Van Life Power Systems: Pros and Cons and COSTS Compared!

[@serawasnever2902]

You graciously give priceless gifts of information to us freely and with all your love. Your heart and spirit is of a true Gypsy King. Hugs & kisses to Bob!

[@stanbyme7874]

Started with GZ 500 & love it. Realized I love this life so bought GZ 1500 & suitcase solar. Have 2 dual fridges. Driving fridges connect 12 v in rear vehicle. If needed, GZ charges in front. All in a Subaru Crosstrek. Works great for my needs. I do stay at CG’s twice a month. I stop@Costco, grocery first. Then able to prep bunch food using hotpot. Shower. Do laundry. Organize vehicle. Fill waters. Dump waste. Head out, clean & ready to hike/bike for another couple weeks.

[@kevinlarson9707]

I got a 200 watt solar system. Two 100 watt panels charge controller wires the brackets. Everything you need minus the battery and inverter for 164 off Amazon, I've bought two of those and have been completely happy with them. So I basically bought two complete systems for just a little over $300.

[@cbryce9243]

Good idea. It would also be lighter to have two separate systems, and if one stops working, you still have the other. Smart. Thanks!

[@jimnjele.bean-dayone3505]

Based on your review of San Tan Solar, I purchased in 2021 a 500W kit consisting of two 250W panels, charge controller, wiring, mounts etc. Basically, everything but batteries, for $221.00. I installed it in my weeroll 6x10 trailer (Yes I did it myself, you can too !!) and has it worked great!! Currently using two flooded marine/rv batteries from Walmart and the system provides power for my fridge, diesel hearer, laptop, phone, radio, lights, etc. Currently working in Rachel NV, at the Little Ale Inn, purchased a 5000btu A/C and I am working to get a Generator so that when I boon-dock, I will be truly independent summer or winter !! I truly have an amazing life thanks to you sir!!

[@emolasher]

$300 for a 12v 100ah lifepo4, $100 for a 500w pure sine inverter. ~$600 combined with that solar kit. I looked around on SanTan and couldn't find it. This should be the true starter kit. No re-occurring fuel costs, fairly cheap, and with just 2 panels you could easily roof mount or just set them out when you need.

[@jimnjele.bean-dayone3505]

Hm....I literally went to Santan and bought the kit from them. You always hear how expensive solar is and when he told me the price, I couldnt get my card out fast enough hehehehe...Doing the install myself save a bunch as well.

[@sharkcookie.YouTube]

One thing that only the solar generators is their portability. You can easily take them into a coin laundry or coffee shop and plug them and charge them. This is an excellent and practical way to have power when there is bad weather.

[@YeahNah100]

This is the video that I have been searching for. 👍👍

[@primrozie]

Ha, ha Bob! You cracked me up. On the serious side, I listen to what you say. I bought the Bluetti EB 70s. on sale and love it.

[@brionrjames]

