Yet another great product[s] review! I run a very similar set up in my Land Cruiser, however with an ARB 50QT off of the Yeti 1000. I've been noodling over the rigid Boulder 1000 to mount to my FRO rack, or the briefcase for mobility for weeks, and just stumbled on this review for the briefcase. Not only was the review super helpful, between this and the Roadhouse Tarp review, being able to see your camp set up sold me on the briefcase. Just wanted to say, keep up these awesome reviews!
Only got about 110w maximum from (2) 100w solar panels because the PWM is so inefficient. Used same panels with mppt controller and deep cycle battery and got about 170 watts under the same conditions.
biblesnbarbells I've heard great things about the Dometic. Just finished second trip with the Goal Zero and very happy. Probably would buy the 1250 or 1400 if I had to do over again, but the panels keep me mostly charged. Let me know how it works.
I am using the 1000 for my Dometic CF40 ... so far, at half full, the Dometic drains about 20% of my GX each night and the 60W or 200W (I have both) solar charges back up to 100% each day.
how is charging while having the fridge plugged in ? i just picked up the goal Zero 400 and didn't really see anywhere where it shows charging while in use. thanks
I wonder why GZ decided to have the panels facing out when in briefcase configuration. My purpose for looking at the briefcase version was for protecting the panels during transportation on my trips.
I have often thought the same thing. I believe its probably to keep the legs and wires inside rather than outside of the case. I was very concerned about cracking or damaging the panel particularly since the case is not padded. We just got back from a weekend trip and while I take care to strap the briefcase down to keep it from banging around, it seems pretty tough. I must say that having the panel and a long cord have really keep the Goal Zero Lithium topped off with no worries about plenty of power for the refrigerator, phones, camera batteries, iPads, lights and all the other powered devices. Thank you for stopping by!
Chris Shaw yes I live in San Diego. I did install the mppt unit sometime ago with great results. Going to post a long term video soon but highly recommend the mppt.
I have a pretty serious sleeping bag so no. I think the GZ should be able to handle it, of course you would have to have the inverter on. Not sure how many watts a heated blanket would pull.
I have charged a 12 Volt Electric Blanket with my Yeti 400. I do have and older model Yeti 350 power pack chained to it but it is basically just a extra batter with no inverter but that is what I wanted it for and got such a good deal and it matched as in the case and exact battery and GZ makes a heavy duty chaining connector not long but only I only needed a foot. It does not increase the inverter which is still about 300 but the power last twice as long and the good part is it drains both batteries at the same level. You could technically let one go down and plug in the other but that is not good for the life of the battery, In lead battery you really do not want to get it below 40% on a regular basis. So the 1400 Lithium would charge a electric blanket even a 110 volt but if you go with DC appliances as back up you get a lot more you can run. I use GZ Lights just one which draws 3 amp will light up one bedroom. I have another with a longer cable that I move to another room. I use the inverter to power only 12 volt products except my laptop and then it is used sparingly just for news. I have an old 100 Watt I used for the modem. I turn it off when I turn off the modem. I can charge either one with my Generator or with Solar Panels I have two of the old model Boulder Briefcase 30 Watt Panels and a combiner cord as well. I also keep the Yeti 400 charged and the extra Battery charged via the same type charger each has it own charger so they are always charged. If you want a less expensive go with the Lithium 1000. It has the same inverter as the 1400 so it also puts out 1400 watts. It just does not have as much battery life. I assume the Yeti 1400 has a larger Lithium battery or maybe two of them. It is about $500 cheaper for the same power. It will charge faster but it will also drain faster. The Yeti 1250 does not have a MPPT charge controller so definitely go with the Lithium 1000 or pay the extra for the 1400.
I’m totally lost in this solar stuff. So if I buy this and roof panels the. put in a fantastic fan and plug it into yeti is that all I would need to make it work or do I need to buy load of other stuff too?
