My TRUCK CAMPER power setup! Easily DOUBLE battery capacity!

#brianwatersoutdoors #camping #truckcamping #portablepowerstation
As I go through all of my new truck camper build, I wanted to show you what I am planning on using for my setup, and how you can easily double your battery capacity very easily!
Here’s the stuff I’m using for this setup
REDODO 100AH 12.8 LifePo4 Battery
www.redodopowe...
3% off with code: BrianWaters
GOAL ZERO YETI 1000x
www.goalzero.c...
NOCO 12v adapter
amzn.to/3IBLb1U
GOAL ZERO 12v Charger
amzn.to/3Zjefmd
Amazon links can be affiliate links, which just means the channel might get a small commission if you use the links to purchase the items. There is no cost to you added at all.

[@shaner.5]

Even easier to just buy an EC8 connector and plug it into the expansion port, that's what it's for expanding the system, just make sure the voltage is the same when plugging in expansion battery, so test the port on yeti say its 12.4 and test battery say 12.2v charge to 12.4 then connect and let yeti manage the system. no converting power, no waste. simple. the expansion port is directly connected to battery, brms will still work on both as intended.

[@starlingblack814]

Thanks Brian, more battery capacity at less cost than a larger power station is always desirable.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@stinkykd1]

Note, the blue ringed barrel connectors are 8mm. GZ uses 6mm, but they are green rings and are used for output for lights. Inputs are 8mm or Anderson

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@williamjewels8180]

In addition the GZ will only recognize a single intput while charging. If more than one input cable will be used you need to purchase a goal zero adapter cord, multiple 8MM (female) plugs to Anderson plug.

[@davesdiversions8078]

@@williamjewels8180 That is correct with all the X series Yeti. I can use multiple port on my older 1000Li Yetis, but only one port on my 500X since it will only except the port with the highest voltage input (I think). I tried charging with a 120w in front and 60w in the rear, it would only accept 120w. My older 1000Li will accept a charger in every port (Up to four 60w chargers if you have the MPPT module).

[@ronhawkins8604]

Connect two batteries in series to make a 24v input to the solar input on the power station. 10a will only get you 120w. 24v will give you about 500w charge

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@M9A1MAN]

Why not just plug the battery in directly to the solar input of the GoalZero? Should work with no loss. My understanding is most of these will take 12-24v input in the solar port of a solar generator.

[@Zkpe02]

I do the same thing with my Bluetti 2000w but they have an adapter where I can push 500watts from my LifePO4 12v 100wh battery and if I run out of juice I can throw out my portable solar panels crank up my Champion 2500w dual fuel pumping over 1000w into my Bluetti providing I have good sun.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@dailydouble2286]

I was using my power station with solar to keep my 60 amp hour lithium charged up never even dawned on me to go the other direction and my 12 V power box already has a 12v socket on top of it. Thank you for the different perspective.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@eiprop59]

I was going to ask about that. This means that with this setup you could also charge the battery? Would the power station be “smart” enough not to overcharge it?

[@bobstuart5255]

Good video Brian, I do the same with my power station. Great way to bring extra power with you and still have light weight components rather than a larger power station.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you Bob👍🏻

[@owner-p1v]

But how are the other external batteries recharged, because you have not connected this one in a circuit with the Yeti zero? That would be the ultimate hack for all power stations to perform an alternative capacity expansion?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

External battery has to be recharged by either solar or ac grid. I do not have a dc to dc charger setup

[@1kzrider]

This setup works really well. I would just add say a victron low voltage disconnect on the external battery. This is pretty much what I am going to be doing as well as of course get add a victron smart bluetooth controller MPPT for the external batt so you can always top off with solar as well.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@esiebert7625]

Cool idea, I have that same Redodo battery and also a Rockpals 600Wh unit, it came with the cig lighter input so all I need is that Noco adapter. The Rockpals has a 96w max input, what controls how many watts it will draw from the donor battery? Is it the BMS on the Redodo or does the Rockpals draw up to its max automatically. Also how does the Redodo know when to stop, I’m guessing you don’t want to run it down past a certain voltage which is bad for the battery.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

The power station will determine how much wattage it will accept from the donor battery. Also, I’m not worried about running the REDODO down to “empty” because the BMS in that battery will actually shut off before it’s completely drained. 👍🏻

[@esiebert7625]

Cool, just ordered the Noco will be here today. It’s amazing how light that Redodo battery is, I have it in a battery box with a voltmeter on it and also a cig lighter and usb port,so I suppose I could use a cig lighter male to male cord also.