Something to bare in mind is that even in poor weather you still get power from solar panels, just a lot lower than when in sun, I have a solar setup which generates power enough to run everything I need, all year round. But another factor is you can add a split charge relay which will charge the batteries while the engine is running, so when moving about in the vehicle it will be topping up the solar batteries as well as the vehicle battery, these are an inexpensive addition. I use batteries to power an inverter, pure sign wave, 2500watts, whole setup cost just over £600.00, a 200watt panel set. , fitted to a roof rack built especially foe the panels, this was hand made from a regular van rack which was discarded due to being bent, I only used parts of it , it bolted to roof rack mounts on the vehicle, so only 1 hole required for the cables, with a weather gland cemented to the roof with all weather sealant. The generator is a nice option, but you need extra space for it, and it has to be cooled down before you can stow it away, the power stations are portable, but also this makes it almost impossible to set up with hidden wiring in the vehicle, so you have trailing wires , and have to move it nearer to the appliance needed, I have power point throughout the vehicle, 12v, and 240v, with low voltage lights, and a central fuse control board, with remote control lighting, I can run a fridge, kettle microwave all without messing about swapping wires. It is so worth spending the time to set up everything you need just once, and then just forget it, with a better power control system you have mobile app control, and can see the state of charge etc. It is also easy to add shore power to the system, this allows hook up when on a camp site, or you can plug it into a battery saver system when in storage. So in my opinion get a solar setup with good battery, or batteries, and biggest panel you can afford, with a good quality inverter and charge controller. Once installed there is no further costs, and the convenience of having power where you need it instantly, it outways the hassle of setting up solar panels, and moving them to keep the sun on them, and then putting it all away before you move off, or at night, and then when there is a sudden downpour of rain they are soaked and you have to stow them away, they degrade being opened and closed , and moved about, the wire between the panels break down and become unreliable, with fixed panels , they last years , and only require a clean periodically, lipo batteries are expensive, but best option, but you can use leasure batteries, which are agm, gel batteries, safer than lead acid, and have a better life span than lead acid. Newer battery technology is coming out all the time, and so new tech batteries will eventually become so power efficient, and reliable that we will not need to have big banks of batteries, or will generate more power, for longer. But I love the video , the basic set up for someone only using a camper on odd weekends a mobile setup will work just fine, but if someone is out most weekends, or doing road trips a permanent setup is best by far, the other thing to bare in mind is that you can add more panels as required, so you can start with 100 Watts, and add more until you have enough for your needs, just make sure you get a high rated solar charge controller to accept more panels.i only have 200watts of solar, but could double up if I need it in the future, I have enough for my needs, for now, but will probably put another on just in case I decide to take a longer trip. Take care all, and study hard before you pull the trigger, all systems mentioned in this video have their own merit, but make sure you check your needs before you buy, making the wrong choice at the outset will be a costly mistake, I had a generator, but found it a pain to set up when needed, having to lug it in and out, and making sure it was cool before it went away, with all the bumping around, and lifting in and out the fuel pipes began to leak, eventually making it dangerous to transport. It was at this time I looked into solar, I had already run cables through the vehicle, and had a single point to plug the generator into, so it was always in the same place, but had to put it away at night to stop it being stolen, and to protect it from bad weather, so solar was my next choice, and after many hours of searching, and researching, found a setup that covered my needs, andso far 5 years of trouble free , free electricity, can't complain,power on tap whenever needed. It may not suit everyone, but here in cloudy UK it works well for me, and I have also got simple 20 watt panels keeping a single gel battery alive and charged for electric gate control, in a remote location, again 10 years of effortless free energy, the initial cost was expensive, but soon paid for itself with no charge for electricity, and the ability to just do what you want without fear , and I have only ever had flat batteries once, and that was because I had unplugged the panels for cleaning, I forgot to plug back in, soon had the batteries charged while driving to the destination, and the solar topped up the rest.

[@thetwooldpeeps3528]

Thanks Bob and Goldilocks, really appreciate all the info you give. 🤗

[@smisplacedalaskan1762]

Thank you Bob. A lot of good information for us. We do appreciate you.

[@FidoHouse]

Well done, Goldie! 😂❤

[@DBYouTubeHandle]

Super cute folding one at the end for USB. Great for my car camping.

[@cbryce9243]

DB, for real! Looks like they could be put on the dash and fill up. Not being too familiar with solar, it seems like a good one to learn from.

[@auntlynnonline6206]

Thanks for the silliness this morning, Bob! I needed it. lol

[@daleannharsh8295]

the power station I found (and convinced sister to buy as well) charges on AC 12v or solar. It 'through charges' when on 12v so it can run equipment while you drive and still top up. That was important for sister as she has to carried medication that needs to be kept cool. The compressor fridge she got is small, but kept all the food both of us needed for more than a week. All purchases made through Amazon and we just bought when things went on sale.

[@cbryce9243]

Daleann, do you care to leave the name of the compressor frig you bought on Amazon? I am starting out and am trying to figure out what I need. A small frig would be handy;' I don't have meds, but it would be nice to keep leftovers cold so I can eat the next day and not have to cook. Running it on 12 v would be exceptional! Thank you.

[@lonestarlaurel]

Me too!!!! Please, and thank you. Any time now! lol. Cheers

[@terrilane2973]

What power station and fridge do you care to tell? Thanks

[@anniespence4988]

It was the hair flip that got me 😂.

[@spicycopper2436]

If you get a generator, I would recommend getting one that can run on dual fuel ( gas or propane gas). Always do your research to determine what meets your needs. Note: Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes can disrupt gasoline supply. Propane gas burns longer and lasts longer on these generator.

[@cbryce9243]

Spicy, good to know, even though I plan to watch the weather/fire/floods everywhere I go, sometimes it can change on a dime. Being as prepared as possible is always better than not. I know so little about how generators work because I really don't want to use one, the noise that makes is horrible and they look heavy. But it looks like I should at least have one on hand for emergencies. Thanks.

