putting out 25 to 30 amps on the DC anderson, 10 gauge is fine on the short wire runs. Thank you so much for watching, I am glad that you like the channel!

[@valuefitnessandhealth]

I love the shirt!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Mazmyth!

[@kennethburke6045]

I am seriously interested in what your saying. I'm currently building a trailer which will be pulled behind my 2007 Triumph Rocet 3 motorcycle.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s awesome, I always love to see those motorcycle trailers… impressive!

[@kennethburke6045]

@@DIYOutdoorLife would like to have a conversation if it's possible. I am 67 yrs old & am trying to figure out the power thing, a brief conversation might be very helpful, if that's possible.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@kennethburke6045 sure thing, send me an email and will set it up. [e-mail]

[@williamweber9422]

I’ve just discovered and started watching your videos. I live them. As a teacher myself, I can appreciate how you describe things and reiterate and summarize. Nice work. Few questions (at this point LoL), I like how you can plug your camper into the Yeti, could unplug my RV (50amp) into the Yeti (with the 15amp extension of course)? And: Would I be able to run one of my standard AC unit (at least on low ) while it’s plugged in and how long could I run it if I’m not using much else? If the answer has to do with making sure I’m charging the Yeti to replenish with solar, what would be a decent set up (panel/charge controller/etc)? Thanks again for your videos.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hey William, thank you for watching the channel! The answer here can get complicated and it’s easiest to just say no. You can plug your camper into the yeti or any larger power station, as you said (50-15) and run the outlets in the camper. There is no “standard” air conditioner though, they have a huge range in how much they draw. Since you mentioned 50 amps, I’m assuming your RV is rather large. The power station, like this yeti, would likely run the AirCon but for a very short period. Without knowing exact specs on your gear, it’s hard to say but it’s likely that the amount of power storage and solar here would be unreasonably expensive. I run a small window AirCon with the yeti in the teardrop with the yeti 1500 and it just gets us by. Your best best is a traditional generator to help run the air conditioning in hot weather. Thanks again!

[@risconamira]

This is super smart tip

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

thank you for watching and commenting!

[@carlosguzman1196]

Hey Brian, I really like your videos. I've been watching them over and over and I pick up new things all the time. I'm curious, since you have a lot of experience with the Goal Zero. I have the 1000 core. Bought it when they first came out. At some point the inverter or the AC panel went out. Goal Zero says they cannot sell the inverter to fix it. Have you come across this or know anyone who has? And what was their solution? I'm connecting an external inverter to the DC Anderson output whenever I need to use AC but that gets to be a hassle. It would be nice to have the AC panel working again. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And keep putting out more videos. They are always fun to watch. Thanks

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That is extremely rare with Goal zero. They have their flaws like others, but the inverters are very good. I can't recommend that you do anything that could be dangerous, but they do have a large DC connector that plugs the inverter in on the inside. There's no reason why you couldn't plug-in another thousand watt inverter in its place, it just wouldn't look as pretty.

[@carlosguzman1196]

Thank you Brian, I'll look into that.

[@MrMoeVideo]

( caution ⚠️ long post ahead) Hello Brian, my build incorporates a bluetti EB150. It is my sole battery source. I do not have an Anderson port but I was able to overcome this with a little more use of adapters. I don't have the full discharge amperage available as I would with an Anderson but it works for what I have. 1. I have the bluetti installed on the inside of my teardrop. It's incorporated into the interior so that the front of the unit is built into the cabinet on my back wall facing the inside of the teardrop. This allows the screen, usb ports and 12v port to be utilized inside. 2. The rear of the unit, which is where the 110v ac ports are located, is accessible from the galley. 3. I installed a 12v fuse panel that distributes power to various USB and 12v ports as well as my LED lighting throughout the inside and galley. I use a standard 12v adapter plugged into the power port on the front of the bluetti to feed the fuse panel. 4. My AC ports in the rear are similarly split with two power strips. One on the interior and one in the galley. The bluetti is completely removable by simply unplugging the single 12v plug in the front and the two 110v plugs on the rear panel. The unit the can be taken out of its cabinet and used as normal. All of the wiring is routed and covered so it looks very good. I can charge with solar as well as shore power if I'm in a campground. The idea is the same I just had to be a bit more creative. Love the channel.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

that is an awesome set up! I love the possibilities! Don't forget to send pics.. Thanks for watching 😀