[@LiquidTurbo]

So I guess basically with a 12.8V 100AH expansion battery, it's the equivalent of 12.8 hours of perfect ideal sunshine with a 100W panel. Seems like a solid option compared to lugging around a solar panel.

[@CowsGoMonkey]

External expansion batteries can usually charge faster depending on capacity too (0.5c-1c). That means @0.5c, it's 50amps for a 100ah and 100amps for a 200ah battery. That means you could charge at 0.5c+ from solar/dc-dc/AC* faster vs the limited input of smaller or some equivalent batteries.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

No need to lug a solar panel around. Just attach it to your car and don't think about it. That doesn't mean this isn't a good idea too though.

[@mr.makeit4037]

I have always built my power stations in older portable furniture like speakers, small side tables etc. what i learned with lithium batteries is that pass thru charging like what you have done works, but may shorten the batteries life as charging/discharging them simultaneously can have an effect. Have you noticed this? P.S. love your shop and it's organization.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻 I don’t have to use this method often enough to hurt or damage the battery. Really only use this way as an emergency backup if I have to.

[@Enjoyrving]

Simple, easy, perfect solution.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Neil👍🏻

[@jaccourt9531]

Nice plug and play, for beginners.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@bikertrash3182]

Very interesting, I may try this for my hunting blind.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@blinkbob5550]

Great video, Brian, can’t wait to see the redodo battery in action, if these batteries reach anywhere close to the advertised longevity, then they are one of the best LiFePo4 values out there today.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I agree. This is my 2nd REDODO and I’ve been real happy with both.

[@derrickbell8745]

How often do you have to recharge the battery

[@Greyskydies]

I’m so glad I found this video. Not sure I’ll do it to my GZ 1000x but good to know!!! Thanks.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@kal7049]

Good info! How will you recharge the extra battery at home? How long will it take to recharge?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’ll probably just use my ac charger when I get back home to charge it back up. You could get a dc to dc charger and let your alternator do the work if this was a more permanent setup

[@rikerjohnson9474]

I don’t really know how to properly ask this question but Would it be possible for you to demonstrate in a video how to wire a higher watt hour charging with the same battery and power station and to explain it to someone that doesn’t know much about wiring

[@PattymacMakes]

I’ve been trying to figure out how to do something similar to extend my power stations in inclement weather to run freezers and fridge. I have ecoflow products so I wonder if this type of setup would work there. And how would I recharge the separate battery in an off grid setup? I’ve seen people building custom units but I don’t think Im ready for that.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

This will work for all power stations. Just have to get the right connector. For off grid, recharging the battery, you could always use a gas generator and a 12v battery charger to top off the battery, or a solar panel setup and an MPPT solar charge controller.

[@PattymacMakes]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors OK!! I have the plugs like you're showing but IDK if it accepts that as input. I'll have to reread my instructions. I know it has XT60 connectors for solar input. I do have a small inverter gas generator I purchased to be able to recharge power stations in the event I don't have solar input. So I'll look into the battery charger. This stuff is all new to me, but I decided having a vigorous emergency backup power system is a good idea these days. We get hurricanes here so power outages are normal, but I have concerns about outages becoming more regular and longer lasting so I'm trying to set up systems now. Thank you!

[@Steve-Goff]

I’m just returning from a Caribbean cruise so I’m catching up on videos. Looking forward to seeing the install

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@esiebert7625]

Well it works for me but its a bit disappointing, when I plug my Redodo 100ah into my Rockpals 600Wh that has a 93w max input it climbs up to 50w input max. i think it’s because of the voltage, my Redodo is outputting at 13.2v. If I plug my charger into the same port I get 92w input, however the charger that came with the Rockpals outputs at 24v.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Hmmm, let me think about that and get back to you on this.

