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Power Bank for Camping

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by YotaBro, Jul 28, 2021.

  1. Jul 28, 2021 at 9:06 AM
    #1
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    I am about to take a week long trip with my girlfriend camping and need a power bank to maintain charge for my computer and our phones. What combo (power bank + solar panel) do people recommend? I don't plan on running a fridge or anything like that in the future. Also, I am pretty dumb when it comes to understanding the watt differences. I know that Jackery seems to sponsor every overland youtube channel. I'm fine with running the off-brand, as long as it works. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Jul 28, 2021 at 9:08 AM
    #2
    Shanet421

    Shanet421 (Semi) New Member

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  3. Jul 28, 2021 at 9:09 AM
    #3
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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  4. Jul 28, 2021 at 11:04 AM
    #4
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    Before I went full crazy and went solar/lithium, was looking at this...

    https://www.arkcorporation.us/pages/about-the-arkpak

    It's an investment but should be adequate for just about everything. Can put a huge battery in it and easily replace the battery.

    Also before the solar/lithium system I was able to find a deal on a GZ Yeti 400 that needed a new battery. Replaced the battery in it and then daisy chained another battery to it. With the two batts it can power my fridge for a couple days so that could also be an option for you. Have never used a Jackery but I'm sure it's just like the Yeti.
     
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  5. Jul 28, 2021 at 11:21 AM
    #5
    JEFFTHEROBOT

    JEFFTHEROBOT New Member

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  6. Jul 28, 2021 at 11:26 AM
    #6
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

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    Get a golabs r300 off Amazon. They can be had for $200 for the 300w/h. Plus they’re lifepo4 so should last many many years. Just my $.02

    edit: if you’re going to buy a Jackery, get it from harbor Freight. Best price/bang for your buck in terms of watt hours.
     
  7. Jul 28, 2021 at 11:49 AM
    #7
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    I use the Jackery 500+solar panel combo. Works great. The Jackery powers our fridge and has pass-through power so while driving I have the fridge plugged into my truck's cig lighter and then the jackery runs the fridge and stays at 100%. When we get to where we're going the Jackery takes over.
     
  8. Jul 28, 2021 at 12:08 PM
    #8
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    We use a bluetti AC50S off amos-zon, for some reason orange is cheapest. We charge it from the truck while driving (and run the fridge off the dual battery system) then when parked run the fridge off the bluetti and keep our dual battery system for lights/fans/phones/device charging. We can be power hogs in and out of the fridge in summer heat for 2 days this way without charging at all. Add in solar and it's almost infinite.
     
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  9. Jul 28, 2021 at 2:20 PM
    #9
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    How well does it charge in shade?
    How long does it last? Do you think that I could get away with the cheaper jackery?
     
  10. Jul 28, 2021 at 2:22 PM
    #10
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Do
    Do you have experience running the r300?
    Does harbor freight sell jackery at a cheaper price?
     
  11. Jul 28, 2021 at 2:24 PM
    #11
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Any issues with it raining on it or anything like that?
     
  12. Jul 28, 2021 at 2:28 PM
    #12
    Cruzer

    Cruzer Wheeling Full Size

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    I would just get a pure sine power inverter. You can plug the computer in as needed then power it off to save battery. I’d also get a fast usb charger for the phones so that it doesn’t take long to recharge. Just make sure to run the engine.

    500w inverter for $70
     
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  13. Jul 28, 2021 at 3:01 PM
    #13
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    I have tried my best to keep it clean and dry. They don't make any claims of it being any type of water/rain/weather/dust proof so I would keep it in the cab while driving or during rain.
     
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  14. Jul 28, 2021 at 6:54 PM
    #14
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Lots of shenanigans.
    Im trying to not have the truck running for it. Maybe I misread your comment
     
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  15. Jul 28, 2021 at 6:58 PM
    #15
    Cruzer

    Cruzer Wheeling Full Size

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    Only run the truck for as long as you run the laptop and during that time charge your other devices. Should be enough to keep topping off the devices. If you're camping you should be cutting the cord right?
     
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  16. Jul 28, 2021 at 6:59 PM
    #16
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Lots of shenanigans.
    I wish, work won’t allow me to cut the cord nor will school. :(
     
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  17. Jul 28, 2021 at 7:06 PM
    #17
    Cruzer

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    Ahh ok, so if you need more juice then yeah a solar and a larger power source makes more sense.