[@MrMoeVideo]

@@DIYOutdoorLife I have just finished the skinning on three of the four sides. But had to go back to work. So the final side should be in two weeks. Once it's completed, I'll send the pictures. I also have a smaller 350wh power station to split the 12v load when needed. Similar to what you mentioned.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@MrMoeVideo I can't wait, I had two pop-ups out back waiting for the home build conversion to teardrop

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

Hey Brian, I have been doing a lot of research on power stations to run my Bouge RV 30 quart fridge for at least three days and while I have found several nice power stations that would do the trick they are pretty darn expensive. Since you are a DIY channel I am wondering if you could do a video on making our own power station. I found some prewired smart battery boxes on Amazon and I'd like to put a LifePo4 100 ah (1280 watt) into the box and run my fridge. I have never done a DIY like this and I'm not terrible comfortable or very knowledgeable about wiring. Would you consider doing a video like this. If I go ahead with this project I will probably simply charge the battery with a 2 amp battery charger but eventually I'd like to figure out how I could leave the battery in the box and charge it from my 100 watt solar panel as the battery boxes seem to have Anderson plugs and I think that is what I need in order to use my solar panels. However, I'm also confused about the mppt or the PwM? I might also need? Anyway, what do you think? is this something you might be able to do for any of us wanting to build our own power station?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I would love to make a couple videos like that, I've been doing that for years and the technology is improving daily! I'm not sure when I will get to it, for the time being, what size Power Station are you looking for? You can run your refrigerator for three days on this- amzn.to/3PTb8xJ it's on sale right now and would be hard to beat that price even building it on your own

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

@@DIYOutdoorLife I have been looking at that one but I just want to run my fridge with whatever I buy. I have a GoLabs R500 already. There is a Lifepo4 100 AH Power Queen battery for sale right now for $376. and if I bought a cigarette lighter with alligator clips I could run the fridge with that couldn't I, or do I need something else to run the fridge as well? Those two items would only cost me me about $440. with taxes. Would that work to run my BougeRV 30 quart for 3 days?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@lifewithpugwinklethe additional value is in charging. The EF can charge from wall in under an hour, thats a couple hundred dollar component right there. On top of that, it has a built in MPPT for solar charging. Dont get me wrong, the home made units are GREAT but there is a ton of value in these as well.

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Yeah you are right! I have been flip flopping back and forth for the past few days. I really need to make a decision before Prime Day is over. :) Thanks for the advice, I appreciate your time. I don't really need the fast charging but the fact that the MPPT is built in so I can charge by my solar panel if I want is a nice feature. And bringing it in the house to use during power outages is a good feature as well. I think I will end up going the power station route again for now.

[@frankpalacios6147]

I have (2) two 12v batteries for my trailer. It came like that. If I use my set up ( Goal Zero 1500X, quick connects, battery shut off, etc.) like you show here I really don’t need the second battery, do I? TIA love your channel

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

It all depends on what you use, but using your power station that way will definitely give you considerably more runtime than those two batteries

[@bethmcelroy8253]

Recently stumbled upon your channel & am hooked. I've been bingeing... lol. I'm a new RVer & am trying to learn how to DIY as much as possible. My two AGMs are in a metal battery box & the wires come out the bottom and go into the camper (Airstream). Would I still do the kill switch/Anderson connection? I'm a little intimidated with batteries & all things electrical, not gonna lie, but am willing to learn.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for tuning in, those Airstreams are beautiful!! Do you have a switch that turns off all of the DC items in your camper? The Anderson outside allows you to run the camper off of a power station, it’s really handy when you have limited space inside the camper. Depending on which airstream you have, you could do the same thing inside.

[@bethmcelroy8253]

@@DIYOutdoorLife yes I do. I'm trying to figure out how I can set it up to use that Anderson Powerpole setup.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@bethmcelroy8253 shouldn’t be too hard. We usually tie in somewhere near the converter.

