Power Your Fridge and VAN Life for UNDER $500 - Here’s How!

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  • Опубліковано 14 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 163

  • @SumerWade
    @SumerWade День тому +37

    Bob is the best! You may not realize it sir but your impact is vast. You deserve all good things this world has to offer you.

  • @richardduke9788
    @richardduke9788 День тому +58

    Not sure about prices , but I have a 50 quart Bouge cooler , a pair of Bouge 150 watt solar panels , and a Licitti 280 amp batterry box that has been running 24 hrs for 2 weeks now . Some days are sunny , and some days are cloudy and rainy in Mississippi . I don't open and close the box frequently , but the battery stays charged up to 100% before noon every day .

    • @tinkering123
      @tinkering123 День тому +5

      Bob's always gave true advice
      I built a $1000 setup from his and other Quartzsiters advice and it's all still working well..only time will tell...

  • @Lee_Adamson_OCF
    @Lee_Adamson_OCF День тому +20

    I think the time to buy this stuff is now. Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with the idea of tariffs, I suspect that if/when those tariffs happen this stuff will get a lot more expensive until we figure out how to manufacture them domestically again.

    • @OutdoorLiving88
      @OutdoorLiving88 День тому

      Even if we can manufacture these products domestically, the prices will still be higher due to the recent increases in labor costs. Nobody can work for less than $20 an hour or they can't survive in this economy.

    • @thefpvlife7785
      @thefpvlife7785 19 годин тому

      Agree. I have my Amazon Black Friday folder on standby n will buy tons then.

    • @Bored1962
      @Bored1962 8 годин тому +2

      Plus when you have a million fired government employees moving into vans the price will go up

  • @20pawranch
    @20pawranch День тому +46

    Cody living his best life🤣❤️

    • @kays749
      @kays749 День тому +5

      He is always my favorite part.

  • @stphns1737
    @stphns1737 19 годин тому +1

    My BougeRV panel has been on top of my rig for over 3 years in every kind of weather and keeps on chugging. Totally love it. Thanks to your recommendation!

  • @OliviaDelphinene
    @OliviaDelphinene День тому +27

    I really appreciate your ability to make quality content. Your videos always stand out from the rest. Keep up the good work!🧢⌛️💻

  • @katherinemcilwain8025
    @katherinemcilwain8025 День тому +12

    Might want to buy before new tariffs...

    • @breakdownbill1
      @breakdownbill1 11 годин тому

      You will make a lot more money to cover any tariffs

  • @kristyb7981
    @kristyb7981 День тому +2

    Hi from Australia!
    I will be 40 next week and I've been following you for a little bit now as it's my dream to ultimately have a motorhome but in the meantime saving and planning on getting a van to start of with. Your videos have given me the confidence and knowledge on how to begin and build upon as I go along. Thank you so much for all you do to help people like me realise that I can do this!

  • @cpreovol
    @cpreovol День тому +5

    This is basically what I have done for my pickup truck but I only have 100w. Runs my 55 quart fridge indefinitely (well in sunny California anyway). I got a lifepo4 100ah battery for under $200

  • @jsso2845
    @jsso2845 День тому +21

    The size of those 100 W panels is nice and small, very appealing.Thank you, Bob

  • @JoeNightRider
    @JoeNightRider День тому +5

    In heating and cooling it all comes down to insulation. The more insulation the less power you need to heat or cool an area. You can add a cheap 12v peltier to a simple plastic cooler and then put the cooler in a 2 in rigid foam box and use a single 50 w panel and 100 ah battery with tiny 6 amp controller to keep it cool ..total less than 200 bucks

  • @kyststudio-epicartadventure
    @kyststudio-epicartadventure День тому +4

    I had all kinds of problems this summer trying to keep a fridge cold. I had 200w on the roof, with a junction, and a big power station. The power station took a 5mm jack but my solar wires had 8mm. It turned out that the jack adapter would not handle 200w without burning out. That took a long time to find out that it was the problem. I had to change my combined solar panels to two individual ones to go into the two input slots. I also changed the ends of the solar wires to be 5mm. Even then, could only keep the fridge cold when in full sun all day. All the camp sites were shaded. Very frustrating. A tiny layer of dust on the panels also interfered. So I learned to keep a squeegee with a long handle for that. Not sure it was worth having a fridge at all.

