RV Awnings and Lithium Power Stations - Some things you need to know.

[@gonagain]

If you're using a power station for emergency power outages and want to keep it at a 100% charge level, it's important that you use it regularly to exercise the battery and keep the battery from swelling.

[@journeysbegun]

Yes, I use it at night when it's at 100%, to run an electric blanket. By morning it's down to 96%. But I have the habit of recharging it back up to 100 again to keep it full. Maybe I need to bleed it down a little more. Thanks for the help.

[@ex-engineer6657]

Wait, they swell? Oh that's just swell!

[@denisekyle6603]

On it !!!! Thanks ☺️

[@rlrollinsllc520]

Good info and well explained. There are a few mysteries about electricity that aren't common knowledge.

[@Leon-lp9fl]

We have rally tents( here in SA ) slipping into a alum groove on the caravan. The best to my knowledge. Enjoy you for many years. Thanks

[@gonagain]

Thank you for sticking with us for so long, we appreciate hearing from you.

[@lynw758]

Wow, you have some fantastic information about the lithium batteries in this video! Thank you so much for this info!

[@larrynelson5457]

I am so happy you refrained from calling the power stations "solar generators". Thank you.

[@gonagain]

It looks like the manufacturers are finally coming around to calling them "power stations" as well.

[@larrynelson5457]

@@gonagain not all of them. I just heard the really deceptive ad from Patriots that went "all in" on the "generator" descriptive. As in "you can use it indoors".......As long as you can fool a few people I guess that is the business plan.

[@4239LEO]

Grrrreat advice on power stations! ThanQ!

[@brushbum7508]

Good Morning ! It looks pretty cool there ! Safe travels. TAKE CARE..

[@robotica6089]

Great idea.

[@stevenpike8237]

You did a great job explaining it. Thanks

[@denisekyle6603]

Just love all the information, currently trying to figure out tarps and the cargo trailer! Perfect timing! And we just purchased a Bluetti and it’s at 90 % in the house , so going to be using up some power today on it ! Thanks so very much Kids ! 💞

[@gonagain]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lisarichards3853]

I have the smallest Bluetti. Ive left it stored at 100 percent. I think , thanks to you, i should leave it stored at 80 percent. Thank you for this video. Much 💕 and blessings to you both. ❤❤❤

[@gonagain]

Thank you, blessings to you too!

[@vivianallen9772]

I love this channel! Great info, and adorable people!

[@gonagain]

Thank you, Vivian!

[@jodyseaman1885]

Good information, especially about not storing at 100 charge, I didn't know that. Loved the ending with Linda, I bet she is a good shot.

[@gonagain]

She is. That's why we're well behaved.

[@marvinsmith1393]

Thsnk you. Good information

[@campnut5351]

Another good and informative video. I didn't know about the storage and possibly swelling if over 80%. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Stay safe.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching!

[@ggebhard1]

Thanks!

[@gonagain]

Thank you, Gail!

[@ralphp3057]

I liked the Video! I use a 13’x13’ easy up canopy next to my camper . It takes us 5 minutes to put it up . I lash the corners down ! I can’t afford a huge power station. I basically go camping and go without. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rick . 👍

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching, Ralph!

[@Three_D]

Appreciate and enjoy your videos

[@davidmills1639]

Thank you Rick once again with useful tips for our electrical system and a better idea of of just how parallel and series work. I agree on the awnings. I have a terrible story about our awning, but we will save that for around the campfire with You & Linda

[@gonagain]

Looking forward to hearing that story, David! Hope we see you down the road somewhere and share a campfire.

[@najruqwi7008]

Great video 👍. I love tarp ideas. I always have tarps and rope in my cars. I knew battery didn't do good in cold temperatures but I didn't know exactly what temp. So no good below 32°f 👍 Thanks

[@COGirl444]

I didn’t know about storing the power station at 60-80%. Thank you!

[@happycamper010]

Keeping them at 100 percent or 20 percent or below does damage the battery cells. 👍 Many experts use a hybrid system a mix of lead acid batteries and lifpo4 to extend life expectancy 🙂

[@miamivice1149]

I so love going out there with you two. My cancer treatments/tests/checkups are endless, so we ride along with you. Thanks! Richard

[@EM-mi5yj]

I’ve been storing my power stations at 100%. When you said 80%, I took mine out of storage to power them down. Thanks so much for the information. I love you channel. I enjoy going to all those places with you two. I travel alone and many places I refuse to go alone, so with you it’s endless.