[@500445]

I greatly appreciate you sharing your knowledge and loved your videos on the Hiker Trailers. Question: I have a Rivian R1T and plan to purchase a Hiker Trailer due to its low weight, low cost, and durability. With the coming onslaught of EV trucks, could you please talk how this will change the way we power our trailers and maintain as much EV range as possible? Particularly battery or Goal Zero configuration and possible ways to configure the trailer to power the EV in a pinch.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I have an EV towing video filmed, not sure when the release date is. Really exciting to see the Rivian Hiker combo!!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I have an EV towing video filmed. I met someone who tows with a Tesla and lives in the camper full-time! Not sure when it will be edited and released. I'm very excited to see the Rivian - Hiker combo, stay in touch!

[@500445]

Great, I'll keep an eye out for the video. Thanks.

[@mladetto7453]

Brilliantly simple put together video. I actually enjoy not having to sit through all the fancy song and graphic openings of most of these type things. This was exactly what I was looking for to start upgrading my power capabilities for boondocking and my teardrop camper. Heading off to look at some of your other videos now. I do have one question, my teardrop has the zamp plug factory installed. I'm wondering if I can plug solar panels directly into it if the panels themselves do not have built-in solar controller?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for watching! I hope you were able to find the other videos I have addressing the Zamp plug. If not, reach out and I’ll link. You will need a charge controller to use that plug, but you do not need to use Zamp $$&

[@mladetto7453]

Is there a simple way to determine the energy needs of individual items so I can come up with a total for a typical teardrop camper? I'm assuming I can just look at the electronics and the camera and add up the wattages they use?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@mladetto7453 you can make estimates but getting a DC and AC watt meter and testing things out is best. amzn.to/3avms1X

[@twoweary]

What is a cpap ( hope I understood correctly) machine? Google says it’s an oxygen machine. Love your videos by the way.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Sleep apnea is a condition that is being diagnosed rapidly. Essentially, the person does not breathe regularly and completely while sleeping, it leads to a lot of persistent problems. A CPAP machine is prescribed and people report feeling better than they ever have, it helps him breathe normally while sleeping. Although these machines are changing the world for so many, they are power-hungry and make camping difficult . Hope this helps, thanks for asking!

[@staceyringness567]

My question is…. When you hook up a goal yeti to the RV as if it’s the RV car battery. Do the electric plugs in the camper work.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

No, the battery side is 12volt DC, the receptacles are 110v AC. You have to plug into the goal zero AC outlets for that to work.

[@pedromarcial9187]

Have you tried using power tool batteries as back ups? I use my makita batteries as back up power on cloudy days. I bring them on every extended camping trip with my combo drill and driver. When I don’t use my power tools I have about 20 amp hours worth of batteries I bring with me. They saved my life while I was high up in the Rockies and my fuses blew on my truck. I used my batteries to power my gps and get me back to civilization.. 6 hours later.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

They are really handy to use, in your case being prepared helped out big time. In an old video, I showed the dewalt 20v usb attachment. I also have the LP heater that runs lights, igniter and fans off a tool battery.

[@adamlivingston6659]

Where can I source a female to female Anderson Power Plug adaptor, sir? Great video btw. Keep it up!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

All APP plugs are unisex. Are you just looking for a cable? This one is 10 AWG and good quality. amzn.to/3UJB3do

[@adamlivingston6659]

@DIYOutdoorLife idk exactly, lol. The plug on the Jackery 1000 is male and the plug that will be on our Hiker trailer is also male.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@adamlivingston6659 with Anderson power pole, the plug is both male and female, you just turn it upside down until it fits. You want to make sure the colors coordinate, if they don't, you can actually re-orient the plugs and swap them around. I do believe that the Jackery pro does not have an Anderson output. I am pretty sure they just use Anderson for their solar input. Youll want to double check. if they do not, you can use a plug like this for your Hiker. amzn.to/3ys89XL

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Keep me in the loop, will make sure you get the right device

[@adamlivingston6659]

@DIYOutdoorLife yes sir, the plug I'm talking about is from the exterior solar panel used to charge the Jackery. I may just use the plug that you sent me the link to. I just thought the APP would be a better option. Less likely to jiggle out.