  • @VanityBitty
    @VanityBitty День тому +4

    Very helpful thank you! In your next video about this, can you go more into the ‘fuse’ part of it, like what would be needed “For Dummies”. And then a “For Dummies” on how you use that power in the battery that you just soaked up from the sun! Like inverter… etc.

  • @ronaldsahn9649
    @ronaldsahn9649 День тому +9

    I bought the dokio portable 200w solar kit has 2 hard 100w panels that are hinged together with a stand for around $150 and a delta 2 for around $500 on sale so can be about that cheap to run a fridge and have enough power to run a microwave or a water kettle.
    I bought 2 of these setups recently

  • @tumbleweed1976
    @tumbleweed1976 День тому +5

    Another straight forward option is to buy one 200 watt solar panel and an adapter from MC-4 connector into a portable power station.
    Solar panel $200 and power station $500. Ecoflow, Bluetti, Anker, etc.
    Yes it is a few dollars more but you can operate a 12v refrigerator and charge/operate other devices. You can even plug into a standard wall outlet if sun not shining for a stretch.

  • @janetkoball44
    @janetkoball44 21 годину тому +1

    Thanks Bob for your time and interest and concern for all about these subjects. We know you are honest and what to help all of us. See you on your next video.

  • @1GREATDANE
    @1GREATDANE День тому +5

    Black Friday Sales on REDODO 12 Volt 100ah Lithium Iron Phosphate with Low Temp Protection is $179.99 Shipped Free on Amazon - I Scored 2 for a Redodo 2000 Watt Inverter and 4 Eco Worthy 100 Watt BiFacial Solar Panels for My '74 Dodge Van Conversion - 🌴 Southern California High Desert 🌵 - Love Your Channel 🙌

  • @ralphwhittaker8229
    @ralphwhittaker8229 День тому +4

    Thank you for mentioning using fuses on panel, controller to battery.

    • @jwagnermail
      @jwagnermail День тому

      Yes, fuses are vital, and sometimes not emphasized enough. Another vital part of a solar system is bolting everything down to strong anchors inside the RV, so the battery doesn't fly up and hit you in an accident!

  • @markmitchell457
    @markmitchell457 День тому +7

    This is good stuff. Finally priced are dropping!
    Thanks for making this video.

  • @XfireKeenmike
    @XfireKeenmike День тому +3

    If and when I do van or car life I would use a huge Yeti cooler and my thing is restaurant metropolises to fuel my app delivery income symbiosis lifestyle. Appreciate everything you do man.

  • @oakshillelagh4339
    @oakshillelagh4339 День тому +6

    Bob,
    you did a great job explaining how to make up a small solar system
    👍

  • @CoViN88
    @CoViN88 День тому +3

    i bought two 280ah eco-worthy for my van. paid around 900 for them.

  • @ricardorivera6509
    @ricardorivera6509 День тому +5

    I live in Stockton CA. Is there a store you can recommend that installs solar panels and everything you need to have solar power? I need power to run my dog hair clippers and a mini fridge.
    I use a 2000 Predator generator to run my 10 btu air conditioner and air blower that circulates the air. I can lift the generator in and out of my box van but not anything heavier. I have an extra $1700.00 to spend. I am a part time mobile dog groomer working to supplement my SSI income. I have bad back pain from arthritis degeneration and lifting big dogs when I was younger. 75 years old now. I did the build myself watching all your videos. You are great! I hope I can come to one of your gatherings someday to show you what I did to make my work van liveable. I am not a handyman at all but I can use a saw and drill so I could build my own mobile grooming van. Buying a custom made van used in ok condition would cost 45k - 75 k with 100k miles plus. I don't need all the bells and whistles. Thank you for helping all the people you help.
    BTW, I've been doing mobile grooming in my van for 4 years traveling and meeting people in California and grooming their pets and am ready to re do my van again like so many people do. Thank you in advance for any suggestions. I can drive to any location within 100 miles of Stockton.give or take.
    I can't climb ladders due to poor balance after having covid and just not able to deal with any wires to install solar. Just not my thing I can do. My brain shuts off.