[@Volunteersunrise]

Very informative video , Rick. I am glad you can handle the cold weather. I do not know how you and Linda do it. I just hibernate until spring, lol.

[@gonagain]

I don't knpw how we do it either, come to think of it. Thanks for watching, Dennis, we appreciate hearing from you.

[@teresaf5480]

Thank you so much. I learned so much on this video.. I really appreciate your information😊 I was doing storage wrong on my unit thanks a lot Rick👍👍🤗

[@gonagain]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1954shadow]

This is the best kind of video, where one has used something long enough to disseminate valuable information that can save one time, trouble and money.

[@CITAP1]

Good explanation Rick. I'm a parallel kind of guy, with 4 panels, 675 watts on my roof. Just the other day, a FF fan lid cost me 125 watts from my total, shading one solar panel. The guilty female was informed of the transgression and closed the lid. Whether series or parallel, the watt output will be the same. Series is especially beneficial with long feeder wires from your panels to your controller and batteries. Larger wire size helps by lowering resistance. A point I'd make is these charge stations and solar panels are matched systems, designed to work with each other. If you know what you are doing, you can mix and match components, otherwise, stick to the manufacturers components. Glad I paid for self heating batteries and packed insulation around them. Hey, looks cold there, stay toasty. PS: Did Linda bag some dinner at the end? Take care.

[@gonagain]

I forgot about the smaller wiring needed for solar, but I was putting myself to sleep by dragging on so long anyway. I hope this particular female in question is assigned to panel cleaning duty for her transgression.

[@jeffreygraf3358]

Love these nuts and bolts videos.

[@3generations393]

Thank you Rick. I will watch this video whenever I can afford solar ! Aloha Linda ❌⭕, Iris & Little One 👋🐾

[@777cretbo]

Great stuff !!

[@darrellkuhn5310]

Good information, Thank you!

[@milesbliss3256]

Great video. Lots of good information

[@gonagain]

Thank you!

[@catpatrick3838]

Thanks for the very useful tips! I've been storing my power stations incorrectly 🤦🏼‍♀️. Correcting that now. As far as awnings on my SUV "camper", I got two suction cup hooks, the kind that have the lever to boost the suction, a 9x13 heavy duty tarp from Harbor Freight, two adjustable height tent poles and some paracord (already had the stakes). Takes five minutes to set up, folding up the tarp when I take it down is the time consuming part 😂. I can set it up on either side of the vehicle and it takes up minimal space when packed away for travel. I put two lines on each pole for stability, set up 90 degrees apart, unless I have something I can tie one of the cords to and can ditch the pole. Cheap, though probably not as cheap as your setup.

[@gonagain]

Hello Cat. The cool thing about the comment section is all the things that can be learned from it! Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@catpatrick3838]

@@gonagain if I had a trailer I'd definitely be using your creative awning setup. Since I camp in my SUV, I just can't bring myself to bolt things onto it or put holes in the interior or exterior. Finding ways to avoid that is sometimes challenging 😂.

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

Like# 1,3?? - I mentioned from my personal account that I use rebar stakes, 8' fence posts and the aluminum flatbar (what I attached around the perimeter of the roof edge) to attach up to 3 windsails, all ratcheted tight. I've discovered the weakness of this method because I've been on asphalt for the last month... I need to figure out another way to deal with concrete, rock or asphalt... I've been contemplating a spike insert for the bottom of the fence posts to keep them from sliding, something removable, like modifying a fence post cap. Then the next problem to solve are the stakes to ratchet against. All kinds of failing ideas, nothing viable yet. I could... I could build attachments for the posts to make them longer and then pin them at a 45degree at the base of Taj-Ma-Haul and then ratchet to Taj - but then I lose the "garage" - can't very well drive under it...

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

I mean one of my wacky ideas was to bore a hole, install a removable thread insert to screw an eyelet bolt into and then when I'm done - remove the plug and fill with concrete or asphalt... Probably need permission to do this is some places, not in others, but a lot of work for a week or two, might be good for a month stay and longer.