[@basilsanders6872]

Thanks for sharing and the ideas! Can’t wait to see ‘em in action.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@kenkilmer7143]

Great video. I love the idea But you never said how you would charge the extra battery I can probably figure it out - but wish you’d made it easy I’m a fan - I’ll keep watching

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Hey Ken, since I don’t permanently live in this truck and only plan on using or needing this for just a night or two, I’ll simply recharge it at home. If this was a permanent setup I’d look into a dc to dc charger and let my alternator in my truck charge up the battery. Thanks for watching👍🏻

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍 And using LED lights and other accessories with low wattage. I’m thinking about you getting two or three days of service. Also your battery is charging over 24 hrs. There’s alway a AND. Adding two or three solar panels for day time. With shore power at some camp sites. Being flexible with what’s available. Thanks for your sharing.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Clarence👍🏻

[@malcolmneal3857]

Always full of information. Can’t wait to see the battery and charger in action. Also the fishing videos. Lol

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Malcolm👍🏻👍🏻

[@tomseekins1627]

What would you say would be a good, cheaper power station. It would be to just charge phone, maybe blanket, and small light. Nothing major. And for just a couple nights.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

How large are you looking at? 300wh, 500wh?….the EBL and GOOLOO 300 wh power stations I just reviewed were excellent

[@roseericson3828]

Question, if you have a solar panel could you reverse the set up so the net zero charges the battery while the solar charges the net zero?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Good question! I’ll have to test to see if that would work👍🏻

[@DylanDurdle]

Any tricks to recharge the external battery with solar when out on a trip?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I have a solar panel with a charge controller that I can connect direct to the battery. Don’t use a solar panel without a charge controller though, you risk over charging the battery

[@owner-p1v]

How can I charge one or more LifePO4s via the Yeti 1000x, with YETI 12V MAX CURRENT CABLE and GC018 15A 14AWG 12V adapter, heavy-duty cigarette lighter plug and socket with eyelet terminals? I was planning to connect several LifePO4s to charge them via the Yeti and thus expand my memory, which at the same time also discharges from the LifePO4 first when used, in order to prevent the Yeti from discharging so that no more cycling takes place. The LifePo4 batteries then do all the work. Do you have any ideas on how to do this, this circuit?

[@mauricelopez1745]

Why not connected to solar input side?

[@fightfityyc]

Disclaimer - I have zero electrical know-how. Question for you though - can you somehow wire the 12V battery to the starter battery in a way that will re-charge the 12V battery while you are driving (through the alternator) without messing this system up? Thanks for your time, I enjoy learning from your videos.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

You can. They are called “dc to dc” chargers👍🏻

[@jasonbroom7147]

Very good video and dead simple way of adding a low-voltage charge to your power station, extending the capacity without a lot of cost. Would you be able to do the same thing with the Dr. Prepare battery that has the DC output built into the top of it? That way you wouldn't even need the pigtail connection with the male auto accessory plug.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

You probably could Jason👍🏻

[@claytonscheiber3493]

Cool lightweight setup. I too hate seeing wires. Even my phone charging cords I try to hide them. I'm not on the wireless charging train. But, the cabinet and hiding/running the wires, I'll be watching, probably a few times to see how you did it.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Clayton!

[@earthangelsounds844]

Would I be able to run 3300 watts 24/7 with that battery & solar panels?

[@levidikausholway6601]

Ok so I have a 3000x yeti and I'm wondering if you can do this with say a big battery that has 6kwh

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yes, this would still work

[@1GREATDANE]

Using a Buck Converter or 24 Volt Battery increases your Transfer Rate o Power. 24 Volt 100ah or 200ah = 2,560 - 5K worth o Back Up Expansion Compacity and very reasonably priced now.

[@toddgrace7259]

Great idea and simple, thanks for sharing.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Todd👍🏻

[@Timw927]

"Fishing", lol I caught it but both of us never do. See what I did there? 🤪Can't wait to see the build. I just picked up a Ram 1500 so I have to find a shell and build mine again! Uggh. should be fun.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Tim😉🐟🐟 good luck on your hunt for a topper

[@Timw927]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors Thanks bud. Not a lot around SW Virginia 6.5 bed in electric blue, may have to buy new and be done with it.

[@michaelwaynemcdonough6950]

Stupid Question???? So when charging the generator, will also charge external battery or is there something else that I would need to do? Thank you!

