Step By Step Guide To Powering Your Van Using The Bluetti AC200 Max

Рет қаралды 22,368

Жыл бұрын

In this video, I will talk you through the step-by-step process of how to take your Bluetti AC200 Max and turn it into a complete off-grid power system for your van conversion. This configuration is not van specific and can be used throughout all van platforms. Almost everything you need comes is included in the package when you purchase your Bluetti Power System, so there's no need to go tracking down links to find all the components to do the job. Below I've placed the links to exactly what I'm showing in the video, and from here, you can build the most inexpensive and robust power system possible for a fraction of the price.
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Пікірлер: 118

@mathewvickery5288 5 ай бұрын

Why did it take so damn long for this video !!! Not you in particular but just YT. Thank you my man!!

@roamingwithjosh 5 ай бұрын

No worries!

@WisconsinWanderer 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video which convinced me the bluetti ac200 max is the one for my needs. I’ve been looking for specific’s to connect the 30 amp output to my 12 gang blue sea fuse panel. I really appreciate this. I will you your link to order😊

@joeysuicide 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for taking the time and posting this video! Just bought a AC200Max, and plan on utilizing this exact setup on my van conversion! Much appreciated!

@roamingwithjosh 11 ай бұрын

Awesome stuff! Let me know if you have any questions.

@user-hh6ex9md4w 6 ай бұрын

That's great to hear! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like the perfect fit for your van conversion. It offers a massive capacity, powerful output, and fast recharging capabilities. Plus, with its waterproof technology and comprehensive protections, you can have peace of mind during your outdoor adventures. Happy camping!

@isaacturnerit 5 ай бұрын

Dude nor even done watching this video but this is a game changer. Respect brah!

@roamingwithjosh 5 ай бұрын

Thank you! Much appreciated!

@nwlady1844 8 ай бұрын

Good video.. thank for taking the time to show and talk about big and small aspects. Great details.

@roamingwithjosh 8 ай бұрын

No worries! Thanks for the comment.

@chuckw302 Ай бұрын

You’re awesome! You explained everything very well, I’ve watched a ton of other videos and all it did was confused me, thank you for setting things straight.

@roamingwithjosh Ай бұрын

Anytime!

@OneDeadBird 5 ай бұрын

This is exactly the info I was looking for, thanks!

@roamingwithjosh 5 ай бұрын

no worries!

@shadomane 4 ай бұрын

Now I know how to easily power my camper build with my AC200MAX system. I still want to invest in a B300 auxiliary battery, but I already own the AC200MAX power station. Thanks for the video and for sharing. Subbed.

@roamingwithjosh 4 ай бұрын

No worries! My setup is extremely solid. Just did a week in the desert and never needed shore power a single time.

@georgegross3766 8 ай бұрын

Awesome job. I was searching for a video that explained what to do. I plan on purchasing a van soon and just bought the AC200Max. Thank you!!!

@georgegross3766 8 ай бұрын

Question. I plan on charging my bikes. Is the Max200 big enough by itself or do I need expansion 300 or 230?

@roamingwithjosh 8 ай бұрын

I'm not sure how big your pack is on the bike, but I would definitely recommend getting an expansion pack. I know you already purchased the 200max, but I would take a look at this link before you spend any more money. This is what I'm switching to. adventurerigshop.com/collections/sprinter-power-systems/products/ecoflow-power-kits-5kwh-independence-kit

@roamingwithjosh 8 ай бұрын

Awesome stuff! When you do get your van, check out adventurerigshop.com for your interior components. Send them an email and they will get you a good discount on whatever you need.

@nickh8370 4 ай бұрын

Can you tell us what you have going to each of the spots on the 12 Blue Sea Fuse Box?

@philipellis8793 3 күн бұрын

Grateful

@CerealDamage 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the great info!

@roamingwithjosh 2 ай бұрын

Anytime!

@airplanefreek454 Ай бұрын

Very nice video, thank you!

