EcoFlows Alternator Charger. Weekend warrior game changer

[Fozzy]

I looked it up, $600!? Dang. Plus it doesn't work on the River Pro yet.

They were $399.00 on Prime Month. All the EcoFlow stuff goes on sale constantly. Check their actual websites as well. They have stated they will make an XT150i to XT60i cable for it. It’s even mentioned in the instruction manual . I have a River 2 Pro running my fridge in my work truck. I drive it enough the standard 12 volt cig plug charges at 103 watts or so and it keeps it topped off for weeks without shore power. Victron makes a cheap DC-DC only charger that is really popular. It only puts out 400 watts. The best RedArc and Victron can only do 750 watts at twice the price of the EF Charger. Once they release the official cable. (People have already made one). I will probably pick another one up for my work truck and never need solar or shore power again.

 

[zimm]

Which model Victron? I put the fridge/ecoflow back and forth between two vehicles. Both have Andersen power pole outlets where the fridge goes with 12 gauge runs of wire from the battery. I'm just trying to get a little more charging than I'm currently getting through the solar port and the 14 volts the power poles put out.

My typical usage is the river pro 2 keeps the fridge going all night, then during driving, I'd like it to charge up a few hours. Right now I'm not getting that, I have to take the battery inside the hotel to quick charge on AC. Camping/overlanding will be a different issue.

DC-DC converters - Victron Energy

Victron Energy's DC-DC converters are useful if you do not have a suitable voltage device. Ensure that voltage is converted now.

www.victronenergy.com

 

[Fozzy]

This guy does a good job explaining the setup. My only concerns is the River 2 Pro only accepts 220 watts of solar and i do not know if it can be adjusted down to that level. In hindsight I wish I would have gotten the Delta 2 instead of the River. I picked it because of the size. I have the Delta 2 Max in my Tremor and it’s the perfect set up for adventures. I just want cold drinks in my work truck.

 

[Yeti]

would take this over Pro Power any day and take it over the Redarc system unless I was building a full bed and canopy setup. And still it would be a tough choice if I had room to keep it safe

Funny you should mention this. While I'm still making big batteries for TTs, long term rigs, etc. I just made the decision to go with EF pros for smaller stuff.
I used your identical setup (one with an add on battery) a wave 2 and glacier/iceco 75 for three gx550s (triplet siblings) the 30A xt60 is a requirement since I use switchpros for house management. I'm a bit annoyed they went away from the TT30 for the pro3 but I found a resource for cables.
I like the Percors too (and they match our inconsistent orange) they offer significantly more utility but EF marketing wins most pricing battles.
There are a couple commercial battery boxes that work well for open bed placement Too but that leaves running battery power with awg 2 or 4 wire.

I'm considering a redesign for the cabinet on Mountain Yak and going 100% electric with the EF pro + extra battery, wave 2, alternator charger and my iceco. Inductive dual stove and kettle without the need for propane tanks, adapters, spares, etc. May be worth the space trade-off.

Now, if they would only make the Delta 3 Max in a better form factor with the xt60 and more reasonable cables, I'd be set.

 

[Fozzy]

Funny you should mention this. While I'm still making big batteries for TTs, long term rigs, etc. I just made the decision to go with EF pros for smaller stuff.
I used your identical setup (one with an add on battery) a wave 2 and glacier/iceco 75 for three gx550s (triplet siblings) the 30A xt60 is a requirement since I use switchpros for house management. I'm a bit annoyed they went away from the TT30 for the pro3 but I found a resource for cables.
I like the Percors too (and they match our inconsistent orange) they offer significantly more utility but EF marketing wins most pricing battles.
There are a couple commercial battery boxes that work well for open bed placement Too but that leaves running battery power with awg 2 or 4 wire.

I'm considering a redesign for the cabinet on Mountain Yak and going 100% electric with the EF pro + extra battery, wave 2, alternator charger and my iceco. Inductive dual stove and kettle without the need for propane tanks, adapters, spares, etc. May be worth the space trade-off

I bought the Stokes voltaics Jouel mug to replace my Jet Boil. In the winter at work, I will boil water for the cup of noodle style soups or reheat a soup or chili and it’s been amazing. They offer a cooking system that I need to pull the trigger on that looks pretty good. I think if you have the battery capacity and the ability to keep it topped off, electric is the way to go.

Stoke Voltaics - Food Always Taste Better Outdoors

All-purpose kettle pot, self-heating smart mug, and cooking system bring ease and innovation to the wilderness.

www.stokevoltaics.store

 

[Yeti]

I bought the Stokes voltaics Jouel mug to replace my Jet Boil. In the winter at work, I will boil water for the cup of noodle style soups or reheat a soup or chili and it’s been amazing. They offer a cooking system that I need to pull the trigger on that looks pretty good. I think if you have the battery capacity and the ability to keep it topped off, electric is the way to go.