  • @jock308
    @jock308 День тому +5

    Doing out my son’s van soon be nice to see how you fuse the solar panel. Might be a future vid all the best

  • @eugottabekiddin3772
    @eugottabekiddin3772 День тому +13

    Thanks for this video Bob!

  • @indigowendigo8464
    @indigowendigo8464 День тому +2

    We use 2 200w bifacial panels plus mppt and 100ah LFP. Runs everything and always charged by 10am in the southwest. Probably spent about $700 because we got a top bougerv mppt. Works in rain and forest shade no worries

  • @Ms.Frankenbuilder
    @Ms.Frankenbuilder День тому +4

    Helpful video for someone starting out.

  • @richardnwilson
    @richardnwilson День тому +2

    Great video thank you. One thing you forgot though, in my opinion you should have a battery monitor of some kind. A good option for that is to buy a LFP battery with a battery monitor inside. Li Time offers a very reasonably priced100 AH LFP battery with internal monitor that you access through an app on your phone and it works great. Very simple and no extra wiring required.

  • @20pawranch
    @20pawranch День тому +22

    Beautiful backdrop !!

    • @rebeccamccurdy924
      @rebeccamccurdy924 День тому +1

      Backdrop? With the dog walking around the bushes? I hope you’re kidding.

    • @20pawranch
      @20pawranch День тому

      @ I realize it is a live backdrop, was merely commenting that it is beautiful. Get a life GF!

    • @rebeccamccurdy924
      @rebeccamccurdy924 День тому +2

      BOB!! Please feel free to test that set up on my van! ILL BE THE GUNNIE PIG! PLEASE

    • @PapagenoMF
      @PapagenoMF День тому +4

      @@rebeccamccurdy924 I hope you're kidding. The mountains behind him are stunning.

    • @rebeccamccurdy924
      @rebeccamccurdy924 День тому +1

      @@PapagenoMF You make me laugh.

  • @dfros1957
    @dfros1957 День тому +4

    Thank you Bob. Great information. This is going to help a lot of people. 🙂

  • @kenhurley4441
    @kenhurley4441 День тому +4

    Eco Worthy are a "cheap" battery. They're a wise investment that are inexpensive. ❤ your videos!

  • @eugeneschopen4867
    @eugeneschopen4867 День тому +3

    Yes thanks to you now Im doing it. Infact Im waiting today for my1000W solar panels to arrive and saterday my Buetti 200L should arrive. I dont really no what Im doing but I do no that for every ounce of Hope is a Pound of cure. No fault of yours at all, This is totally on me. And infact it drives me crazy when people put the blame on you for anything. Like they dont have a mind of there own.

  • @1FAST91SONOMA
    @1FAST91SONOMA День тому

    I bought a refurbished (same warranty as new) Ecoflow River Max+ for $260 years ago, and a pair of 100W rigid panels for $47 each. $354 for 720WH capacity, 600W inverter, 200W solar input limit, 100W USB-C output, and up to 660W AC charging for quick charges while you're near an AC power source. I have 3 of these power stations now as well as an add-on battery and they've all been working great for years. I even added a Delta Max and an extra battery for it. You ABSOLUTELY can get a power station to run your fridge and enough solar to keep it charged for under $400. 720WH will run my dual zone Alpicool for 2 days (and its not an incredibly efficient product) so even if you don't have perfect solar or any other input you should be able to get by despite a cloudy day. My final price here is just $20 ahead of yours without any knowledge necessary. Zero wiring. Simple plug and play. Is your system also lacking an inverter?

  • @rebeccamccurdy924
    @rebeccamccurdy924 День тому +11

    I’m disabled living in my van full time. I really need some help installing solar in my mobile apartment/van. I’m in Quartzsite, Arizona now. I have $500 to spend on materials on December first.

    • @sherrythomas3028
      @sherrythomas3028 День тому +4

      Keep an eye on sales. There's always sales going on now till the beginning of the year.

