Check the current pricing/coupons on the things I use: amzn.to/4biEaQd - Gooloo GP4000 Jump Starter (This is a BEAST!) amzn.to/3H0d0AE - Bluetti EB70S Power Station amzn.to/3X0F7sL - VTOMan 1000 Power Station amzn.to/3yFRIHv = VTOMan 12v Charge Adapter amzn.to/3yEZZM9 - 6 in 1 solar adapter amzn.to/3urIblw - Alpicool 12v Refrigerators amzn.to/3UnlI3u - Setpower PT55 Dual Zone Fridge BudgetTravelGuy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for people to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I also participate in other affiliate programs where I may be compensated for referring traffic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Go to Facebook and FOLLOW our page for other hints/tips/thoughts/fun stuff--- tinyurl.com/qqdx8lg ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other videos: th-cam.com/video/1Ui5h5cMQsU/w-d-xo.html - Minimalistic Minivan Camper Build th-cam.com/video/zADRAs_1CKM/w-d-xo.html - Camper Van Inverter Install th-cam.com/video/ACEeWBf3yaw/w-d-xo.html - Minivan Passenger Seat Removal/Reversal th-cam.com/video/ww1WzQNATNc/w-d-xo.html - Best Vanlife Toilets 2024 th-cam.com/video/uUGsf36gWeQ/w-d-xo.html - Minivan Build 2.0 th-cam.com/video/-ut2X4wX540/w-d-xo.html - Best Power Station Brands th-cam.com/video/HOAbAQBNirU/w-d-xo.html - VanTrue Dash Cam Review th-cam.com/video/6fSVDv2OeAM/w-d-xo.html - Zero Degree Minivan Camping th-cam.com/video/gfW_thvmsyc/w-d-xo.html - 12v Blankets For Van Life th-cam.com/video/qWt_FDNEPdA/w-d-xo.html - How Long Will Bluetti Run 12v Fridge? th-cam.com/video/sd7f1BEYS1I/w-d-xo.html - How To Run A 12v Fridge On Solar th-cam.com/video/iJtu2w1-1QM/w-d-xo.html - Van Life Sucks (or Does It?). th-cam.com/video/u0OMKY2c1Co/w-d-xo.html - Bluetti Power Station Review (EB70S) th-cam.com/video/_IVg62LaxE4/w-d-xo.html - 4 Odd Things You Need For Vanlife th-cam.com/video/MtVoi_LuM58/w-d-xo.html - Avoiding Poison Ivy When Camping th-cam.com/video/HT2AC4kM90A/w-d-xo.html - Which Jackery Do You Need? th-cam.com/video/hYQm6qVPsBQ/w-d-xo.html - Minivan Build 2.0 Starts Here th-cam.com/video/g0699NdNRA4/w-d-xo.html - Number 1 Thing People Get Wrong In Van Build
ABC = Always Be Charging! 1.) My PMC cargo minivan camper has solar on the roof to recharge a house or auxiliary battery that has outlets for USB or 12v socket charging that I’ve used to charging power stations on the road. Then the vehicle’s 12v socket is free to recharge smaller battery bricks (I have several) for late night recharging of phones, fans, tablets, radios, and lighting. 2.) I do start a trip with everything fully charged. 3.) sometimes I stop for a break from the road at a Starbucks as they usually have clean restrooms, tables for writing, & electric outlets. I can put a power station, extension cord (I keep with my CPAP), or several battery bricks, & some charging cables into a knapsack to bring in with me. I also carry an outlet adapter that plugs 🔌 in and converts one of the pair into 3 outlet plugs for times when an outlet if full of other people’s plugs to run their laptops. Generally speaking, I rarely find anyone object to my plugging that in so we both can use the power outlet.
My power station is limited to ten amps, as are many power stations. Ten amps at twelve volts is only 120 watts of power charging your power station. That might be enough for some, but if you know your van alternator has enough extra electric potential, then you can get a DC to DC converter. I tied directly into my twelve volt battery with good wires and wired it into a DC to DC converter that steps up the voltage to 24 volts. At 24 volts and 10 amps, I’m now charging at 240 watts. Volts x amps = watts. There are videos on TH-cam that explains this better. You don’t need the more expensive DC to DC converter since your power station already has a charge controller. Mine was around sixty bucks.
