Hi, I have an ac200p, and to keep warm in an emergency I bought 4 large heating pads, which average about 25-35 watts each over time for 4 people to use. Plus some back-ups. I originally just had a 400w jump starter with the air pump and light, 2 USB connects and 2-110 ac outlets. It was below zero with a foot of snow and I used my heating pad in a camper and when I woke up I didn't even realize it was cold until I came out from under the covers, I didn't even have the heating pad on high it was on medium and I was super toasty, plus I plugged my 2 bulb 4 ft florescent light and powered it as well all on just a 400w car jump starter. So I recommend heating pads in an emergency and the ac200p will surely keep a number of people warm through the night and you could also put it under your coat if need be through the day also, in an emergency even extended periods, as long as you can charge it, which I have more solar panels then needed as in winter you get less sun and can support more panels. Another tip is to install a separate 30amp female cigarette lighter outlet, then get at least a 500 watt inverter that plugs into your newly installed 30amp outlet and you can use your 500w charger in your vehicle to charge your Bluetti while you drive or while stationary at home or elsewhere. You can also then use your 500w inverter plugged into your bluetti and use your power more efficiently as the inverter installed uses more power just being turned on. The 30amp lighter socket kit I installed runs directly to the battery had 12 ft of wire and a 30a fuse holder and a few replacement fuses. The wire has a velcro strap and I just used the strap to hold the extra wire under my dash and if need be I can run it to the back seat or outside the car to use. The inverter route is a lot cheaper than a generator and requires a lot less maintenance, plus its quiet compared to a gas generator. A car idling uses about the same amount of gas a a generator. On the inverter but a metal not plastic one, the plastic can and will melt, I know from experience, plus you want to make sure its at least 500 watts continuous 1000 watt surge, a lot of the smaller ones will say 500 watts but will be 250w continuous and 500w surge, you can even if you buy another charger and adapter charge your bluetti with two 500w chargers at the same time and you would need at least a 1000w continuous 2000w surge to do this and and most vehicles will support this, but i would only use it if your parked not using a lot of other power sources like headlight off. You would want to make sure your alternator is a 90amp which will give you 1080 watts or power and you will use 800-850 watts for your two chargers and gives you a few hundred watts extra for heater and radio while you wait. P.S. Here is a link to the hook up if you decide to go that route, listing two I got the first one, but found one under $20.00, and second link is one you can mount in a panel or dash for $15.00: www.amazon.ca/YCIND-Terminal-Cigarette-Heavy-Duty-CAE2F-B1/dp/B07KR6WKD5/ref=pd_day0fbt_sccl_1/135-7823953-6875743?pd_rd_w=7D3HN&content-id=amzn1.sym.e82ca4ac-a045-4a62-acd9-dbf98697b10e&pf_rd_p=e82ca4ac-a045-4a62-acd9-dbf98697b10e&pf_rd_r=5MY7PJEPJ2872DPBKFJX&pd_rd_wg=YVk1L&pd_rd_r=34939cbc-8c84-4d72-b60a-2241fe3eb14a&pd_rd_i=B07K32TG4X&th=1 Link2: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07WF6ZKFZ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07WF6ZKFZ&pd_rd_w=bn83W&content-id=amzn1.sym.88a70737-8341-4e83-b43f-2849bf84234d&pf_rd_p=88a70737-8341-4e83-b43f-2849bf84234d&pf_rd_r=258Q877X60PAJ2SF8TY6&pd_rd_wg=f0Jpu&pd_rd_r=a9052c19-6628-4f03-bbd1-7c905c27edbe&s=wireless&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSk1IWVQyNUxUVzQ4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzUxMjI5MUNYTUlTRjA2OU5GQyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjkzMzc3MUU3SEc4N1VHSDhNUSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
For power I went with an MPP all-in-one inverter/charger (etc) rated at 3000w with a 100Ah 24v LFP (2650w) battery and have space for another battery. 395w of solar array. Honestly, I knew better than expect electric heater to be a viable option, but still might carry one if shore power is available or when I might have to run the generator. So, I installed a 5000BTU Chinese diesel heater. My camper is a Harker EDC, which is basically a hard top tent... sides and back canvas. It was 40F outside. For 2 nights ran the heater low, resulting in 60F up in the bed platform; 68F down below. Used a skosh over a gallon of fuel. I learned that if I put in in Alpine mode, it will use less, of course, producing less heat. So, it will be used when quite cold or to take the chill off in the AM. The heater needs 12v (via a converter); it uses 120w on startup and about 20w to maintain. Thanks for the video.