[@gonagain]

I haven't come across that problem, but that's because of where we usually camp. There's problem a lot of places like that in the East.

[@winstonrobinson6732]

THANKS so much to you guys for all the great info - I just put a load on my bluetti to reduce it to 80% charge based on your vid. Also, a previous vid came up, "Don't make these expensive mistakes" and it was full of great info also - I know we spend too much when we are on the road. Thanks again

[@cacher1300]

Right after I watched this vid, I purchased a Bluetti AC180. Have a eb55 but just a little too small. For our awning we use flopper stoppers to control wind to a point. We have a toy hauler rv and a 6x12 enclosed trailer I use for solo camping. We love traveling with you on your journey to places we will probably never get to. Thanks.

[@CatHound]

Nice tips, thank you

[@alanjackson4646]

Great information as usual. Greetings from UK. AJ

[@gonagain]

Hello, Alan!

[@tangobravo8889]

Another great video! I have an awning on my Gladiator and a SlimShady Yakima on my trailer. Your ideas for poles with the paint roller attachment is fantastic. I am going to pick up 4 more adjustable paint poles when I go into town next time, I have plenty of old paint rollers around. Thank you for the great trip. I am trying to decide on which power station to purchase the BLUETTI or the new one you are using, still deciding.

[@gonagain]

If the size is right for you, I really like the Bluetti AC200L.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

You explained the solar nicely. Good tip with the door roller too. Oh' setting solar up in series, thinner gauge wire can be used compared to the higher amps with parallel; just another thing to consider I guess and thought I'd mention.

[@grpcchurchnortonva.8024]

Great video ! Good information as always! Thank you for taking us along. My wife doesn't like too many KZbinrs, but loves watching you and Linda❤.

[@gonagain]

Please tell her hello from us.

[@journeysbegun]

Great advice. Love these type of videos, that explain the little things that are necessary to know. Really enjoyed the awning hacks, and placing the tarp at that angle is genius! Also, had read a long time ago about not storing lithium batteries at full charge, but I had forgotten about it. Your video was a wake up call. Thanks. Enjoyed the clip of Linda preparing dinner!😉

[@allegrosotto2126]

I’m too short to use a bag awning so use a fiamma hand wind out. Expensive but it suits me. Definitely have to be careful when it’s windy though.

[@carlbrown8830]

We have an ARB awning on our Ford Econoline, and we love it. It has withstood 30 mph winds, and has an 8' x 8' tent that doubles our space. It also has an LED light strip that you can dim or change colors. Good job explaining power stations and solar panels. The makers of deep cycle batteries now prefer to rate them in watt/hrs. instead of amp/hrs. because watts never change, but volts and amps change from configuration (watts = volts x amps).

[@gonagain]

Thank you for sharing the reasoning behind why it's all figured in watt hours these days!

[@stevec2665]

That was really smart cutting off that roller handle to leave just the point.

[@lachlanm3439]

Thank you, I learned two important things, filled gaps in my knowledge.

[@chrisdalebout5106]

This video was not to long. Thank you for the excellent explanation on how power stations work. 👌👍

[@boscodog4358]

Weather like you are having today will make solar panels produce to 100 percent. Panels love sunshine and cold temps.

[@gonagain]

Yes they do!

[@HappyPlaceCamping]

I think we'll probably always just stick with either not using an awning or using the pop up one we have. While I think it would be cool to have one on the trailer, just not sure we want to do it. Haha we had a heck of a time with solar charger. The instructions are basically non existent. I think we did ok figuring it out, though. Great bit of info sharing.

[@gonagain]

I should have mentioned that we always just use a Clam Shelter because awnings are a pain in the wind. I'll bring that up again later.

[@HappyPlaceCamping]

@@gonagain yeah I need some company to send me one of those 😂

[@thomashorn9152]

Love your videos. I love watching them. what size power station would I need for a 900 W microwave?

[@gonagain]

Most 1000 watt hour power stations will handle that.

[@wrxs1781]

Good video as always, and a nice clear day where you are, here in Ontario we haven't seen the sun in a month, so a very predictable and encouraging ground ho day.

