Using the Bluetti AC200 Max to power my off grid full time van life

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Use discount code BLUETTIMEL TO SAVE £80 ON ORDERS OVER £500 Bluetti shrsl.com/4rvm8

[@Apache__]

Mel, you're a real gentleman. Placing the expansion battery at the front, so that Becky can grab it easily and install it in her new van 😄

[@darrellbrown7381]

I think the B230 is missing an AC outlet. It does need an outlet that I can plug into whenever the AC200 Max is unavailable.

[@carloscardona9255]

I dont think it has an inverter. That's why it only uses dc output. No inverter needed for dc. They both have 2000 watts but the ac200max has an inverter that's why it's so big

[@jimnyjolly278]

Great video thanks Mel. I found with my (now 3 year old) poweroak bluetti 1500wh I didn't need to get more battery power but did need more solar. So yeah I'd always recommend spending valuable pennys on solar, before batteries, especially in the UK.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good advice thank you I definitely think I need more solar 👍

[@markweaver6634]

Really spot on video Mel!!! Thanks for your friendly way about yourself!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s very kind of you to say really appreciated 👍🤓👍

[@markpoulton9524]

Hello Mel, thanks for a great video. Can you tell me where you got that cable where you joined your site cable into the EV station? Thanks very much for your help Help great channel cheers MARK.

[@jamessillett4779]

Great informative video Mel, looking to get 1 myself but was waiting to see how you got on with it. Cheers.

[@geoffcallicott2060]

Thx Mel - but those 2 packs are @. 4 grand - surely there’s an equally efficient cheaper way?

[@steve810810]

£3k in the current sale :)

[@carloscardona9255]

In the usa you can get this setup for like 2-3k. You can go the traditional route and buy everything separately but that's gonna be double the price easily

[@angeladawn805]

You've got to admire the scientific method: real-life testing, observation, and updating results. Thanks for giving substance and easy to understand explanations :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated 🙏

[@holsteincowboy]

Sun ???? It's been raining here in west Scotland almost non stop for 6 weeks - Total for 6wks - 14 inches

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh man that’s not good hope things improve soon 🤞

[@brightgreencarrot]

Hi Mel, great vid. What do you use to charge the BC230 from the alternator? Is it a B2B? Can it charge from the solar and alternator at the same time?

[@JustlifeTomSandraYordi]

super nice video, we ourselves have an ac max and 1 b230. We use this around the house for almost everything washing machine, dishwasher, charging laptops etc. At the ac max I have 2 panels of 400 watts. On our b230 I have an extra charger with a panel of 400 watts So together 1200 watts.

[@JustlifeTomSandraYordi]

So we could connect 1 extra charger and panel of 400 watts to the ac max, but not necessary for us for the time being. You read and see a lot of bad comments about this combo, in my opinion incomprehensible. There is an inap piece of technology behind it all. With the current energy prices, this is in our opinion and feeling a solid investment. Of course when the sun is shining. When the sun is not shining, we charge everything during the night and use the electricity from the battery during the day because the electricity prices are still cheaper for us during the night.

[@JustlifeTomSandraYordi]

The only downside we find is that with little sun, as is the case now, the mttp controller does not recognize this very bizarre at a wattage below 100 watts, but then the batteries remain in standby. Unless this is something from the engineers of bleuttti again and this is how it should be, we don't know. All together very satisfied with our investment and hope to reduce our energy bill

[@richardmaxwell7627]

Hi Mel, excellent video as usual. I have a coach built motorhome with complex electronics, so i was wondering how i could get one of these and plug it straight into the external ehu socket. Any ideas? Thanks Richard

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh mate I haven’t a clue I’m sorry 😞

[@rucebaybruce6174]

Hey Bluetti, I need a battery bank too. 😃

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Lol I’ll ask for you 👍🤓👍

[@rucebaybruce6174]

@@BigVanSmallWorld ❤❤❤

[@GedandMichele]

Very interesting vlog Mel.I'm actually looking at the brand new Anker 767.Bit of a beast and really shows how competition in this sector is great for the consumer

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

Have considered fitting a unlock to your van as it lets you remove your key but keeps the engine running therefore added security.