[@mikesmith1550]

My deepcycle lead-acid battery is nearly new. Can I use it?? Thanks for any info.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

You can use that, just don’t go below 50% on the lead axis battery

[@im_not_mad]

Could I do this and also use the goal zero link and run it to my alternator?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

You should be able to. There are dual inputs on this Goal Zero for charging

[@derekneu6524]

So then when you drain the extension battery, how are you charging it?

[@catskilkin]

Would a lifepo4 battery with less Ah say .. 50Ah also work?

[@uhjyuff2095]

It sounds like the extra 12 volt battery you bought will always be mounted in the truck. Will the charger also be mounted and plugged in to an outlet in your camper so its easy to plug in and charge when you get home?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I just take the battery out and top it off in my shop

[@terrykleier5068]

Super cool video. I have a Goal Zero 1000 and was looking for a way to use it in my truck camper thank you

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Toeven1]

How do you charge your Goal Zero and the REDODO battery with this setup?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Either from a generator or grid power back at home.

[@darylhawkins4658]

Great video. You’ll have to cover recharging. Will you recharge the Goal Zero, the Redo battery or both?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Hi Daryl, since my setup is only really intended to last just a night or two, I’ll simply recharge when I get back home, or find some place to plug in for a few hours info really have to. If this was a permanent living space for me I’d go with a Victron dc to dc charger and let my alternator charge this thing up.

[@darylhawkins4658]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors sounds like a plan. You’re on to something here. There’s got to be a way to recharge both, at the same time, via solar, the alternator and using a single AC power source. Keep the videos coming.

[@ryanendrizzi3050]

Could I do this with and old car battery

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yes

[@williammeszaros3382]

I have the yeti 3000x and it has 6mm 12v output,can I hook up the extra battery during the day (solar 600w) to this 12v output ?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

You can, but you’ll need to get the Goal Zero 12v adapter I believe. Their input connections are proprietary

[@CatEarDad]

How to recharge the battery after? Anyway to use your car's alternator?

[@RobotRisingTech]

Can I use this in the reverse direction and charge the lithium battery

[@sthcstog]

Game changer. Thanks for sharing this.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@PGcutty]

Great tips. Appreciated. Thanks Brian.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Paul👍🏻

[@StarKitten14]

I find this kind of thing very interesting. I bought a Bluetti PS70 720Wh In November that came with a cardboard box of accessories. I've been staring at that box wondering how to store the accessories in the CR-V. When at 5:15 you opened the top of Goal Zero, mind blown! There's somewhere to keep all that stuff?!😮

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. I do love the lid on top of this power station😂👍🏻

[@davidesarey]

This may be a dumb question, but if you charge the Yeti with a solar and/or wall plug, will it also recharge the 12v external battery? If not, how are you charging the external battery?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’m recharging the external battery with a charger. You can use solar in a pinch though to recharge it with the right charge controller

[@josephmonarko4514]

Like the way you power up!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. Thanks👍🏻👍🏻

[@BRANDE88]

I really like this idea! Thanks for the great info. I never would have thought of something like this.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@andrewchapman4313]

What’s the plan to recharge the redodo battery Brian? Are you planning to run a dc/dc charger to it in your new truck setup?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

If i was permanently living in this truck I would use my alternator to charge up the battery, but in my case I’m just going to take it out and charge it at home when I’m done with my trip n

[@Droza579]

Is there a way to use the goal zero to recharge the 2nd battery while it's still hooked up as in this video?

[@williammeszaros3382]

Hi Brian, I want to buy the Redondo battery,and I have the yeti 3000x, can I use the 600watt wall charger from goal zero to charge up the Redondo? It has anderson connectors,is there a compatible cable to do this ? Thank you for your help !

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

No, you will need a lifepo4 specific charger for the REDODO battery.

[@NamNguyenSE]

As always Brian, nice explanation of how this works. Learn something new about doubling the battery capacity. I saw that someone stated about how to charge the Redodo, but are you going to connect some type of meter to it so that you know how much juice is left? Also, I hope you do a video on connecting it to your truck's alternator if you do decide to go that route.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I doubt I’ll put a meter on it or a dc to dc charger because this is not a permanent setup. I’ll just use this for a 1 or 2 night outing and then come back home and charge it up

[@Paul-g4i5l]

Can you run solar with it as well ?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yes. The Yeti has an MPPT charge controller built in.

