Powering My New Van With a Bluetti AC200MAXPower Station!

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  • Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
  • So many people want to know this... is it possible to power my entire van off a power station? The answer is.... Watch to find out!
    With some many power stations on the market, such as the Bluetti AC200MAX, people are constantly wondering, is it possible to power my van without buying all the separate parts... well, it is possible, as long as you have the right power station.
    I have been using this power station now for 4 months straight and its fair to say I have tested fully as a power station but also I have no started to build it into my new camper van. Am I happy? Yes, Absolutely, this bit of kit is an absolute weapon when it comes to power, it has enough ports to charge and power everything you need from a LED light to a hairdryer or even your oven!
    I am really keen to hear your thoughts on this, have you bought one yet? Or are you considering one? Let me know in the comments!
    Click here to view / buy these items
    1. AC200MAX: bit.ly/3S2GyRf
    2. PV350: bit.ly/3MwOzgb
    With the following link: BLUETTITRAVEL you will be able to get £80 OFF on purchases over £500
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    ABOUT
    "Travel with Gary and Amika"
    Welcome to the Official Travel with Gary and Amika UA-cam Channel, a father daughter combo capturing camper van style travel vlogs in and around the mountains, beaches, campsites and wild camping fully off grid.
    Gary is dedicated to his daughters future and enjoys documenting her passion for life, which is apparent through Amikas constant giggling and smiles. He is well travelled having visited some 39 countries, however this quickly became difficult to continue when Amika was born. With his love for travel he wasn't going to let being a single father tie him down. When Amika was just 5 they jumped on a plane and backpacked around Romania and have since visited France and Spain twice exploring the Pyrenees mountain range.
    In January 2022 Gary bought on old builders van and converted into a fully off grid tiny home on wheels with the aim of getting out and about as much as possible to see more of the world. UA-cam seemed the perfect way to documented these travels and to take a step into the world of becoming a digital nomad.
    Gary and Amika both thank you for being here and hope that through their videos they can bring you a sense of adventure, a lots of laughter and with a clear message that you should never grow up and never take life too seriously!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 63

  • @JavaWalkerWorld
    @JavaWalkerWorld 7 днів тому

    Great video. Please do another explaining more. Or, explaining the topic differently. Would be fun. For slow learners like me. I don't understand electrical stuff. And, to be honest, I just want to plug things in. We're building out a van now, and hope to plug things in directly. Hope it works for us. If so, we'll do a video with a thumbnail titled... Van Electrics for idiots or idiot proof. And, if it doesn't work... we'll do a video titled... Van Electrics, where we went wrong. 🤪.
    Thanks for the great content.

  • @Witteringtrucker
    @Witteringtrucker Рік тому +8

    Hey buddy. A quick suggestion. Why not fit a 4 pin relay between your van battery and the inverter you've fitted to charge the Bluetti. Then use a switched live from the ignition to activate the relay. You'll never risk flattening the starter battery then.

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      Hi there, this is what I'm thinking however I have absolutely no idea how to do that. Probably one for a van build event or visit a friend for the day who knows what they are doing. Or is it easy to do?

    • @Witteringtrucker
      @Witteringtrucker Рік тому

      Where are you based bud? Possibly meet up and give you a hand.

  • @LeisureBit
    @LeisureBit Рік тому +1

    Great review and explanation Gary, looks like the van is coming along really well too.
    It’s a great solution as an all In one and saves the complexity of wiring a dedicated component system - one benefit too is if there’s a future upgrade you and just swap it out too - plug-in and play!
    You’re all set up with that - I’m sure Amika will be delighted with her hair dryer working off grid and of course your coffee machine ☕️
    All the best, David & Rachel 👍

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      Thanks David, means a lot from you. Its a grand but of kit, really happy with it overall. She's already finding use for the sockets haha

  • @weekend_wanderers
    @weekend_wanderers Рік тому +1

    Thank you!! This is very helpful. We are off to the NEC show so hoping to have a look at all the powerbank options!