[@hawong5379]

😍If my husband just 10 % like Rick, our camping life would be so much easier. 🤪🤪

[@michaelshuman3319]

Long Range Black Powder Cartridge shootin' 👍👍

[@gonagain]

Yes! We used to go to the Quigley every year and it was a lot of fun.

[@ex-engineer6657]

Now THAT"S the way to end a video! Thanks again.🤠

[@Go4Corvette]

This year, a new design awning at the QuartzSite rv show in AZ with 800 watts of solar power. It looks like a well-built design, but time will tell. Have a great trip, Mike, in Oregon.

[@gonagain]

I watched a video about that tarp. Interesting idea, but I don't think it's for me because it violates the K.I.S.S doctrine.

[@Go4Corvette]

Think this is a new company, so maybe they will have more options later, but you're right with anything that's all in one, when you lose the awning you lose your power as well. @@gonagain

[@kennethalmond8922]

On our 7 x 14 cargo trailer -> camper we did an ARB Shade Awning - 2500mm x 2500mm - 814410 awning. It's manual and agree 100% the automatic's are overkill as you say. We find it useful for RAIN primarily as we do fall/winter/spring camping. We've pulled in and camped and it just rains for the afternoon or evening and the awning let's use use outside to sit or cook or even do propane fire while keeping dry. We don't use it routinely - maybe 1 in 10 days camping. The ARB sets up in about 10min and another 5 if you need to secure it for wind. Same to put it away. We're in year 3 and used it 5 times over 50 nights of camping and it's held up like new. I mention the ARB (or one like it) because it's manual, somewhat affordable, and rolls up out of the way nicely with integrated weather cover so you don't have to find a spot for a tarp and pole. Not pushing ARB.

[@gonagain]

Simple and easy, best of all it works for you. That sounds like one we would consider, thanks for sharing.

[@Eric-4501]

Great information! I am still learning about the solar power and have been planning a solar and LifePo4 battery system and it looks like a lot of folks are just using the power stations. In a CTC is there a reason to use power stations over a battery system? Have you changed over to using just power stations? Keep up the good work.

[@gonagain]

We have both batteries and a power station, charged by solar panels on the roof of the trailer and we also take a propane generator for when there is no solar.

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

On my Sienna van, I use a few 2 inch magnet hooks on top of the edge of a shower curtain from the dollar store which sticks it tenaciously onto the steel roof of my van, and a couple of tarp poles, pegs and some paracord. Easy awning. I keep the PVC shower curtain in a dry bag.

[@gonagain]

Great idea!

[@ChuckisOutside]

I like the simple awning idea. Good video.

[@tm8747]

or a wrap around awning that covers the to one sideinto the front, , it mounts on the passengers side, if you watch the you tube channel the site is 24/7 offroad from austrailia, guys, there campers have it on the there rigs . again these units arent cheap. , but i do like the idea that rick made here, and yes , you should take it down before for go the bed, great job rick , thunbs up,

[@gonagain]

Thanks and I hope you're surviving winter ok.

[@4239LEO]

Standard RV awnings can be big trouble! out in the wide open spaces out west where high winds can seem to come out of nowhere and build up quickly to high speeds and then dissipate quickly known as Zephyrs in Nevada, leaving the unaware to pick up the pieces. when leaving camp always take the awning down. I have had to quickly run out and hang onto the awning in a wind storm to hold it down, then in a quiet spell quickly take down the awning before the wind gust returns! needless to say I have no more awning, wind and rain and tree branches destroyed the awning, I now follow your K.I.S.S. way !

[@gonagain]

Great advice!

[@williambingham2459]

Very helpful from and for real-life camping. I use the awning that is in the zipper bag, but the awning shelters that zip to these car/truck awnings can be complicated to use and be difficult to put up and take down in windy conditions.

[@gonagain]

We actually don't use an awning very often and I should have mentioned that in the video. Instead we use a Clam "Venture" shelter so that nothing is attached to the trailer.

[@mandiandjasonreiman2411]

Great video. NAPA Auto Parts makes a great awning at a Budget Price. Its been referred to as the "$100 Awning". I think we paid $135 for it. VERY Simple Roll-Up Awning like you described.

[@gonagain]

I just looked that one up and it looks pretty nice for the money, which is now listed at $160.

