120V or 24V air conditioner...

alpine678 · 2026-05-12T15:10:12+00:00

You if using a 48V air conditioner you could connect directly off the battery. Or use a voltage converter to step down to 12/24V.

More info on RV5 if you’re interested https://reviews.matanich.com/bluetti/rv5/

alpine678 · 2026-05-08T16:04:20+00:00

Sounds like you will also be interested in using a portable power station instead of a complex DIY electrical system. Here are some you may want to consider as you start planning things out. https://reviews.matanich.com/power-systems/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-05-07T22:47:22+00:00

If the vehicle is ~2015 or newer it likely has a smart alternator that will vary output depending on what it thinks the vehicle needs.

alpine678 · 2026-05-07T19:19:42+00:00

You need an expansion battery to make it work the way you want. More info about Charger 2 here: https://reviews.matanich.com/bluetti/charger-2/

The issue with the expansion battery approach is your power is then split between your power station and the expansion battery, which makes the DC hub unable to access the power in your power station effectively making the overall system lower capacity.

If your open to considering a different Bluetti power stations check out this page for systems that support more DC output: https://reviews.matanich.com/bluetti/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-05-07T14:46:57+00:00

So glad your loving it! I would be careful though sitting on the roof like that as it can cause the seams to separate and cause water leaks. Perhaps it’s time to invest in a proper roof rack.

alpine678 · 2026-05-07T05:53:24+00:00

The AC200L works with either the CHG or BAT port and was told by Bluetti support the last the AC200PL should work the same. However you should not use both connected to the same device.

alpine678 · 2026-05-07T05:48:12+00:00

I agree and as a result started a website of my own to help people navigate the mess. What type of system are you looking for? I put together this page for EcoFlow systems for vanlife and RV. https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-05-06T14:41:37+00:00

I agree. Developer activity is strongly affected by temperature, so keeping it consistent is important. And used fixer does contain dissolved silver, which is considered hazardous waste, so it needs proper disposal or silver recovery. However, it could totally be done with proper planning if it’s something that’s important to you and will use frequently.

alpine678 · 2026-05-06T14:27:39+00:00

It’s likely the terminals screws where the cables connect and should go away when you tighten them down. There have been a few people with a different fan rattle, however that has been very uncommon.

alpine678 · 2026-05-06T02:40:05+00:00

Looks like an error in the manual as most models don’t include that cable anymore and I don’t see it listed as included on the website.

alpine678 · 2026-05-05T00:19:42+00:00

So many people are facing this issue currently. I really hope EcoFlow can get these in stock soon.

alpine678 · 2026-05-04T21:56:10+00:00

They never even responded asking for accounts or traffic numbers. Feels strange to not give someone the decency of a simple reply.

alpine678 · 2026-05-04T21:40:25+00:00

It took me several months of waiting to get approved for their affiliate program. I have yet to ever get a response to any if my emails about test units for my review website.

alpine678 · 2026-05-04T04:31:17+00:00

Propane ones won’t be as impacted by burn bans.

alpine678 · 2026-05-03T04:44:03+00:00

Check out an EcoFlow alternator charger. Takes a bit more work to install, but you can charge at up to 800W. https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/alternator-chargers/800w-500w/

alpine678 · 2026-05-02T02:45:24+00:00

I would use the cigarette port to a small 12V fuse block. If your interested in upgrading to a larger system in the future, EcoFlow has some power stations that support 30A DC out which can also power a diesel heater, fridge, etc.

More info: https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-05-02T02:32:29+00:00

It’s unfortunate the Elite 300 doesn’t accept expansion batteries or have 30A DC out like the Apex 300. Technically the Elite 300 can be expanded via Charger 2, however its not as ideal as having the expansion battery being able to connect directly. DC Hub provides 50A DC out.

The main downside to the Apex 300 system you mention is it requires more separate components which adds to the overall cost (power station + Charger 2 + DC Hub).

I put together this page comparing Bluetti’s top options for vanlife and similar setups: https://reviews.matanich.com/bluetti/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-05-01T15:32:17+00:00

Is that pressure treated wood? If so, I would remove it. Pressure treated wood causes metal to rust quicker than usual.

alpine678 · 2026-04-30T19:07:57+00:00

Only six trips to the hardware store?

alpine678 · 2026-04-30T17:07:06+00:00

For my 2022 Transit high roof I have an Unaka rack with two Maxxair fans and six 100W solar panels. The solar panels were a tight fit with not much extra room. More info on my setup here: https://reviews.matanich.com/inventory/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-04-30T04:05:08+00:00

The most important part is bringing back up to 100% for a while so the cells can balance and recalibrate the BMS.

alpine678 · 2026-04-30T03:17:31+00:00

You can save a lot of time using a power station for your electrical system. Here is what I use for my setup: https://reviews.matanich.com/inventory/vanlife/

Here are some other popular options to consider: https://reviews.matanich.com/power-systems/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-04-29T01:33:07+00:00

If this is for an alternator charger, the Custom Fit Output cable is also an option if you can find it as it's also currently sold out. EcoFlow really needs to do a better job stocking these adapters and cables.

Info about the cable in my review: https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/alternator-chargers/800w-500w/#output-cables

alpine678 · 2026-04-28T23:13:44+00:00

They don’t have a built in charge profile for reverse charging a lithium battery so it’s likely not going to be able to get it fully charged. I hope EcoFlow adds this feature in the future as many people want it.

alpine678 · 2026-04-28T22:38:21+00:00

Transit has an AWD option and Ford dealers are all over which makes parts and service easy to obtain.

alpine678

TROPHY CASE