[@denisecafferky2248]

Thanks. Great Information there

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@adamwright4295]

Hi everybody. I pick up our 2011 Carthago chic E line I47 next week. I'm getting some quotes together for an off grid install from batteries to solar to b2b. The van currently has just your normal leisure battery setup. However watching this video...could I not just pick up 2 or 3 huge bluetti battery banks on black friday, a b2b charger and some solar and do a self install and then when I pull up off grid, plug my bluetti's into the sure power outlet on my motorhome? I'm a total newbie so I have no idea if I am missing something here but surely it would offer me more versatility if one of the components went faulty, it's almost plug and play. Thanks for any advice

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Get yourself a Bluetti AC300 perfect for your needs use my discount code BULLETTImel 👍

[@KevinFoulds]

Mel. Would plugging the Ac200 into the cigarette lighter socket (180 watt socket) charge the battery the same as you have wired yours up. if not could you make a video showing how you set yours up. I have seen something on your channel but I do not think you explained it in full. Thanks...

[@yyccarportraits]

They woukd have been better to send you the solar panels rather than the extra pack. The extra battery is nice, but it doesn't matter how much battery you have, if the solar Doesn't keep up. Now the solar panels have more work to do to charge both batteries, and you'll still end up with empty batteries given a long enough period of poor weather.

[@jamesmackay4652]

wow your systm could be a game changer,thanks for your testing ect.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I think so too! 👍🤓👍

[@simp502]

The B230 does really need a proper display to let the user know what is exactly happening with it.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You can see on the app what’s going on with it 👍

[@parisulany5060]

love the videos. can you recomeded some decent solar panels for my ac200? or even some brand names to look for. what wattage would you go? I have quite a bit of room on the top of my ducato :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

The best advice I can give is to install as many solar panels as you can on your roof and buy the best you can afford 👍

[@parisulany5060]

@@BigVanSmallWorld thanks. Can I have one more question? I just see there's a big sale for ac300. Do you know maybe if the ac300 would be any better then ac200 max ?

[@andrewhamilton-gill]

High Mel, I’m in the process of making my first campervan and would welcome your thoughts, I watched your videos on the bluetti system with great interest, do you think it would be possible to comfortably run my van just with the bluetti and back up pack? As I think it would simplify my build. Many thanks.

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

I know you are now building your new van but could you please tell me how you have got on with the extra power and has it lived up to your rigorous testing.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’m so impressed with the AC200 I’m installing an AC300 in my vario so much easier than going through all the rigmarole to fit separate batteries extra

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

Just looked at it I’m in love with the expansion battery it will be vast.

[@weing1037]

Great video with excellent technical info. Many thanks Mel.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍🤓👍

[@markbajek2541]

Mel, have you looked at dedicated electric kettles, rather than using the induction top with a separate kettle to boil water.? Do they use less power overall than a kettle cook top combo to get the same job done? do they make DC electric (cigarette lighter type) kettles rather than using the power station's inverter losses ?

[@terryhere3889]

Hi Mel great video can I ask how you have contacted your diesel heater to your bluetti pls

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

The diesel heater is connected to my main fuse bank and Buletti powers that 👍🤓👍

[@stevewaslin7171]

Loving your KZbin channel Where is your kettle from?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Watch this week’s episode of waffle on Wednesday 👍

[@stevewaslin7171]

@@BigVanSmallWorld I did and still none the wiser

[@skookumjack]

Phew! I need a lie down after that, Mel! 👌🤪

[@mentalneil]

Cheers Mel for another great video

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed it buddy 👍

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

Great review and up date on this power packs bud. Looks a great bit of kit think it be amazing to use to help run your Mary over winter ❄️ 🤛 hope you have a lovely week ☺️

