Van Life Essentials Super Easy and Cheap USB Solar Products
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6 жыл бұрынSome people have such low electrical needs that they can't really justify the expense of an entire solar power system, nor do they want to face the large learning curve it requires. All they need is to keep their phones, tablets, cameras and a few other devices running--is there any easy and cheap way to help them? YES!!!!
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Thanks for watching!
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
These are really an incredible option for anyone looking for a simple solar solution. It was a lot of fun testing these product. I hope this video helps those who are looking for a simple and easy way to get started with solar.
@AdventureswithJane 6 жыл бұрын
Robert Witham well done! 😊
@kathleendittmer2447 6 жыл бұрын
Robert, this setup would work for my Chrysler minivan needs EXCEPT the 18L Dometic fridge (to avoid soggy ice chest food.) Is there a portable 100w unit that would work to run fridge, phone, tablet? No room for a suitcase model in the T & C. No solar installers near me & install $$ too high.
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Mark! These are some pretty cool products that may work well for a lot of people.
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
Kathleen, I have seen some foldable/roll-up panels, but I think they are kind of expensive. Your best bet might be a standard 100 Watt "flexible" panel as they are very thin - assuming you have a spot to store it. Another option, depending on how much you drive on a typical day, may be to use a continuous duty solenoid to charge with the engine. This options works well for people who drive every day, but would use a lot of gas if you were running the engine just to charge your house batteries.
@kathleendittmer2447 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Robert. Will view the flexible panels. Since I lack techie/mechanical knowledge I may head to Leadville to catch up with nomads early June. With Amazon Prime and a little in person expertise I could get equipment there for travels this summer to WY & MT.
@amiek9269 6 жыл бұрын
My friend had several (12) $1.00 outdoor solar lights from Walmart...took the bottoms off and glued them to a clipboard and uses that to charge his phone quickly. Clever.
@lindacharles6581 Жыл бұрын
I am a Brit living in England, but I felt I had to write and tell you Bob that you are an inspiration to people, and to me. We live in a very uncaring world and it is just so nice to come across people like yourself whose aim is to help those who are in a difficult position. I feel in the current crisis that there may be more and more people who will be joining the nomad tribes. I would do it if it were possible but in the UK we are more restricted plus the weather is a whole lot cooler and damp. I just wanted to encourage you in your work. I always watch because you are so uplifting and positive. Thank you for being so encouraging.
@TwoMeander 6 жыл бұрын
We are so proud to have been a part of this video with Bob. Thank you for letting us be a part of this service, Bob! We hope everyone finds benefit in the reviews. See you down the road everyone! KOKO!
@bsoutdooradventures9541 6 жыл бұрын
Two Meander .thanks for info! Trying to study Solar for our disaster relief work..the industry of solar is much better now!
@tikilee7172 6 жыл бұрын
Two Meander well done
@AdventureswithJane 6 жыл бұрын
Great job Robert! Very kewl stuff out there. Going to help lots of folk. --Mark
@TwoMeander 6 жыл бұрын
You are welcome, Brenda! Yes, it continues to expand and improve, and become more affordable for more people. Thanks for the disaster relief you do!
@TwoMeander 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Tiki! Camp was buzzing that day!
@janetkoball44 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Bob for having him give us his advise too. There are a bunch of us that know almost nothing about this subject. See you on the next one.
@rws91942 4 жыл бұрын
Robert is correct, the battery draw from those USB fans are minimal. I was able to run a fan all night.
@thelthrythquezada8397 4 жыл бұрын
Agreed, I grabbed a recharge version and with just the one lithium batt it ran on low all night.
@marzsit9833 3 жыл бұрын
according to the website the corded fan in the video only draws 4 watts on high and 2.5 watts on low. my verizon jetpack hotspot draws 4.8 watts when charging.
@stephaniemcbroom9615 6 жыл бұрын
The more I look at the videos, I want to live this way, and I'm just ready for something less stressful,more travrling, I really am thinking hard about this!! Great video,thank you
@rvingkeepitrolling8797 6 жыл бұрын
Steph Mcbroom that's good i just sold my house bought a camper I'm heading on the road this week i traveled with Fair & lived in bunk room it was great I'd light my Colman make my coffee & off to work. I started watching Bob & others now I'm heading out I've washed in Creek's & River before this time I have a shower yay.good luck to you hope you join us soon too. Just do it.
