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If you are planning to use as a ups, then pass on this station. Google inverter overload and read up on it. I am pretty sure everyone of these refurbs are customer returns because of this issue. I bought mine for 114 and still returned it.
If you are planning to use as a ups, then pass on this station. Google inverter overload and read up on it. I am pretty sure everyone of these refurbs are customer returns because of this issue. I bought mine for 114 and still returned it.
Wouldn't it be fine for basic stuff like laptops or phones?
Wouldn't it be fine for basic stuff like laptops or phones?
In theory, if you don't use it as a UPS it should be fine but I didn't really use long enough to know. My fear is that the inverters are faulty then eventually it could affect non-ups AC outlet uses as well, but if you only use it for the usb-c ports, that shouldn't be a problem.
The listing now shows that you now need to use the code: LABORDAYTWENTY
to take off the extra 20% to get down to the $119.xx price
Note: I bought one of these refurbs the last time they were available at $119. It was clearly used and had a couple of minor scratches on it, but I'm mostly satisfied.
I've had the "inverter overload" issue during testing with an AC load while topping off with solar. Seems specific to the AC load as I've done other tests and not repeated it. But I haven't isolated the exact conditions as I don't typically use it in that fashion.
I've mostly been using it to power a 12v fridge when I'm parked for a period of time and it works well for that and is cheaper and more versatile than a dedicated fridge battery pack like the one Bouge RV sells.
It's also really handy when you need to power an AC load for a short while and don't want to bother running an extension cord or finding an outlet.
And while the onboard 286Wh is small (and even smaller after taking losses into account), I've rigged up a charging adapter that lets me use the dozen or so 18v Ryobi tool batteries I have to add/recharge the onboard 286Wh battery via the Solar charge port.
The ecoflow river 2 with the labor day coupon is a bit more, $143.20 and doesn't come with the solar panel, but doesn't have the same inverter overload issue as the bluetti from what I understand. I have a UPS already, so this will just be for running small appliances at night during emergencies when I don't want to crank the generator.
I went for the previous $114 deal on these. They are NOT refurbished, they are returns.
The first one had a faulty AC button - it wouldn't work, although I could switch to AC with the app. No way they wouldn't have caught that if it was truly a refurb. It also stunk like plastic during charging. The 2nd one had the semi-common fan/motor whine when charging before the fan kicks in. I was charging the unit in another room and thought my lawn guy was running the weed-wacker outside it was so loud. That fan whine comes on in UPS mode also. I didn't test long enough to see if it had the overload issue.
I wanted to like the unit, but it definitely has issues. I asked to try a 3rd one, but they wouldn't extend the return window if that one was faulty too.
Curious if the brand new units have these issues worked out or they are the same.
If you are planning to use as a ups, then pass on this station. Google inverter overload and read up on it. I am pretty sure everyone of these refurbs are customer returns because of this issue. I bought mine for 114 and still returned it.
What if i only plan to use it as a UPS for something light such as a wifi router and/or charge laptop? Would it work in that usecase?
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank
to take off the extra 20% to get down to the $119.xx price
Note: I bought one of these refurbs the last time they were available at $119. It was clearly used and had a couple of minor scratches on it, but I'm mostly satisfied.
I've had the "inverter overload" issue during testing with an AC load while topping off with solar. Seems specific to the AC load as I've done other tests and not repeated it. But I haven't isolated the exact conditions as I don't typically use it in that fashion.
I've mostly been using it to power a 12v fridge when I'm parked for a period of time and it works well for that and is cheaper and more versatile than a dedicated fridge battery pack like the one Bouge RV sells.
It's also really handy when you need to power an AC load for a short while and don't want to bother running an extension cord or finding an outlet.
And while the onboard 286Wh is small (and even smaller after taking losses into account), I've rigged up a charging adapter that lets me use the dozen or so 18v Ryobi tool batteries I have to add/recharge the onboard 286Wh battery via the Solar charge port.
Hope that helps
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The first one had a faulty AC button - it wouldn't work, although I could switch to AC with the app. No way they wouldn't have caught that if it was truly a refurb. It also stunk like plastic during charging. The 2nd one had the semi-common fan/motor whine when charging before the fan kicks in. I was charging the unit in another room and thought my lawn guy was running the weed-wacker outside it was so loud. That fan whine comes on in UPS mode also. I didn't test long enough to see if it had the overload issue.
I wanted to like the unit, but it definitely has issues. I asked to try a 3rd one, but they wouldn't extend the return window if that one was faulty too.
Curious if the brand new units have these issues worked out or they are the same.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!