So far, I love my 180 as well! It's such a difference from the little jackery I have and I can't believe how quickly it charges! I've yet to use the solar charger, however I have big plans over the next few months. It is smaller and more manageable than yours, but it's still big. However, I don't care as right now I'm still basking in the excitement of using my electric blanket all night😂. Let's compare notes at the end of this camping season! Vintage A-frame! I hope so!❤

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Big plans and all-night warmth! Exciting! 👏👏👏 I have a multi-day / cold nights camp coming up, so we'll see how it performs under more stress. 🤞

I like that the ports are covered. What I don’t like is the lights. The mfg don’t take into account the units will be used inside a vehicle. They should give us a dimmer switch, I use blue tape over mine.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

That would be great! Our air purifier at home has a "sleep mode" where it runs, but all the lights are off. They should do that with these power stations. I don't mind a little light, but can see how it would be bothersome for a lot of people.

Wonderful addition! I have a thought to share, though, which is that I wouldn't want to be driving with that behind me if it wasn't strapped down for safety. If you have any kind of an accident, it will become a very dangerous airborne missile inside your 4Runner.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Good point!

Having this power is never overkill. It's perfect for any type of camping or household. Love it! I have the AC200P 😊

AWESOME ADDITION TO YOUR CAMP GEAR!!!

First off you need stickers of you holding the saw!😂 My guess is A frame rehab or tear drop trailer!

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Merch idea!! 👏 I’ve got A-frame dreams and an old trailer budget 💸💸💸

That is differently a game changer. Enjoy!

Happy for your new power station, but let's talk about that fridge..did I miss a video? 🤔

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Coming soon! 😉

Great video. I have the AC180. It was malfunctioning right out of the box. Customer service was horrific. Basically useless until I made a comment in a KZread video and the guy (who was sponsored by Bluetti) reached out to his contact for me and they finally got in touch with me. Extremely kind of him but one shouldn’t have to do that to get problems addressed. The 180 a small and compact size but it dies extremely quickly. if I were to do it all over again I would go with one like the 240. Yes it’s bigger and heavier, but it has plenty of power. My recommendation is to anyone that wants to power a fridge for more than 12 hours, whatever you do, do not buy the 180. The 240 looks like a really nice unit. I hope you enjoy it !!

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

That is a real bummer about their support. I'm glad you eventually got some help, but I hope to heck I never need it. Looking forward to testing this thing further. I'm going to really put it through its paces next winter!

@Treetopflyer777

2 ай бұрын

@@ShoestringMartha I think it’s going to be an excellent power bank for you. The products seem to be pretty good just as long as you don’t need the support. But the quality seems pretty decent. Looking forward to more videos with it !

Thank you for reviewing this power station. I ended up with the Bluetti AC 180, because the weight was the most my tired old verticality challenged body can easily handle to carry and move it. It has not disappointed me. I am looking at getting a bigger unit for homebase backup power though... Thank you again for all your videos. Safe travels.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

To you as well!

Looks like you have a new fridge and a different sleeping pad set up. Can you share some details on those? That Bluetti is a monster but I’m sure it’s useful!

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

A brief explanation about the sleep set up will be in the next video! In-depth explanation and fridge review are a couple videos away. 😉

Very cool! I would think that with the expandable batteries, you could just get one of those to run your fridge in the 4 Runner to have the option of where to put a fridge yet be able to run other DC and AC appliances with it in various locations. They charge independently even with solar. Plus one expansion battery can have a larger capacity than 1500+ WH. They don’t have a screen to view but you can see input and output data through the Bluetti app. Ok I didn’t address a solution for the “elephant” weight and size, but hey, it’s just so amazing being water and dust resistant! 😃

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Hahah that is a good thing to know though -- thanks!

@judyshorrock7368

2 ай бұрын

FYI-Their expansion batteries vary in length of warranty-most are only 2yr but it can be extended 4 yrs on some models if purchased through the Bluetti website. 😉

I do love my current 800w Bluetti. I've had it for 2 years without issue. I just got the spring deal on the AC180. I now have 2600w total and can get more with the extra betteries if i ever need them. This new one was too big for my space (im also im a 4 runner) and was way more expensive.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Nice!!

Loving my Bluetti AC180 so far, but that one looks like it’d be a pretty good upgrade, for increased power and especially for the IP rating. I’ve already lost count of how many times the dogs have flung water over mine after taking a drink in the van. 😂

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

LOL bless 'em!!

I see a new bed set up over your Bodega slide out fridge. Is your bed resting on the fridge now? I guess I missed some videos where you changed all that. That Bluetti is a beast

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

It's a *temporary* platform, which I'll explain a bit in the next video! The deep dive on it and the fridge, is a couple weeks away.

I've sort of been on the fence about Bluetti...I've seen some good reviews and I've heard some customer service nightmares. I like your honesty and excited to see how your unit works with the test of time. P.S. NICE FRIDGE!!!! Love how it opens!

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! I have heard similar stories. We shall see I guess 😬 Digging the fridge too, but it is longgggggg 😅

Wow…that bluetti is a beast. I like the bodega cooler too (:

If you get an adaptor. You can also charge this up at car EV staions via the 12v-30amp. This is great with there is no sun for the solar panels.

@ShoestringMartha

Ай бұрын

Ooh I was unaware! 😮

Thanks for the review…and that “Vintage 1970’s A-Frame cabin in need of a rehab somewhere in the mountains” was oddly specific. 😂😂😂 I can’t wait to find out!

