Best products from r/BoltEV

If you are spending this kind of money on a car, consider a charger that is on par with the car.

The EVSE you refer to is a portable and maxes out at 16A. But, if you spend something closer to $400-500, you can get a JuiceBox which can deliver up to the 32A the Bolt is capable of on 240V AC. What is the difference in terms of time? See below.

JuiceBox can be mounted for when you are at home, but is small enough to be "portable", though you would want to take some security measures to ensure it doesn't walk off if left unattended at a campground. Some suggestions are to park with one wheel over part of the cord so it can't be removed without moving the car.

Also, consider your daily need. If your daily use is <40 or 50 miles, 120V charging will typically meet your needs. So, an investment in a faster L2 EVSE may not be warranted if it is just for a one-time use. Weigh that vs the time it will take to charge. If 120V will do the trick for daily use, maybe something like this or this would be a decent compromise.

Finally, the EVSE that comes with a Bolt is 120\240V capable, but in US comes with a 3 prong 120V plug. It is apparently a JuiceBox item manufactured for GM, and in EU where 220V power is common, it comes with a plug that is compatible with local standards. I have seen posts of folks who have used a 14-50 adapter (search online or go to an RV shop), it still won't deliver the full 32A that a true L2 charger is capable of, but it should deliver similar results as the Maxx-16 or Zencar.

Here is a rough idea of charging times with various inputs:

120V\12A (Level 1) - ~4 miles per hour (about 1kW), or about 60 hours 0-100%

240V\16A (Level 2) - ~11 miles per hour (about 3.5kW), or about 17 hours 0-100%.

240V\30A (L2) - ~24 miles per hour (about 7.5kW), or about 8 hours 0-100%.

240V\32A (L2)- ~25 miles per hour (about 7.7kW), about 7.8 hours 0-100%.

These portable "L2" chargers like the one you referenced and the Maxx or Zen I linked are going to be in the 11 mi\hr range.

If you get the right seats you'd be fine. I had the Sunshine Kids Radian, now called Diono Radian (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07DWB2Q3C/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1539783853&sr=8-3&keywords=sunshine+kids+radian&dpPl=1&dpID=41MCC-AGriL&ref=plSrch) as it is super compact and can be both front and back facing. For the booster if you don't need a back anymore you can get a Bubble Bum for the ultimate in compactitude (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AQYZCXK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1539783998&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bubble+bum+booster+seat&psc=1). If your not buying new seats though a dealer will certainly let you test if everything fits with what you have (or what I would do is buy the new seats first, then test them).

Now, your kids will have to like each other but I think those measurements will work out (sometimes it depends on how the latch centers the seat).

As for the trunk. If you opt against the trunk false floor option you get a wonderful well that should easily fit a stroller. That's something I recommend you go to the dealer and test out.

Absolutely, the main plugs you can find at RV parks and campgrounds are the NEMA 14-50, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 5-20, and the NEMA TT-30. The second number in each pair is the max amperage rating.

NEMA 14-50 - 240V50A, common at RV parks. Jesla Jr comes with one by default. Can get max amperage (32amps) on a 14-50 outlet.

NEMA TT-30 - 120V30A, common at older RV parks. I bought this adapter for these outlets. Unfortunately a restriction that it will only pull 12 amps off a 120V line. I still think it's a good idea to use this it available, as it's typically more robust wiring.

NEMA 5-15/5-20 120V*15(20)A, same restrictions as the TT-30, and these adapters are available straight from Tesla or QuickChargePower with the Jesla Jr. Also very common, but as you know, will take a whole weekend to charge you to full.

QuickChargePower link

I've been very happy with this, and it's my daily charger as well as my trip charger. In my garage I have [one of these](EVoCharge J1772 Holder (Holster) Dock for EV Charger Plug & Cord (Cable), Wall Mount (Note: Holder Only, EV Cable and Plug in Image are Sold Separately) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AVYFV9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_O.m5Bb9EJDW97) mounted next to a NEMA 14-50, and it works great to keep it organized without putting strain on the plug.

The final charging item you might look at is a Jdapter stub that turns Tesla destination plugs into j1772 plugs, so you can use those at hotels. Since I'd rather camp than hotel, given a choice, I haven't bought one.

So I got myself one of these A119 because it was on sale. HIghly recommend it. It's been working without a hitch for the last year and it's perfect for the heat because it's capacitor powered instead of battery powered like other dashcams. It's survived the California and Arizona heat so far. Just make sure to also get a hardy SD card since those things are more likely to fail.

/u/Sweetwind7 here is the new version of the cam that I have, the A119 V3 and here is the dual cam version, the A129 Pro, which comes with a rear cam too. WORTH the money cause they pay back many times over.