Stoke Voltaics - Food Always Taste Better Outdoors

All-purpose kettle pot, self-heating smart mug, and cooking system bring ease and innovation to the wilderness.

www.stokevoltaics.store

Yeah. I never had an issue with enough power. Just enough AC power and space.
That kettle looks like it'll be in my black Friday basket

 

[mossler]

First post here, as this exactly how I intended to setup my new Tremor. I was contemplating the Powerboost with 7.2kW, but the pedal behaviour on gas and brake was rather disappointing or just plain odd.
So I found a 5.0 Tremor and I already have this EcoFlow kit since last year and will use the wiring flow hints here to shortcut. Much appreciated.

 

[ProSAM01]

Now that Bluetti appears to also have their DC alt charging box I am seeing a lot of discussion around EFs reliability (Delta batteries) failing and customer service woes .... and the inevitable system comparisons ...and as one should be careful when reading comments of course.... LOL. How have the EF systems worked out? Has anyone yet experienced the reverse charging to the truck battery? We're again at Prime sales time and from what y'all have described EF has a simple and effective system.

 

[Fozzy]

Now that Bluetti appears to also have their DC alt charging box I am seeing a lot of discussion around EFs reliability (Delta batteries) failing and customer service woes .... and the inevitable system comparisons ...and as one should be careful when reading comments of course.... LOL. How have the EF systems worked out? Has anyone yet experienced the reverse charging to the truck battery? We're again at Prime sales time and from what y'all have described EF has a simple and effective system.

Forums are for people who want to learn and people that want to complain. I own 5 bluetti products I think, not sure what still works. and 7 EcoFlow products because of my dissatisfaction with Bluetti. Their Alt Charger is just like any cheap DC to dc Charger and only does 560 watts and does not reverse charge. I think I mentioned it in this thread, but what I don't like about the reverse charge or maintenance charge is its only good for once cycle then shuts down. I get the safety aspect of it since the charger has no way of telling the battery chemistry or temperature of the vehicles battery. But I would love to have it top of my truck all winter since it has so much drain. I have had a Glacier fridge running in my work truck 24/7 for one year exactly and got the dreaded thermistor failure. EcoFlow sent out a refurbished unit within 6 days, responded with an automated response instatanly to my warranty claim and a fallow up the next day fallowed by a shipping confirmation. EF has a 5 year warranty on the power stations and every interaction with them has been top notch. None of my batteries have gone bad or any other problems yet. Compared to my Bluetti stuff that has been returned and returned so many times I gave up returning it. The only piece I have not had a problem one with is the original AC200P. It's built like a tank and a work horse. But it sucks as mobile power for a fridge because the overhead is so high. The Ecoflow stuff is so much more efficient in every way. I have two Glaciers and they won't replace my dometic, but I love the form factor size and having all my gear on one app. if both my trucks are within wifi range I can see what everything is doing from a glance, control them and update them. Super convenient to stay in one ecosystem. I haven't had the Alt Charger long enough to know how it's going to last, but so far so good. Other than the one cycle charge and if it sits idle for a few days it completely shuts down and you have to manually restart it. I hope some software updates will fix a few of these things.

 

[ProSAM01]

Forums are for people who want to learn and people that want to complain. I own 5 bluetti products I think, not sure what still works. and 7 EcoFlow products because of my dissatisfaction with Bluetti. Their Alt Charger is just like any cheap DC to dc Charger and only does 560 watts and does not reverse charge. I think I mentioned it in this thread, but what I don't like about the reverse charge or maintenance charge is its only good for once cycle then shuts down. I get the safety aspect of it since the charger has no way of telling the battery chemistry or temperature of the vehicles battery. But I would love to have it top of my truck all winter since it has so much drain. I have had a Glacier fridge running in my work truck 24/7 for one year exactly and got the dreaded thermistor failure. EcoFlow sent out a refurbished unit within 6 days, responded with an automated response instatanly to my warranty claim and a fallow up the next day fallowed by a shipping confirmation. EF has a 5 year warranty on the power stations and every interaction with them has been top notch. None of my batteries have gone bad or any other problems yet. Compared to my Bluetti stuff that has been returned and returned so many times I gave up returning it. The only piece I have not had a problem one with is the original AC200P. It's built like a tank and a work horse. But it sucks as mobile power for a fridge because the overhead is so high. The Ecoflow stuff is so much more efficient in every way. I have two Glaciers and they won't replace my dometic, but I love the form factor size and having all my gear on one app. if both my trucks are within wifi range I can see what everything is doing from a glance, control them and update them. Super convenient to stay in one ecosystem. I haven't had the Alt Charger long enough to know how it's going to last, but so far so good. Other than the one cycle charge and if it sits idle for a few days it completely shuts down and you have to manually restart it. I hope some software updates will fix a few of these things.