    • @jaystewart9947
      @jaystewart9947 День тому

      You’re in a good place for help. Ask around at different camps or businesses I’ll bet you can find someone there close

    • @jimnjele.bean-dayone3505
      @jimnjele.bean-dayone3505 День тому

      Waiting in Prescott for a battery to arrive. Will be in Quartzsite end of November if you still need help

    • @TinyHouseHomestead
      @TinyHouseHomestead День тому +1

      Hey, for legal reasons refer to your van as a "mobile home"! 😁👍👍🇺🇸

  • @Tommyjamesrb
    @Tommyjamesrb День тому +4

    I bought four 150amp hour metal case eco worthy batteries. The metal case opens so I can repair a cell replacement or a BMS myself down the road. I did a draw down test and all 4 are at or above 150 ah capacity. A friend of mine bought battle born 100 ah batteries about 6 years ago and one went bad. It looks like battle born is making it really hard to claim warranty so he gave up on battle born and went eco worthy for a 1/4 the cost. The market is changing..... but soon there will be tariff's on china batteries. Its possible all lithium might double in January 2025 !!!! So buy soon or pay more later......

  • @thetravelingkittens1393
    @thetravelingkittens1393 День тому +2

    Great timing as I may be in the market for this combo! Thanks!!

  • @asktheanimals
    @asktheanimals День тому +3

    Synchronistic timing. Thanks, Bob, Cody, & team❣️

  • @ktk2094
    @ktk2094 День тому +3

    Very helpful video. Thanks

  • @SandraShort-n9s
    @SandraShort-n9s День тому +2

    Thank you Bob 🎉😊❤

  • @outbackeddie
    @outbackeddie День тому +2

    Buying a kit is definitely the way to go. You will save yourself a lot of time, aggravation, and money by going with a kit. And fuses are a must. Fortunately, they are pretty cheap and easy to integrate into your system.

  • @roseport20001
    @roseport20001 День тому +1

    This is Great info. Thinking of having a small set up for power for when we get storms.

  • @Swimdeep
    @Swimdeep День тому

    You’re a good man Charlie Brown! Great tips for such a package deal☀️🔋⚡️

  • @spaceprepper3657
    @spaceprepper3657 День тому +4

    My batteries have dropped by half. Could've saved 800.00 if I waited a year😢. May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love 😊.

  • @ginnyleedays
    @ginnyleedays День тому +3

    Thank you for your video’s always helpful and affordable

  • @aprilbaxter2578
    @aprilbaxter2578 День тому +1

    Thanks, Bob!

  • @shirleyfrederickson4794
    @shirleyfrederickson4794 День тому +1

    That’s great Bob! Thanks!

  • @GK49245
    @GK49245 День тому +1

    Good review. Thanks.

  • @MJCarter-MnknLady
    @MJCarter-MnknLady День тому

    Thanks for all that you do!

  • @tmp6477
    @tmp6477 День тому +1

    Good job, appreciate the info

  • @blugnu1
    @blugnu1 19 годин тому

    Thank you, sir. This has answered all, but 1 of my questions. That being said, I have an extended roof made of fiber glass. Can you direct me to videos where I can learn how to put the solar panels on my roof without destroying the integrity and possibly causing leaks? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you, again for all of your education in living free in my vehicle.

  • @Itsmevictoire
    @Itsmevictoire День тому +2

    AWESOME VIDEO❗️
    LOVE,VIC🌻💖🌻

  • @Truthtoat
    @Truthtoat День тому +1

    Awesome stuff

  • @anitasimmons3599
    @anitasimmons3599 День тому +1

    Thank you, Bob, for another informative and entertaining video. I am going to have to see how much the battery weighs, but this might be the solution I have been looking for for my older class b van. Thank you again for creating your videos. Blessings.

