If you own a Goal Zero Yeti power station, you probably know how versatile and convenient it is to have portable power for camping, tailgating, off-grid events, workshops, and emergency home backup. But what if you need to recharge your Yeti while on the road? How can you use your car to power up your portable power station?
You can charge a Goal Zero Yeti from a car by using either the Goal Zero Car Charger or an inverter and the regular wall charger. The charging time will depend on the size and capacity of your Yeti and the power output of your car.
In this post, we will explain two different methods to charge a Goal Zero Yeti from a car, as well as some tips and tricks to optimize the charging efficiency and speed. Let’s get started!
The easiest and most straightforward way to charge your Goal Zero Yeti from a car is to use the Goal Zero Car Charger. This is a specially designed accessory that plugs into your car’s 12V cigarette lighter port and connects to your Yeti’s 8mm input port.
The Goal Zero Car Charger has two settings: 5A and 10A. This means that you can choose to input either 60W or 120W into your Yeti, depending on the power output of your car and the size of your Yeti. For example, if you have a Yeti 200X, you can use the 10A setting to charge it in about 3 hours. But if you have a Yeti 3000X, you might want to use the 5A setting to avoid overloading your car’s battery.
To use the Goal Zero Car Charger, follow these steps:
Note: The Goal Zero Car Charger is compatible with all Yeti models except for the original Yeti 1000. Do not attempt to charge your Yeti from a car using a regular charging cable, as this may cause damage to the unit or your car.
Another way to charge your Goal Zero Yeti from a car is to use an inverter and the regular wall charger that came with your Yeti. An inverter is a device that converts DC power from your car’s battery into AC power that can be used by household appliances. You can plug your wall charger into the inverter and then connect it to your Yeti’s AC input port.
The advantage of this method is that you can use a higher wattage inverter to charge your Yeti faster than with the car charger. For example, if you have a 500W inverter, you can charge your Yeti 1000X in about 4 hours. However, this method also has some drawbacks:
To use an inverter and the regular wall charger, follow these steps:
Note: Make sure that your inverter has enough wattage and surge protection to handle your wall charger and your Yeti. Check the specifications of both devices before using them together.
Whichever method you choose to charge your Goal Zero Yeti from a car, here are some tips and tricks to optimize the charging efficiency and speed:
Q: How long does it take to charge a Goal Zero Yeti from a car?
A: The charging time depends on the size and capacity of your Yeti, the power output of your car, and the method you use to charge it. Generally, using the Goal Zero Car Charger will take longer than using an inverter and the regular wall charger, but it is also safer and simpler. You can check the estimated charging time for each Yeti model on the Goal Zero website.
Q: Can I use my Goal Zero Yeti while charging it from a car?
A: Yes, you can use your Goal Zero Yeti while charging it from a car, as long as you do not exceed the input or output power limits of your Yeti or your car. However, using your Yeti while charging it will slow down the charging process and reduce the efficiency. It is recommended to charge your Yeti fully before using it or to use it sparingly while charging it.
Q: Can I charge my Goal Zero Yeti from a car with solar panels?
A: Yes, you can charge your Goal Zero Yeti from a car with solar panels, as long as you have a compatible solar panel and a suitable cable or adapter. You can either connect the solar panel directly to your Yeti’s 8mm input port or use an inverter and the regular wall charger to connect it to your Yeti’s AC input port. However, charging your Yeti from a car with solar panels may not be very efficient or reliable, as the solar power output depends on the weather conditions, the angle of the sun, and the placement of the panel.
Charging your Goal Zero Yeti from a car is a convenient and practical way to keep your portable power station ready for any situation. Whether you use the Goal Zero Car Charger or an inverter and the regular wall charger, you can recharge your Yeti while on the road or away from the grid. Just make sure to follow the tips and tricks we shared in this post to optimize the charging efficiency and speed, and to avoid any damage or safety issues.
