Electrical items found inside the RV
Today, I’m upgrading the 30-amp power inlet connection on the RV to a SmartPlug. I’ve been wanting one for a while. I already have one installed on our boat, and they’re so much safer than the old twist lock style you see on a lot of boats and RVs. Recently, my twist lock arced, so … Read more
In this video, you will see how I put together my cables for my off-grid systems in the RV and especially on the boat. I’m crimping some common sizes today, 2/0 gauge and 6 gauge, using my new hydraulic crimper that makes a nice clean hex crimp. It’s fast and does a really solid job. … Read more
I’m back with a first look at Bluetti’s new Charger 2 DC-to-DC charger. If you remember, I reviewed their Charger 1 last winter, did a couple of videos on it, and we ran it all summer on the boat with great success. I was able to draw up to 500 watts from the engine alternator … Read more
Over the years, I’ve had requests to do a video series showing the installation of a typical boondocking system from start to finish. Something a little more basic than the complex systems I usually show. In this first video of a multi-part series, I begin a fresh installation of a Renogy-based off-grid power system for … Read more
In this video, I tested BougeRV’s new DC-to-DC alternator charger (model DC600) for charging portable power stations from your vehicle’s battery. They call it a charger, but in reality, it’s a voltage converter that steps up 12 or 24 volts from your vehicle’s alternator/battery system to 15-60 volts for the power station’s DC input. The … Read more
I’m back at it, testing another winter RVing product (or for boating). This one is a heater from the folks at Xtreme Heaters, built just right to tuck in RV storage bays or underbellies to fend off freezes. The heater is recommended by and pairs perfectly with the EZ Snap winter skirting on the Keystone Cougar fifth wheel … Read more
Today, I dive into Bluettie’s latest entry into the standalone lithium battery world: their brand-new B1232 12.8V 314Ah LiFePO4 powerhouse. As you know, I’ve reviewed a bunch of their power stations over the years, and they’ve always impressed me. Now they’re branching out to standalone batteries, and they’ve hooked me up with a free review … Read more
Review of an inexpensive lithium “trolling motor” battery from Wattcycle. In the video, I go over the features, do a product teardown, perform charge, discharge, and low-temp cutoff tests, check out the companion app, and list the pros and cons as I see them. *Fair Disclosure* I received the product as a complimentary review sample. … Read more
In this part one video, my first look and a quick test of an interesting 12V 300Ah lithium battery from a company called SFK (SunFunKits). Don’t let the funny name fool you. This is a sweet looking, well-put-together battery made in the USA. It has more features than I’ve ever encountered in all my battery … Read more
The Tornado 30000 charger charges 6/12/24 volt led acid and lithium batteries. It also includes 12V and 24V constant power supply modes. It’s an intelligent charger with nine stages and a lead acid battery repair mode. In this part one video, I review the main features of this versatile battery charger from TOPDON. Then perform … Read more
An in-depth look at the Kiaweets Rechargeable Smart Digital Multimeter Model KM601s. I go through all the features and demonstrate the various functions. At the end of the video, I give my review. Overall, it’s not a bad deal for the features and would serve the average DIY RVer well. The big drawback for me … Read more
In this video, I examine two products from Power Queen. Power Queen is a seller of lithium batteries. Rather than review a battery, though, I wanted to check out a pair of their accessories: a 40 amp lithium charger and a battery monitor display panel with a 500A shunt. First, I unbox them, review the … Read more
Part one of my in-depth review of the Bluetti AC300 portable power station and its B300 battery. I’m breaking my review into several videos to keep the videos relatively short. In this video, I introduce the AC300 + B300 and review its main features, specs, and what is included regarding hookup cables. I discuss all … Read more
In this video, I give you a look at the Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 3000 inverter/charger installed in the front storage compartment of my Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel trailer. I reviewed how I mounted it and wired it to a pair of Xantrex 240Ah lithium batteries. Then, a couple of quick demos. First, powering my 14.5K … Read more
Charge/Discharge/Capacity Tests + Build Quality In this video, I first perform a max discharge amperage test on the Xantrex 240Ah lithium battery. Then, I recharge it fully and do a capacity test using a 600-watt sustained load. Once depleted, I pop off the cover and give you a look inside at the build quality and … Read more