[@kennethhudson8013]

A 200 watt flexible solar panel on the roof of your truck cap would probably charge battery well

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

During the day, or good weather conditions👍🏻

[@Eyedeekay808]

Is there a way to charge both the external lithium battery and goal zero at the same time?

[@teckalicious83]

Awesome video, thanks so much for the info!!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@rickandpiesretirementadven9000]

Add a solar panel and you are good to go. Or...a DC to DC charger...or both!!!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yessir👍🏻

[@elebron6215]

Fishing 🎣 lol good info Brian thank you.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. Thanks👍🏻👍🏻

[@petemontes3337]

Awesome video Mr. Brian...!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you

[@richardmccrary3182]

Very good information, thanks.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@jeradfry345]

Great idea. If you found the battery cheap enough cheap, it would be worth it. $220 is a little much. You can spend another $100-$200 for an open box or used 1000x instead.

[@treyezell36]

Very interesting.... great information thanks for sharing.... you had me at no skill needed 😂 take care Brian & I'm looking forward to the build

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you Trey👍🏻👍🏻

[@Puddlegrapher]

How will you keep the extra battery charged?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I charge it at home, or in an emergency can use a generator or solar panel.

[@adtvchannel3]

Thanks for the video, very useful, do you thing it is possible to just put two or tree batteries in line and then use just one conector? or is too much power for one conector ?

[@E6fireman237]

Will the secondary battery have to be removed for recharge or will it be wired for the truck to recharge? Nice setup either way.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

In this setup I’d have to remove to charge. But, you can get a DC to DC charger and use your vehicles alternator to charge it up if you’re running a more permanent setup👍🏻

[@dhan7072]

Another great product!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@ReneBPena]

Thanks for the video Brian, I have a dumb question, how do you charge your battery, do you hook up a battery charger to it at home and how long will it last on a normal camping trip?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I generally charge the battery back up when I get home👍🏻

[@sthcstog]

One question...how do you charge the Redodo?

[@fire58372001]

Looks like a smart move on your part. Drive safe. #BrianWatersOutdoors 🤠🤠

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@dbau21]

How do you recharge the Redodo?

[@jimdaly5077]

Thank you 🖖👌.👍🐝🌞

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@TommyKinsey1972]

how are you charging the battery?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Which one? The yeti I charge either by solar or a/c grid, or my car. The REDODO I charge via a/c at home

[@2khound635]

Great video

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@johnlunde0]

Thank you Brian! I can’t wait for the build, progress of the bed in the truck and the camping. As always, huge fan and I wish you good luck! 🍀 #BrianWatersOutdoors

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks so much John!

[@amuenp]

What are you charging your add on battery with? thx

[@jakeory8811]

I had the same question, did you come across an answer elsewhere?

[@user-hd8ej8yx9p]

i have a 24v battery, will it work?

[@gwb8445]

Why not just connect your DC device directly to the extra battery and not run it through the power station?

[@trooper2121]

Enjoyed the video

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you !

[@ninjajack5568]

#Brianwatersoutdoors Great info Brian! Keep it up!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻👍🏻

[@JAYFEATHERBOONDOCKS]

I disagree about the Bestek inverter being poor quality.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Ok👍🏻

[@joesmith063]

Or just unscrew the bottom and wire them in parallel

[@leeinwis]

No skill needed 🤔🤔, hey that's me !

[@OKFrax-ys2op]

❤❤❤

[@mattc8018]

YOU TALK WAY TOO MUCH.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Stop watching. See how easy I fixed that for you?

[@shawnup9027]

#brianwatersoutdoors hi !!! #brianwatersoutdoors #brianwatersoutdoors #brianwatersoutdoors

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻🍻

[@jakemcclellan8399]

Very informative video. As always enjoy your videos. P.S. if you need my phone number let me know. I replied to your email with all the info you should need. Have you ever had such a hard time giving away a gift? Thank you Jake McClellan The Oregon Boy

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. It is proving to be hard😂 I emailed you so let’s see if you get it🤷🏻‍♂️

[@foottv5134]

That's a good idea man! Way better than magnet fishing! 🧲 😂👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. Thanks👍🏻👍🏻

[@foottv5134]

@Brian Waters Outdoors as soon as you threw that magnet in I thought he's gonna get hung up. 😂😂😂😂😂 I'm still laughing. Love the videos man!