[@denisetompkins7753]

Hello. Your videos are extremely helpful and still my head swims and I’m unclear as to what I need for my RV boondocking needs. Can we please hire you as a consultant for our needs? There was no contact info in your bio Thank you

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Happy to help if I can 🙂 [e-mail]

[@warblur]

amazing! this is great! will a gz yeti 400 power a noco 10 battery charger to top off my 100 ah battery?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

No, unfortunately that wouldnt get the whole job done. A depleted 100ah lead acid needs 600wh. With the efficiency loss, youd get less than half that. It would certainly help give you a boost though.

[@warblur]

@@DIYOutdoorLife thank you. i am looking at getting a dc/dc charger installed. i may remodel my camper and just power it off a GZ. i like the all in one mobility of the product

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

Since you made this video back in 2021 I am wondering if there are other portable power stations that have the Anderson port?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I was hoping to see more... lol Eco flow features it on the delta pro Bluetti on the newer AC models has an aviation port, that is a little trickier, but can do 25 amps It's still a feature that's not offered on most inexpensive power stations .

[@Alex-cv7qj]

Great videos, thank you! With how you’re using the Goal Zero, have you ever thought about removing your camper’s house batteries and just using a Goal Zero? Curious if there are any cons to this I’m not thinking of, as I’ll need to replace my house batteries soon.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hey Alex, Yes, I think it’s a great solution for some set ups. With my camper, there’s a real convenience of having both but you could definitely skip the house battery if you wanted. Using Goal Zero for RV Battery kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX61eppmiN-bY5I

[@frankpalacios6147]

Just came across your channel and thought it was great. I have a question for you. I have the GZ 1500X. In addition to the 1500, For extra power would you recommend a GZ 500X or the 1000 Core TIA Frank

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Watt hours becomes key, I would go with the 1000. Thanks for watching the channel!

[@bradleylee7311]

I liked the idea of a teardrop setup. Wife would like to just throw a tent and a ice chest in the truck and just head out to wear every. The middle ground plan that I am planning is to buy a camper shell for the truck and a cabin tent that mates up to opened truck camper-- 12 volt freezer to to make ice bottles to rotate in a separate standard ice chest , also a Colman propane stove. Camping for a week in WYOMING mtns in June with no grid power to plug into, to power my 12v freezer, a small 12v fan and some 12v led lights , what would you suggest as a good power set up for this? THANKS for your help:)

[@bradleylee7311]

What would you suggest for a power setup for a 12volt system, mainly for the freezer? I would like to pay you to design it and I would build it.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

There are a lot of lower cost units on the market now. Most of them are pretty nice. For what you’re doing, a 1500 WH system would be really nice. You could probably get away with smaller if you had some good solar, but no one complains about the extra storage… Usually well worth it. Check out my video on the Oupes units, you get a lot for the money w them

[@bradleylee7311]

@@DIYOutdoorLife $1300.00 for 1200w with solar :( 3000.00 for camper shell 300.00 for tent 500.00 for freezer 100.00 for 2 sleeping bags 100.00 stove 100.00 ice chest 100.00 miscellaneous Looks like I will be calling for bank loan,36 months total $5000.00 But it should last me for the next 10 years

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@bradleylee7311 being able to travel and see amazing places made it worth every penny, hope you have a blast!

[@ChuckSmith-hs5sr]

I am having trouble locating the video you made installing the Anderson power pole. Could you please point me in the right direction?

[@ChuckSmith-hs5sr]

I found it :)

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Glad you found it, thanks for watching!

[@eward1963]

Hi .great video! I have a small 300 watt rockpals power station. Can I plug it into my trailers solar plug ? I have the 100 watt solar folding panels for it too.do I need solar controller or the power station does that ? The cigarette lighter output is 8 amp and the furrion solar plug is rated at 10 amp . Will it work? I tried it and it seems to I just didn't want to ruin something. Thought I better ask a expert !🙂

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hey Evan, you don’t need a charge controller for the Rockpal, it’s built in. You can plug in thru solar port if you make sure ur onboard battery is disconnected. Check out this video, similar set up. Thanks for watching! RV Power Station Hack | Interior Back-Feed kzbin.info/www/bejne/opeVn5V5gdp_ebs

