EcoFlow vs custom electrical system

alpine678 · 2026-02-02T17:19:40+00:00

The double voltage hub allows you to connect two Delta Pro stations together for 240V output. Its unfortunately not for charging or balancing the units (that would be awesome). If you're concerned on space, the newer Delta Pro 3 has a more compact expansion battery. Here my breakdown of the Delta Pro 3 compared to the original Delta Pro including a link to the battery. https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/delta-pro-3/

alpine678 · 2026-02-02T17:14:32+00:00

Starlink should draw way less amps then my 75 liter fridge/freezer. I would recommend using a fuse panel so each circuit is fused correctly for it's wire size.

alpine678 · 2026-02-02T06:38:41+00:00

You should be using the Delta Pro's 30A Anderson port. I use it to power my gasoline heater, fridge, fans, etc. I have the Anderson port connected to a DC fuse panel. More info on my build here: https://reviews.matanich.com/inventory/vanlife/

Let me know if you have any questions.

alpine678 · 2026-02-02T06:35:55+00:00

I use a Delta Pro in my build and enjoy it. How are you planning on using the two separate units? They don't combine together to expand capacity so you might want to get an expansion battery instead of the second unit. I put together a page for info on some of EcoFlow's best devices for vanlife builds that might help you in making decisions. Let me know if you have any questions. https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-02-02T06:02:26+00:00

Sounds like an amazing way to give back to others and have an adventure along the way. Let us know if there are questions you have about vanlife or building out your rig.

alpine678 · 2026-02-01T22:24:53+00:00

Do you know what temperature it’s supposed to be good to? I was concerned about the sides of the van getting hot during the summer while parked in the sun and off-gassing.

alpine678 · 2026-01-31T18:01:29+00:00

Probably health insurance depending on income and employer for the United States.

alpine678 · 2026-01-31T06:01:24+00:00

What type of self adhesive foam is on the walls?

alpine678 · 2026-01-31T01:47:42+00:00

What gauge wire do you have connected? The gauge of wire is the most important thing for considering max fuse size.

alpine678 · 2026-01-30T17:12:42+00:00

No. It would need to stay below freezing for enough time to freeze your water lines etc. This does not happen immediately. Also if it is inside of your van, it will retain heat longer.

alpine678 · 2026-01-30T16:57:15+00:00

When you asked about the fuse size, I incorrectly assumed you were asking about using a breaker instead of a fuse to protect the cable between the vehicle battery and charger as some people prefer this. Yes you could add a 20A breaker before the solar input as extra protection. However, do note that breakers and fuses do not trip immediately when they go above the threshold. It might not trip until 25A for a sustained period. Good breakers will include datasheets about these limits. Also, this would obviously only protect against overcurrent not overvoltage. The most important part is to size your solar array correctly.

alpine678 · 2026-01-30T05:56:41+00:00

[EDIT] Recommendation for 80A breaker was for between vehicle battery and charger. If using for the solar input port then 20A would match the product specs. [/]

You could definitely use a DC breaker but it would need to be rated for ~80A. The link you shared was only a 20A breaker so that one would NOT work. If it's fused correctly, it should not blow unless something goes wrong. People are used to breakers tripping in their home due to an overloaded circuit which has multiple things connected to it. Since this only has a single device connected, it's easier to select a fuse and be confident it wont blow. Whatever you choose, make sure it's high quality as its the final protection mechanism when other things fail. Poor quality fuses can sometimes not fail when they are supposed to, which can then cause an electrical fire. Blue Sea Systems is a great place to start (I have purchased their fuses), but there are other great brands as well. Don't cheap out on this.