One of the reasons I went with Goal Zero is the components all work together and everything you need is built-in. This is more expensive but worth it in my mind. As long as whatever you are plugging in does not exceed the Goal Zero Yeti you will be fine - simple plug and play.
at Joe Taylor - no of course not you don't use alot of power for that, you can power a 12 cup coffee maker with a Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC and a Boulder 50 solar panel, you can make coffee out in the out doors with a electric coffee maker. You can buy these Boulder 50 solar panels and Sherpa 100 AC's from Best Buy. If they don't have them in stock you can put in a order for them and best buy will deliver them to you home straight from the Goal Zero factory. Yetis are Hugh battery you can use those to power a refrigerator or a freezer.
The lithium inverter batteries will NOT run 12VDC refrigerator / freezers...…. I just got the Yeti1000 and am so disappointed I could scream. I needed 12VDC to keep the discharge rate down for camping and it doesn't even power on the lights, AC works fine but only for 14 hrs. Goal Zero says its working on the problem AHHHHHHHHHH, working the problem after I just dropped $1100 on this thing. I have the Dometic 95 dual zone which was one of the top rated dual zones you can get. WTF!!!!!! Plugged it into my jeep and it ran fine. Goal Zero needs to fix this ASAP and send that fix free of charge to customers NOW!!!!
It runs my 12 volt Engel just fine. From my limited understanding Lithium batteries fully charged don’t run at a full 12 volts. The Engel is very efficient and has shut off protection if the voltage level drops too low. I’ve run the Engel and lights in the Yeti down to around 30% with no issues. I’m sorry you’re having issues, sounds as if it’s the Goal Zero unit or maybe the Fridge requires higher voltage.
Ward Phelps there was another video where a guy had the same problem with the yeti 1000 and dc for his fridge. He called goal zero and they told him it was the yeti 1000 and he needed a new/different dc cable, which they sent out to him in 3 days. it worked fine after that for him. If you need the video I will look it up for you..
The reason why some compressor coolers do not work is that Li-ion cells have full voltage of 4.2 and an empty og 3 V. Having 4 cells in series gives 16.8V, which is obove the 15V automotive equipment have as max voltage. So they have to use 3 cells in series. 3 cells gives a battery voltage between 9V and 12.6 V. This low voltage of the battery messes up the battery protection devices that are built inn inn high end coolers. In addition, some people have had problems with the CLR, the positive pole in the female receptacle is surrounded by a ring of insulation. On some devices the positive pin of the male plug is to thick to make contact. The solution for the last one is to connect a fused female sigarett lighter receptacle to an Anderson connector.
I'm running the GZ YETI 1000 with GZ BOULDER 200 SOLAR PANEL BRIEFCASE I ordered online from GZ direct as open box and saved a bundle everything under $1,300 andI'm using a Dometic CFX-65W.
They have a lot of stuff built into this which is fine for a starting unit but what if you want just basic battery additional to hook up? I certainly don't want to buy a second one of these as it stands.... Over priced panels...
Excellent video sir. You sold me on it I just bought it all. Also, awesome camping spot, I've camped there myself!
Yet another great product[s] review! I run a very similar set up in my Land Cruiser, however with an ARB 50QT off of the Yeti 1000. I've been noodling over the rigid Boulder 1000 to mount to my FRO rack, or the briefcase for mobility for weeks, and just stumbled on this review for the briefcase. Not only was the review super helpful, between this and the Roadhouse Tarp review, being able to see your camp set up sold me on the briefcase. Just wanted to say, keep up these awesome reviews!
In the beginning you mentioned 8 ohm input. I believe you meant 8 mm. That’s the size of the connector.
Goal Zero now makes an MPPT solar optimization module for their Yeti Lithium generators that can enhance solar charge by up to 40%
jcmalman where could I get more information?
Jeffrey Douglass another review with the updated module would be great
I have the MPPT device but have not been out on a trip yet. Will get a review up next time out comparing the differences.
Check out the Greenbox of EQWAL, 1kWh with built-in MPPT.
Only got about 110w maximum from (2) 100w solar panels because the PWM is so inefficient. Used same panels with mppt controller and deep cycle battery and got about 170 watts under the same conditions.
thank you for the update. I am getting one of this to use it in the jungle of New Guinea
Thanks for the review. I am looking at upgrading to the GZ Lithium Battery to run my Dometic CFX-40 Refrigerator.
biblesnbarbells I've heard great things about the Dometic. Just finished second trip with the Goal Zero and very happy. Probably would buy the 1250 or 1400 if I had to do over again, but the panels keep me mostly charged. Let me know how it works.
