Available power from alternator? Want to install Ecoflow Alternator charger (1 Viewer)

[Dadude]

I'm looking to install an Ecoflow alternator charger (or something similar) to recharge my Delta 2 battery while driving. I have a stock amperage (130) alternator, replaced it last year and no upgrade options were available at the time. Car is in great mechanical shape.
When weather allows, I'm hoping to measure my amp pull before taking any next steps. In the meantime, I'm hoping to find answers to the following questions:

• Has anyone installed one of these before? Anything I should consider before proceeding?
  • Install is easy, plan to install it on a metal plate somehow in the trunk to allow airflow.
• I expect my amp can charge the least while idling/low speed, and charge the most while on the highway (or anything high rpm). Most of the charge time will likely be spent at lower speeds while taking multi-day trips through something like a BDR. Could I run into issues like overloading the alternator in a scenario like this? I believe I can control how much power the charger can pull, but need to confirm.
• Am I correct that I should plan to stay at 80% max load when driving & charging? This would allow breathing room and avoid over-stressing the alternator I think.

The electrical upgrades done are a Badlands winch, dashcam, and two led light pods. Nothing that draws a ton of power (I won't be charging while using the winch).
Any other thoughts or feedback is appreciated. Hoping to work remotely in the wilderness with this setup.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

I’m no expert but I’ve been researching the use of the Bluetti charger 1 that can charge up to 560W per hour.

It’s recommended to stay within 80% of the max alternator capacity which is around 104 amps, but it’s okay if you go a little over sometimes. Just make sure the car battery is in top shape to provide the backup power the car needs to run the electrical system.

Copilot says you this…

 

[Rednexus]

One thing to consider is that the alternators on a 2UZ really don't last that long. They are kind of low on the engine and get lots of water spray, even for a street-driven rig. I would say 100-150K is a typical lifespan for them. So, you probably will need a new alternator at some time in the future anyway. You could either upgrade now or wait until it inevitably goes out to upgrade.

 

[SNLC]

We are installing on in a build right now. Nice quality but beware it is rather big and bulky.

If you want a nice alternator upgrade check out M2K in California. They make real nice alts using Denso parts.

Cheers

 

[Jstawgn]

One thing I don't like about ecoflow is their proprietary connection. The 800 w is the rated max but depending on your power station, it can have lower rate and it can also be software limited.
The bluetti use XT60 connector that is more universal. Same as etaker.

I use cheap waterproof 12V to 24V converter and charge my Delta 2 at 360 watt. This is software limited by Delta 2 at 15 Amp max between 24-36 Volt and 500 watt max.
I was going to update to 36 Volt converter to get max 5000l watt but the air suspension compressor circuit I reuse are smaller than normal standard. I think I am better off charging at 360 watt instead 500 watt.

To get the actual answer on your question. Need to use a clamp meter and see how much is being use under normal use.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

One thing I don't like about ecoflow is their proprietary connection. The 800 w is the rated max but depending on your power station, it can have lower rate and it can also be software limited.
The bluetti use XT60 connector that is more universal. Same as etaker.

I use cheap waterproof 12V to 24V converter and charge my Delta 2 at 360 watt. This is software limited by Delta 2 at 15 Amp max between 24-36 Volt and 500 watt max.
I was going to update to 36 Volt converter to get max 5000l watt but the air suspension compressor circuit I reuse are smaller than normal standard. I think I am better off charging at 360 watt instead 500 watt.

To get the actual answer on your question. Need to use a clamp meter and see how much is being use under normal use.

Back in 2017 when I replaced the factory oem alternator as preventive maintenance with a stock denso one (both 130 amps) i should have upgraded to the sequoia alternator (150 amps) since it fits without any mods (same dimensions/size).

Oh well. That would have been a nice little upgrade but I didn’t know about the sequoia alternator

• DENSO 2101066

And nowadays prices have doubled and it’s out of stock almost everywhere.

 

[Dadude]

Thanks all for your thoughts. It sounds like most of my initial thoughts were correct. I'm going to either buy the Ecoflow alternator when it's on sale (goes down to $200 regularly I believe) or buy an offbrand and install that for a similar price.
I don't anticipate running this frequently so hopefully the wear on my alternator is minimal. I'll probably hookup a gadget to monitor my battery level at the same time. If my alternator fails slightly earlier than expected I won't be heartbroken, but I anticipate it having a few more years even with this increased load.
Not sure if I'll be able to justify a $900 alternator upgrade but I'll figure that out when I get there.