Last spring, I installed and tested an inexpensive 40 amp MPPT solar charge controller sold online by BougeRV. So far, it’s been working well. Recently I was contacted by the actual manufacturer of the controller. A company called SRNE. They asked if I’d want to look at a different model of their RV solar charge … Read more
In this video, I demo and review a 100 amp-hour 12V lithium battery from Aolithium. The battery looks well made and utilizes quality components like grade “A” CALB brand lithium cells. But what intrigued me was the inclusion of Bluetooth data connectivity. A feature not often seen in a battery that sells in the same … Read more
In this video, I demo a 180W solar panel from a company called BougeRV. I have reviewed their 170W panels in the past, but this is the newer, more powerful panel. Overall, it looks like an OK panel build-wise and puts out close to the max-rated watts in my tests. I tested charging a 12V … Read more
Over the years, I’ve reviewed several portable lithium battery power stations, often referred to as solar generators. For example, the Jackery 1000 and Himcen 740P. I found both were well built but lacked the inverter power to handle higher wattage AC loads. So when Bluetti contacted me asking for a review of their AC200P model, … Read more
In this video, I go through the current state of my RV boondocking power systems. Over the last year or so, I’ve added more solar panels, a 40 amp DC-DC charger, and a new 40 amp MPPT solar charge controller. With all these recent additions, a major reorganization to the existing system and wiring was … Read more
Last spring, I reviewed a couple of items from an online seller called BougeRV. I had a look at their 170W solar panels and AC/DC portable fridge freezer. Though both are not the best quality out there, they weren’t too bad considering the price. Since then, the company has been asking me to review something … Read more
Introduction In this post, I’m reviewing the compact but powerful HIMCEN H740P 740 Watt Hour portable power station. The H740P will be out for sale soon and boasts several unique features compared to similar power boxes on the market. Disclaimer: The product review samples were provided free of charge. However, I’m not affiliated with the HIMCEN … Read more
This video shows you a cool new campsite decoration I made using a solar-powered water fountain. Then to jazz it up a bit, I added pretty rocks and stones I’ve been collecting from a nearby ocean beach. The goal is to attract birds to the bath. But even if they don’t show up, I think … Read more
In this video, I demo and review a compact and lightweight complete solar system from Lensun Solar Energy. The kit includes a 200-watt semiflexible solar panel array that folds up into a super portable 16″x16″ square. It also consists of a waterproof EPever 15A MPPT controller, various hookup cables, a canvas carrying bag, and an … Read more
This video demonstrates and reviews 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 from, maxing … 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 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, 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 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