@stephaniemcbroom9615 6 жыл бұрын
Charity Long thankyou,I'm really thinking about it. I'm 51 and single still, which I don't want to be but for now I need a change I am on a limited income but think I can manage,thanks for the vote!😁
@offthehook4u 6 жыл бұрын
Steph Mcbroom go for it. You will wonder why you didn't do so sooner. Safe & happy travels to you!! 🚐🤗
@rvingkeepitrolling8797 6 жыл бұрын
Steph Mcbroom you can do it I'm also on a limited income I think most choose this life because of that now I owned my land & home would of been fine where I was ,but boring same scenery I'm not ready to lay down yet I'm 57 I put my place up for sale reasonable price left the furniture for them to. put some in storage till i sell it. I just want to see things it's hard because I have doctor's to see every 2 months trying to get it to 3 that's my only dilemma so far but it won't stop me I'm praying this change will help me with my health .If you have FB add me I'm Charity Mead long we can keep up with each other maybe I can help you in the process as well it can be a little scary at 1st. Oh & single is good less stress i know I've been on both sides I have one now .
@karenhyland7896 4 жыл бұрын
Go Steph 💪💪💪🙏💜you can see if u like it with a few short trips 1st , then see a bit if scenery , maybe a little time out 😁
@authordebradickinson 6 жыл бұрын
What a trip it was to have you in camp for a shoot, Bob. Brought back memories of old times. Seeing you work with Robert was fun. Thanks for the services you continue to provide this community. KOKO!
@andrewmansker9074 4 жыл бұрын
FYI I recently purchased that exact fan (4/20). Using a year old Anker 13,000mAh charger the fan ran on HIGH for over 10 hours (and less than 12). Really quite impressive.
@LidyaSidauruk 6 жыл бұрын
Good information. I can also used it in my room to minimalized my electricity bills..
@rebeccatreeseed410 6 жыл бұрын
I lived off grid for a year, and charged a lot of batteries from the cigarette lighter in my truck. I bought six solar garden lights, and brought them in at night. I lose power regularly here, and still bring in my garden lights instead of candles. Six provide enough light to get around.
@m.d.grimes1622 6 жыл бұрын
You're always helping Bob, thanks.
@LifeBetweenTheDash 4 жыл бұрын
Wow!!! I don't know how I missed this vid. Perfect. Exactly what I needed. Thanks all.
@kathyadam9932 6 жыл бұрын
Bob. Happy Easter to you and Cody. Thank you for all that you do and give to all of us. I so appreciate you. Safe travels to the northwest
@danihannah4493 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you Bob.Great video.Be safe my friend.
@GabrielleFreedom 6 жыл бұрын
Love you both Bob & Robert!! Thanks so much for sharing!!! 😊😊
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Freedom Tribe! It was fun testing these products and sharing the results.
@ChristianTravelers 6 жыл бұрын
Really good products for any boondocking situation! Tent, car, van, RV!
@kimopuuwai9281 6 жыл бұрын
...i didn't really test that but I'd imagine... I love you Bob. Keep up the good work my man.
@gisellegonzalez4677 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, this came just in time for me. Safe travels everyone!!
@rockngrannyroadwarrior8807 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks B & B Great to have someone who’s tried these gadgets or should I say new necessities for comfortable van tripping? Very informative. Cheers ‼️
@terridrimel1056 6 жыл бұрын
Luci lights on Amazon work fantastic, are durable and compact, and a portion of the sales supports a worthwhile cause. I have given them as gifts and love them!
@GroovyVideo2 6 жыл бұрын
walmart in garden dept 2 inch square /flat solar yard light $3 - Very nice - has 2 led bulbs -ON/Off switch -works good -
@janicepeck4828 6 жыл бұрын
Hey Robert. Thanks for the info. Bob, another great interview. You two safe travels. And lots of adventures. Jp
@TwoMeander 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Janice! Hope it helped.
@williamgestole4859 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video. I have a solar power battypack. Works beautifully. I love all these devices.