    • @Fdt172
      @Fdt172 День тому

      I think that Battery was 24 pounds

  • @jaystewart9947
    @jaystewart9947 День тому +2

    Thanks Bob

  • @Lovelychaos1611
    @Lovelychaos1611 День тому +3

    Amazing....thank you for sharing

  • @vegasprepping1022
    @vegasprepping1022 День тому +1

    Thanks

  • @sandytthomas2667
    @sandytthomas2667 День тому +2

    Thank you. I need this❤

  • @robertaaugustini4091
    @robertaaugustini4091 День тому +1

    Thank you

  • @utsandstone
    @utsandstone День тому

    Well, for those cloudy days get yourself a 2000w watt generator and a 55 amp converter charger and charge back up in one or two hours. They say to limit to 55 or 60 amps. My converter charger draws 11 amps so your generator needs to be able to put out that or more.

  • @sbcplays
    @sbcplays День тому

    Thanks! How do you hook up the fridge to the battery?

  • @Stanpianoman-zs7gy
    @Stanpianoman-zs7gy День тому

    Thank you for sharing your wisdom

  • @MountainAjar
    @MountainAjar День тому +1

    Thank you always

  • @josephmorgan3715
    @josephmorgan3715 День тому +1

    Looking forward to the follow up!!!

  • @glennr9913
    @glennr9913 20 годин тому

    I can't believe how affordable batteries have become. I just purchased 4 x 12 volt 100 AH batteries for our golf cart for $130 each, including tax & shipping on eBay. As for buying a "name brand" goes, very few of the battery brands we see today were around 5 years ago. If nobody had purchased their batteries they wouldn't be here today. IMO, if these work the first 6 months they will most likely work fine for a long time.

  • @oscarverduzcojr.5687
    @oscarverduzcojr.5687 5 годин тому

    Great video Bob . If I wanted to operate a 21” tv what would I need ?

  • @elaineg4921
    @elaineg4921 День тому

    Thanks again Bob

  • @tinkering123
    @tinkering123 День тому

    Always good stuff....

  • @joemonahan2972
    @joemonahan2972 День тому +2

    Thank you!
    Joe from Townsend Delaware

  • @blueamenaa749
    @blueamenaa749 День тому +2

    Thank you.❤❤❤

  • @sandytthomas2667
    @sandytthomas2667 День тому +2

    Love you Bob ❤🎉🎉

  • @solarmeateater
    @solarmeateater День тому

    This is the channel that got me interested in solar several years ago, but I'm questioning the choice of panel. With BouveRV specifically, you can get the 200w 16bb multifacial panel for $239. Is there a reason to get 2 100w panels?

  • @brendagrantham4460
    @brendagrantham4460 День тому +1

    I see cody in the background!

  • @PeaceJourney...
    @PeaceJourney... День тому

    Bob, heres a heads up to the nomad community, the WHO is having a meeting about the upcoming H5N1 pandemic, the zoom meeting is 6a.m. November 14,
    Discussion is about containment, mitigating public risks, travel restriction, vaccination planning etc.

  • @PrivateAttorneyGeneral-rb7lc
    @PrivateAttorneyGeneral-rb7lc День тому

    Hi Bob, will you do a review on Massimo portable solar panels, 100, 200, 300 watts. Massimo is based out of Texas. I just bought its 300w portable panel but haven't opened it up yet after having my allpower 200w stolen with just about everything else I need as a nomad.. I had/have a EB3A. I contacted bluetti and it's a go on 300w panel to charge eb3a as long as voltage doesn't exceed 28volts. I.m slowly replacing all that has been stolen out of my vehicle and was so happy to learn i could charge eb3a with 300w. Please review. Thanks.

  • @calld2serve
    @calld2serve День тому

    I currently run solar as well as charge my batteries off of my alternator. These are lead acid batteries. I’m curious if I do put in the lithium do I have to add a DC to DC charger

    • @master_X_72
      @master_X_72 День тому

      Yes, lithium batteries have very low resistance and because of that your alternator will push full output and overheat.

  • @tripledragonfire
    @tripledragonfire День тому

    Please share a link to the fuses. Thank you!

  • @heidvsjekdndjdfjcc2837
    @heidvsjekdndjdfjcc2837 День тому +2

    Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to. Start saving, keep saving, and stick to investments.

  • @thefpvlife7785
    @thefpvlife7785 19 годин тому

    100a 12 v power queens as low as $165 with discounts. I purchased a few.

