Bluetti AC180 portable power review for 4X4, camping and off-grid work | Auto Expert John Cadogan 

BLUETTI PORTABLE POWER: www.bluettipower.com.au/?ref=... AC180: www.bluettipower.com.au/pages... Need something larger? Try the AC200MAX: www.bluettipower.com.au/produ... Get an additional $20 off using code JohnAC180 on checkout. AC180 discounted from 15 -31 May, 2023

I've had the AC200P since it first came out and I figured out how to maximize the value of purchase (these things aren't cheap). There are three substantial uses for the "system". My system is a "Gorilla Cart" (heavy duty cart from Bunnings) that carries my Bluetti 200P and an Engal Refrigerator. The first use is for house power backup. The cart sits in the garage on the other side of the wall to the refrigerator in the kitchen. Behind the kitchen refrigerator is the normal power point plus an added power point that whose feed end is an extension lead next to the cart. If we lose power, I switch over the power to be fed from the Bluetti. The second use is when we have a day by the river (a common pass time here in Perth). I put the cart in the back of the Triton and take it to the river and we have refrigeration and power all day. The cart makes it easy to move. The third use is when camping. The Bluetti and Fridge sit either in the back seat, or back tray dependent on how many people are in the car. It is integrated into the camp gear and strapped down. Swags are commonly used in WA and this set up works well. I use two of the larger Bluetti solar cells as well. With two, recharge remotely is no problem. All this cost substantial money so I would probably feel it was wasted if I didn't get the variety of use from it.

Just wrapped up a full week running a 95L dual-zone portable frig/freezer (both zones set to -11 °C) averaging 60-watt load when running its cycles which was powered around the clock only by an AC180. The AC180 was fully recharged daily with a PV350 portable array receiving unshaded sunlight 5 hours/day with two of those days being partly cloudy. It discharged to no less than 30% between 100% charges each night, keeping everything frozen solid. It also fully charged a phone via its wireless charging pad each night. The AC180+PV350 combo is a perfect kit for my off-grid power requirements as I rebuild my homestead destroyed by the USFS in the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

If you're using these to power 12V gear - use the 12V outputs rather than plugging a power supply into the 230V GPOs. There are less conversion losses. Same reasoning when using the inbuilt USB charge points.

Thanks John ! This is the solution I was looking for to power my campsite over extra days. I have a two battery system but often wish to stay put, (drinking cold beer and red), for extra days. With the addition of a solar blanket the possibilities are endless. You are a funny guy - well done with the two week deal and John discount !

Great review JC , I was looking at getting this unit so brilliant you have already covered all the important points in the review. My power goes down every now and then due to the Ausgrid quickening so this unit will help keep the Tonic waters cold. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the review John - and the extra discount code :) Have purchased one and awaiting delivery.

Not sponsored but got it for free😏

Hi John, big fan. Thanks for the discount on the AC180!!

John thanks very much for your review on the Bluetti , really appreciate that.

A few months back I threatened to buy the EB55, which is a nifty little device, I've even taken it camping. Now I need to save up again to get one of these, sadly not in time to take advantage of the discount. but that ups function is exactly what I need. Thanks for the review

Definitely consider one of these...

Great review thank you.

"A politician could do this it really is that simple" 😂😂😂

Great review. Getting one

If only it had a 12V 50A anderson output. Only having 10A output at 12V is pretty limiting.

Nice Add Dude. Already have the 200 max and big extension battery. Nice products.

Your review was great. After months of reading - I thought the Bluetti AC180 seemed the best option for me site unseen. I ordered and paid the fee... I think your judgment vindicates my thoughts. I await my shipment so I may bugger off bush ... your opinions are valued, Thank you, John.

Having bought an older model Bluetti some 18 months ago on the recommendation of AE I can attest they they really are a worthwhile addition to the tool bag.