@justmona9647 5 жыл бұрын
Bob I know this video is over a year old but I never did see it before. You had a great idea of putting in a power strip inches of a backpack then plugging in all your devices but only having 1 plug you need to attach to electricity! This is an AWESOME idea! I had never heard of that before but it was BRILLIANT. Thank you!
@joannenoble2125 6 жыл бұрын
excellent Bob and Robert love ya both. watch all the time. ty good info.
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Joanne!
@greywindLOSP 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you Bob & Robert, well done!
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Grey Wind! It was fun for me to test these products, and I do think they will be useful for many people who are just starting out or who have basic charging or electrical needs. It is a relatively inexpensive and simple option.
@greywindLOSP 6 жыл бұрын
It's people like you and Bob, that show people what works and what's trash, you save folks time & money, I thank you for your time & dedication.......ATB!
@Scorpiomary 6 жыл бұрын
Excellent information thanks for sharing the vlog.
@menofairy 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Bob and Robert this was really helpful
@lonestarlaurel8620 6 жыл бұрын
Great to learn about this affordable, no-fuss scaled down solar power alternative. Someone just gave me a little portable USB power pack. It's about 1.5" by 1 " by 3". I tried it out last night and ran a 9" fan that appears to be exactly like the one in this video for 8 + hours. Stoked!So many useful camping accessories can run off USB's Hat trick!!!
@dailydoseofnirvana 6 жыл бұрын
How awesome! It never occurred to me that there are small solar chargers that could sit on the dash while driving. Pretty brilliant. Going to look into getting some of these devices. Thank you again 🙏✌🏻
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
I was able to charge slowly with the panels on the dash, but the UV coating on the windshield affects the performance. Placing the panels outside while I was parked resulted in much faster charging.
@laurajphillips5981 6 жыл бұрын
I have one of those battery banks different brand but love love love, they are terrific!
@elisafrye2115 5 жыл бұрын
Fabulously helpful video, Bob, one of your best!
@susanmorgan647 3 жыл бұрын
Great information. Thank you
@vanessaboman8143 4 жыл бұрын
Great video! I am looking for this stuff in the uk. Exciting! Our sun isn't that good here but it's another power source to have tucked in the van. Thank you for sharing this great teaching help videos.
@japetsureinikka3778 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you Papi...very good video with great information
@judycopp9426 6 жыл бұрын
Great video gentlemen. Thank you so much.
@dianacryder7523 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Robert & Bob! Yes, it does help me. I wish I could hug and kiss both of you. Thank you!
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Diana! I am glad that you found this helpful. It was fun testing these devices.
@DomsDiner160 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info guys!
@kirstyvittetoe5771 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the knowledge for a newbie like me!
@lindaschneidewind8164 6 жыл бұрын
Great video. Easy starter solar.
@sherrydyne 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this informational and very helpful video. A lot of items to choose from.
@willowgreen8012 4 жыл бұрын
Once again thank you so much for this information!
@deborahsibley820 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you Bob . This will help.
@CLHogg 6 жыл бұрын
This is totally cool! Thanks for such an informative video!
@twelge15 6 жыл бұрын
This is what I need short term. Great products!
@annettefournier9655 6 жыл бұрын
Good info in video and comments. Thanks you guys.
@marshabrown8337 6 жыл бұрын
Very informative and useful video. Thank you guys. Take care.
@AsiaticBW 6 жыл бұрын
Mr. Bob thank you.
@lindalanasa1437 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks guys! Solar has come a long way! I’ve never seen the portable chargers that are solar.
@louise5906 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Rob and Bob! :-) Australia
@MelodyJuneInPa 5 жыл бұрын
Great review video! I recently purchased a USB rechargeable Head Lamp, USB rechargeable 500 lumens flashlight, and a USB Light/Fan combo; all from Walmart.com. All have been great additions to my Jeep Liberty..
@CharLotte-rj8cq 6 жыл бұрын
Awesome video thank u for the information !!
@bsoutdooradventures9541 6 жыл бұрын
I learn so much! Thanks for sharing!
@pammarshall9942 6 жыл бұрын
Perfect info! Thank you!
@voodookitchenmama 6 жыл бұрын
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. : )
@mobilehomelife4028 6 жыл бұрын
Just found your channel, watched the two so far on solar power, extremely helpful, hoping in next few years to be full time RV'r.
