Goal Zero or similar experiences...

Anyone have experience using a Goal Zero Yeti 3000 with portable solar like their Boulder 200 for camping out of the Tundra? Are you happy you went this route vs a more permanent install with dual batteries, MPPT, etc? I like the idea of the Yeti 3000 to help power our house refrigerator and chest freezer in the event of a longer power outage. I'm also a bit wishy washy with vehicles and don't seem to keep any for more than a few years so I'm not sure it makes sense to do a permanent install. Thoughts or experiences?

 

Depends what all you want to run and for how long. I put in a single AGM battery and run my fridge. I use an anker 20000 power bank to recharge phones or other usb things at night and recharge it while driving the truck during the day

I don’t personally see the need for a dual battery system for 90% of people. I also like the probability of a standalone system. I can use it in any vehicle or I can leave it at camp and leave during the day

the 3000 is probably overkill to be honest, especially if you are running solar or recharging it during the day in the truck. The 500 / 1000 / 1400 is likely sufficient. The 3000 is huge and weighs 70 lbs

 

Thanks! Yeah, the 3000 is likely overkill for me in the truck, but would be nice to have for our house to power the fridge and separate chest freezer in the event of a longer power outage (likely in CA with voluntary shut-offs due to fire hazards).

 

goal zero is solid gear. you could also look at jackery as an alternative.

 

Thanks...I'll check them out too.

 

Looking at the new yeti 500x to power my fridge in between driving. Out of stock everywhere except for goal zero direct(full price). Anyone have this unit?

 

I just got one to use while camping with our Dometric Fridge. It is very nice. Not sure you can find much discount on these anywhere, seams like Goal Zero keeps the prices locked. We had the yeti lithium 1000 before and it would run the fridge for almost 6 days. We down sized to the 500x. Love the size and much lighter. We have a 100 watt solar panel to keep it charged if we are not driving everyday. If we were on a road trip and driving everyday I think I could get away with the 200x. I may still get one of those just to have it.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the intel! For sec a was thinking it may be too small but from what you describe it actually sounds perfect.