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks 👍you too 🤗

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

@@BigVanSmallWorld 🙏☺️

[@projectlife84]

Hi mate. Can you point me in the direction to how you charge your blueetti by your alternator if your van ? What’s set up like for that ? Theres no videos on how this is done in depth (Well I can’t find one) 🤣🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi i use this Bluetti DC Charging Enhancer (D050S) shrsl.com/3nhio

[@projectlife84]

Thanks. I found your vid after I asked 🤣👍🏻

[@dottysdetours]

Hi Mel, Thanks for the great video. I have just purchased the AC200 max to power my van. Can you explain how you are charging from your alternator as I would like to to exactly the same?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes I am using the blutte DC Charging Enhancer i use 3 of them one for each battery (D050S) shrsl.com/3nhio

[@dottysdetours]

@@BigVanSmallWorld And are you connecting them to a split charge relay? Thanks for the link and speedy reply 👍

[@Paulsing197]

Excellent video again mel , I'm just wondering if you charged the unit up to 100% how long would you guess it would last just powering a diesel heater ?

[@JohnCray]

Heya Mel loving your videos. Can ask a question I'm building out a van at the moment a sprinter can't afford all the victron stuff I was going to put the bluettie in to run everything same as yourself .do you this is wise choice before I sped money on the ac200 and do you think running from the dc to dc to this put a relay on it through the block .if that makes sense would love your opinion thanks john

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi John yes but make sure you get the Bluetti ac200 max us the link in the description of the video to make sure you got the right one also I’m using a VSR with the Bluetti charge enhancer to charge from 12v

[@nigelphillips9426]

Well done great information

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@malcolmrowe5031]

I've ordered the buck boost charger that you have fitted to the top of your bluettti, do you have it connected to the solar panel or your cigarette lighter socket on your van, mine hasn't turned up yet, I bought a 120watt folding portable solar panel which I put on my dashboard when parked up but it doesn't give out lots of power, I'm hoping when eventually it turns up it'll boost the solar panel charge considerably

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I have the adapter connected to a 12v VSR so when I start my engine it’s charging the Bluetti 👍

[@philcorp1213]

Question for Bluetti. Can they supply longer cable and a shorter plug (maybe L shape) for easier use. Well done to you AGAIN 😎

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Not that I know of

[@philcorp1213]

I only mentioned it to you because of you trying to fit them snuggly in place. I reckon after your testing of it and reporting back to them. You would be in a position to mention it. Definately to your advantage and others for the future. MAYBE😎

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’ll definitely give them the feedback for you thank you 👍

[@daveleeparry3603]

Love the video’s Mel 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😁

[@TheIcyhall]

Very interesting vid Mel....well presented...👍👍👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you kindly🙏

[@nikoloko5561]

Hi Mel great informative video can’t beat a good experiment. Thanks take care 👍😎

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks 👍

[@scottl5028]

Just too expensive at the moment. They'd be ok if they could be used to cook a meal run the fridge and lights everyday. Think gas hob would be safer in the long term. I'd like to see you do some cooking and boiling with all your normal gadgets plugged in also. Stick a timer on and see how long the power bank lasts .

[@DaveTheDasher77]

I think you can add 2 or 3 extra batteries, I am looking to invest in the 300 with 2 extra batteries,,but still saving up.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@Azurren]

The reason the main unit gets priority is because these things are still designed to be portable. Granted, when we get to this sort of size / weight they aren't exactly "portable" but the idea is still there. This way if you get a powercut at Bob's house or if you need some mains power in your storage garage 100% of your power will be in the main unit. :) _Imagine if it were the other way around and the main unit was flat. You'd have to transplant both batteries in order to get any power at all_

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh that really makes sense thanks I didn’t think about it like that 👍🤓👍👏👏👏👏

[@raybeattie5802]

Will flatten your backup battery below 50% stuff that unit?