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      Hi Sarah, thanks. Yeah take a look at them and have a good play about. Really great bits of kit

  • @kkrispy2009P
    @kkrispy2009P Рік тому

    Well done on 3.8k subs both lovely products reviews and nice equipment

  • @Yvonneb_
    @Yvonneb_ Рік тому +1

    Great video as always xx

  • @Lou_Sylw_Bulgarian_Rescue_Dogs

    Nice one Gary. Those reviews aren't easy to do but you did a great job. Our Bluetti Eb70 and 200w Solar Panel are brilliant. We are really pleased with them. Hope to get a review up in the next week. We use ours for charging phones/laptops and general electrics. We have also added a TV to the fold which only draws about 15/16w. So really pleased with it! 👍

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      Awesome. Glad it's working well for you guys.
      I'm on Arran at the moment and I'm loving how this single unit runs everything I need. Absolutely no need for lots of independant bits for me. Brilliant kit

  • @tewster2
    @tewster2 Рік тому +1

    Very nice! As technology advances more and more will be powering everything with all in one units that combine power storage, inverters, and multiple outlets. Mabey mounting solar panels on the roof of the van with a connection to plug in your Bluetti would be convenient also to save having to set up the panels on the ground.

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      Yeah it's fantastic how it's changing for us now. I actually have 2x200w panels on the roof already, probably wasn't clear enough in the video but you can see the cables to the right hand side of the bluetti unit. Dc to dc is important to me as I'm going to the artic circle over winter, ain't much sun there 😂😂
      Have you got a power station?

  • @dna_camperventures7059
    @dna_camperventures7059 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for a great video we will soon be embarking on our own van build and was struggling to find anything on how you would incorporate a power bank into the van build the electrics is the part of the van build that scares me the most and this has just made me a bit less scared of it keep up the good work 👍

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      It's a very good option. I now understand wuabtim doing but not fully, so this option is a safe best for me. It looks nearer also 😁

  • @markding2072
    @markding2072 Рік тому +1

    Thanks Gary, Nice info there for me! I am a Radio Amateur and am thinking about going down the solar/batteries type of route in the radio room so as to keep it isolated from the house electrical system. Will have to do some research ti find out whether the unit itself is noisy on the radio spectrum but given some good ideas.

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      You're welcome Mark, I hope while the video is not exactly technical, you at least found it useful. I don't think you will get any interference, but you could always enclose it behind some cellotext insualtion boards to reflect any noise I guess. Do keep me updated, sounds like a great project!!!

  • @cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739
    @cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739 6 місяців тому +1

    Perfect.

  • @michaelwheatland4565
    @michaelwheatland4565 Рік тому +2

    Your going to need a damm good lock on the van, this stuff is valuable and there are a lot of thieving jackals out there. Having said that I’m going down the same route the less time I’m plugged into the grid the better, might be expensive at the outset but independence don’t come cheap but worth it in my view.

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому

      I don't worry too much about that sort of stuff, it can all be replaced. Defo do it, you will love it

    • @michaelwheatland4565
      @michaelwheatland4565 Рік тому

      @@TravelwithGaryandAmika good attitude actually, I think we are being scared into parting with are money.

  • @asaandthemarchharepart267
    @asaandthemarchharepart267 Рік тому +1

    Brilliant one Gary. Looking at running my small van like this too. Looking at Bluetti, Ecoflow, Anker for around £600 including the solar. Looked at Eden Lotus and Enginstar as a cheaper option or backup as are around £350 with solar. I won't be needing much power, only recharging and heater for extreme cold only haha

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      I think they all do the same think mate to be honest. Go with what gives you the best value I'd say

    • @asaandthemarchharepart267
      @asaandthemarchharepart267 Рік тому

      @@TravelwithGaryandAmika Ecoflow bringing new one any day now so getting that one. They had to respond to the new bluetti. Mind you that and the rest will be updated in 4 months, new designs come out every few months.

  • @AdrenalineWings
    @AdrenalineWings Рік тому +1

    I like the idea of electric shower. What one did you go for ?

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  11 місяців тому

      hi mate, I bought a Propex electric water boiler and then used a water pump to pressurise it and then a pushbutton showerhead 🙌

  • @Rajan22102
    @Rajan22102 2 місяці тому

    Can you make a video explain the dc charging step by step

  • @ShannonLawford
    @ShannonLawford 7 місяців тому +2

    I’m just about to install an inverter to charge my power station whilst driving too, did you put any fuses in the wiring or just hook the positive and negative of the inverter straight to the van battery?

