Overland Power

[Gazziza]

For those with Ecoflow and Bluetti units, they have their own proprietary DC-DC charging units. The Ecoflow dc-dc unit looks pretty impressive and they go on sale quite often.

800W Alternator Charger Perfect for Off Grid Energy | EcoFlow US

Charge on the go with EcoFlow 800 W Alternator Charger designed to top up your station while driving and maintain readiness wherever you travel.

us.ecoflow.com

BLUETTI D40 DC-DC Battery Charger

- Compatible Models: BLUETTI AC200L- 12V / 30A, 400W Max. DC Output- Compatible with LiFePO₄, AGM / Gel, Lead-acid, and Calcium Batteries- Charge RV House Battery via AC200L / Solar Panels / Starter Batteries- House / Starter Battery Protection- Charge up 12V RV Appliances

www.bluettipower.com

 

[FrazzledHunter]

For those with Ecoflow and Bluetti units, they have their own proprietary DC-DC charging units. The Ecoflow dc-dc unit looks pretty impressive and they go on sale quite often.

800W Alternator Charger Perfect for Off Grid Energy | EcoFlow US

Charge on the go with EcoFlow 800 W Alternator Charger designed to top up your station while driving and maintain readiness wherever you travel.

us.ecoflow.com

BLUETTI D40 DC-DC Battery Charger

- Compatible Models: BLUETTI AC200L- 12V / 30A, 400W Max. DC Output- Compatible with LiFePO₄, AGM / Gel, Lead-acid, and Calcium Batteries- Charge RV House Battery via AC200L / Solar Panels / Starter Batteries- House / Starter Battery Protection- Charge up 12V RV Appliances

www.bluettipower.com

800W is impressive. That beats Goal Zero's 600W.

 

[kcjaz]

800W is impressive. That beats Goal Zero's 600W.

It’s also $600, though the ability to get full charge in an hour would be pretty good.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

It’s also $600, though the ability to get full charge in an hour would be pretty good.

I sometimes wonder how good it is for these batteries to charge at these high rates.

 

[kcjaz]

I sometimes wonder how good it is for these batteries to charge at these high rates.

Yes. That’s part of why I’m leaning toward a $230 Weize battery and a $500 kiss system.

 

[Gazziza]

It’s also $600, though the ability to get full charge in an hour would be pretty good.

Anything Ecoflow goes on sale frequently. It was $240 over Amazon Prime Day.

 

[screenflicker]

I have a dual battery setup with a secondary lithium battery under the hood. So far it lasted about 6 or 7 years in the desert sun. Unfortunately, it seems to have died recently. As much as I’d like to put it inside the vehicle, that will have to be a project for another time.

 

[Taco Supremo]

I sometimes wonder how good it is for these batteries to charge at these high rates.

And the alternator in your LX. For context, the optimum charge power for my 100ah lfp is 20A and 14.6V so 290W...

 

[TeCKis300]

Don't get me wrong, the Goal Zero is still one of the better full featured all in one batteries out there. Time and time again, comparing to other brands, the Goal Zero stands out with stronger features.

- Anderson ports are great for high vibration environments
- Bolt holes provisions underneath to secure/install the battery
- Be aware if one is looking into a diesel heater, many brands/models can't support the 120W startup draw. The Goal Zero and Bluetti does support it by ganging a couple ports.

RE: max charging power - this is not as important in my perspective. Low and slow is the name of the game and 100W-250W is really all that it takes. Unless really using high draw cooking devices for extended period perhaps. High power creates lots of heat, and like @Taco Supremo points out, taxing the alternator long term with high draws will effect its service life.

 

[bloc]

and like @Taco Supremo points out, taxing the alternator long term with high draws will effect its service life.

Is this addressable by brush changes or is it likely to cook the rectifier and/or voltage regulator?

And I assume your undersize pulley mod would help?

Edit: spelling

 

[TeCKis300]

Is this addressable by brush changes or is it likely to cook the rectifier and/or voltage regulator?

And I assume your underside pulley mod would help?

