When it comes to the average DIYer, in many circumstances we are learning as we go. The education and satisfaction of hands on learning is something everyone should try at least once. There are however a few thing I was not comfortable taking on for my newest build.
I’m a couple months into a Sprinter Van conversion now and it has been fun. We picked up a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 4×4, and when we ordered it, we ordered it as empty as possible. The goal is to create a rig that will take us just about anywhere, have the comfort and conveniences we want, and be able to stay traveling as long as we want without having to worry about powering the lights, outlets, refrigerator, or anything like that. Oh, and we have to be able to do some work from the road too.
The answer of course is a good solar set up. There is plenty of room on the roof for solar panels, and the options are endless for powering things with a good solar set up. Right away I hit the forums, the “how tos”, and asked as many questions to anyone I knew that has knowledge with solar. My conclusion from my research was…uhhh, this is a lot. I definitely wasn’t interested in burning my new sprinter to the ground, or wiring everything up only to find myself having to remove panels to access what ever I did wrong later. I honestly felt like it was a bit out of my comfort zone for such an important piece of the build.
Well, good news guys. We do not have to reinvent the wheel here. There’s a company that have already put the work in. Goal Zero has been the industry leader for years now, and they have a new line of power station powerful enough keep your rig powered for as long as you need it to be.
Meet the Yeti 6000x. This information is important, so let me just give it to you straight from Goal Zero.
FEATURES:
-Take Your Wall Outlet Anywhere
Powerful 2000W AC (3500W Surge) inverter allows you to run power-hungry devices and appliances with confidence. Our new industry-leading inverter can handle surges from power tools, medical devices, and home appliances, including full-size refrigerators.
-Versatile Port Options
Power a wide range of devices with seven different port options including fast-charging 60W USB-C Power Delivery, multiple USB-A ports, regulated 12V, and two 120V AC ports.
-Experience Unlimited Power
Charge the Yeti 6000X from the sun with our portable solar panels while away from the grid and keep it topped off from a wall outlet when you’re home. Integrated MPPT charge controller ensures you’re getting the most efficient solar charge possible.
-Power in the Palm of Your Hand
Monitor, control, and optimize your power usage from anywhere with Yeti App 3.0. Features remote control of power in/out, real-time power consumption notifications, historical power tracking, and charging profiles to optimize your battery life.
SPECS:
CHARGE TIMES
-AC Wall Charger 600W: 12 Hours
-Solar
-200W (Boulder (BC/Nomad) ): 35-70 Hours
-400W (Boulder/Nomad 200 X 2): 18-36 Hours
-600W (Boulder/Nomad 200 X 3): 12-24 Hours
-800W (Boulder/Nomad 200 X 4): 11-18 Hours
-1200W (Boulder/Nomad 200 X 6): 11-12 Hours
PORTS
-USB-A port (output): 5V, up to 2.4A (12W max), regulated
-USB-C port (output): 5 – 12V, up to 3.0A (18W max), regulated
-USB-C PD port (input / output): 5 – 20V, up to 3.0A (60W max), regulated
-6mm port (output, 6mm): 12V, up to 10A (120W max), regulated
-12V car port (output): 12V, up to 13A (160W max), regulated
-12V HPP (output): 12V, up to 30A (360W max), regulated (front face/under lid)
-120V AC Inverter: 120VAC 60Hz, 16.5A (2000W, 3500W surge) (output, pure sine wave)
-Charging port (input, 8mm): 14-50V, up to 10A (150W max) (front face/under lid)
-HPP charging port (input): 14-50V, up to 50A (600W max)
-Expansion Module port: Covered port under the lid. To be used with Goal Zero expansion modules only.
BATTERY DETAILS
-Cell chemistry: Li-ion NMC
-Pack capacity: 6071Wh (10.9V, 556Ah)
-Single Cell Equivalent Capacity: 1668Ah @ 3.6V
-Pack Lithium Content: 500g
-Lifecycles: 500 Cycles to 80% capacity (Discharge rate: 1C, Full charge/discharge, Temp: 25C)
-Shelf-life: Charge every 3-6 months
-Management system: MPPT charge controller
GENERAL
-Chainable: No
-Simultaneous Recharge & Discharge: Yes
-SKU: 36500
-Weight: 106 lbs (48.1 kg)
-Dimensions: 15.3 x 10.1 x 17 in (38.9 x 25.7 x 43.2 cm)
-Operating usage temp. 32-104 F (0-40 C)
-Warranty 24 months
RUN TIME
-Recharges
-Smart Phone (12 Wh): 501
-Tablet (30 Wh): 201
-Laptop (50 Wh): 120
-POV Camera (5 Wh): 1202
-DSLR Camera (18 Wh): 334
-Head Lamp (5 Wh): 1202
-Hours of Runtime
-Light-a-Life 350 (4.5 W): 1336
-Light Bulb (11 W): 547
-CPAP (65 W): 93
-TV (42″ LED) (100 W): 60
-Pellet Grill (60 W): 100
-Microwave (1000 W): 6
-Portable Fridge (25 W): 241
-WiFi Router (25 W): 241
-Mini Fridge (35 W): 172
-Full Size Refrigerator (55 W): 110
-Circular Saw (13 Amp) (1500 W): 4
Coming in at $5399.99 might seem expensive, and it is I suppose, but the most inexpensive quote I got when I was making a decision on going this route versus a professional install is still a couple thousand dollars cheaper, and it’s as easy as run your panels, and plug it in. The upside continues though. You can also easily wall charge the unit, and take it anywhere you need power as well.
Like always though, do your own research. Decide what you want and need in your build and go from there. As far as I am concerned, the Goal Zero Yeti 6000x is the perfect solution for powering any rig.
Check out the Yeti 6000x and the full catalog Goal Zero has to offer at www.goalzero.com
Rob Spencer