@MTClassicMovieChannel 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you again for your channel
@AhJodie 3 жыл бұрын
Great video, thank you so much!
@jarrellestes1793 Жыл бұрын
I am electrical guy and have Buck, bost inverter ($30,00),bench tester. I use it to charge my battery's (AA & AAA,). Including electrical car battery pack (36v). Used as a trical battery charger with a variable output voltage and current. May help. KZfaq battery charging. Saving your video. THANKS
@shauna5466 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you Bob you are so very helpful....
@kevinj8258 6 жыл бұрын
- Bob - have no idea how you put your finger on the exact topic that needs to be discussed. This is such a good path to take, given buying a full solar system plus batteries is getting crazy costly, when the sun only shines half the day.
@KatandzR 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much...just what I have been wanting some information on...
@bevd4066 6 жыл бұрын
thanks for the terrific information
@mariemorrissey9378 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing!
@unclemo5536 6 жыл бұрын
Great review, thanks Bob :) im not on the road traveling yet. However, storm season is coming and I have been thinking about buying a small portable solar charger just incase power/service goes out I can still keep my cell charged. Ill probably be adding the fan and lights to my list as well when im ready.
@ronpeted 6 жыл бұрын
Real good info . Thanks .
@coloradocharlie945 4 жыл бұрын
It's nice to see you guys hanging out together 😋😋
@gwendolynfloccari4927 Жыл бұрын
Great info
@eptunes3616 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks guys.👍🏽
@AmiStidhamMyHealingJourney 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the info!
@cyndifoore7743 6 жыл бұрын
I bought my son a mini solar panel folding unit and he was very happy with it too. I don’t remember the brand but I paid around $75 for it. He took it camping and was able to keep 2 iPhones and an ipad charged with it.
@lynnkrenz4136 6 жыл бұрын
I got my RV yesterday, and thanks for your response to my email !! Just ordered the battery charger-thanks for your video 😀😀
@rvingkeepitrolling8797 6 жыл бұрын
Lynn Krenz I've also just started this life good luck to you
@michelleglass5192 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks guys, awesome job
@TwoMeander 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Michelle!
@roslynhaynes1652 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Great info.
@surfdetective 6 жыл бұрын
Helped a lot...thanks
@nubiasilva2449 4 жыл бұрын
Super, thank you
@briancollins3177 5 жыл бұрын
Bob, I have a couple of those Opolar fans, and similar battery banks,....I have run the Opolar fans on the battery banks all night,....still running in the morning. Havent let one run until it quits,....may take one to work and do a test
@servingjesus5972 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this!
@Irehs72 2 жыл бұрын
I bought 3 different solar chargers that. Charge USB devices. They all came with lights and solar panels. You charge the station and do not plug your device into the panel itself. They work. Really well. Each were under $50. 2 were around $35. Each. Love them. They are small and light weight
@thegoatman62 6 жыл бұрын
Good information.
@CanadianKobolds 4 жыл бұрын
Another good brand I found on Amazon for USB solar stuff and battery banks was Anker. I have their powercore 20,000 (I believe is what it's called) but it fast charges my phone almost as fast as the Samsung wall charger. I've had the battery pack for three years, they get heavy use during the warm months and almost no use during the winter and they are still great. I've also heard great things about RavPower as well and I bought one of their battery packs and the quality is definitely there.
@silverbreezeRn 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! This is just what I need! I love the simplicity of plug and play! Waiting for my tax refund.
@edtatum3663 6 жыл бұрын
Great video
@robvannNS 6 жыл бұрын
I'm a big believer in 18650 Li batteries..forget double or triple A's, there is no comparison for capacity and power.. Typical life of new ones are 500 to 1000 cycles. You can also harvest them from used laptop batteries..there are usually 6 or 9 in each one and if you ask around you can usually find them for free. Lots of info on using new and recycled 18650's on KZfaq. They also work well for 12v automotive oriented products as three batteries in series will give 12.6v.
@longhairmullet 6 жыл бұрын
Rob Vann Ahh! Something new for me to research. I love reading the comments , learn so much from others with various ways to do things.