Thanks for posting. It's great to see feedback like this from real owners.

Regarding the windshield wipers, I generally always replace the stock wipers with silicone wiper blades. I've had good luck with SilBlades but the PIAA Silicone Blades are supposed to be even better. I can't stand regular rubber blades anymore.

You can get a Tesla to J1772 adapter and use your Tesla EVSE.

There are a couple different companies that make them, the TeslaTap and the JDapter Stub.

They are a bit pricey at $230-$250 but cheap compared to another EVSE.

Since the EVSE that came with the Tesla is a portable one, if you want one that's a bit more permanent you could always buy a different J1772 EVSE and use it with either your Bolt or your Tesla (with a J1772 adapter that came with the Tesla).

Not sure what your idea of a middle of the line charger is, For a "budget" model (that's not super cheap) you might want to consider the Siemens VersiCharge. It's a 30A unit that can be bought for under $400, though I've heard people report that this unit doesn't work well with the Bolt's "time of use" charge feature.

The one I have is the JuiceBox Pro 40, as the name implies it can charge at up to 40A (if you have a 50A circuit to feed it) and it has a lot more features including reporting on usage and control with your phone. It's more expensive at about $550 and there's a 32A unit which is about $50 less expensive.

One big advantage of the Tesla to J1772 adapter is it would allow you to use your Tesla EVSE as a portable 32A EVSE for your bolt if you ever decide to take it on a road trip (though honestly your Tesla is going to be a better road trip car).

Did you mean something like this? I think these would be perfect:

2-Pack, Super Speed USB 3.0 Vertical Left Angle and Right Angle Adapter USB 3.0 Male to Female 90 Degrees dapter Coupler Connector (Black) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B017VDTUZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mwGNBb93788NA

I went with this, but I'm sure other stuff will fit as well.

I use this one from Amazon.

• Plugs in: cheaper to install, easy to take with you when you move.
  
  
• Long cord: don't skimp, you'll want to be able to charge from anywhere in your garage or in your driveway, rather than being forced to pull in to reach the charger.
  
  
• Built-in cord management.
  
  
• Attractive design: the entire unit has a glowing backlight, amber when charging, green when fully charged, off when not plugged in.
  
  
• Name brand: Siemens makes some of the best equipment in the world (rail cars, medical equipment, factory machines, etc) and gives a 3-year warranty.
  
  
• UL listed, will meet code wherever you live.
  
  
• 30 amps = 7.2 kW, the max home charging speed for the Bolt.
  
  And if you have Amazon Prime, it can be on your doorstep tomorrow. I had it installed near my breaker box, cost from a licensed electrician was $120.

I used the vinyl kit https://www.amazon.com/VViViD-Matte-Black-Chevy-Bowtie/dp/B01AVGXIUQ?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_9167379011 I installed it on a Spark EV a few months ago for a friend and it still looks great (not pealing or shrinking) but you need to follow the instructions closely. I will try to take a photo next time she comes over.

I lift from the jack points labeled in the service manual using a floor jack from Harbor Freight, and place them on jack stands for my safety and to protect the car. I also have a TPMS tool to reset the monitoring system.

Best floor mats

https://www.amazon.com/TuxMat-Chevrolet-Waterproof-Best-Chevrolet-Accessory/dp/B076P4D6BJ

Do you have Roof Rails? If you have a roof rail, then I'd like to recommend our Crossbars, and Multipurpose Roof Basket.

Crossbars:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6833L7

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Roof Basket:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PBL86HT

Our Roof basket has a fold-able rail that can lift up and down for you to place longer items on your vehicle's roof.

This is the one I use on a daily basis and it works like a champ. Fifty feet, 10 gauge with a lighted female end. Never gets warm and no voltage loss. I charge at 8 amps on the regular, but on days I need an extra boost I ramp up to 12 and it shows no signs of stress whatsoever. I got a lower gauge (thicker wire) with better insulation to weatherproof the cord. Highly recommend it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IK9HTS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this one with activated charcoal for the smells :) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HFLHJXS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

TuxMat are the other ones that people like. I don't have either so can't make a comment either way. From what I remember, the big benefit of the TuxMat is that it covers the dead pedal better.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B076P4D6BJ/

Whoops. You're right. I like this one! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UB9R4KO/ref=pd_aw_sbs_263_1/137-5128408-0679733?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HQSVRYFPPHZRDQ6RGE6S&dpPl=1&dpID=51%2BkfiDRvML

I bought the tool to initialize the tire sensors when I bought a set of snow tires and rims the first winter I owned my 2017 Bolt EV. It's a very simple process and the tool itself was cheap through Amazon. Less than $10 US. I go through this twice a year when swapping tires and rims.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072BK693N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1