[@tangobravo8889]

ARB awning on Gladiator

[@seymourwrasse3321]

in layman terms, your explanation is spot on

[@teripittman]

Have you looked at Tail Veil? It's screening that fits on the back of an SUV or trailer. You can get it with a rain fly too. I'm trying to figure out if I need an awning for my T@g.

[@gonagain]

That looks like it would work for a lot of folks. We've thought about an awning but we also like the versatility of our shade tarp.

[@chrislincoln489]

GOOD Tip on storage. I never read that. I have two in the shad for when the power goes out. They are charged at 100% I guess I need to run them down a bit. But if the power does go off again I might need that power.

[@gonagain]

The best way to preserve your emergency power units is to use them on a regular basis, weekly if possible, then you don't need to worry about them being at 100%.

[@explorer867]

Rick, Good information regarding power stations and tarps. The door roller is a great idea. Linda looks like she's a sharp shooter👍 Take care.

[@Sonya60andlearning]

I am 😕 confused. As always, great information. I just have to cram info into my broken brain.

[@gonagain]

You and me both.

[@martykong3592]

:) THANKS MUCH for another GREAT Share! Did not know about storing Power Stations at 60-80 % :) Saving for a bigger one now, have a 500, and 1200. I HAD to LOL at ending! OMG Linda with a Cannon! :) Better than her Slingshot!!! ALL the BEST and Cheers! :)

[@cetifoxproductions]

The second awning option you mentioned is what we installed. And, no, it wasn't expensive. BUT, the material used for the actual awning isn't the strongest. We plan on going to Tractor Supply and getting a heavier duty 6x8 tarp and replace the lighter material in our awning. Also, the foldout, extendible poles in the awning are not the most robust, either. They're holding up okay for now, but I'm already looking into coming up with replacements.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for that information!

[@WisconsinWanderer]

i’m putting this video in my many favorites so thanks so much Rick say hi you’re other half for me😊and i’ll keep ducking 😊

[@gonagain]

I hope the winter back there is providing you with a break once in awhile.

[@markparr7224]

The way to not overpower anything is with a solar controller. Mine are 2S 2P , and I get 70ish V and 15A, out of 15 year old 216 Sharp panels. For a 24v 200AH Signature Solar server rack battery. I mounted my awning on the roof rack which is 8 inches away from the roof. I did this to allow air to go thru, instead acting like a parachute. I then had to make a wide gutter out of metal roofing, but it has had some strong winds and it does pretty well. I use deflappers also . I got my Dometic 16ft new awning still in the plastic off CL for $100, with a 200Mile round trip over Snoqualmie Pass, strapped to the top of my S-10 Blazer. Yeah it was longer than the Blazer. I love it and I hope it lasts.

[@paulcurtis5496]

Like# 79 - Darn it, I am here sitting at 7:47am waiting for 8am for your video... 7am, Neo, 7am Look at Linda shootin' the black powder!

[@paulcurtis5496]

I do about the same, being here in AZ I purchased a few 16' x 20' white solar shades. They're light, but bulky when folding, and provide shade and best of all, since they aren't completely solid - let wind through. They are definitely not water tight, so water will collect and drip through at the low point, but hey, here int he Sonoran desert, that isn't much of a concern... I did have to upgrade the poles to 8' steel fence posts, the wind destroyed those expandable poles. I use 2' rebar stakes and drive them into the ground and then cinch the solar shade corners away from Taj-Ma-Haul to the pair of stakes per corner and winch them tight. Works like magic and I have 3 sides shaded, a real treat in the desert!

[@paulcurtis5496]

All of my 14kWatt/hr(48v) batteries are inside my insulated shell! the only thing I have to worry about is my heat pump, it operates down to -10f after that I'm cuddling up with a boatload of down... When I purchase land in MT, I'm going to have to build an enclosure with a heater to keep the compressor warm enough to operate...