[@ThePistol1977]

Great video mel just a quick question I have ring dc to dc charger same as you is there a way to change my ecoflow delta 2 from my 365w solar panel on my van roof straight to the ecoflow as well as my agm batterys I don't want to power the ecoflow with the cigarette socket in my van i don't want to buy a portable solar panel for my ecoflow just want to power it up from the solar panel on the roof of my van i hope this makes sense hopefully u can make a video of this way of powering a portable power station cheers m8 it was great to meet you both at vanlife Festival

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’m just working on a completely different way of charging power packs on the go still experimenting 🤯 video will be out soon as possible if it works it’s going to be a game changer for anyone with a power pack 👍🤓👍

[@ThePistol1977]

@@BigVanSmallWorld brilliant mel I will look forward to it its something we are thinking about we have a ecoflow delta 2 and would love to run are van from it or any power bank we are looking for for your video and thanks for your reply 👍

[@michealgillman7418]

Great tech review Mel. I'm thinking of getting...something, not sure what yet? Looking at the bluetti, also Anker and Ecoflow. I'm not a full timer and don't run a cook top or nearly as many gadgets as you, so don't think I will need the extra battery pack. Also I'm thinking when I'm not in the van, using it in door to try to reduce energy bills a bit. If you do have any recommendations please let me know, or anyone selling a suitable item that's surplus to requirements? 👍 thanks Medway Mick

[@jamesrobins8776]

Is there a reason the panels output was so low?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cloudy day

[@ArtyVanHoming]

hopefully these units will come down in price ,as they get better and better , for me these will be the way to go .

[@NJcoots]

Without sitting on the fence mel. I know bluetti and eco flow sponsor you but which in your opinion is the best out of the 2 makes please?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

They don’t sponsor me at all I don’t get paid for any of my video reviews however I think the Bluetti AC200 max is the only one with 12v 30amp outlet and for me that’s a win 🏆

[@NJcoots]

@@BigVanSmallWorld thanks mel

[@lindahurley5642]

Quick QUESTION: Hi Mel, I have the AC200max and the bv230 with 3 200 watt BLUETTI portable solar panels to charge the BLUETTI. My van only had 170 watt solar on the roof with 2 100 watt AGM batteries that are also connected to the alternator. I’d like to figure out how to connect and charge the bluetti from the alternator and roof solar. The portable panels work good but I’m not always parked at a place I can put them out. I’m wondering if I can just plug the bluetti into a 12v socket inside the van if that would charge it while driving? Or do I need that gray box setup?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

yes linda having the gray box is a great investment as you can charge from solar and alternator at the same time also when parked up you can plug portable solar into it too

[@KavanOBrien]

How much are the items ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Links in the description I didn’t say a price because Bluetti are going to have a pro mo

[@KavanOBrien]

@@BigVanSmallWorld thanks was thinking about using it for the house if it’s not too much money.

[@DUB-sential]

Lost in Europe's power bank review was hilarious. They have a place but they are expensive

[@GrumpyGarry121]

So you need to put that smoke alarm under the bonnet close to the alternator 😂 or do bluetti do alternators? I bet your next fault code is alternator lol.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha well it’s a good thing I got an upgraded one 👍🤓👍

[@Justripping]

Interesting 🤔🥱hahaha

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid thanks lee

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed it👍🤓👍

[@fenceup07944931177]

So your original question was "do you need more solar panels or an extra battery." Well if you're not generating enough power to replenish what you have used, then the answer is not an extra battery. And if you're not running out of power when you do manage to get a full charge, then the extra is a complete waste of a grand. Some very expensive ballast. I think it's the same conclusion you have come to. Don't worry Mel I can say what you can't 😜.

[@michaelhulse8645]

Around £1200 for this can you not review things that are not given free by sponsors maybe a cheaper alternative for the majority who can't afford these, instead of jackory or bluetti the amount of vloggars this week going on about the new ecoflow River 2 all freebies and not one negative comment, however still love the vlog

[@scottl5028]

The AC 200max is around 2k on its one.. Lot of money for powering 12v lights fridge and tap. When a lead acid can do the same for a oner. Not impressed with the 240 side of things as it looks like it'll only last an hour powering anything decent like induction hob kettle or air fryer .