@roamingwithjosh Ай бұрын

No worries!

@bruceknirs9987 9 ай бұрын

I think this will be a good fit for my Chevy Express build an going to be doing

@roamingwithjosh 9 ай бұрын

Right on!

@oceanbeliever681 Жыл бұрын

The ports everywhere was a great idea

@roamingwithjosh Жыл бұрын

Thank you, brother!

@oceanbeliever681 Жыл бұрын

@@roamingwithjosh my boy the mad scientist builder lol

@redcatsassociate 4 ай бұрын

Excelent presentation! Can you please do a video on how to charge this device via the alternator?

@roamingwithjosh 4 ай бұрын

I have not done that.

@oveazeus1 8 ай бұрын

Great video. I have an Anker 767 Powerhouse. Do you have any videos that will do the same setup for my Anker?

@roamingwithjosh 8 ай бұрын

I'm not familiar with anker products. Sorry about that!

@mathewvickery5288 5 ай бұрын

Yess#s!!!!

@godaleorealtyteam8803 Жыл бұрын

Hello Josh. Thanks for all your videos regarding your power setup. I've been following you since your Gladiator Days. With that said, I'm trying to copy your setup for my needs in my Gladiator for extended overlanding trips. Where I wanted to go into a different direction is using a switch panel vs The Blue Sea Fuse Block. Offhand, do you know if they would work the same? I'm such a newbie when it comes to power but figured I could get a way with the switch panel because it has the "plugs" so I can power each light, fridge, etc all in the back of my jeep. Let me know if you think this would work or any suggestions. Again, I appreciate your videos and insight.

@roamingwithjosh Жыл бұрын

I'm assuming you mean like a switch pros or a auxbeam type of switch panel? If so, I do believe it would work the same way. Should be the same type of set up, but if it has an aux fuse tap then you would need to wire that directly to the same power as the main power. That would cause a constant power draw though so it may not be the best option for the long term. Hope that is helpful!

@ericstrude6110 10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for all of your detailed videos. They are super helpful! I have a simple electrical build in my Sprinter which is put together similar to yours and am experiencing an issue with my Espar diesel heater. When I test it, it will run fine off of my Sprinter starter battery (through the dashboard 12v cigarette lighter), but it will not run through the AC200max RV/aviation output. It "times out" and gives an error code. Crazy since the Bluetti is actually producing a steady 13.5 ish volts compared to the under 12v from the start battery. My current work around is to run the Bluetti through an AC to DC converter. It is not the most efficient way, but works for now. Any insight to find a way to run it off of 12v would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all of your work producing content.

@roamingwithjosh 10 ай бұрын

That's really strange. I use the Webasto and have it connected directly to my fuse 12v fuse box. I've never had any issues with it timing out on me or giving me any error codes. Sorry I can't provide much help here!

@ericstrude6110 10 ай бұрын

@@roamingwithjosh Thanks for the reply. Maybe it is an issue with the Espar in particular. It seems like others are experiencing similar issues to mine. Oh well. Back to the research. 😞

@karatulanko4613 Ай бұрын

OMG I needed this so bad!!! Thank you!! - so where do you get a DC charger for a laptop??? I have an ASUS gaming laptop for work and would LOVE to not be have to have a wall plug in my van!!

@roamingwithjosh Ай бұрын

I just took the AC adapter off my computer and plug directly into DC power. That brick that plugs into the wall just converts the power to DC for the computer to charge. If you don't have that option you could run a small extension cord from your power station when you need to charge your laptop.

@bbintheclouds Жыл бұрын

I became confused at the end when you talked about using the two units together. And you mentioned other products for $1500 that can do everything. So, just to be clear, can you use the AC200 Max as a complete system? Also, at what point would you need a B300? We are using our van for weekend camping or 2 week excursions at most. Very minimal build that is running a refrigerator, MaxAir deluxe fan, and dimmable lights. Thank you so much for taking the time to create the video, and answering questions.