Hi John. Thanks for doing this review. I've been holding off buying the 200P for a while now due to the weight & price. How will this one go with an inductive load like a Microwave? Normal 1000W microwave to reheat leftovers for smoko or lunch in the back of your work ute/van for example.

wow, really cool.

Just got the AC180, and so far from my use it has thoroughly pleased me! 12v works perfectly for my fridge. Have used it for a toaster, laptop charger, and kettle (1800W, in power lifting mode). Solid unit, any questions flick them through

Top review as always JC. Do the expansion battery modules have the same footprint dimensions as the main unit? If they are similar in footprint one could stack below main unit or secure in second footwell on opposite side of vehicle?

Just workin on solar setup for a client on the 200. The input requirements could be a little more friendly, doable, however little brain burning necessary. Good bit of kit for quick go too.

Thanks John I have been on the fence for a while but just pulled the trigger on it after this video! Can’t see ya $20 code though for others looking at getting one..

Thanks , can you use Anderson connection to solar instead of MC4? Also can it be used as generator? meaning can you charge and recharge as the same time?

Dear John...great review thanks...i hope you 'll see this question...would the ac180 run my water pump at home to water my garden and pump water in to house? It's a 1.5kw pump...i hope you can help...i think the surge may be too much for the unit to handle? If I added a b80 expansion battery would the unit be able to handle extra surge or would it only increase the useable watt hours? Thanks a million...great presentation 😎

Good point about using the rear footwell in a utility. Is it durable enough to secure in the tub with a hard lid to run a portable fridge/freezer whilst driving? I know you have a Triton - and would be interested to see it tested in this manner. Thank you.

I used my EB70 in summer in NSW, just south of Queensland. Very hot, very human. I ran my 90lt twin compartment fridge in my uninsulated brick walled bathroom downstairs. Cops western sun all afternoon. With a 200W (Allpowers monocrystalline) folding panel out in the sun, the fridge ran non-stop for 14 days. One side on 4°C and the other side on minus 18°C. Never had an issue. The block style battery meter, in lots of 20% capacity is pretty annoying for a nerd like me who needs to be precise.

Good job John. How much air do you think this needs around it... was thinking of fitting it in a boat locker ...?

Hi John. Just wondering your thoughts on the Baumr-ag products? I bought a rattle gun and seems really good. Time will tell.

If the unit is turned off and you plug it into the wall power grid, does it charge or does the battery need to be turned on before it starts charging? The eb70 charges without having to turn it on. I read the higher models work the opposite. I have a smart PowerPoint I want to charge it during the day by having the PowerPoint turn on at a certain time so that my house solar panels charge it

One of the issues with almost all the power stations on the market is there is no fast 12V charging. The cigarette lighter socket can charge at max ~100W, which is useless. I got the AC200Max, and I have to get a DC converter to step up the voltage to 36V to charge it fast from my car.

My BIL has this in his car to run the fridge. It works seamlessly for 2 days at a time.

How silent is it John? Doesn't it have a cooling fan that runs when over a certain current draw .

Hi Jhon, just one question would I be able to charge this unit with Redark DCDC1240D Charger? In the back of my Ute thank you

Household power is 230v on the active and Zero volts on the neutral because it is earthed at the transformer and at your meter box. Do portable power stations do this or provide 115v on each 180 degrees opposed?

Do you have to ground this with a special cable like the manual says??

I have to argue your claim a politician could operate it... C. Bowen comes to mind With the addition of an extra battery pack looks rooly rooly good. Sold....

Can this be used to feed power back into the grid? Charge at night when the rate should be cheap and feed back during the day at a higher rate.

Is this good enough to run a fridge,freezer and a small fan at home when I have a power outage or should I buy the next size ,max200

One thing I think is strange ( I bought the AC180) , is that they have kind of priced themselves out of the AC200P. You only get 200W more for an overly uncomfortable weight and size. It's a much higher capacity, but it's not worth $800-$1000 more, you might as well just buy two of the 180's. The 200P does have a better surge, so I think the only reason to buy the 200P is possibly home back up only ( at which point you might as well buy a 2000KW Honda...?). Seems like they made a model that's well made at a good price point , which is good for us!