I am using the 1000 for my Dometic CF40 ... so far, at half full, the Dometic drains about 20% of my GX each night and the 60W or 200W (I have both) solar charges back up to 100% each day.
Thank you, I'm glad you found it useful!
so the GZ is at 50% at night and then it drains down 20% to 30% in the morning?
I have the same unit, and can run a homelite chainsaw for about 30 min til the voltage safety kicks on.
I am thinking of getting the 1000 model for 825 new... not sure if I want to do it....got any updates since you posted this vid? Still happy with it?
Gotta love the Owens Valley! It's my favorite place in the world.
Thanks for the review. Looks good for my needs.
I'm glad you found it useful!
5 years later and nothing has changed for goal zero. They need to be innovative again.
Loving the set-up! :) How many days is your Engel fridge getting out of the Goal Zero 1000? I got the Yeti 400 Lithium and getting 24 hours.
how is charging while having the fridge plugged in ? i just picked up the goal Zero 400 and didn't really see anywhere where it shows charging while in use.
thanks
I wonder why GZ decided to have the panels facing out when in briefcase configuration. My purpose for looking at the briefcase version was for protecting the panels during transportation on my trips.
I have often thought the same thing. I believe its probably to keep the legs and wires inside rather than outside of the case. I was very concerned about cracking or damaging the panel particularly since the case is not padded. We just got back from a weekend trip and while I take care to strap the briefcase down to keep it from banging around, it seems pretty tough. I must say that having the panel and a long cord have really keep the Goal Zero Lithium topped off with no worries about plenty of power for the refrigerator, phones, camera batteries, iPads, lights and all the other powered devices. Thank you for stopping by!
Thanks for the great review! I ordered the Boulder 100 briefcase. The Nomad 28 just wasn't cutting it for me.
Are you from san diego? And have you posted a video using the mppt unit?
Chris Shaw yes I live in San Diego. I did install the mppt unit sometime ago with great results. Going to post a long term video soon but highly recommend the mppt.
Thanks very much. Very helpful! Do you ever power a heated blanket?
I have a pretty serious sleeping bag so no. I think the GZ should be able to handle it, of course you would have to have the inverter on. Not sure how many watts a heated blanket would pull.
I have charged a 12 Volt Electric Blanket with my Yeti 400. I do have and older model Yeti 350 power pack chained to it but it is basically just a extra batter with no inverter but that is what I wanted it for and got such a good deal and it matched as in the case and exact battery and GZ makes a heavy duty chaining connector not long but only I only needed a foot. It does not increase the inverter which is still about 300 but the power last twice as long and the good part is it drains both batteries at the same level. You could technically let one go down and plug in the other but that is not good for the life of the battery, In lead battery you really do not want to get it below 40% on a regular basis. So the 1400 Lithium would charge a electric blanket even a 110 volt but if you go with DC appliances as back up you get a lot more you can run. I use GZ Lights just one which draws 3 amp will light up one bedroom. I have another with a longer cable that I move to another room. I use the inverter to power only 12 volt products except my laptop and then it is used sparingly just for news. I have an old 100 Watt I used for the modem. I turn it off when I turn off the modem. I can charge either one with my Generator or with Solar Panels I have two of the old model Boulder Briefcase 30 Watt Panels and a combiner cord as well. I also keep the Yeti 400 charged and the extra Battery charged via the same type charger each has it own charger so they are always charged. If you want a less expensive go with the Lithium 1000. It has the same inverter as the 1400 so it also puts out 1400 watts. It just does not have as much battery life. I assume the Yeti 1400 has a larger Lithium battery or maybe two of them. It is about $500 cheaper for the same power. It will charge faster but it will also drain faster. The Yeti 1250 does not have a MPPT charge controller so definitely go with the Lithium 1000 or pay the extra for the 1400.
Have you tried the MPPT optimizer yet? I just received mine.