[@davidleigh443]

Shouldn't Goldilocks be doing a Bear Safety video?

[@mbd6054]

👍😁

[@paintedpony2935]

Noooo! A wolf safety video. Doh!

[@cbryce9243]

🧸🐻🧔😎

[@rommee]

Furniture restoration and upholstery 🤔

[@davidleigh443]

Paintedpony2935 the big bad wolf was with three little pigs. Goldilock had the three bears.

[@Jodamo]

Thought I landed on a shampoo commercial or something. Looking majestic Bob 😂

[@ThePracticalProgressive]

Something to think about with the hybrid system is the Renogy DC - DC/MPPT 50A controller that charges via alternator or solar panels and will even trickle charge your starter battery to keep it topped off. At $249 it’s in your budget range.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Exactly what I bought works like a champ 😊

[@ronpeted]

Always great info from Bob.

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Very helpful videoI! Also, Goldilocks is adorable! She must come back!! 😂❤

[@YeahNah100]

I would add a column for longevity. Which system is likely to operate the longest over time?

[@kkdee9961]

what about noise? add that in and generator loses

[@ktk2094]

Great job Bob/Goldilocks.

[@1thinkhealthy]

Jeez, it must be really hot out in the desert. :)

[@jamesc6526]

Lol I have all 4 options in my rig. I think I have a problem with "energy anxiety ".

[@n8rlvr876]

Ha, I’m with you… I believe in multiple sources of power, in case one takes a crap or isn’t viable in a given situation.

[@TheMaximumMinimalist]

Me too, I have (2) 100 ah batteries, (2) solar controllers and 430w of panels yet I still feel a generator is a needed backup from my experience on the road.

[@sharkcookie.YouTube]

Very nice breakdown of the systems. Each have their pros and cons and you explained it well!

[@cbryce9243]

That's a lot of videos you have! WOW! So much information in so little time and so much to think about. You are a very good educator. That little one is a great one for newbies like me. I had no idea they made them that small! Are generators still noisy? The only ones I have heard are ones that were made 50 years ago. For emergencies, having a small one would be a good idea to have one on hand, but I really hate the noise, plus, the one you have here look very heavy. You have really made me rethink whether or not to have a frig or just use a cooler. Guess I have some research to do! Thank you so very much!

[@pianogal853]

I bought a power station about 3 years ago. For about 2 of those I discharged it completely every other day (charged at work). It's now about 60 to 70% capacity - I'm fine with that. Another smaller Eco one died within a year

[@anitasimmons3599]

I'm still using the 5 Watt portable solar panel and a power bank system I purchased 7 years ago just to change my phone and a few small items. I have replaced the battery pack. It is plenty of power for phones, tablets, e reader, watch, headlamp and even a USB fan. If you are not running refrigeration or other high draw appliances it is the least expensive and lightest way to go. I'm not full time though and I have spent months backpacking for fun, so maybe others should consider something different. Thank you for another thought provoking video.

[@PapaRocks]

Outstanding video! Goldilocks, heck of an alter ego!😍

[@racheleadair4453]

Hysterical 😂 thank you Goldilocks for the giggle!

[@trburgoz]

Great breakdown of the options! My 100 watt solar panel came with power ports and different cables to power devices directly so i might not have to purchase the 600 watt power bank. But I'm glad i have it.

[@cbryce9243]

trb, It seems like a pretty good idea to have more rather than less if it is affordable. I'd like more because I want to stay on BLM land for as long as allowed without having to run to the store for ice every few days.

[@n8rlvr876]

Super informative… between this and one other of your videos, where you meet another nomad happily rubbing his a/c, I’m convinced that I need that dual fuel genny. Looks like I can manage it without flaring up my back problems as well

[@cbryce9243]

I just hate noise, I would only want to use a generator in an emergency and if I parked it very far away from me. Also don't want to bother my neighbors. I will likely get one, but the one he showed looks really big and heavy. Did he mention the weight and I missed it?

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

I really appreciate this video because I just needed someone to finally say -- this will run an ac and the others won't. Cut through the case. Thank you. As always great video. ❤

[@craigsly9335]

I have a AC180 coming and I'm thinking of just charging it with a inverter and running my E350 ones or twice a day. Don't know if that's the best idea but I'm going to try it.