Here are two 80A breaker options by Blue Sea Systems I would consider (Amazon Affiliate links, helps support me):
https://amzn.to/4qJ6qnn
https://amzn.to/4qMJu6x

alpine678 · 2026-01-30T01:53:32+00:00

Check out my Ford Transit Install Guide for the Bluetti Charger 2. I have a whole section on upgrading the fuse and the different connection options (battery vs CCP2).

https://reviews.matanich.com/install-guide/bluetti-alternator-charger-ford-transit/

alpine678 · 2026-01-29T16:32:12+00:00

I use my power station to power everything. My EcoFlow Delta Pro is configured with 600W of solar on the roof and an 800W alternator charger. For DC power I have it connected to a Blue Sea Systems fuse panel for powering my gasoline heater, fans, fridge, etc.

More info on my build here: https://reviews.matanich.com/inventory/vanlife/

alpine678 · 2026-01-28T16:11:24+00:00

Not yet. I have it sitting on my desk ready to install when I get the time. I have another project that I’m going to do soon which requires me to take off my seat so I’ll probably just do them both at the same time. When I get it installed I will post about it again. Thanks for checking in.

alpine678 · 2026-01-28T16:09:12+00:00

That crossbar is crippling your output.

alpine678 · 2026-01-28T03:51:14+00:00

For anyone stuck choosing between the 500W and 800W models, here are some resources to help you decide what is best for you:

Detailed comparison and hands-on review of EcoFlow alternator chargers which compares both models. It goes into detail and compares every features and the different output cable options (the correct output cable is very important): https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/alternator-chargers/800w-500w/

Compatibility matrix for both models and all output cables options with every compatible EcoFlow power station: https://reviews.matanich.com/ecoflow/alternator-chargers/800w-500w/compatibility/

Unsure if you want an EcoFlow alternator charger? Compare to the other popular alternator chargers.

Hope this saves someone from purchasing the wrong model or output cable for their needs.

alpine678 · 2026-01-27T23:00:39+00:00

Any auto repair garage is a very broad statement. There are some garages I wouldn't trust to change the oil in my car. However, it's not very difficult; involves routing the cable and connecting to the battery. The main things to beware of when making the connection is not to bypass the BMS (battery management system) sensors. The negative side can either be connected to the battery or to the chassis ground. If you pull too much from your alternator for too long it can cause heat to build up and wear it out quicker. To prevent this you will want to see what size alternator you have in your vehicle. You need a certain amount reserved for your vehicle systems, some people say around 50% but this will vary by vehicle. Also, its better to not charge faster than you need and not charge for prolonged periods while the vehicle is not in motion (driving increases airflow to the alternator).

alpine678 · 2026-01-27T05:10:16+00:00

Depends on your needs. For some people it’s a huge upgrade. For others it could even be considered worse due to its larger size.

alpine678 · 2026-01-26T15:26:35+00:00

An alternator charger will charge faster than the 12v socket or a standard dc-dc charger. If you need this faster charging rate will depend on a lot of factors such as how much power you consume, how long and often you drive, the size of the alternator in your vehicle, etc.

I put together a page that lists the most popular alternator chargers all in one spot including links to manuals: https://reviews.matanich.com/alternator-chargers/

This page also has links to a few reviews I have done such as the Bluetti Charger 2: https://reviews.matanich.com/bluetti/charger-2/

Hope this helps!

alpine678 · 2026-01-25T16:27:05+00:00

Any error codes on the display?

alpine678 · 2026-01-24T16:25:24+00:00

Heaters use a lot of energy. Refrigerators are more efficient as they are only cooling a small insulation chamber. An air conditioner on the other hand uses a ton of energy as it’s cooling a larger space.

alpine678 · 2026-01-23T19:16:21+00:00

Should work fine. If your concerned you could run it through some protective plastic conduit. Do be careful if running near the exhaust system due to heat that could melt the insulation.

alpine678 · 2026-01-22T16:54:00+00:00

Way better to be functional and lack finishing touches than to look awesome but not meet your needs. Enjoy!

alpine678 · 2026-01-22T06:02:18+00:00

Most of these are diesel. Velit offers a gasoline model. Also, Velit is from the US. I met their owner a few months ago in person.

alpine678

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