@robvannNS 6 жыл бұрын
Dani Adams-I've harvested several hundred 18650 cells from laptop batteries to make power packs for my ebike. The ones which have 40% or so of their capacity lacking I turned into emergency lighting for the neighbors who don't have generators..Even with 1000 mAh each they will provide twenty or more hours of light with a 4w COB type LED.. I used them for minivan camping in a DIY power bank which will hold 8 cells with five output voltages right up to 12v .. they will run anything from lights, radios fans, charging phones etc. . They are available for about 5 bucks on Ebay or Ali.. so cheap that I keep several on hand. If you use used cells you do need to evaluate them first..My first experience was using them in a LED flashlight..unbelievable performance..
@christianehlers8119 6 жыл бұрын
The Samba-Project man runs his VW Bus with these batteries.
@brianleonard6885 4 жыл бұрын
GREAT IDEA'S HERE
@parker3665 6 жыл бұрын
This is exactly what I was needing! This video answered each question I had and confirmed my own plan for starting out. Thank you, thank you!
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
Beth, these devices should be a simple and inexpensive way to get started. I was pleased with how well the panels and battery banks worked!
@parker3665 6 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad to hear this! I can't wait!
@leonzios10 6 жыл бұрын
My friend has a battery pack with a solar panel on it and he just keeps it on his dash. Works awesome for camping.
@Hydrana1 6 жыл бұрын
I have to say I really admire people who live in their be vehicles, I could never do that!
@tmad5358 6 жыл бұрын
I had not seen the battery chargers, thanks! Also, I've recently upgraded to a USB headlamp, so the only thing I use the rechargeable batteries for are old-school lighting. Also, they have the USB strip lights that change colors for stealth.
@susiepittman601 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@susiepittman601 6 жыл бұрын
Cool. Thank you.
@kennethworde862 6 жыл бұрын
Great stuff, I enjoy that you interact with other people! Great tips, have you ever tested marine type quality equipment? I have found them to last longer, I cannot afford cheap, however I used this kind of setup in the military on deployments, Why? military vehicles are 24v, later we could mod to boat set ups, tank have 30+ batteries, we could just add a couple rv batteries then uncouple and many could use to recharge. Again I would suggest a comparison vid between land/marine? Great channel!
@algray2604 6 жыл бұрын
Nifty little do dads bob thank you.
@HalkerVeil 4 жыл бұрын
So a cheap solar 15 watt panel with a USB Power Bank becomes a mini version of standard solar kits. That's crazy. Unless we have a fridge to run, AC unit, or massive computers to power, then this is all we really need.
@shirleywatkins3620 3 жыл бұрын
I have used my car battery jump box for charging phone I also charge it while driving👌🏻
@shirleywatkins3620 3 жыл бұрын
It even has a 12 v plug in and lights 👌🏻I threw my cables away too big and bulky
@jericgenericnomad5423 6 жыл бұрын
Great vid Bob keep up the good work. I have thought about getting someone to edit my videos. it can be a pain if you have to blur license plates and faces. youtube has a build in program that helps but its not the best. Anyways great vid as always and stay safe out there
@shelbyarmit6027 5 жыл бұрын
A few videos back, installing van window film. I thought you addressed the issue quite well. Lol. It's too bad that some people have to belittle others, to inflate their own ego. But very well said by you, covering how you feel about negative texting. I did learn from that video. Yes what a brave young soul, that girl was participating in your video. Lol. How long did it take you to talk her into that!!!! ? I enjoy your videos & support this movement! Keep on keeping on. 😉
@CheapRVliving 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you Shelby for your thoughtful comment. Yes, she did a great job showing how to install perforated vinyl. Thank you for watching!
@touffe3611 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks this was a great video
@bettywith2girls 6 жыл бұрын
Good comprehensive review. I'm surprised, though, that you did not cover solar Luci lights. Oh, yea, you did say just USB products, but I hear a lot of the nomads hang the Luci lights in their windows during the day and get plug-in free power for lighting at night.
@RobertWitham 6 жыл бұрын
Betty, I also have a Luci light and have been very impressed. I prefer the Lux models that have the frosted globe for the soft light. My current Luci light is the small backpacking model and it worked wonderfully in a minivan.