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  7 місяців тому +1

      Hiya. I put a relay between the van battery and inverter and used a fuse port that only goes live when the ignition turns on. That removes the need to turn it on and off (and removes the risk of forgetting to turn the inverter off and running your van battery dead). Hope this helps 😊

  • @walker2508
    @walker2508 Рік тому +1

    Do you have a video on how you set up your wiring to the Bluettie and the DC TO DC charging? or, do you know of any other video's that show you how to do it?

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому

      Hi there, no, but it's a question I have been asked before so I will make a video on it soon for you! I just need to add relay to the setup then it's it's gold! Give me a few weeks 😊👍

    • @lrossism
      @lrossism Рік тому

      I would also like this!! 😂

    • @lrossism
      @lrossism Рік тому

      I would also like this!! 😂

  • @jarrethoney2905
    @jarrethoney2905 Місяць тому +1

    Have you considered switching to a 12v fridge

  • @manondeslauriers2645
    @manondeslauriers2645 Рік тому +1

    thanks for all the info about the Bluetti. I already have a Victron system installed but I have question regarding the water heater. I keep mine on all the time thinking it would take more power to reheat the water in it than if I keep it on all the time. Am I wrong? I I do not like the idea of sitting water cooling down anf favouring the growth of nasty bacteria such as Legionella. What are your thoughts or anybody else out there?

  • @clarkspiemuncher24
    @clarkspiemuncher24 10 місяців тому +1

    There is a way to charge that unit from a b2b while driving via the solar port input

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  10 місяців тому

      Yep. I had a 500w inverter running from the van battery on start up. 240 plug tyst comes with the power station is plugged unit that. 450w while driving ☺️

  • @josephbruce5080
    @josephbruce5080 Рік тому +1

    I did notice that the LCD display is hard to read. It would be a problem if I use it in broad daylight.

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому

      Hi Joseph. Probably just the camera and how ti's coming across on film, it's bright enough and has the ability to go brighter if you desire. I've used it on this setting in Germany over the summer and never had an issue. Hope this helps 😊

  • @MethosFilms
    @MethosFilms 4 місяці тому +1

    Get a 12 volt fridge.iit will save u alot in power

  • @mayclesyrup7348
    @mayclesyrup7348 8 місяців тому +1

    I'm curious if anyone has ever used one of these with a 500w or 1000w heater and could give insight into how much they would drain the battery if used say inside of a van like this or camping etc.

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  7 місяців тому

      Hiya sorry I missed this. In theory this would work. You would have a few hours run time only though at 1000w

  • @shirleyboy8859
    @shirleyboy8859 Рік тому +1

    Great vid Garry.... Not good with Electricity, You can`t see it, You can`t smell it, and it can Kill you!! I melted a 13 mm Snap on spanner on a battery!!! By the way.... Is it powerful enough to recharge your new Girl Friend??? :-))

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      If your going to take the Michael, at least spell my name right, and don't even think about blaming my mother!
      *plugs in girlfriend*

    • @shirleyboy8859
      @shirleyboy8859 Рік тому +1

      @@TravelwithGaryandAmika Sorry I have a sticky Keyboard..... (Don`t ask)... Following our conversation last night....anyway it`s "Plug in" lol...... :-))))

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +1

      Crying with laughter here 😂😂😂😂😂

    • @shirleyboy8859
      @shirleyboy8859 Рік тому

      @@TravelwithGaryandAmika Me too... :-))

  • @dalemayer9457
    @dalemayer9457 Рік тому

    I don't think that Bluetti would actually fit in real well in my RV. It is quite big and bulky.

  • @mrswelsh2467
    @mrswelsh2467 Рік тому +1

    Check you out smarty pants 🙌🏼 ⚡️

  • @blackarmouredbeast1989
    @blackarmouredbeast1989 Рік тому +1

    Buy solar panels.

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому +2

      More? 😅
      I've already got 2x200w for the van and 2x 350w portable 👀

    • @blackarmouredbeast1989
      @blackarmouredbeast1989 Рік тому +1

      Air con , fan & two rv windows ?

    • @TravelwithGaryandAmika
      @TravelwithGaryandAmika  Рік тому

      @@blackarmouredbeast1989 fan, no windows. 360 CCTV and monitor 😎

    • @blackarmouredbeast1989
      @blackarmouredbeast1989 Рік тому

      If no aircon & windows , hot and no air breath when you will reach the world ( Asian , Morocco, Mongolia & countires) from your town.