[@dpeterson5105]

Your videos have been so helpful in many ways. I am stuck however on knowing what adaptor will allow me to connect my Bluetti b300s to Goal Zero Boulder 200. I thought you spoke about it on a video but can’t find it. Are you able to recommend what adapter works?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

This will do it. Swap the Anderson plug into the orientation of your boulder amzn.to/4dmkfAt

[@dpeterson5105]

⁠@@DIYOutdoorLifeGreat, thank you. What are your thoughts on using a cable with an Anderson plug on one side and an xt60 on the other? The Bluetti port is an xt60.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@dpeterson5105 they’ll work great too amzn.to/4doe52S

[@dpeterson5105]

Thank you for the recommendation. I got the wires but my Goal Zero is not recognizing my Bluetti b300s. Any thoughts on why? (Bluetti is charged to 80%)

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

It would not be the Goal zero solar that recognizes, the solar panel will output, but the b300 must accept the charge. My understanding is that the B300 expansion batter can accept solar directly - 60v max. A boulder 200 is way under 60 V and should work well. Have you tested the B300 with other solar?

[@Monica-yh5bm]

We don’t have a teardrop but a 17 ft Casita. Would something like this work for us, running the A/C off grid?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I hope this helps! Running Teardrop AC with Solar! Portable Power Station Air Conditioner kzbin.info/www/bejne/equ1fIiHetRogZI

[@jerryc1963]

Thanks for the tips Bryan. This one is making me rethink my set up. What is the link to the shanondoah video? you said you used this version on that trip.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Lets see if this link works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nojLgWuNndx0j6c -It's a long video. In the middle I show a scene where I'm charging the BW through the Genius 10/Yeti combo. At the end, I show running the air conditioner off the GZ yeti 1500x. If I remember right, I ran the AC for an hour or two eat night on the Yeti! Hope you'll subscribe! SUBSCRIBE: kzbin.info

[@clarkdesignworks3449]

@@DIYOutdoorLife thanks I watched most of you other videos but I could find this one for some reason. But now I saw it thank you. Working on my trailer electrical design set up. Lots of things to think about I have been having a difficult time deciding on which way I want to go. I think I’m liking this kind of set up. Just can’t decide lol. I talked to you before on the diy teardrop com fb site. Enjoying to videos I subscribed under my normal name but this is a different Account name so I subscribed from this one to. I see in this video you are running 2 100 ah for to do that but you where using ac witch is a power sucker. We have a tiny 350 watt Thermostat controlled heater we are hoping to use here and there we thought we could warm it up with our propane heater buddy and then maintain it through the night with that we only have a trip couple trips a year that we would use that but it’s some thing that would be cool if we could use so I’m wondering if I got the goal zero thousand ask and then one 100ah agm I might be able to do it.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@clarkdesignworks3449 It's always really difficult to help with AC and Heating because there's so many variables. Is your trailer insulated? If you heated it up nice and toasty with Mr Buddy, the electric 350 will definitely keep you topped off for the night. Even that tiny heater, can use 350 watts per hour, so if your trailer was uninsulated and it was VERY cold, it could completed use up a 1000 watt power station in just a few hours. My rec would be to go with the 100ah AGM and ATLEAST GZ 1000. See if you can use an electric blanket instead? Laying on top of an electric blanket uses less wattage and keeps you toasty all night!

[@jerryc1963]

@@DIYOutdoorLife yes it will be insulated aluminum skeleton with 1" foam in between and going to try to create a thermal break will see how it goes. thinking of running the v max 136 ah and a gz 1500x

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@jerryc1963 you'll have a very capable system with that set up. Circle back to share findings with us, always interested in real world results!

[@ChasinSimplicity]

I have watched several of your videos and I appreciate the real world deep dive perspective! Any thoughts on buying open box goal zero yeti? Good price but 60 day warranty gives me pause. Thanks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I think theyre a great buy. I bet 99% of them were returned without being used. I have found some places that offer a 2 yr warranty on open box goal zero. Either way, I think its worth the risk. If somethings wrong, youll know within a week if you test it out. Thanks for watching!