@roamingwithjosh Жыл бұрын

I apologize for the lack of clarity at the end. If you have solar and only run those components, an AC200 max would suffice for 3-5 day. You can assume you will get two full days out of your AC200 max with no kind of power being replaced by solar or shore power. If you spend time at campgrounds mostly, then the AC200 max would be fine because you most likely will have shore power. The two units combined last us 4-5 days with nothing coming in, that’s with running our Webasto diesel heater. There are variables that I would need to know before I could give you a straight answer. Those question revolve around how you plan to charge the system. You can email me or send us a message on Instagram and I’d be happy to help. I usually don’t see comments after the original one I answer.

@gypsyxxx 4 ай бұрын

great video, could you run the power from aviator cord straight to a rocker switch panel? thanx

@roamingwithjosh 4 ай бұрын

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by rocker switch panel.

@gypsyxxx 4 ай бұрын

a panel with rocker switches to control different 12 volt accessories like lights and fans@@roamingwithjosh

@christosmaninos1570 8 ай бұрын

Nice video, thanks. Just a simple question. I noticed that you have 1, 30 amp and 2, 10 amp outputs. Is the maximum capacity 30 amps or can it use all combined for 50 amps?

@roamingwithjosh 8 ай бұрын

I'm fairly certain they can be combined, but I never needed that so I cannot confirm that's accurate.

@tvbnurse64 4 ай бұрын

This video has been helpful. But I have a question. Is it possible to use all of the DC outlets at the same time. If there is a need for more than 25 amps, could the 10 amp outlet be used as well? My hydronic heating system has a large initial draw. It uses an espar heater and has 2 circulating pumps and a fan. It has a 20, 7.5, and 5 amp fuse. I will also have a water pump, refrigerator, 2 max fans, ceiling lights, outdoor lights, I know the actual draw is less than the fuse, but could I have a 2 separate fuse boxes connected to 2 different DC outlets on the bluetti? Thank you.

@roamingwithjosh 4 ай бұрын

Yes, you could run a smaller fuse box off the 10 amp and use a larger fuse box from the 30 amp allowing you more room for items.

@richardutin5126 7 ай бұрын

Could I put an inline isolator before the fusebox so I can switch between AC200MAX or my already wired in AGM battery?

@roamingwithjosh 7 ай бұрын

Yea for sure you could

@sheilafraine1367 5 ай бұрын

I have the AC200max and I'm wiring my van. Some suggest putting an in-line fuse on the aviation cord. Is this necessary? Another question I have is this: My dc fridge has a ground screw so I bought 3 wire 12 guage for it. I'm confused as to wear I should attach the ground wire to. Should it go to the fuse block or to the van chassis? Thanks for your help. I find this video helpful.

@roamingwithjosh 5 ай бұрын

I don't see why that would be needed when the AC200 max is fused internally and you're running your power to an additional fuse panel (assuming that's what you're doing.) I'm not sure what fridge you're using, but if it's DC then you should only need to ground it to the fuse box. The ground screw is probably for a different type of configuration that it doesn't sound like you're running. Again, I don't know your exact components so I would check with the manufacturer about that just to be sure.

@ziaali5264 3 ай бұрын

Would you have a video of charging this beast from car alternator, solar panels and shore power ? Please advise

@roamingwithjosh 3 ай бұрын

That's a decent amount of work for an application I would never use (alternator.) Shore charges at around 500w and takes 4-5 hours. Solar take an entire day, I have 525W of solar.

@pijanysamuraj 5 ай бұрын

thanks for the video. Have you maybe charge the ac200max with the alternator?

@roamingwithjosh 5 ай бұрын

You can do that, but it requires some additional work. I rely on my solar to keep me charged.

@shadomane 4 ай бұрын

@nativenomads how much solar do you have dedicated to keep that system charged? Thanks in advance.