[@paulcurtis5496]

the reason I named my rig Taj-Ma-Haul, was my build intent, spare nothing - absolute luxury on wheels. Here's my current solar setup: On the roof I have 5 x 540w/hr panels, on the passenger awning I have 3 x 540w bifacial and 1 x 445w bifacial and room for a future solar water heating panel, then on the drivers side awning I have 5 x 445 bifacial panels. my 12kWatt/hr solar charge controller/Inverter has 2 x 250 Volt inputs Input# 1 - 4S2P of the 540w/hr panels (200v, 56amps) Input# 2 - 3S2P of the 445w/hr panels (150v, 24amps) Total Solar Output - (8*540)+(6*445)=6,990watt/hr in perfect conditions, I average 5.7kWatt/hrs in the desert summer This feeds my current 2 x 14kWatt/hr Rhino batteries, with 6 more planned to install, so I currently have 28kWatt/hrs of 48V of battery with a planned 112kWatt/hrs I have a CyberTruck reserved and I plan on charging it from Taj-Ma-Haul. My plan is to travel free of paying for fuel when the route is planned well enough for a couple of days to recharge here and there. and if I have to, I can hit a Tesla Super Charger to top off the CyberTruck and quite possibly Taj-Ma-Haul from the CT once they enable that feature.

[@gonagain]

WOW!!! I'm totally impressed with your set-up! I guess AC is no problem for you, nor anything else for that matter. That system of yours took a lot of thought and expertise to put together.

[@paulcurtis5496]

@@gonagain Lots of thought, no expertise... the flu interrupted my access to panels, hence why I have some 445w panels...Otherwise I'd have another 600w/hrs! 7.5kWatt/hrs was the plan.

[@christianjensen3182]

I bought one of those "bag awnings" from NAPA a while back for ~$100 and plan on using that.

[@kurtlober7250]

Are you camped near Basin Wy..perhaps on the Big Horn River?

[@gonagain]

We were camped at Deaver Reservoir, just outside of Deaver, WY.

[@GypsyJvan]

I understand what ur saying, but I am a electrician.. semi-retired..thanks rick..

[@GypsyJvan]

rick, be careful on giving advise on electrical , it may come back and bite on the butt..

[@gonagain]

I've had electricity bite me several times. Not fun. I also knew an eskimo who tested 110v circuits by grabbing onto them. I wonder how he's doing these days...

[@GypsyJvan]

@@gonagain rick, I don't think u understand.. when I said on advise..how can we exchange our phone numbers, to talk..I am a state licensed electrical contractor..

[@gonagain]

email me with your number. [e-mail]

[@GypsyJvan]

number sent..

[@deeanderson5670]

Looks a little nippy Rick. Intetesting info. Had motorhome with awning. In sudden storm frame held, canvas didn't. Awning flapping over roof no fun.

[@flyovercounty1427]

I still owe youse guys pie n coffee originally promised at your Quartzsite meet up last year. Probably 2 pies n coffees’z by now in trade for the good info your channel provides. See ya round

[@gonagain]

That's ok, Lorie, we can wait!

[@johnmccann1234]

Good job on the explanations! We value real life experience advice vrs arm chair experts for sure. And big bonus... Black Powder! Gotta love it!

[@freeandhappy8562]

Great topics! Love the info. Thank You!

[@kevinholland4156]

My tent trailer has that roller at the top of the door. And Amazon has them.

[@applesbighatranch6906]

I love seeing Linda at the sticks at the end of this video. Is that a Sharps replica? We have some plinkin' to do! Meanwhile... yeah. Power stations. Input amperage... It can be confusing. Fortunately, I am sufficiently confused already just trying to wrap my head around the rolling power station I'm trying to build using lead acid batts, ample copper wire gauges and Bogart Engineering's charge controller and battery monitor... sure hope you get to see that some day soon. Safe travels to you! as always.

[@carlmizell5930]

What about charging the solar power station with a inverter propane generator.

[@gonagain]

You can, just plug it in. We carry a small propane generator just for those long rainy periods.

[@patrisha573]

Hello Awesome Friends, Stay Awesome and Thanks You for sharing your experience and thoughts on gears and equipment on camping and survival tips, Much Love❤

[@gonagain]

Thank you!

[@earndoggy]

I agree about tarp vs awning. Awnings are fragile and a nuisance with not shedding water properly and not handling wind. I can tie a tarp up and it'll do just fine.

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

I'm a different duck. I'm autistic and I think differently than most. I have trained myself to not need electricity. I use compressed air instead.