[@ChasinSimplicity]

@@DIYOutdoorLife thank you. I’m near Utah usually. They have an awesome garage sale a couple times a year (or used to). Been using their stuff for years but haven’t bought any of the x series yet

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@ChasinSimplicity the 1500x is an amazing power station, even with some of the advanced stuff you’re seeing with bluetti and Ecoflow… it’s my go to

[@cdnjeepoverland]

Great video! Hopefully someone can assist - I want to have a new small trailer wired so that my GoalZero 1500x replaces a standalone lithium battery. (Already own the GZ, can save the cost of the lithium standalone). Problem is, the power control unit installed in the trailer also charges the trailer battery when connected to shore power - I obviously don’t want that to happen since it’s actually my GZ and output only from this port. I was thinking I just don’t wire any ac to the power control unit, but rather connect the shore power port directly to the GZ charger brick. I then run the high capacity 12v Anderson out of the GZ to the DC (battery) side of the trailer power control unit, and maybe just wire the trailer AC wiring to the GZ inverter. It’s a small trailer without Air conditioning and only has a few outlets on a single circuit. Any issues with this?? Will the power control unit still deliver DC to all the trailer appliances etc without any AC power to it?! Any assistance is appreciated.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes, that will work great! I have a couple different videos on the channel where I show something similar. Although there's more than one way to do it, wiring your shore, power inlet to the Goal zero charger, and the Anderson to your fuse block is a great way to go. if you disconnect the AC input on your converter, your Anderson can just go into the fuse block and you're off to the races. There's one wire that connects the AC to DC side of that converter, if you disconnect that, you can wire your inverter from the GZ into the AC side. This is a great set up for running your DC load off of the Goal zero with the option to turn the inverter on and power your outlets. I use the app to handle this control and it's very convenient

[@cdnjeepoverland]

@@DIYOutdoorLife The trailer’s all in one power unit (ac with converter and charger and dc fuse block) had me confused, so your idea is even better. I’ll have BOTH the ac and dc connected from the GZ to the power control unit which allows for standard wiring (shore port to GZ as first mentioned), but won’t allow any ac to dc conversion within that unit since I’ve not wired the crossover wire - that same crossover wire that probably trumps all since people prefer to run on shore power over battery and also would have been the source of the charging, I suppose - neither of which I want in my case. Nipped in the bud. I’ll keep looking through your videos. Thanks!

[@clifblake]

I've ben watching your videos, and thank you! Now I can't seem to find an answer, I've ben looking for though. I have a roof mounted solar panel on my small camper. It of course runs to my charge controller, then to the battery. I also like how you use portable power stations. What I'm trying to do, is add a second line directly from my roof solar panel, to have an Anderson plug directly into my portable power station. Is this possible ? Thank you in advance.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

You can set it up like mine, so that I can easily plug from one to the other. You cannot run one single panel to two different batteries though, even if one is a PPS.

[@clifblake]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Ok, thank you.

[@clifblake]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Seems like there could be a way to have a switch , to go from one battery to another.

[@clifblake]

@@DIYOutdoorLife "You cannot run one single panel to two different batteries though" ??? Now Im pretty sure I could climb up and disconnect my solar panel on the roof. Then plug it into my PPS, right?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@clifblake yes, blue see makes a switch that does that. You just want to make sure it’s (1 or 2) and not (1,2, both). You do not want the chance of accidentally turning them both on at once.

[@robroyal2201]

Hey Brian. I really appreciate your videos! They are very helpful! I'm in the process of trying to figure out the best way to power my camper for some boondocking. We have a 2011 3750 FL Montana 5th wheel. It does not have an inverter, only the converter that it came with which I believe is somewhere between 80 and 90 amp output. The current battery is a group 31 Duracell deep cycle Marine RV battery. Since we do not plan to do a tremendous amount of boondocking I'm really wondering if using a power station with the Anderson connector that you talk about in one of your video’s might be the simplest and smartest way for us to have off grid power. The other thing that I would need it to do is power my residential style refrigerator, that I just finished installing myself, when we’re going down the road. Would the Goal Zero 1500 X be enough to power everything in our camper including the microwave as needed, (except the air conditioners), by going this route? If this would work how long could I expect it to run what we need before recharging the power station? Thank you so much!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hey Rob, I appreciate you tuning in. There’s a few things here to help you get started. Running the RV from the Anderson on the 1500x is great. You’ll have good run times and it’s efficient and easy. Connecting it that way, however, will not power the AC appliances. It will power your lights, slider, water pump, and anything else you have set up on DC. You will need to plug appliances directly into the inverter on the 1500 to power from AC. Did you say that your refrigerator only runs on AC? The 1500 will definitely handle your microwave, but it would be best to use it sparingly.