  • @joycewedel9084
    @joycewedel9084 8 годин тому

    What can I buy (watt amt) ONLY to use for 1 medium chest freezer in my home??? Ty

  • @tonyastokley5165
    @tonyastokley5165 День тому

    At this point with Black Friday these are 350$ for the kit at 150$ and the battery at 199$ ! So and please do a video on how to install a fuse box please! Ty Bob as always

  • @skipdippity
    @skipdippity День тому +4

    Hey Bob..!!

  • @wendyholzinger7266
    @wendyholzinger7266 День тому

    Bob im building my van and have solar components that ive bought alomg the way. Im afraid i messed up. First i got one bluetti 150 the another brand 12. A yeti goal zero power station and some of the controller parts a big marine grade battery. I have a e150 and a large new rv fridge with freezer. Im going to ne full time. Can i use any of this to put my power together?

  • @johnlundquist8855
    @johnlundquist8855 23 години тому

    Would you be able to post a wiring diagram with wire size for a small system with 60amp controller 2k watt inverter. Just want to run a dc fridge and charge phones. Thank you

  • @AbnRgrDocDad
    @AbnRgrDocDad 7 годин тому

    Thnx

  • @FeatherWolfGraphicDesign
    @FeatherWolfGraphicDesign День тому +1

    Having a big cooler that is a dual cooler it uses quite a bit if power so with my portable batteries it goes thru them quick. I keep no perishables very long but Id like to use it as it should be used. But I know I'll need to install solar (or have it installed) and maybe 400 wts just so I can use something else more often too as well as charge up my portables too. With my bad knees getting on ladders to install this myself is not practical or smart. This you tube tells me its possible in my price range to have this done. Id love to have cold drinks and ice and buy more perishables. Ive adapted but it would be nice. Great video to make it seem less daunting. Gee if my doge coin goes up any higher in price I could actually do this!😅

  • @dankeith6756
    @dankeith6756 День тому +2

    I just looked it up and That battery is $170 after $30 off coupon.

    • @dankeith6756
      @dankeith6756 День тому

      Thanks for the video. ECO-WORTHY 200 Watts Kit for $150 and the battery for $170 and you're down to $320. Not bad at all

  • @ronpeted
    @ronpeted 5 годин тому

    Nice!

  • @jpv6060
    @jpv6060 День тому

    Fuses to turn off?? I am new to solar use. Where and what do you get to turn the video system on and off?

  • @danitza02125
    @danitza02125 День тому

    Bob, Bob, Bob. How did you know I was looking for a solar panel kit?

  • @davea691
    @davea691 День тому

    Inverter for this system?

  • @man222-th9vy
    @man222-th9vy День тому

    Just get a delta 2 for low 400s and 300Wish panel off cl or fb marketplace for 70ish

  • @BurntHashbrowns
    @BurntHashbrowns День тому

    What about the inverter?

  • @WHIRLwind1923
    @WHIRLwind1923 День тому

    THANK YOU !!

  • @ramonalfaro3252
    @ramonalfaro3252 День тому

    Can this run a mini-split AC???

  • @stanbyme7874
    @stanbyme7874 День тому +1

    GZ 1500 $1700, Dometic fridge $1300, GZ suitcase solar $400🤦🏽‍♀️I bought all in 2018. Took 4 yrs off during lockdown. Wish I’d had a crystal ball 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • @MARKCANEER
    @MARKCANEER День тому +1

    Hi Bob, Great Video, Good Information 🙏👍🐕‍🦺

  • @phylbeeme2476
    @phylbeeme2476 4 години тому

    Did I miss the Inverter?

  • @richardholmes3381
    @richardholmes3381 День тому

    Jakery has complete systems on Amazon now, and under 500 dollars at 1000 watts.

  • @joycewedel9084
    @joycewedel9084 8 годин тому

    Why build when Amazon sells the 100 or 200 Watt power bank with a portable solar panel. ???

  • @jerrybeeler-nv9ut
    @jerrybeeler-nv9ut День тому

    my 4 lifepo4 batteries were like 179 a piece .