[@jimnelson7740]

I'm curious about the ratings on those power stations. To have a capacity of 2000 watt hours at 12v they would need to have a usable battery capacity of 167 amp/hours. Since you only get 80% of usable, that capacity would require 2-100 amp/hour batteries. There's no way 2 100 amp/hour batteries will fit in that power station.

[@gonagain]

They're lithium iron phosphate batteries and are smaller and lighter than lead acid batteries. A power station that is rated at 2048 watt hours ( a common size) will give you about 75% if you are using the AC side ( the inverter and fan take some power) and will put out closer to 90% if using just the DC.

[@jimnelson7740]

@@gonagain Welll duh...I'd have never guessed they were LiFePOS. (sarcasm) Doesn't change a thing I said. You only get 80% of the power from a Lithium battery. You still need two 100 amp/hour batteries to get 2000 watt/hours out of them. Granted, you lose some efficiency going to 120v, but that does not change what I said. I just bought two 100amp/hour LiFePos batteries. They are group 27. You can't get them into that Power Station, and there are no other, smaller options, that I'm aware of, that are rated at 100 amp/hours each.

[@vencenzodemarco4393]

Hi Rick. I'm up n running just now (finally)(albeit with a few Super Important questions regarding power stations, but I promise to keep everything short) I've been trying to understand the entire concept, which is Easy & Second Nature to Many or Most, but Not me. ADD, OCD and being Over Analytical all my years on planet earth, has kept me Corn-Fused in the Deep End. Funny or perhaps not, I'm a recording artist and can Run a Board in Any size recording studio yet cannot grasp the 'Watts-Volts-Amps' stew that has me feeling as Foolish as one can get. Not to worry, I won't inundate you here, but Watch Out, my phone is working and here it comes. (maybe get a Discount for multiple questions if I ask ten in a row???) JUST KIDDING of course, but yes there is one or two that has got me kinda scared. I'm sitting down Now, and Crawling my way back. Email forthcoming. It's 11am Monday, and I promise to Keep it Short. (Gees Rick, if you weren't So Smart, I'd be looking elsewhere for answers) Don't worry, I'll be cool.😂🤔🥴

[@gonagain]

No worries! Looking forward to your email. We've been busy with these appointments and household chores but always find time for emails and friends.

[@donbrloks3959]

If you sore your power station indefinitely, then 80% is probably a good idea. If you use your PS at least once a week, then 100% should not harm it. I’ve never heard of cells swelling when not in use.

[@1954shadow]

Now, I know what those little loopy things are really called!

[@davidmills1639]

Are the connection plugs the same between manufacturers or do I need purchase an adapter? I have a 600w panel that came with my EF power station. I purchased the 100w itehil but have yet to plug them in together

[@gonagain]

They may not be the same, but the adapters are available on Amazon. I have a drawer full!

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Good video Rick, When we had our travel trailer, we almost never used the awning. While we were woring in Cannonville, Utah at the KOA , a huge gust of wind came up out of no where, it damaged 3 RV awnings , and tore 3 more completely off peoples RV's. They had left for the day and didn't put their awning in. But in this case it wouldn't have helped anyway, that huge gust of wind just came out of no where. We never felt we needed the awning, so we hardly ever used it. Just once and awhile if we had company. That kinda looks like Lake De Smet in the background? JT

[@gonagain]

We hardly use an awning either and always take it down if we're not going to be around. That's Beaver Reservoir east of Lowell, WY. I hope you two are doing well!

[@jimrhoads9810]

I'll stick with my 8D lead acid batt.and inverter..................................

[@paulgordon9648]

Watt?

[@mikemorgan8588]

LiFePO4 batteries are better for cold and hot temperatures plus longer life.

[@williamsuttle3645]

Hey, why does Linda have my rifle? Lol

[@sasquatch885]

I’ve keep a power station at home for emergency use. I shouldn’t keep it at 100%?

[@gonagain]

No, you really shouldn't unless you're using it every once in awhile to flex the battery. Like a couple of times a month maybe?

[@sasquatch885]

Good to know. Thank you sir.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

great rifle, you are ready for any monster

[@gonagain]

Linda loves to shoot.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@gonagain you lucked out when you found her!