[@groundladderquicktips9957]

Sir, thank you for the video it was very helpful. I have a yeti 1000 lithium and was considering using it to supplement my 2005 Bigfoot truck camper electrical system. Would mainly be for boondocking. I haven’t purchased a “house” battery for the camper yet. Any recommendations on a good AGM battery?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I love these VMAX, multiple sizes available. I’ll link a good size AGM that fits in a group 31. amzn.to/3SIwahW

[@cynthiacampbell2257]

You mentioned converting the CPAP to DC with cig lighter plug. How do I do that?

[@cynthiacampbell2257]

Thank you in advance!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Can you share with me the exact unit that you use?

[@AmazingLeechmud1144]

Thank you for this video. I want to use the last method where you connect the camper directly to the Yeti. I have the 1000X version and a pop up camper. I don't really need the outlets powered but wanted to be able to use the lights (12V). Do you think it will work with the lower version of what you use, which is 1500? TIA

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Most people have no issues with the 1000x. It has a 15a output rather than a 30a, but it can still get the job done. Here’s a video that goes in to greater detail about what we’re talking about . Using Goal Zero for RV Battery kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX61eppmiN-bY5I

[@AmazingLeechmud1144]

Brian! Thank you for the response! I really like the way you're explaining everything in your videos. I actually watched that other video and have all the supplies on my Amazon cart! 😂 You got a new subscriber! Keep up the good works!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@AmazingLeechmud1144 thank you for subscribing, I really appreciate that! Good luck with your project and keep me in the loop.

[@evanbozarth2430]

I have the GZ 1500X and I’m not getting consistent 14v out of the 12v plug, plus I think it wiggles out on bump roads, both situations cause my fridge to shut off. Have you ran into any of those problems?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Over the years, it's been a very common issue with the standard cigarette style plugs. If I'm using it while driving, I use the Anderson plug on the GZ, which is very handy. In my experience, it's almost always the male side of the plug, sometimes you can use a little bit of tape to make it fit tighter. Hope this helps, thanks for watching !

[@jamescopeland5358]

Cool

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for watching.

[@pedromarcial9187]

I can use my makita batteries to recharge my jackery and in turn use my Jackie’s inverter to power any 120 volt appliance

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Nice! Especially when you have the tool batteries already. I use the new tool batteries for a lot of things, very handy!

[@cwpace]

Hi Brian, could I power my teardrop via my Oupes 600w by using an Anderson powerpole extension cord (as in this video) but with a male cigarette lighter plug on one end of of the extension cord that I can connect to my Oupes power station, given it doesn't have a Anderson powerpole connector like the Goal Zero? Thanks, Chris P.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Unfortunately, it’s not the plug that makes this possible. The Anderson on the goal zero has a 30 amp rating, cigarette style is 10a. We have to figure out what’s going on with your galley plug, that’s your only option with the Oupes 600.

[@anthonyloweAS]

HI JUST WONDERING HOW THE EARTH LEAKAGE OR RCD WOULD WORK ? AS THE UNIT IS NOT EARTHED ....

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

All portable power stations have floating grounds. If you have a device, like an EMS, or anything that is searching for a ground- you simply plug a neutral ground bonding plug into the power station.

[@rbljackson]

Out of curiousity, does the yeti 1500x fit into a drawer within the decked system in the back of your truck? Would it overheat the unit if stored and being used while in the drawer?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Mine does not, I'm not sure what the dimensions are for the decked systems on bigger trucks though. Normal conditions, you could use it that way no problem. I would be cautious if it was very very hot out, but normally it wouldn't be a big deal at all.