My preference would have definitely been to piece it out using separate components like you did…I just ran out of space and went the all in on route because I didn’t want to redesign. I also would have loved to had installed a diesel heater, but wasn’t real familiar with them when I built it. Sounds like your setup is awesome! Hope you get many years of enjoyment out of it!
@@WhentheDustSettles You packed a lot in less space that I have. Your's is still the best shell camper I have ever seen and if I had seen it first, I wouldn't have gone with a wedge camper
I use an Olympian catalytic heater, I have used it in 3 topper builds since 1992. I use a VW vanagon propane tank bolted under the truck. I use a hack to allow me to turn down the heater to an estimated 400 btu's to avoid overheating in my topper -- which is insulated with 2" of styrofoam.
To everyone who is relying on propane or diesel to heat, when they shut off the supply you will freeze. Solar is the only way you will be self reliant. We need a heater that will run on it. So far the best one I have seen is a ceramic heater, for short intervals with an electric heating pad or blanket throughout the night.
You need a mini oil radiator heater 800W, set to low setting 400W. You then need timers, set timing to 30 min on and 15 min off. in a hour the heater only ran 45 min, you would consume 300W in a hour.. Oil radiator heater is a much powerful long lasting heat that is similar to fire heat caused from the burning of oil inside the casing, the heater is hot till you cannot touch and the heat is coming from all over front, top, sides back.
So in the end, when it comes to staying warm while living in a van, school bus or whatever, an electric heater will never happen. You either have a wooden stove or a buddy heater. Have you tried an Instafire?
Solar generators are just not that great at powering 1500-watt heaters. if you are going to live in your van prob a good idea to invest in a Propane Catalytic Heater.
God Speed! and on to the next one...
Haha…the algorithm loves that! Godspeed!
Hi, I have an ac200p, and to keep warm in an emergency I bought 4 large heating pads, which average about 25-35 watts each over time for 4 people to use. Plus some back-ups.
I originally just had a 400w jump starter with the air pump and light, 2 USB connects and 2-110 ac outlets. It was below zero with a foot of snow and I used my heating pad in a camper and when I woke up I didn't even realize it was cold until I came out from under the covers, I didn't even have the heating pad on high it was on medium and I was super toasty, plus I plugged my 2 bulb 4 ft florescent light and powered it as well all on just a 400w car jump starter.
So I recommend heating pads in an emergency and the ac200p will surely keep a number of people warm through the night and you could also put it under your coat if need be through the day also, in an emergency even extended periods, as long as you can charge it, which I have more solar panels then needed as in winter you get less sun and can support more panels.
Another tip is to install a separate 30amp female cigarette lighter outlet, then get at least a 500 watt inverter that plugs into your newly installed 30amp outlet and you can use your 500w charger in your vehicle to charge your Bluetti while you drive or while stationary at home or elsewhere. You can also then use your 500w inverter plugged into your bluetti and use your power more efficiently as the inverter installed uses more power just being turned on.
The 30amp lighter socket kit I installed runs directly to the battery had 12 ft of wire and a 30a fuse holder and a few replacement fuses. The wire has a velcro strap and I just used the strap to hold the extra wire under my dash and if need be I can run it to the back seat or outside the car to use.
The inverter route is a lot cheaper than a generator and requires a lot less maintenance, plus its quiet compared to a gas generator. A car idling uses about the same amount of gas a a generator.
On the inverter but a metal not plastic one, the plastic can and will melt, I know from experience, plus you want to make sure its at least 500 watts continuous 1000 watt surge, a lot of the smaller ones will say 500 watts but will be 250w continuous and 500w surge, you can even if you buy another charger and adapter charge your bluetti with two 500w chargers at the same time and you would need at least a 1000w continuous 2000w surge to do this and and most vehicles will support this, but i would only use it if your parked not using a lot of other power sources like headlight off. You would want to make sure your alternator is a 90amp which will give you 1080 watts or power and you will use 800-850 watts for your two chargers and gives you a few hundred watts extra for heater and radio while you wait.
P.S.