[@pamtilsonrodgers2825]

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@jackbean7195]

500 hundred dollars for a Westinghouse generator at Lowe's. Best purchase for my cargo camper conversion.

[@pianogal853]

I have a mounted solar system. My solution has been to put a shade cloth or awning on both sides. Seems to help a lot

[@k-mac5511]

Why? What does that mean?

[@jasonbridges45]

​@@k-mac5511think they mean they park in the sun.

[@e6ensperception]

Its the message at the end. Man. Bob thank you

[@beverleydryland1146]

Bob thankyou thankyou my life is going to be amazing because of your thoughtfulness from Bunbury western Australia x x love

[@ohizkimmie]

Raise your hand if you thought Bob had a fancy new hair style at the beginning of the video 😅🙋‍♀️

[@cbryce9243]

At first I thought, "Wow his hair looks really pretty today!"

[@debvoz]

I have a hybrid system, I have a couple of power stations that I use to keep my fridge and other applicances going, and solar panels to charge them. But I ran into a couple of situations where there wasn't enough sun for several days in a row to keep my power stations charged and as a result, I ended up throwing away the contents of my fridge. So I bought the exact generator shown here - the Champion Dual Fuel. I figured I can run it on propane or gas only when I can't get solar and it will keep everything charged. It cost more, but I spread out the purchases - one power station, and solar panel, the second power station and solar panel, the generator. By doing it that way, I didn't have a huge outlay of cash at one time, but I ended up with 500 watts of solar in 3 panels and two 600 and one 1500 watt power station, and the 2000 watt generator just in case.

[@WillowTrainer]

Thank you, good info 👍

[@supersteveize]

Hey Bob! I was surprised that you didn't talk about dc to dc charging. You can top off your batteries while driving or parked if needed. I'm a big fan and enjoy all you're doing for the world.

[@Artister-t9r]

Love the intro - 😄Honestly though. I've been thinking even when someone lives in a brick and mortar, a lot of stuff that you show for van life can work in the home especially when the power goes out.

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

Yep esp in California

[@sandyallen1523]

Bob could you ask the companies that you deal with to put an alarm on the solar generators that will warn you of both over charging and over draining. Both can damage your generator

[@nancylynn7936]

Bob, a side of you I've never seen....uh...er... I mean Goldilocks. LOL! Thanks for your great info. I'm buying the Champion generator system

[@diamondslashranch]

I think I’m going to get all three as they are all useful for differing situations.

[@cbryce9243]

If you have room and money for them all it is great!

[@julesf.]

Epic video Bob😂 Maybe Goldilocks can do a video on the best options people on limited income can afford a good nomad vehicle. I've looked into many different options, but I could really use her expert help. 👍

[@poweroflove993]

OK. Got my attention❤😂❤😂

[@SKSK-rz7br]

Great words at the end there .... Love your channel and greetings from the UK

[@Frank-James]

That was a really well done video! Thank you for putting that together.

[@cyndiemilholland2471]

Great info Bob!! Your video cleared up a lot of my questions! Appreciate all you do! ❤

[@rvquiltquest7062]

lol You are so funny Bob!!! :)

[@joymacasieb9540]

Bob thank you you’re just awesome and I appreciate you😊

[@nancystrickland1623]

I have 2 -100 watts Goal Zero briefcase solar panels. The generator has run its course and no longer works. I want to buy a Bluette (170 or 200). Can I hook up the goal zero solar panels with a Bluette??? Goldie was funny! 😊☮️

[@infinitemuze]

Thank you, Bob. Another consideration should be the physical strength to lift or move a generator or batteries. As a petite woman (disabled as well), even though I'd like to get a generator, I just can't lift one. I understand there might be a generator on wheels, which would be a helpful. Right now, I have a 200 watt solar suitcase and a small Jackery, but need to upgrade to something to be able to power a fridge.

[@TheMaximumMinimalist]

Excellent, well researched review! I'd love to have the dual fuel generator as my backup to solar (430 watts) BUT I have no room for it 😟

[@teresaforsyth6185]

Well researched, well edited. Great sound.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Great vid! I’d like Goldilocks to compare 12 volt backpack AC units. Maybe someone will send you one when they read this!

[@jazziered142]

I had a battery bank, so I broke down and bought a 50 watt solar panel just in case. I live in an apartment, and it's basically if the electricity went out, I could keep my rechargeable fan and phone going. I also have a luci lamp.