Hi John, I'm trying to buy one but can't find anyone that sells them, I'm in Perth can you suggest. Cheers

Hi John, I commented back when this video was new, but I think it was removed for review due to an imbedded link to RVDSAFE, so please forgive the double comment if it eventually shows up again. My comment was about using an earth stake and safety switch. This is not a recommended practice and I believe it is forbidden under the regs. Residual Current Devices are not compatible with isolated power supplies such as generators and inverters (due to the earthing requirements) so a Residual Voltage Device is required to work alongside the Residual Current Device. This secondary device monitors voltage and trips the RCD when a dangerous fault occurs. These are an Aussie invention and now available as a combined safety switch. From my understanding, they may soon be a requirement under the new transportable power standards for vans and the like. I think this is an important topic for your followers, as many people simply don’t realise that transportable power can kill you just as quick as an angry toaster in the bath tub can.

Would it run a motorhome aircon?

Thanks for your work on this John...for what it's worth, I bought a BLUETTI EB70 recently (after watching BLUETTI reviews by you and others) and it is FANTASTIC! Copes easily with the camping requirements, great on the farm with power tools and, as you point out, the silent overnight genset. I've asked on a number of platforms how a vehicle mounted a dual battery system is better than a BLUETTI and haven't received a straight / convincing answer yet.

Can run my car detailing business with this one

I read that previous Bluetti devices were plagued with a sizeable overhead power consumption (ie, if you turned it on and don’t plug anything in, it drains the battery considerably). Any idea if this issue remains with the AC180?

Hi, I purchased a AC180 and I love it. I do note the op manual has a sticker on one page stating that the unit must be grounded via the ground terminal. I can't seem to find anything on line on this and it seems like an after-thought (sticker) for Oz use?

I have the Bluetti EB70 and it's a very good unit. What pisses me off is the fact the Bluetti seem to have continual 'sales' and that unit is much cheaper today than when I bought it about 12 months ago. So I'll wait a while and the price will come down at their next 'sale'..

Too right, mate.

Thanks for another great review John. Wish it could be charged from the car battery and not just the cigi lighter.

Serious question .. will it run my wife's hair dryer without using all its stored capacity? I'm fair dinkum, real life problems

I just bought an ac200 Great device! Unfortunately I had to pay for mine ….

It's only as heavy as a fat kid 😂😂 love it 👌

Sorry but my bluetti eb90 I think it is? The charge input isn't great also the 12v cig slocket isn't great. They are kind of loose and don't like to input or out-put charge. I'm stuck with running the fridge off the AC and not even bothering to let it charge from my car. Usually I look and the things not chargeing even tho it is plugged in.

Can you run a microwave on it?

Nice baseball cap ⚾️

Hi John,great reveiw AC180,what is bluetti after sales service like if you have problems with there products

How long would it power a portable fridge for? AKA overlanding without a shit-twa behind you.

I have questions re. Bluetti power stations. I own the AC200P and the AC180. My primary question is re. earthing. The AC200P is charged via the supplied power brick and D7909 plug, which is 2 pole, resulting in no grid connected earth. Its two 230VAC output ports are 3 pin and the earth sockets are interconnected, however there is no external earth connection. The AC180 240VAC charging is internal to the unit. The AC mains input cable is three pin. I have checked all of the earth connections with a multimeter set to continuity. There is earth continuity between the 240VAC power input, the two 240VAC outlets and the earth post next to the reset circuit breaker. 1. Is the inverter technology the same, similar or different between these two units? 2. Would using the AC180, standalone and unearthed be any more dangerous than using the AC200P, which has no earth to connect to by design? Cheers

How robust are these for vibrations and dust ingress? Look like a tempting option however would need to have confidences in the product under these conditions and know the manufacturer will support you if a warranty claim is needed. Any chance John of putting one through these conditions?