Great video, Kevin, thanks! Here's an "advanced" question... If your van has a built in inverter like Town and Countrys and Grand Caravans, is it more efficient and faster charging to use the wall charger over the 12v charger while driving?
I own a Prius V and removed all the seats from the rear. It's a generator on wheels. I can tow my run away camper. My deal is weather and other relocating disaster.
❤😊. Thank you for another informative video. I use all three methods but did not have solar when I started out. I finally purchased a ridged portable 100w solar panel. It is nice to have all three options. The soft portable panels are not very durable, but are lighter and easier to handle than the ridged portable panels. Thank you again for the video.
My 2009 Pontiac Montana van has live DC (cigarette lighter) plugs, even when the engine isn't running. I have to remember to unplug everything I've been charging, front and back, while driving or have my battery go flat. Jon in rural BC, Canada
Jon, good point about some vans being set up that way. (I had a Chevy venture, same platform, and from memory it worked just as you described.) More soon...safe travels!
Good video! Thanks! I have folding panel with a long wires to charge if I need to keep my vehicle in shade! When I couldn't drive I went in a coffee shop to wall charge my power pack while enjoying my coffee treat. Happy trails to y'all
I've 2 in my home I recharge them every 6 months.Rarely power failure well its hurricane season and we're all potentially homeless depending on the weather forecast.
Hey Kevin, I have the Bluetti AC200P. I have the Alpicool 12v fridge and I get less than 48 hours with a blanket over top of fridge and 70 degree weather using the 12v outlet. To me, Bluetti is junk and only 6 full cycles. Ty for video
Good question. I simply have the solar cable run through one of the little motorized side windows at the moment. (In summer it doesn't seem to make a difference, but in deep winter I do unhook it at night so I can completely close the window. More soon...safe travels!
3gens, I will probably end up doing the alternator split on that minivan to recharge large power stations faster, but have not done so yet. More soon...safe travels!
Rookie power station question here! When driving and charging what effect does it have on your vehicles battery? I can't seem to get a straight answer. TIA
Good question, Annette - while driving, it has virtually no effect on your vehicle battery, as your alternator is replenishing/recharging it. Charging a power station is the same as anything else you'd plug into your cig/12v outlet (dashcams, phone chargers, etc), and is probably using less power than your stereo turned up load, or the motor blowing heat/air through your vehicle. More soon.. safe travels!
any recommendations for a 4 in 1 or 5 in 1 etc solar adapter with anderson at the end? i have four lion energy 100 watt solar panels for a total of 400 watts that use anderson connectors i also have bluetti, allpowers, pecron (my least favorite, faulty and they wont replace it) and ecoflow power stations.
You have a bunch of power station brands, too! The cable I'm using should have all of your brands covered - there is a link to it in the pinned comment and description of that video ( th-cam.com/video/opicQ0E_pXU/w-d-xo.html ) Standard MC4 on one end and 6 connectors (including Andersen) on the other end. Just make sure it's rated for your wattage (I only have 200w solar on that minivan).
Never charge you solar generator with the solar panels and 12 volt both hooked up to the generator. Same with ac adapter never charge your power station with two different input options
Thomas, the built in protections in the power stations should handle/control that, but as with anything, a person does so at their own risk. (One brand I've dealt with has in their instruction manual that theirs can be charged by high speed usb-c wall charger input AND another type of charger at the same time, etc.) As long as the two don't exceed the max input in theory it should be fine, but always better to consult the manual (or company) for your brand. More soon...safe travels!