That was the goal. While I think it's a step in the right direction for a more loaded alternator, it's hard to say this is a complete solution. While more RPM is more potential power, there's the trade of higher RPM spinning the bearings and brushes more. Don't want them to become the next weak link. Time will tell?

For others joining in the conversation, may want to be cautious about drawing too much power especially at idle. This builds a lot of heat and surely will tax the built in alternator regulator. Mine was done at 168k living a life feeding 30-50A / 360W-600W in accessories, overlanding gear, and a travel trailer. Brushes looked great, but it wasn't holding voltage any longer.

More Power! Alternator on Overdrive

Following in the footsteps of @FrazzledHunter and his full 390A alternator upgrade: Alternator upgrade - done! - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/alternator-upgrade-done.1329033/ What A smaller alternator overdrive pulley and matching belt to spin the OEM 180A alternator ~16% faster. Not...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[eatSleepWoof]

For others joining in the conversation, may want to be cautious about drawing too much power especially at idle. This builds a lot of heat and surely will tax the built in alternator regulator. Mine was done at 168k living a life feeding 30-50A / 360W-600W in accessories, overlanding gear, and a travel trailer. Brushes looked great, but it wasn't holding voltage any longer.

Do you happen to recall at what mileage you started using the alternator for those 30-50a charges?

I've only just recently installed my 40a DC-DC charger, so I'm curious whether I can come up with a timeline for potential alternator replacement. Currently at about 120,000 km / 75,000 miles. I do open the hood whenever idling w/ the charger just to help some of that heat escape.

 

[TeCKis300]

Do you happen to recall at what mileage you started using the alternator for those 30-50a charges?

I've only just recently installed my 40a DC-DC charger, so I'm curious whether I can come up with a timeline for potential alternator replacement. Currently at about 120,000 km / 75,000 miles. I do open the hood whenever idling w/ the charger just to help some of that heat escape.

That's a great question. Most of its life has been unburdened.

It's only been in the last 3-4 years, ~40k miles, that I've started adding more significant loads. I'm not sure if my failure was the added stressors over time, or that I finally exceeded some threshold.

The takeaway at least for me is to be cognizant of the overall draw.

 

[kcjaz]

I keep going around incircles thinking about the best way to add a second battery for fridge and some other camping related loads. I started with build a custom system, then looked at the self contained systems (GZ or EcoFlow) but got hung up on thinking I need fast car charging (which I still think I need/want). Considered an EcoFlow plus a DC/DC converter to provide faster car charging, then the EcoFlow plus their 800W car charger but didn't like the price. Started to wonder what bad I might be doing to my alternator if I add an 800W charger. Back to build my own but follow @TeCKis300' KISS system to replicating @Kurosawa's awesome Victron system. AHHHHHH.

Did more research on the EcoFlow Delta 2 and the 800W charger and see that the charge rate is completely adjustable which seem pretty awesome as generally I don't think I'd ever need the 800w but knowing I could if needed is comforting. Still don't like the price but can wait for a sale. Currently Lowes is selling the Delta2 plus 800W charger for $999. That doesn't seem too bad. Maybe waiting for some internet sale will save a bit more but I think for a first entry into electric camping, where I will be figuring out what I really need, this seems like the way to go for me. I can always build the custom system later if I need/want to but then I'll understand my needs more and the EcoFlow can be moved to my Taco or serve backup power duty at home.

Edit: here is an interesting review video (though by an EcoFlow sponsored reviewer). Some cool things and some things that make me wonder a bit about how fully developed the control app really is. Also, from the video comments it does seem that the EcoFlow stuff goes on substantial sale so I'm just going to wait and see as I'm in no real hurry.

 

[linuxgod]

I keep going around incircles thinking about the best way to add a second battery for fridge and some other camping related loads. I started with build a custom system, then looked at the self contained systems (GZ or EcoFlow) but got hung up on thinking I need fast car charging (which I still think I need/want). Considered an EcoFlow plus a DC/DC converter to provide faster car charging, then the EcoFlow plus their 800W car charger but didn't like the price. Started to wonder what bad I might be doing to my alternator if I add an 800W charger. Back to build my own but follow @TeCKis300' KISS system to replicating @Kurosawa's awesome Victron system. AHHHHHH.