Thanks for the review bud! 👍👊
Is it ok to use other brand of solar panel in any goalZero yeti?
IstongLove Palisoc I believe it’s always been okay. You would need an adapter and not sure about a controller. I would email Goal Zero support.
Does this have two terminals I want a power plant to hook in to my camper system
I’m totally lost in this solar stuff. So if I buy this and roof panels the. put in a fantastic fan and plug it into yeti is that all I would need to make it work or do I need to buy load of other stuff too?
One of the reasons I went with Goal Zero is the components all work together and everything you need is built-in. This is more expensive but worth it in my mind. As long as whatever you are plugging in does not exceed the Goal Zero Yeti you will be fine - simple plug and play.
Do you use a lot of power with a coffee 12 cup coffee maker
at Joe Taylor - no of course not you don't use alot of power for that, you can power a 12 cup coffee maker with a Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC and a Boulder 50 solar panel, you can make coffee out in the out doors with a electric coffee maker.
You can buy these Boulder 50 solar panels and Sherpa 100 AC's from Best Buy. If they don't have them in stock you can put in a order for them and best buy will deliver them to you home straight from the Goal Zero factory.
Yetis are Hugh battery you can use those to power a refrigerator or a freezer.
The lithium inverter batteries will NOT run 12VDC refrigerator / freezers...…. I just got the Yeti1000 and am so disappointed I could scream. I needed 12VDC to keep the discharge rate down for camping and it doesn't even power on the lights, AC works fine but only for 14 hrs. Goal Zero says its working on the problem AHHHHHHHHHH, working the problem after I just dropped $1100 on this thing. I have the Dometic 95 dual zone which was one of the top rated dual zones you can get. WTF!!!!!! Plugged it into my jeep and it ran fine. Goal Zero needs to fix this ASAP and send that fix free of charge to customers NOW!!!!
It runs my 12 volt Engel just fine. From my limited understanding Lithium batteries fully charged don’t run at a full 12 volts. The Engel is very efficient and has shut off protection if the voltage level drops too low. I’ve run the Engel and lights in the Yeti down to around 30% with no issues. I’m sorry you’re having issues, sounds as if it’s the Goal Zero unit or maybe the Fridge requires higher voltage.
www.goalzero.com/shop/cords-adapters/yeti-lithium-12v-regulated-cable/
I don't understand. This man has just shown it can power his Engel on 12v for days...how does it not work?
Ward Phelps there was another video where a guy had the same problem with the yeti 1000 and dc for his fridge. He called goal zero and they told him it was the yeti 1000 and he needed a new/different dc cable, which they sent out to him in 3 days. it worked fine after that for him. If you need the video I will look it up for you..
The reason why some compressor coolers do not work is that Li-ion cells have full voltage of 4.2 and an empty og 3 V.
Having 4 cells in series gives 16.8V, which is obove the 15V automotive equipment have as max voltage. So they have to use 3 cells in series.
3 cells gives a battery voltage between 9V and 12.6 V. This low voltage of the battery messes up the battery protection devices that are built inn inn high end coolers.
In addition, some people have had problems with the CLR, the positive pole in the female receptacle is surrounded by a ring of insulation. On some devices the positive pin of the male plug is to thick to make contact.
The solution for the last one is to connect a fused female sigarett lighter receptacle to an Anderson connector.
I'm running the GZ YETI 1000 with GZ BOULDER 200 SOLAR PANEL BRIEFCASE I ordered online from GZ direct as open box and saved a bundle everything under $1,300 andI'm using a Dometic CFX-65W.
And what can you said about it performance? I’m looking for a solar panel for my Yeti 1000
at 12vdc or ac
Avoid Solor panels and buy a Honda eu2200 to recharge your goal zero 1400.
I loved my 2005 LR3 for its looks and the cargo space it offered but HATED its reliability. Never again...
They have a lot of stuff built into this which is fine for a starting unit but what if you want just basic battery additional to hook up? I certainly don't want to buy a second one of these as it stands....
Over priced panels...
great review but jeez he talks slow
Makes me not want to bother camping anymore.
Look into Kodiak. That’s the system by faaaaaar