[@Deiseboi]

@@smokinrider you stopped watching these videos..bit confused...so you watched this video and made a comment.

[@mariapalmer5671]

I bought a delta because I’m about to embark on a very small self build and camper conversion . Have not needed to seriously use it yet , but I did test it with a low wattage heater . It was rinsed after about an hour . But for other things it’s great . The small things . It’s got loads of sockets and recharge is about an hour which is good . Glad I tested it with the heater , so I shall get a very small cool box / fridge to use as little juice as possible.

[@James-ke5sx]

They are expensive because they give away so many free samples and that cost is added on to those of us who buy them.

[@markthompson2466]

Ridiculous comment how on earth do you expect him to buy and repeat the process Expand the knowledge and limited intelligence you have and research multiple reviewers

[@James-ke5sx]

I realize why these are so expensive because they give away so many free samples so this is added to the cost of people who are buying these.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha they’re actually coming down in price now

[@Gordon_S]

Who is Bob?

[@DUB-sential]

Rebecca's dad I think

[@georgemorgan]

Far to expensive, especially if you've got to buy them out of your hard earned cash. Will stick with what I've got 2 x leisure batteries & a bit of solar if & when the sun ☀️ comes back out . 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@simonmockford7090]

☀️ in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿? You will be lucky!

[@toastiesvanbuild4644]

👍

[@paulmatty2901]

Hi Mell at the end of your video your a bit of the target. If both battery's are as one they only have a set amount of power if both have say 10 units that's all you have weather you use battery 1 or 2 you only have 20 units

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good point! 👍👍

[@paulmatty2901]

Mell your just one of us upgrading a never finished van Lol But you still rock hi five pulling a lady like yours.

[@stephenb5560]

QVC Mel. Give it up man. You have them now, please stop. 2k free stuff. Now run.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hay buddy I’m just trying to make my van a home

[@stephenb5560]

@@BigVanSmallWorld yea I agree I have watch you from the start. Now please don't get like the roaming.......... At the show many people have stopped watching them. Two Tesla, £90k van. 10 solars gens. On and on. I will keep watching you 😃

[@GedandMichele]

If they are foolish enough to keep handing these things out, fill your boots Mel.

[@peterhynes5316]

Do think give me a power station for nothing

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Work hard on KZbin for years and years and build up your followers and yes I’m sure they will 👍

[@wendy8026]

@@BigVanSmallWorld I like what you do, and you have helped me before, but think of this another way, if they did not give so many away to all the bloggers, they maybe able to get the price down, keep up the good work, always look forward to your chats and info

[@garyh3228]

God can you plug the name anymore

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti Bluetti

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

Nice, bit of kit, but it’s completely overkill… Price is ridiculous, takes up way too much space and it’s not needed power wise for 99% of people in a campervan

[@uppertributaries]

Sell out

[@justinlinnane8043]

more free stuff eh ??? always on the hustle you UK van life you tubers !! we normal full timers have to pay and we don't appreciate the constant bias selling from you berks !! to give your audience a better option that what your paid to recommend . I use the newer Anker 767 and it bests to Bluetti in every way !! cheaper too !!

[@roryniland]

Does the Anker have 30 AMP 12V DC ? ( which Mel has pointed out time and time again is the main reason he likes the bluetti AC200 Max - one DC connection to the fuse board - 10 Amp not being enough)

[@justinlinnane8043]

@@roryniland the Anker DC output is 10amp . Who on earthe needs 30amps from a 12v output ? ridiculous . But then this is the guy who just put himself into hospital cleaning his DPF !😂😂😂😂

[@roryniland]

@@justinlinnane8043 Every Camper and Caravan in the world needs more than 10amp for the entire 12v fuse board. Lights, fridge, diesel heater, water pump, phone charging, wifi router, 12v TV .. in what world can all that be run off 10 amps ???