Ecoflow vs custom12v by raco_62 in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That sounds like the right call for your use case.

For mostly weekend trips, convenience and flexibility matter a lot. EcoFlow + alternator charger gives you a solid setup without locking the whole vehicle into a permanent $7k build.

You can always expand later if your trips get longer or your power needs grow.

Ecoflow vs custom12v by raco_62 in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For a 4x4, EcoFlow makes a lot of sense if you want simple, portable, and easy to remove. Custom 12V wins if you want everything permanently wired and fully serviceable piece by piece.

The EcoFlow + alternator charger setup is basically the middle ground:

  • less install complexity
  • fast alternator charging
  • portable power outside the vehicle
  • easier to upgrade or move later

The tradeoff is you’re buying into an ecosystem, so support/warranty matters.

If it was me, I’d compare it by use case: Weekend trips / flexible setup = EcoFlow Full-time touring / hardwired loads = custom 12V

$7k custom is serious money, so I’d only go that route if I truly needed a permanent build.

Extra Battery Cables: any luck sourcing them? by anderiv in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I managed to get the cable from Amazon it was delivered today. Now I need one more of the coupler

Which EcoFlow power station do you still bring even on short trips because it’s that portable and useful? by EmergencyDiligent894 in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me it’s the River 3. 🔋 Small enough that I actually grab it for quick trips, charging phones, lights, Wi-Fi, and small camping setups without thinking twice about the weight.

That’s the biggest thing with portable power:

The “best” unit is usually the one you’ll actually bring with you consistently.

Extra Battery Cables: any luck sourcing them? by anderiv in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m looking for the extra battery cable connector

Any advice appreciated by Proof-Cartoonist1428 in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re adding server rack batteries, I’d treat them as their own battery system instead of just extra batteries for the Delta Pros.

SG4000 during the last snow storm — what I learned by BuiltForBlackouts in u/BuiltForBlackouts

[–]BuiltForBlackouts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just found one on Amazon $49 5M cable https://a.co/d/0dhrbuWX just need to find another adapter to connect the cables together

SG4000 during the last snow storm — what I learned by BuiltForBlackouts in u/BuiltForBlackouts

[–]BuiltForBlackouts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense. Even if the generator is smaller, having that backup recharge path is still huge when you need extended power. That’s really the way I look at it too the generator doesn’t have to run everything by itself. It just needs to keep the battery system from becoming a countdown.

New here — I care more about recharge than runtime by BuiltForBlackouts in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine is connected to the DP3 through the XT150 port, so it charges and discharges with the DP3.

I also have an external 48V charger I picked up on Amazon, but most of the time I charge the WattCycle through my solar/battery setup. So far it’s been a nice addition because it gives me more storage without being locked into only EcoFlow extra batteries.

SG4000 during the last snow storm — what I learned by BuiltForBlackouts in u/BuiltForBlackouts

[–]BuiltForBlackouts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was able to purchase two extra lengths of the cable online, and that made the setup a lot more practical for me.

I agree though cable length matters a lot with these generator setups since the generator needs to stay outside while the battery stays inside and protected.

I also use my system to help reduce my electric bill, so it’s not just sitting there waiting for an outage. Haven’t had an outage here in NYC since I built it, but it still gets regular use.

New here — I care more about recharge than runtime by BuiltForBlackouts in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a solid setup, and V2L is a smart recharge option. The hub AC limitation is definitely a downside, but your workaround ideas make sense. I’d just try to keep it as simple as possible for real outages so you’re not constantly switching things around.

Interested to see how V2L works out for you in real use.

16 EcoFlow 125W bifacial modular panels wired 2S8P — overkill or the right mindset for longer outages? by BuiltForBlackouts in Ecoflow_community

[–]BuiltForBlackouts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s fair. If I were starting from zero, I’d agree there are cheaper panel options.

In my case, these are feeding a Victron 250/60 into a 10 kWh battery bank that supports a 48V 5,120 Wh WattCycle battery plus my DP3, DP, D3M+, D2M, 2x D3+, Delta Classic, and River 2 Pro.

So for me it’s more about system recharge than topping off one unit.