@MarcusParisian 3 ай бұрын

One thing you didn't touch on is if you could run multiple connections from the Bluetti to the fuse box? For instance if you wanted to run both the 30A and the 10A to the same fuse box, does this work? Would that equate to 40A available?

@roamingwithjosh 3 ай бұрын

I don't know for sure on that. I know you could run two separate fuse boxes, one for smaller items and one for larger ones.

@codyleehanson 8 ай бұрын

Not sure if I’ll get a response, but I’m planning on doing this as well. Is there no concern regarding the wire size from the AC200 to the fuse box? Is that small of a wire fine if I’m using all 6 fuses spots (or possibly more)?

@roamingwithjosh 8 ай бұрын

You definitely want to know how much power is going to be going through the wires to the fuse box at max draw as well as the distance between the fuse box and the AC200. I believe I used either a 10 ot 12 awg wire, but I cannot remember for certain which it was.

@collinis1 Жыл бұрын

Any eta on the outback winch mounts/bumper bars ?

@roamingwithjosh Жыл бұрын

I can try to find that out for you!

@nolanvanharte3004 Жыл бұрын

Are you having any issues with the phantom power draw? I am just trying to get a bit more info on this issue before I buy. I will be using it for full time van life and will eventually have solar, so with it being charged every day I don’t see the phantom draw to be much of an issue. Over night I only plan to use power for a fan, 12v fridge, and phone charging. Thanks

@roamingwithjosh Жыл бұрын

I have not personally experienced a phantom draw. For the application you mentioned I think it will be a great setup. Email Info@adventurerigshop.com before you purchase the unit, they will get a you solid discount.

@slindsay4784 7 ай бұрын

Good video thx. I also use 200 max and I’m considering a second instead of extended battery like B300. The reason? Redundancy. I live and work full time in the van. I wish Bluetti would make it so you could connect the two together but aren’t you concerned if you have an issue with the 200max you just have an extended battery left, or do they offer the same functions like the aeronautic connection and I’m missing it? Wise move or should I just get extension battery?

@roamingwithjosh 6 ай бұрын

Depending on how invested into the system you are, I would go a different direction. The fact that these two cannot run together and you have to switch them around is a pain. It doesn't make any sense at all to have to do that. The Ecoflow 5kw hour system is so good and that's what I'm switching to. here's a like to take a look at. It's not cheap, but switching between batteries all the time is a pain. adventurerigshop.com/products/ecoflow-power-kits-5kwh-independence-kit

@slindsay4784 6 ай бұрын

@@roamingwithjosh I think all I would need to do is move the aeronautic cable from one to the other as I would stack them in the same spot.

@LoneWanderer0101 5 ай бұрын

noob question... can i use induction cooker and power up my low profile desktop pc using bluetti ac socket while the bluetti power up my campervan 12v dc system with no problem?

@roamingwithjosh 5 ай бұрын

Anything that conducts heat will kill your battery. Most of those pull around 1,200ish watts and the bluetti has 2048 Watt hours. Essentially thing will kill your AC200max in about an hour and a half and depending on how you're re-charging could leave you powerless.

@isaacturnerit 5 ай бұрын

My only concern and reason I don’t power builds off of this. Solar is worthless to me in the pnw. Can the ac200 be charged off the alternator?

@roamingwithjosh 5 ай бұрын

it can, but it requires a bit more effort than other options. This is what I'm switching my power setup to adventurerigshop.com/products/ecoflow-power-kits-5kwh-independence-kit It's a bit pricey, but was specifically engineered for the van world.

@isaacturnerit 5 ай бұрын

@@roamingwithjosh yooo thank you so much for the response man!

@RCJH2022 Ай бұрын

So…. Before I blow myself up. If I have a fuse box already installed can I just take off the power source and connect the Bluetti without installing a new fuse box? Is it really that easy?

@roamingwithjosh Ай бұрын

I'm assuming you're talking about already having a Blue Sea fuse box or something similar. So, if that is the case, all you have to do is remove your existing power source and install your bluetti power source. It really is that easy.