![✅ Top 5 Best Portable Power Stations of 2025 [watch before you buy one]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/o9EIH9ESqg8/mqdefault.jpg)
Check the current pricing/coupons on the things I use:
amzn.to/4biEaQd - Gooloo GP4000 Jump Starter (This is a BEAST!)
amzn.to/3H0d0AE - Bluetti EB70S Power Station
amzn.to/3X0F7sL - VTOMan 1000 Power Station
amzn.to/3yFRIHv = VTOMan 12v Charge Adapter
amzn.to/3yEZZM9 - 6 in 1 solar adapter
amzn.to/3urIblw - Alpicool 12v Refrigerators
amzn.to/3UnlI3u - Setpower PT55 Dual Zone Fridge
BudgetTravelGuy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for people to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I also participate in other affiliate programs where I may be compensated for referring traffic.
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th-cam.com/video/1Ui5h5cMQsU/w-d-xo.html - Minimalistic Minivan Camper Build
th-cam.com/video/zADRAs_1CKM/w-d-xo.html - Camper Van Inverter Install
th-cam.com/video/ACEeWBf3yaw/w-d-xo.html - Minivan Passenger Seat Removal/Reversal
th-cam.com/video/ww1WzQNATNc/w-d-xo.html - Best Vanlife Toilets 2024
th-cam.com/video/uUGsf36gWeQ/w-d-xo.html - Minivan Build 2.0
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th-cam.com/video/qWt_FDNEPdA/w-d-xo.html - How Long Will Bluetti Run 12v Fridge?
th-cam.com/video/sd7f1BEYS1I/w-d-xo.html - How To Run A 12v Fridge On Solar
th-cam.com/video/iJtu2w1-1QM/w-d-xo.html - Van Life Sucks (or Does It?).
th-cam.com/video/u0OMKY2c1Co/w-d-xo.html - Bluetti Power Station Review (EB70S)
th-cam.com/video/_IVg62LaxE4/w-d-xo.html - 4 Odd Things You Need For Vanlife
th-cam.com/video/MtVoi_LuM58/w-d-xo.html - Avoiding Poison Ivy When Camping
th-cam.com/video/HT2AC4kM90A/w-d-xo.html - Which Jackery Do You Need?
th-cam.com/video/hYQm6qVPsBQ/w-d-xo.html - Minivan Build 2.0 Starts Here
th-cam.com/video/g0699NdNRA4/w-d-xo.html - Number 1 Thing People Get Wrong In Van Build
ABC = Always Be Charging! 1.) My PMC cargo minivan camper has solar on the roof to recharge a house or auxiliary battery that has outlets for USB or 12v socket charging that I’ve used to charging power stations on the road. Then the vehicle’s 12v socket is free to recharge smaller battery bricks (I have several) for late night recharging of phones, fans, tablets, radios, and lighting. 2.) I do start a trip with everything fully charged. 3.) sometimes I stop for a break from the road at a Starbucks as they usually have clean restrooms, tables for writing, & electric outlets. I can put a power station, extension cord (I keep with my CPAP), or several battery bricks, & some charging cables into a knapsack to bring in with me. I also carry an outlet adapter that plugs 🔌 in and converts one of the pair into 3 outlet plugs for times when an outlet if full of other people’s plugs to run their laptops. Generally speaking, I rarely find anyone object to my plugging that in so we both can use the power outlet.
My power station is limited to ten amps, as are many power stations. Ten amps at twelve volts is only 120 watts of power charging your power station. That might be enough for some, but if you know your van alternator has enough extra electric potential, then you can get a DC to DC converter. I tied directly into my twelve volt battery with good wires and wired it into a DC to DC converter that steps up the voltage to 24 volts. At 24 volts and 10 amps, I’m now charging at 240 watts. Volts x amps = watts. There are videos on TH-cam that explains this better. You don’t need the more expensive DC to DC converter since your power station already has a charge controller. Mine was around sixty bucks.
Very helpful! I hadn’t considered parks possibly having electric available. Pull over for a leisurely lunch and charge our Ecoflow Delta. Great idea!
Great video, Kevin, thanks!
Here's an "advanced" question... If your van has a built in inverter like Town and Countrys and Grand Caravans, is it more efficient and faster charging to use the wall charger over the 12v charger while driving?
You can get a solar panel and a mppt charge controller.