G'day John. Any chance you could fire up your Bluetti AC180 and plug in the fat cave microwave for 10 mins?? I'm keen to buy 3 for our work vehicles but am holding off if they are going to be underpowered. Thanks, Mark.

Thanks John, used your code. But I am disappointed in the fact that there is only 1 x 12v outlet. I plan on making a mini block converting the one 12v to 2 x 12v and 2 x anderson plugs (for fridge). Also disappointed in the slow DC charge rates (compared to your traditional 40-50amp DCDC charger), I will just 'top it up' using AC when at home or solar in the bush. I really like the unit in terms of value for money considering it's got almost 100AH lithium, battery monitor/screen, Bluetooth app, DCDC/MMPT, 1800W inverter, dc/usb points... and it's fully portable. There don't appear to be any 'off the shelf' portable power stations that accommodate for a faster means of DC charging so this will have to do.

Will they handle a small microwave and a electric kettle or maybe a small toaster these are common items used in caravan or motor home

How dangerous are these to take in a car on a camping trip? Are they as likely to go up in flame like an EV battery? Would they cause as much injury from toxic gases?

How far will this Tesla jerry can get you up the road, in a pinch ?

Have you seen the comments about your observations on Toyota 300 on the wild touring RU-vid (Cameron Wild)

Watt is a Joule per Second?

The only issue with most of these units is the charge rate off alternator. Else, they look great - very convenient.

The biggest limitation I experience with my Bluetti AC500 B300s is that I use 12v dc all the time and there isn’t enough ports for that. I really would like two or three cig ports so I don’t need to disconnect fridge when using cpap at night, or in winter a 12v connection to a diesel heater.

Just got one The early bird price was to hard to say no ! This seems like a great little unit

What lights a plug in reading lamp 😂

Thank you for the honest review but the fact that this device is brand new but has No capability to expand with add on batteries is a huge disappointment. I would consider it a deal breaker to be honest.

After reading many reviews and watching a lot of videos, I chose this option for my first backup power station. ru-vid.comUgkxHypYDKHAN93Lp2RQpfvU_ksc70wJ00pt I was between this and a larger option that could power a wider range of items, but the price/size/capacity blend seemed right for this unit. Hasn't gotten a ton of use yet, but the build quality is solid and it charges fine via the Rockpals solar panel I purchased to pair with it. One thing to note is that the screen is optimized for a top down viewing angle, which makes sense, but this means it washes out at other angles - especially low angles. Not a huge deal, but perhaps a better option for the display could be used to provide wider viewing angles.

Sure beats the crap out of my ghetto powerbank! ru-vid.com7Yev60_Eu4Q Maybe, if I hadn't have shelled out for a dual battery setup I'd buy this. Ship has sailed as they say but sure seems like a good piece of kit at the right price. Thanks John.

Add a B80 add on battery and you are laughing.

If you don’t use a petrol generator all night, it’s likely that someone else will be.

We all need to get out more. A post covid hangover thought.

"WAW" you can run "mull grinder" of it when you out at dingo piss creek chuck the microwave oven it and you make "munchies" after a compression session in the forest...

You. Camping. Heaven forbid. Maybe you can use it to blow up a portable spa and to keep the Krug cold.

I’d kill my ex wife for one of these. Love your work John.

What's your address John?... I might pop by and borrow yours.

How about you use it to recharge you shaver.

Nice gay t-shirt John! Found inside a sponsors free show bag?

First!!

" Even a politician could handle that "... come on, nothing is that idiot proof.

Nope. No interest in this. 🤔

I bought the ac200p it turn up with faults on pv/car and ac output it's been over 2 weeks and still getting the run around,there is no customer service,I seriously wouldn't buy anything from this company

Do you have to ground this with a special cable like the manual says??