In this video, I perform an informal, unscientific test of the Safari UT1300 lithium batteries cold-weather performance. Charge/discharge tests, how low can you go? I put the battery inside a plastic file box to simulate a battery box and load it into my deep freeze. I then and test the charge and discharging amperage at … Read more
In this video, I demonstrate and review the newly released Jackery 1000 portable power station and the companion SolarSaga folding 100W solar panel. This Jackery box comes with a built-in 1000 watt pure sine wave AC inverter powered by a 1002 watt-hour lithium battery pack. There is also a selection of DC outputs to choose … Read more
In this video, I review a 170-watt solar panel from a company called BougeRV. First, I check over the build quality and inform you of the dimensions, weight, and rated output voltage and amperage. We also have a quick look at the shipping packaging. Next, I set up a testbed using one of my Lion … Read more
In this video, I give you a look at the Dove Springs OHV area located in southern California. It’s on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas, a little north of Mohave, CA. Camping is free, and the area boasts some picturesque camping spots, but be warned it can fill up on weekends and holidays … Read more
In this video, I update you on where we have camped for the last 2 months then show some video clips and photos from the gorgeous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas, Nevada. I give you a look at the BLM campground and highlights of the famous 13-mile scenic drive plus the … Read more
In my latest RV mod, I install a high amperage 30A 12VDC port into the bed of my 2018 Ram 3500 pickup truck. I also test out using an old Bogart SC2030 solar charge controller I have laying around for alternator charging. Disclaimer: Working with electricity can be dangerous. The following is for entertainment purposes … Read more
In this video, my good friend Eddie from Mobile Homestead Solar Services was kind enough to give us a few tips on how to make up your own custom heavy gauge RV battery or Inverter cables. I caught him while he was installing a battery bank consisting of 6 new Battle Born lithium batteries. They … Read more
In this video, I install and tell you a bit about my latest RV gadget, the new WF-2030 WiFi add-on module for my Bogart Trimetric Battery Monitor System. The WiFi module installs easily beside the battery monitor via a data cable and a pair of power wires. Once installed it allows me to access performance … Read more
Recently while camped near Quartzsite, AZ my good friend Eddie from Mobile Homestead Solar Services was kind enough to walk us through his massive boondocking power system. On the roof is 1800 watts of solar powering 900 amp hours of battery bank capacity. His beautifully laid out and wired off-grid power system is installed in … Read more
In this video, I update you on how it’s going with the new Lion Energy UT 1300 batteries now that I have been doing some real-world tests boondocking in the southwest. I’ve been able to charge the batteries perfectly well with my existing Bogart solar controller and my Intelipower PD9260 converter charger by using its … Read more
In this video, I add two more Renogy 100-watt solar panels to go with my existing 5 for a total now of 700 watts. I explain how I mounted and wired them from the rooftop all the way down to my battery bank, located in the fifth-wheel trailer from the storage compartment. I also show … Read more
In this video, I review the Energizer 2000 watt generator. (Model eZV2000P) First, we have a look at the controls, features, and included accessories. Then we remove the covers and have a look inside. After a tour inside, I perform various comparison tests against the larger eZV3200P 3200-watt model and my 8-year old Champion 2000 … Read more
In this video, I show you our path south from Astoria, Oregon all the way south to California, near Sacramento. During the 652 miles (1049 km) of travel south, we overnighted a 4 different free dry camping locations. 2 casinos, an air museum, and a Camping World store lot. 1) Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum … Read more
In this video, I conclude my initial review of my new Lion Energy Safari UT 1200 lithium batteries. I have 3 of their 12V 90Ah batteries wired in parallel to produce a 270Ah bank. They are replacing 4 Interstate 6V golf cart batteries we have used for the last 3-4 years. So far, I’ve published … Read more
In this video, I install a remote disconnect switch for my 500-watt solar panel array. I wanted a solar disconnect switch so I can manually disconnect the charging current to my new Lion Energy lithium battery bank before they come to a 100% state of charge. I’ve read if the lithium bank is only charged … Read more