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

That would be my pick! But these mortgage rates gotta come down and my savings needs to go up a bit more. So I guess that makes it more of a “dream” than a “plan”!🤔

@stphns1737

2 ай бұрын

I have the same "plan" and can already see the Bluetti with the 4 expansion packs in the corner with my dog curled up next to it 😊

Looks like it makes a nice table, too.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

If it’s going to take up so much floor space, it’s gotta pay its rent 😄

@esousa486

2 ай бұрын

Especially IF it fails ..... Hopefully not 🤞🤞

That's quite an upgrade from the Ecoflow. Is the Ecoflow still under warranty? I've been using my River Pro for about 3 years without issue. After seeing the section of video of "movie night" I wonder if those lights on the Buuetti time out or can you turn them off? I can't imagine trying to sleep with them on. Also, What fridge do you have with the sliding drawer? Me likey! I thought I was all up to date on your videos but I must have missed this one. I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store for the Buletti.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

The River Pro only had a 2 year warranty, and of course it started having problems immediately after that. I could not find any sort of way to dim the lights. It does have an "Eco" mode, where it shuts off it it's not doing anything, but the whole unit powers down, not just the lights. The fridge is a Bodega, and I'm working on a review video for it now. 😉

The outlet covers are awesome. And the lightning fast charging is a game changer for sure. Do you know how that compares to the Ecoflow, as far as charging speed? I am looking to upgrade my Jackie’s.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

I'm not sure if I could fairly compare, since they are different capacities. It did *seem* that the Bluetti charged faster, but I can't say for sure.

Bought the EB3A last Spring. It provides enough power for phone charging, electric kettle and charging my Ryobi batteries (fans for the summer). Tiny compared to the AC240, but is great. Plan on getting the AC180 for longer trips and the house. I let mine run all the way down before recharging. Use it to recharge items after a trip, then recharge the Bluetti. That said, did you see their fridge? Battery operated fridge that last 4-6 days before needing a charge. They released 100 earlier this year. Hoping there will be another release once any issues from 1st release are addressed.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

I have seen! Tempting. I just don't know how I feel about an appliance + battery bundle. I love the flexibility of separate units so much. 🤔

Suggestion : USE it for a FULL YEAR, .... Then do a review ...... Because, as with MANY of these "power Stations", things "fail" (like as with your previous one....) !! A year of CONSTANT use for most of us, will be an actual TEST to it's hefty price tag .......... "thanks" 😉

@paulas_lens

2 ай бұрын

My Bluetti EB70 has been going strong for 5 years now. Only issue is those stupid cigarette-type DC ports not staying connected.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

That connection does seem to be a bit wobbly!

Looks like a great solar generator, powerful, quick to charge…etc….now about your fridge, what brand and model is that? I am looking for a pull-out cabinet door similar to that…thanks!

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Bodega! I'm working on a video about it now, but in the meantime, here it is on Amazon: amzn.to/3PQtnVk I'm hoping they'll give me some discount codes to share 🤞

❤

Can you please do a Daiso camping gear review? They have the aluminum mess tin with the steamer insert (sold separately). 😉

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Daiso *finally* opened near me, and I checked it out. I was so disappointed that it didn't carry all the cool camping gear I had heard about (including the mess tin). I got a plate, a couple food containers, and one of those collapsible tubes for blowing onto a fire. I guess inventory varies by location. 😞

@onlyinparadise4613

2 ай бұрын

@@ShoestringMartha can you please link a Japanese style stainless steel or titanium mess tin (Amazon, Temu, wherever). I’m not fond of aluminum. Thanks 🙏

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

I found a few, and thought this one was pretty neat amzn.to/4cThQi2

@onlyinparadise4613

2 ай бұрын

@@ShoestringMartha thank you so much! Looks great! Wish it came with a metal lid. 👍

Subbie here. With these power stations, is it best to allow them to completely drain down before recharging? I've heard that it's best for lithium ion batteries. Currently, I have a Jackery. Thank you.

@daenas

2 ай бұрын

I keep my Jackerys plugged into solar panels all the time and have no issues even after 2 years.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Hiya! I had to do a little research, but I think it depends on the type of battery. This Bluetti has a LiFePO₄ battery, and if I understand what I found correctly, completely discharging it can stress its cells and potentially reduce its overall lifespan.

Do you have a list of your equipment somewhere? Maybe an Amazon store? I'd love to support you by buying through an affiliate link.

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I usually put a link to the Storefront in the description, unless it's a sponsored video. Here it is though, and please let me know if any items that caught your eye that are missing. www.amazon.com/shop/shoestringmartha 🙂

okay good review but never mind the Bluetti, what's that weird toddler toilet looking thing on your picnic table?

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

It was the portable washing machine I got from Temu, but it was the wrong voltage, so now it’s just a collapsible, lidded bucket. 😄

@paulavaden5139

2 ай бұрын

@@ShoestringMartha oh bummer but funny!

How much does that weigh?

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

72lbs! 😅

@fcastle4

2 ай бұрын

Oooph! Price to match?

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

Yeppppp 💰

@paulas_lens

2 ай бұрын

My back! 😂

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

ngl, between hefting that beast around and sleeping on my makeshift platform, by the end of the trip, my posture resembled that of a cooked shrimp. 🦐

It looks heavy

@ShoestringMartha

2 ай бұрын

You’re not wrong! 😅