@timothyjohnston9069 Жыл бұрын

Very nice job. I have an AC on top of my van that requires 120V and several appliances that are 120 V so I will wire to a panel with both AC and DC. What I need instruction on is charging the Bluetti (I have a AC300 with 2 B300's). I put in shore power, but I need to be able to charge as I am driving down the road. I've gotten several suggestions, some of which were conflicting. Are you going to charge your 200 max from the alternator/chassis battery? If so could you do a video on that? Thank you for doing this, it was very clear and informative.

@roamingwithjosh Жыл бұрын

At this point, Bluetti does not have a designed product for that issue. I have also gotten conflicting information on that and the only thing I have came up with that I feel comfortable doing is using a 12v cigarette plug to charge while driving. That solution only puts 100w in at a time which really doesn't help too much. When and if I figure out a good way charge off the alternator I will definitely do a video. Thanks!

@sharimctiver8952 Жыл бұрын

Bluetti sells a 12/24V lead a I'd battery charging cable for $20. Connects to one set of the MC4 connectors on the B300 battery or the AC300 unit. They also have a DC charging enhancer for $200 but the literature is pretty lacking on what it does & how it works. I also have the AC300 & B300 combo & plan to use the $20 cable with a Victron DC-DC charge controller.

@timothyjohnston9069 Жыл бұрын

@@sharimctiver8952 Shari, I may be completely wrong and I'm sure you know more about electronics than I do...but...I don't think you need the DC-DC controller as that is built in the AC300. The same as you don't need solar charge controllers to connect to solar. The problem with charging with DC is it is very slow. That is why they created the enhancer. Even with that, DC charging is slow compared to what you get with an inverter and charging with AC. (DC is usually 12 V and to get the same Wattage you have high amperage. Things can get very hot.) I've wondered about using the enhancer with the AC300, but all I've seen from Bluetti is using it with the AC200 series. Perhaps it isn't meant for the AC300. Anyway, perhaps you or some other reader can explain why I am wrong here. It wouldn't be the first time.

@sharimctiver8952 Жыл бұрын

@@timothyjohnston9069 after revisiting the DC enhancer manual, I think you are right - they show it between the B300 & the AC200, but not the AC300. I already had the Victron on hand, so I thought it would be extra insurance to protect the expensive system - as well as my alternator. I planned to connect it to the MC4 connector on one of the B300s & connect my solar to the AC300. Which AC unit did you install? I wasn't planning to install AC, but my husband has convinced me that I should get one. I picked up the 2nd B300 on sale this week specifically due to the AC.

@timothyjohnston9069 Жыл бұрын

@@sharimctiver8952 I had Wasatch Overland put a Tufport high top with AC on my van and at the time (May) they were only using 120 V units. (9500 BTU Houghton from RecPro.) Now, apparently, they will put a 12 V unit on. I had asked for 12 V and they said they don't work well and they don't use them. If the 120 V unit runs my batteries down too fast I might switch at some point but right now the 12V units are at least twice the price.

@11mike99 11 ай бұрын

I was considering running the whole van off the 3 pin sockets/cigarette lighter ect and removing the need for the fuse box. Would you reccomend against this? Thanks

@roamingwithjosh 11 ай бұрын

I believe the cig lighter plug is only 10amps so you may have trouble making that happen.

@11mike99 11 ай бұрын

@nativenomads I've seen someone run a small fridge from the cig lighter then thought I could run the lights and sockets from the 3 pin plugs. Might be best to run the fan and water heater through the fuse board as you showed though?

@Beyondrandom Жыл бұрын

Would a 12v rooftop ac be able to be ran through the fuse panel and this plug into the Bluetti?

@roamingwithjosh Жыл бұрын

I do not believe so. The 12v AC units have an 80amp fuse and the bluetti only has a 30amp plug. If the power surged it would definitely trip the bluetti. It's worth a test, but I have not done that yet. It would be an expensive test.