Did more research on the EcoFlow Delta 2 and the 800W charger and see that the charge rate is completely adjustable which seem pretty awesome as generally I don't think I'd ever need the 800w but knowing I could if needed is comforting. Still don't like the price but can wait for a sale. Currently Lowes is selling the Delta2 plus 800W charger for $999. That doesn't seem too bad. Maybe waiting for some internet sale will save a bit more but I think for a first entry into electric camping, where I will be figuring out what I really need, this seems like the way to go for me. I can always build the custom system later if I need/want to but then I'll understand my needs more and the EcoFlow can be moved to my Taco or serve backup power duty at home.

Edit: here is an interesting review video (though by an EcoFlow sponsored reviewer). Some cool things and some things that make me wonder a bit about how fully developed the control app really is. Also, from the video comments it does seem that the EcoFlow stuff goes on substantial sale so I'm just going to wait and see as I'm in no real hurry.

I've seen the Ecoflow app and it looked pretty nice.

You can usually get a really good deal on a refurbished Ecoflow on ebay as well.

Edit: I bet $20 there will be a sale either on their website or in the ebay store for Labor Day if you can wait 2 weeks...

 

[bloc]

For those that have been paying attention to battery banks longer than I.. are the certified refurbished Ecoflow models like the Delta II generally considered trustworthy?

I've seen the Ecoflow app and it looked pretty nice.

You can usually get a really good deal on a refurbished Ecoflow on ebay as well.

Edit: I bet $20 there will be a sale either on their website or in the ebay store for Labor Day if you can wait 2 weeks...

Yeah that's the plan for me.

 

[TLC2013]

For those that have been paying attention to battery banks longer than I.. are the certified refurbished Ecoflow models like the Delta II generally considered trustworthy?



Yeah that's the plan for me.

I am using one of their "refurbished " solar panels and it out performed my expectations. Their 220w panel can easily produce between 180w- 211w in my experience.
The panel looked brand new, the only thing that looked out of the ordinary was its bag/case had some residue/stains on it from the Styrofoam used in packaging.
I wouldn't have any reservations using one of their refurbished power banks.
With that said I had to return/exchange a new one, River 2 pro power bank, that stopped working, wouldnt re-charge by AC power (wall outlet). It was an easy straightforward process, replacement has been fine.
Keep an eye out for montly sales on their homepage. You can often get new ones on sale for about the same price or even cheaper then refurbished by signing up to receive sale alerts.

Their app is handy too:

 

[kcjaz]

I'm also considering the EcoFlow Glacier 45l fridge that includes its own 300 Wh battery. I'm currently hung up on reports of the thermostat wigging out and freezing the fridge contents. Seems like quite a few folks have had to get a warranty replacement and that process is painful according to posts. Not clear if EcoFlow had identified and address a root cause or is just replacing with the same design/components. Its always hard to tell how big an issue really is as of course the people who have issues and also feel inclined to post on the internet about it as pissed. Not as many people who are happy post on Reddit.

 

[bloc]

I'm also considering the EcoFlow Glacier 45l fridge that includes its own 300 Wh battery. I'm currently hung up on reports of the thermostat wigging out and freezing the fridge contents. Seems like quite a few folks have had to get a warranty replacement and that process is painful according to posts. Not clear if EcoFlow had identified and address a root cause or is just replacing with the same design/components. Its always hard to tell how big an issue really is as of course the people who have issues and also feel inclined to post on the internet about it as pissed. Not as many people who are happy post on Reddit.

If the form factor worked for me a fridge with built-in battery would be top of my list. I hope that gets developed further by competitors by the time I start looking to replace my current one.

 

[kcjaz]

If the form factor worked for me a fridge with built-in battery would be top of my list. I hope that gets developed further by competitors by the time I start looking to replace my current one.

It’s 38l not 45 but and it’s about the same size as my RTIC 45qt cooler. Without ice taking up volume in the fridge, it really has more food storage volume than my cooler. On paper, it seems ideal for my use cases. Just a bit concerned it isn’t dialed in yet.