    I just ordered a second battery (120ah), an onboard battery charger (Redarc BCDC1225D) which has a built in solar regulator, and a Renogy 100watt solar panel. But all that costs a grip $$$.
     
  18. Jul 28, 2021 at 7:10 PM
    #18
    FirstGenVol

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    I don't think any solar panel is going to do great in shade. My Jackery 500 will power our fridge over 30 hours without help. For just laptops you might be fine with the Jackery 250.
     
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  19. Jul 28, 2021 at 7:20 PM
    #19
    JCBerb

    JCBerb Semper Fi

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    I started with a EcoFlow Delta 1300Wh unit with two 110 solar panels. I now have the EcoFlow and a Bluetti AC200P 2000Wh unit along with two 100 watt solar panels installed under the Frontrunner rack. I also pledged for two EcoFlow Delta Pro 3600 units on Kickstarter.

    I can recommend EcoFlow River, or the River Max.

    In overcast conditions, with 4 100 watt panels wired in series parallel, I was able to pull between 70 and 130 watts of power.

    In full sun on a sunny day I was close to 400 watts of power
    Partially covered solar panels will perform depending on how they are wired (series, parallel, or series parallel). In my case I had two 100 watts in series in partial shade and it affected the output by at least 75%.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
  20. Jul 28, 2021 at 7:32 PM
    #20
    JCBerb

    JCBerb Semper Fi

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    Do that math on what devices your wanting to power.
    How many watts those devices require
    How often how long you plan on running those devices.
    Take into consideration how you plan on charging the device, charging via the vehicle is running is not practical when your camping and will take longer.
    I would buy ONE 100 watt solar panel of I was going with a 500wh or less unit.
    That will give you an idea of what size power pack you need.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
  21. Jul 28, 2021 at 7:42 PM
    #21
    JCBerb

    JCBerb Semper Fi

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    I considered an extra battery setup like you mentioned, then realized for the coin involved to do that I could get a portable unit that can be used in the truck, my RV, and pretty much take it where ever else. So I went that route.
     
  22. Jul 28, 2021 at 7:42 PM
    #22
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    There are cheaper options. I'm more of a one an done type person. That's why I posted the ark. But sometimes the cheaper option works better. Because of how I am, I am obviously broke:D. But everything I have is gonna last my lifetime
     
  23. Jul 28, 2021 at 7:43 PM
    #23
    JCBerb

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    Buy once, cry once, and never look back.
     
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  24. Jul 28, 2021 at 7:45 PM
    #24
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    Yep... My philosophy after so many disappointing purchases
     
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  25. Jul 28, 2021 at 8:42 PM
    #25
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

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    Yes, I had a r300 for a few weeks. Worked great and has good build quality. Only downfall is it charges at 60watts max, so 300/60=5hr. I was using it to run a fridge 24/7 in the truck and got a little nervous about what would happen during a overcast/rainy spell. I ended up getting rid of and building a bigger setup. Would be perfect for light duty weekend use and if you have time to charge it.

    yes, the Jackery that harbor freight sells is $50 more everywhere else.
     
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  26. Jul 28, 2021 at 9:45 PM
    #26
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Lots of shenanigans.
    Geez, seems like a lot of mulla lol
     
  27. Jul 28, 2021 at 9:55 PM
    #27
    JCBerb

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    Yea...but now I have All the power I need. It was worth it.
     
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  28. Jul 28, 2021 at 9:59 PM
    #28
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Alright, so I would prefer not to spend over 700 but would be willing to spend 800$ (this is power station + solar panel). Obviously, if I can get away with a cheaper option then that would be fine. I like how Harbor Freight sells the jackery 400 W for cheap. Seems like I would have to pair it with a 100 W solar panel per @JCBerb.
    **Edit**
    Could I get away with purchasing this one from Harbor Freight to power a fridge/ computer/ phone? I currently don't plan on running a cooler but I can see myself changing my mind in a few years when I do longer trips. With that being said, what combos do y'all recommend with that price limit? Once again, I am super dumb with all of this power stuff and what company is better.

    Also, can I run power stations with a different company's solar panel?
     
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  29. Jul 28, 2021 at 11:02 PM
    #29
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
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  30. Jul 28, 2021 at 11:26 PM
    #30
    jerryallday

    jerryallday New Member

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    I got the jackery 300 on prime day for $200. So far it has done everything needed.

    I say buy something from Amazon with a good return policy, just incase you don’t like it.

    I am looking for solar panels if anyone has a a good adorable option. New Jackery allows you to use other brands
     
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