Portable power station - what are you using?

[bigbasin]

There are multiple portable power stations on Amazon with reviews. What are you using?

I don't have a favorite brand. Would need AC, usb and 12v and be able to charge via solar and shore. Thanks

 

[AuricTech]

Portable power stations (such as the Goal Zero Yeti series) aren't all that useful to full-time vehicle dwellers, so you won't find many users of such on this forum. While I'm using a Goal Zero Yeti 400 as I type this, it's because I'm tent camping in what turned into rainy weather. That's a niche for which such devices are well-suited. For vehicle dwellers, portable power stations are mostly an overpriced and underpowered solution to the problem of how to store and use electricity effectively.

 

[travelaround]

I plan to buy the Rockpals 250w Multi-Purpose Power Station, with the Rockpals 60w solar panel that is sold separately. This is what I'll be using in January for RTR and WRTR since I'll be traveling in a car at that time. Both are sold on Amazon.

 

[5ilver5urfer]

We have solar, a regular gas generator and a Aeiusny 500w portable generator.

 

[dklassen]

Inergy Kodiak here w/ 12v vehicle charging, solar, generator or shore power.

 

[lenny flank]

All of those "portables" have the same problems--they are overpriced and underpowered.

 

[John61CT]

Thank you for not calling them "generators"

Yes, those portable powerpaks are usually too small in AH and very poor value for money.

A pair of good deep cycling FLA 6V GCs, 200+AH at around $1 / AH.

 

[John61CT]

Relevant "hub" thread

https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=23546

 

[dklassen]

Ah, the solar generator haters surface again. Comments from people who've never even owned or used one.

 

[Bwanderin]

I am also using:
Aeiusny Solar Portable Generator, 288Wh UPS 500W for Home Camping CPAP Emergency Backup Solar Charger Charged by Solar Panel/Wall Outlet/Car. (Amazon)

I don't have solar, so this is a huge help for my needs so far - everything from charging phones, tablets, kindle, etc. to running a fan, heated blanket..I am sure there is more I am not thinking of.  Charges surprisingly quickly via 12V while driving or AC when available. Haven't felt the need for solar charging yet, but know it's an option with this.

I believe Robin with Creativity RV did a you tube review on this as well.

Hope this helps!

 

[RVTravel]

On the Aeiusny, what does the manual state as the recharge time in hours?

 

[RVTravel]

Online the seller is saying 6 hours recharge time on household current, up to 8 hours on 12V recharge.
26,000 mah battery capacity.

 

[RVTravel]

The Aeiusny would take up to 16 hours of good sunlight to fully recharge if at 0%..2 or more days.

 

[Bwanderin]

Today I drove an hour an a half while charging the Aeiusny via dash 12v and it went from 0 o 93% charge.  I know the manual says much longer, but I have been surprised how quickly it charges both via 12v and AC.  Seems to me it hasn't taken longer than 2 hours.  I have probably charged it about 15 - 20 times since I got it 3 months ago. (I don't have solar charging set up)

 

[Moxadox]

The Aeiusny would take up to 16 hours of good sunlight to fully recharge if at 0%..2 or more days.

Those who have the luxury of solar have better options. The usefulness of these batteries is for those who don't have solar.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[Miguel Miller]

All of those "portables" have the same problems--they are overpriced and underpowered.

Underpowered and overpriced it's when you buy YETI Goal Zero for 999,99$ and realize there are at least 3 or 4 alternatives with the same features but much cheaper. Actually everything that goes with a nametah "YETI" goes 100-200 more expensive.
I personally used Rockpals 250 and PICOWE that are solar capable, and they both did well.
https://wildproofgear.com/the-best-portable-power-station/ 

 

[obeynoone]

i have an Aeiusny which is just backup, i dont ever use it. i have a ryobi work battery attachment, 2 generic work batteries i bought off amazon, car charger, wall charger.

works good for me. my laptop i often charge up in public libraries or coffee shops, while i'm online. the battery charges up pretty fast when i'm just driving around doing my normal things. if i needed to i could throw it in my bag and charge at a library or coffee shop (never have). i sometimes even take it with me to coffee shops to charge up my laptop when i don't know if i will be able to find a spot with an outlet. my power needs are minimal, i mostly use it just to watch dvds,

 

[bullfrog]

Ryobi now has a 150 watt power station that runs off the Ryobi One 18 volt battery for less than $70 which can be charged with a 12 volt vehicle charger. It is much cheaper than the Goal Zero 150 watt one at $200. Using Ryobi lights, fans, wet/dry vacuum as well as tools has worked well for me and allows me to use the latest battery tech in their 9 Amp Hour big battery. I can charge batteries while I drive or grid power when in town. I have solar in one of my riggs but still just use it mainly to provide power to the Ryobi vehicle charger as I have found the Ryobi brand batteries and products easier for me rather than running 12 volt wiring and portable when I take another rigg. Beware of off brand batteries and check reviews before buying.

 

[Matlock]

I have a Yeti Lithium 1000. I recharge with their alternator wiring or their high amp AC charger.
I also have 400 watts of solar connected to a Midnite charge controller into a couple GC batteries.

The Yeti is my rainy days battery. If I had it to do all over again I would have started with the Yeti. It shows the In' s and outs amperage which gives you a clearer understanding of the whole battery/charger/consumption puzzle.

If I need more juice for power tools or to run my electric heater to dry out some moisture in the truck I fire up the Honda generator for an hour or two.

Works for me, your wants/needs may very.