Here is a link to the hook up if you decide to go that route, listing two I got the first one, but found one under $20.00, and second link is one you can mount in a panel or dash for $15.00:
www.amazon.ca/YCIND-Terminal-Cigarette-Heavy-Duty-CAE2F-B1/dp/B07KR6WKD5/ref=pd_day0fbt_sccl_1/135-7823953-6875743?pd_rd_w=7D3HN&content-id=amzn1.sym.e82ca4ac-a045-4a62-acd9-dbf98697b10e&pf_rd_p=e82ca4ac-a045-4a62-acd9-dbf98697b10e&pf_rd_r=5MY7PJEPJ2872DPBKFJX&pd_rd_wg=YVk1L&pd_rd_r=34939cbc-8c84-4d72-b60a-2241fe3eb14a&pd_rd_i=B07K32TG4X&th=1
Link2: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07WF6ZKFZ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07WF6ZKFZ&pd_rd_w=bn83W&content-id=amzn1.sym.88a70737-8341-4e83-b43f-2849bf84234d&pf_rd_p=88a70737-8341-4e83-b43f-2849bf84234d&pf_rd_r=258Q877X60PAJ2SF8TY6&pd_rd_wg=f0Jpu&pd_rd_r=a9052c19-6628-4f03-bbd1-7c905c27edbe&s=wireless&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSk1IWVQyNUxUVzQ4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzUxMjI5MUNYTUlTRjA2OU5GQyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjkzMzc3MUU3SEc4N1VHSDhNUSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Wow…thanks for all of the valuable information! Heating pads are a great idea…I’ll have to try them!
For power I went with an MPP all-in-one inverter/charger (etc) rated at 3000w with a 100Ah 24v LFP (2650w) battery and have space for another battery. 395w of solar array. Honestly, I knew better than expect electric heater to be a viable option, but still might carry one if shore power is available or when I might have to run the generator. So, I installed a 5000BTU Chinese diesel heater. My camper is a Harker EDC, which is basically a hard top tent... sides and back canvas. It was 40F outside. For 2 nights ran the heater low, resulting in 60F up in the bed platform; 68F down below. Used a skosh over a gallon of fuel. I learned that if I put in in Alpine mode, it will use less, of course, producing less heat. So, it will be used when quite cold or to take the chill off in the AM. The heater needs 12v (via a converter); it uses 120w on startup and about 20w to maintain. Thanks for the video.
My preference would have definitely been to piece it out using separate components like you did…I just ran out of space and went the all in on route because I didn’t want to redesign. I also would have loved to had installed a diesel heater, but wasn’t real familiar with them when I built it. Sounds like your setup is awesome! Hope you get many years of enjoyment out of it!
@@WhentheDustSettles You packed a lot in less space that I have. Your's is still the best shell camper I have ever seen and if I had seen it first, I wouldn't have gone with a wedge camper
I'm homeless..sleep in my truck and need a way to power my space heater
Install a diesel heater. You can plumb it directly to you trucks fuel tank.
Thanks for these videos; very helpful and informative. Appreciatinya!
My pleasure…glad you find them helpful!
Great test thank you
I use an Olympian catalytic heater, I have used it in 3 topper builds since 1992. I use a VW vanagon propane tank bolted under the truck. I use a hack to allow me to turn down the heater to an estimated 400 btu's to avoid overheating in my topper -- which is insulated with 2" of styrofoam.
You my friend, may have one of the best heaters (We have an Olympia Wave 8). Cheers.
How do you turn down the heater??
To everyone who is relying on propane or diesel to heat, when they shut off the supply you will freeze. Solar is the only way you will be self reliant. We need a heater that will run on it. So far the best one I have seen is a ceramic heater, for short intervals with an electric heating pad or blanket throughout the night.
Can you please show how you made those snap on button connections for your back curtains.😊
Thanks for the videos
You need a mini oil radiator heater 800W, set to low setting 400W. You then need timers, set timing to 30 min on and 15 min off. in a hour the heater only ran 45 min, you would consume 300W in a hour.. Oil radiator heater is a much powerful long lasting heat that is similar to fire heat caused from the burning of oil inside the casing, the heater is hot till you cannot touch and the heat is coming from all over front, top, sides back.
Holy you used a razor !
Haha…the things I do for my wife! 😉😆
So in the end, when it comes to staying warm while living in a van, school bus or whatever, an electric heater will never happen. You either have a wooden stove or a buddy heater. Have you tried an Instafire?
I’ve considered a diesel heater mounted outside…will have to check out the Instafire!
Or an Olympian Wave 3 - far superior to a Buddy heater.
Solar generators are just not that great at powering 1500-watt heaters. if you are going to live in your van prob a good idea to invest in a Propane Catalytic Heater.
What do you use to stay cool?
A Diesel heater is far superior heat choice for campers, 1Gallon of Diesel could heat that space 3 Days running for 20 hours each Day
I argue that a catalytic heater is best. Cheers.