[@seanwilson6521]

If you add the generator to the all in one plus fixed panels, that's a home run :

[@ShiryouOni]

Good info. I have also seen a lot of lanterns that are also powerbanks, could be a nice combo for certain situations.

[@faithrada]

That was a most helpful presentation. Thank You. 👍

[@pt4826]

Can also use duel fuel to charge solar power station. A bit more expensive but no panels needed.

[@OvertheEdge-07]

Love it Bob!

[@shaunhall960]

Thank you Bob!

[@jessiehead6525]

Thanks, Goldilocks!

[@markpatceg5582]

Please tell me where I can get a lifepo4 battery for $200. I haven't even found a 100ah at that price.

[@Tracy-en6ph]

Great video, hugely informative, thank you Bob

[@jonathanbmBen-Menachem]

One of the most important and informative video I have ever seen- Many thanks to Bob! . An important QUESTION for Bob: having the smallest compressor fridge of only 15 litres, can you recommend a good 12v battery without an investor (which makes the most power stations so expensive)? Will it be possible to run the fridge on 12V and save energy that is wasted by the investor? Your answer is very appreciated. Thanks in advance. Jonathan from Denmark.

[@pearljamin]

Thank you for all you do! I was dead set on solar but I really do not want to be dependent on the sun. Can you maybe mount the generator in a lock box on the outside of your rig? I’d hate someone to take it

[@mats77]

Haha, the additional humor should be a repeat here and there...lol

[@GBuds_RVremodel]

Amazon has raised dual fuel generators recently. 2000W is 627....nolonger 500 2500w is 1181.

[@lisamillard1272]

Bob what about heat with systems? Do batteries tolerate? Also portable bluetti tolerance, sometimes its brutally hot inside vehicles and our cells even shutdown

[@IvyRosethebus]

Brilliant, as usual. Thank you

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Bob it seems the older I get the younger you look 😊thanks Bob

[@LOWCUHHGONEWiLD]

Lol I thought Bob got a makeover lol 😂this is funny 🤣

[@CanadianMapleleaf]

Ok that freaked me out !

[@ramontoro]

Hello everybody,Something happens to Bob , but the information is interesting and educational, thanks Bob from Puerto Rico

[@tinamcclure7984]

I have a cpap and will need a small cooler for meds. No microwave, or fast cookers things of that nature. What size power bank is recommebded

[@brendakachelmeyer9282]

lol....great stuff. You go girl!

[@woggs1]

OMG, so funny!!!

[@jamesparmar4303]

Bob can u have a set up like we can plug into home n the van stays in the drive way

[@susananderson9619]

I've always thought there were way too many options in solar

[@spottheoddity]

Thank you

[@xiazou4103]

Great info and chart, thx u so much!

[@chrisallison9526]

And if I make my own solar do you know how much wats it puts out

[@SN-qu2gz]

That thumbnail is turning me on Bob

[@boltholeonabudget6526]

Do you need a special battery charger, to charge a lithium battery with a generator? Or does your average off the shelf battery charger work proper? Mine charges lead acid and maybe gel and says nothing about lithium.

[@MimisWorld77]

i freakin love you Mr Bob

[@livinginthenow]

Since I've decided to get a tent to use while dispersed camping, I don't worry about parking in the shade so much. So an installed solar system will do fine under most circumstances, and that bumps the score up to 50. The perfect system would have the generator too, of course. But that's not in the budget at the moment. Maybe someday...

[@newtuber4freedom43]

A noise comparison would help ... Generator "0" noisy & can not run in many places & some other places that let you run cut you off at 9 or 10 pm All others a "10" for peace & quiet

[@JonDewar]

This was Great! Thanks :)

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Your video cut short abruptly. A few problems with the highlighted bar on the chart being synchronized to what you were saying. Other than that this is a useful tool for figuring out what is best for someone's needs.

[@spaceprepper3657]

Thanks for the laugh 😅😅😊 God bless

[@libraspath473]

You got enough for a book! I'd be first in line.

[@CarolynAmerican100percent]

that was so funny Bob is a big meanie lol

[@huwphillips8542]

i believe our system is all 10's as we have an all electric kia EV6 with 3 years free charging. a 14 foot cargo trailer. we can plug the CTC into the car and run all wee need including AC for 4 to 5 days. once the car battery gets below 20% we just go and DC fast and charge it. CTC is all electric and also all 110 Volt. no 12V in the build at all.