I own a Prius V and removed all the seats from the rear. It's a generator on wheels. I can tow my run away camper. My deal is weather and other relocating disaster.
❤😊. Thank you for another informative video. I use all three methods but did not have solar when I started out. I finally purchased a ridged portable 100w solar panel. It is nice to have all three options. The soft portable panels are not very durable, but are lighter and easier to handle than the ridged portable panels. Thank you again for the video.
My 2009 Pontiac Montana van has live DC (cigarette lighter) plugs, even when the engine isn't running. I have to remember to unplug everything I've been charging, front and back, while driving or have my battery go flat.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Ask your mechanic if he can move your fuse for that outlet, so the outlet is only "hot" when the car motor is turn😢
Ask your mechanic to move the fuse to that outlet, so the socket is only "hot" when the car motor is running. 😊
Jon, good point about some vans being set up that way. (I had a Chevy venture, same platform, and from memory it worked just as you described.) More soon...safe travels!
Good video! Thanks! I have folding panel with a long wires to charge if I need to keep my vehicle in shade! When I couldn't drive I went in a coffee shop to wall charge my power pack while enjoying my coffee treat. Happy trails to y'all
Glad you found that video useful, Peter. Sounds like you've found what works for you in dealing with your own setup. More soon...safe travels!
Nice…Have fun stay safe.
I've 2 in my home I recharge them every 6 months.Rarely power failure well its hurricane season and we're all potentially homeless depending on the weather forecast.
Take care and adventure on!!
Hey Kevin,
I have the Bluetti AC200P. I have the Alpicool 12v fridge and I get less than 48 hours with a blanket over top of fridge and 70 degree weather using the 12v outlet. To me, Bluetti is junk and only 6 full cycles. Ty for video
👋 Great suggestions. 😀👍
That's helpful. Nice set up.
Glad you found that vid useful to you, Lucy!
How would u run the cable if the solar is on the roof
Good question. I simply have the solar cable run through one of the little motorized side windows at the moment. (In summer it doesn't seem to make a difference, but in deep winter I do unhook it at night so I can completely close the window. More soon...safe travels!
Do you have a video explaining how to charge from vehicles alternator? I need a backup to solar -thank you.
3gens, I will probably end up doing the alternator split on that minivan to recharge large power stations faster, but have not done so yet. More soon...safe travels!
Rookie power station question here! When driving and charging what effect does it have on your vehicles battery? I can't seem to get a straight answer. TIA
Good question, Annette - while driving, it has virtually no effect on your vehicle battery, as your alternator is replenishing/recharging it. Charging a power station is the same as anything else you'd plug into your cig/12v outlet (dashcams, phone chargers, etc), and is probably using less power than your stereo turned up load, or the motor blowing heat/air through your vehicle. More soon.. safe travels!
any recommendations for a 4 in 1 or 5 in 1 etc solar adapter with anderson at the end? i have four lion energy 100 watt solar panels for a total of 400 watts that use anderson connectors
i also have bluetti, allpowers, pecron (my least favorite, faulty and they wont replace it) and ecoflow power stations.
You have a bunch of power station brands, too! The cable I'm using should have all of your brands covered - there is a link to it in the pinned comment and description of that video ( th-cam.com/video/opicQ0E_pXU/w-d-xo.html ) Standard MC4 on one end and 6 connectors (including Andersen) on the other end. Just make sure it's rated for your wattage (I only have 200w solar on that minivan).
Never charge you solar generator with the solar panels and 12 volt both hooked up to the generator. Same with ac adapter never charge your power station with two different input options
Why? This is most vanlifers setup. The power station embeds an MPTT module that deals with that
Just bought a VDL 1200 that specifies that you can do exactly that. It can charge with solar and AC at the same time.
Thomas, the built in protections in the power stations should handle/control that, but as with anything, a person does so at their own risk. (One brand I've dealt with has in their instruction manual that theirs can be charged by high speed usb-c wall charger input AND another type of charger at the same time, etc.) As long as the two don't exceed the max input in theory it should be fine, but always better to consult the manual (or company) for your brand. More soon...safe travels!
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