Truly appreciate the response and your experiences including the additional info around the app working across two vehicles and separate units; we will at times be taking the Tremor and a 4runner both on multi-day outings and would be great for simple single view. I could easily have either vehicle sitting in the cold for a period of time and having the reverse charge function (although no guarantee) is definitely a benefit. Will take EF up on some of their offerings and sales and am looking forward to electric/induction cooking options versus multiple propane needs. Appreciate your starting this thread and the detailed comments - extremely helpful. Thanks!!!!

 

[ghostbit]

Although not popular with many, I love combining the battery maintainer feature with the auto start-stop. The engine is able to stay off longer at a stop light, which hopefully helps my horrible MPG that is 90% suburbs.

 

[ScoutingTremor]

This has been on my mind a lot recently. Since this thread began, there is now both a 500W and a 800W charger being sold. The smaller unit is River compatible, per the website [both pages actually say they are compatible with the RIVER but the graphic shows it is not compatible with the 800, why?] - Also it says River models cannot be used for battery maintenance or reverse charging, which I think are nice features

I am not ready to jump in at Delta level but rather looking at the River 3 Pro then eventually -> glacier then -> either a 2nd battery to double the River or move to delta. Has anyone bought the new River 3 units? I only have the 400W plug in the bed, but I think that might be enough to suffice until I move to a alternator charger

 

[Mooseinator]

Forums are for people who want to learn and people that want to complain. I own 5 bluetti products I think, not sure what still works. and 7 EcoFlow products because of my dissatisfaction with Bluetti. Their Alt Charger is just like any cheap DC to dc Charger and only does 560 watts and does not reverse charge. I think I mentioned it in this thread, but what I don't like about the reverse charge or maintenance charge is its only good for once cycle then shuts down. I get the safety aspect of it since the charger has no way of telling the battery chemistry or temperature of the vehicles battery. But I would love to have it top of my truck all winter since it has so much drain. I have had a Glacier fridge running in my work truck 24/7 for one year exactly and got the dreaded thermistor failure. EcoFlow sent out a refurbished unit within 6 days, responded with an automated response instatanly to my warranty claim and a fallow up the next day fallowed by a shipping confirmation. EF has a 5 year warranty on the power stations and every interaction with them has been top notch. None of my batteries have gone bad or any other problems yet. Compared to my Bluetti stuff that has been returned and returned so many times I gave up returning it. The only piece I have not had a problem one with is the original AC200P. It's built like a tank and a work horse. But it sucks as mobile power for a fridge because the overhead is so high. The Ecoflow stuff is so much more efficient in every way. I have two Glaciers and they won't replace my dometic, but I love the form factor size and having all my gear on one app. if both my trucks are within wifi range I can see what everything is doing from a glance, control them and update them. Super convenient to stay in one ecosystem. I haven't had the Alt Charger long enough to know how it's going to last, but so far so good. Other than the one cycle charge and if it sits idle for a few days it completely shuts down and you have to manually restart it. I hope some software updates will fix a few of these things.

Hi @Fozzy - Just got this alternator charger over the weekend. I wanted to get an update from you on how its been? Overall, how has the placement been, are you happy mounting it where you did? I dont really want to mess with the trim pieces inside so im looking to replicate your mount. Water issues?Dust? etc?

Thanks so much

 

[ScoutingTremor]

Hi @Fozzy - Just got this alternator charger over the weekend. I wanted to get an update from you on how its been? Overall, how has the placement been, are you happy mounting it where you did? I dont really want to mess with the trim pieces inside so im looking to replicate your mount. Water issues?Dust? etc?

Thanks so much

What did you end up doing? Doesn't look like Fozzy has been online since January, but I want to keep this thread up as I think it's great info. My unit is coming in soon, so looking for other experiences.

 

[Mooseinator]

What did you end up doing? Doesn't look like Fozzy has been online since January, but I want to keep this thread up as I think it's great info. My unit is coming in soon, so looking for other experiences.

Ended up doing what he did, but I mounted mine directly to bed. very easy install, zip tied under frame on passender side around crash bars and onto battery. It works out pretty nicely. I am running a leer cover, but the whole assembly/dissasmble is 5 minutes when I need to use it or take it out.

 

[Mooseinator]

What did you end up doing? Doesn't look like Fozzy has been online since January, but I want to keep this thread up as I think it's great info. My unit is coming in soon, so looking for other experiences.

For got to add, when i take it all out, the alternator input cable is left (obviously ran through bed under truck). Thats really the only thing that just needs to be mounted out of the way. In the photo i kind of just hung mine up and covered the input cable to keep water out. Will probably figure out something else but only when i take leer off. Never had any issues with water while Leer is on. The alternator charger itself just comes off/on with those screws.

Furthermore - I set the ecoflow alternator charger to 58 amps charging speed. No high idle when running truck to charge ecoflow delta 2. Plenty there but it caps around the 800w at 58amps. My truck just has the 400w pro power on board so not sure what my alternator amperage is. Kept is below the 70amp max to make it easier on the truck.