@Beyondrandom Жыл бұрын

@@roamingwithjosh gotcha! That makes sense. We live in Texas and have dogs so an A/C is a must if we want them with us. Guess I will need to look into a custom power build. Thanks for the reply!

@terriburrosskistner1268 2 ай бұрын

⁠@@roamingwithjosh😮

@JetVet4Jesus 4 ай бұрын

how do you connect the Bluetti to solar panels installed on the roof of the van?

@roamingwithjosh 4 ай бұрын

The bluetti has a solar input. You just plug it in.

@KevinFoulds 4 ай бұрын

How does the bluetti charge? i can see how you get power from it, but what about charging it?

@roamingwithjosh 4 ай бұрын

I use solar and shore power to charge mine.

@bryanmcmahon2475 Ай бұрын

Why no fuse on the positive lead between the AC200 and fuse panel? Just honestly curious.

@roamingwithjosh Ай бұрын

I honestly never considered it. No particular reason. It wouldn't be a bad idea for additional redundancy.

@bryanmcmahon2475 Ай бұрын

@@roamingwithjosh you aren't wrong

@bryanmcmahon2475 Ай бұрын

@@roamingwithjosh ordered the AC200MAX looking to do this in my truck bed camper

@amykopischke3937 8 ай бұрын

At about 7:15 in the video you talk about having grounded your fuse box. I am unclear about whether or not the Bluetti needs a ground. Can you share some detail about how you grounded your system?

@roamingwithjosh 8 ай бұрын

My fuse box is grounded to the bluetti power station not separately. The cord that goes from the power station to the fuse box has a power and ground and they are attached to the fuse box. Hopefully that's helpful!

@amykopischke3937 8 ай бұрын

@@roamingwithjosh thanks! To make sure I fully understand, are you referring to the red and black wires that connect to either end of the fuse box? There is no wiring outside of those that do straight to the Bluetti?

@CheeseyChazHD 3 ай бұрын

@@amykopischke3937red is positive black is ground (negative) put simply

@dhdoctors 4 ай бұрын

Victron not once, talked about simple portable options. Just 10 different boxes, and 200 different cable lugs for $8000 lol. And $1000 for cable tools will also come in handy yo.

@roamingwithjosh 4 ай бұрын

I know what you mean. Victron is great, but I would rather pay my mortgage lol

@nascar427 3 ай бұрын

My max never came with the RV aviation plug.

@roamingwithjosh 3 ай бұрын

I may have had to buy that one. I apologize if I misrepresented that.

@badaboom7279 9 ай бұрын

Nice video. Well thought out and presented. But, I don't understand why you chose to go this route. I am in the same boat but I went a different route. I purchased four LiFePo4 300ah batteries, and an inverter. It is way, way cheaper and does a much better job than using the Bluetti set up (which I have as well). I'm never without power day or night. Solar charge too. You're wanting to save money then use the batteries and the inverter. Regardless the route you go, keep making the videos, I will tune in again. All the best.

@roamingwithjosh 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment! More than anything, the Bluetti system allows me to use the main battery (AC200max) between multiple vehicles. Had I gone the route you suggested, the system would have had to remain in the van, which would have cost me more having additional units. That was one of my main determining factors.

@adventuresofaarontaylor 3 ай бұрын

Which LiFePo4 batteries did you buy?

@deanhenthorn1890 24 күн бұрын

The price of 4 300Ah LiFePo4 batteries and the inverter was less than the price of the BLUETTI AC200 Max? I purchased a BLUETTI AC200P for $949 + tax! I don’t believe that it cost less at purchasing separate components than an all in one unit. I also added seven 100W panels for $54 each and free shipping. Sorry

@cami-loo108 Ай бұрын

How do you charge your Bluetti with your van?

@roamingwithjosh Ай бұрын

I strictly use solar and shore power. I've never needed more than the 525w of solar on my roof to keep me going. Keep in mind that I don't have an air conditioner.