EcoJackBluBull Dung

[Reallyretired]

OK as you ask, but I promised I am really not having a pop at you, but we get asked about them daily. The suppliers intimate that they are an alternative to an installed system, which they are not, hence my statement that they don't do anything "properly"

A properly installed system will provide mains power to the vehicle when not on hook up, and will support a low amperage site supply by supplying a "mix of inverted power and site power" to avoid tripping the site and finding a grumpy warden to re-set it. Also, fully installed the output is fully protected with a RCD and MCB's to avoid the user being able to electrocute themselves. I don't know exactly what model you have but most that we have evaluated have absolutely no protection for the AC output.


If your on EHU you wouldn't need to charge it anyway.

Most are DC charged using a cigarette socket, the absolute maximum that this type of plug / socket arrangement can handle is 10amps, if your unit is in the garage its just about as far away as possible from the engine battery. The voltage drop must be horrific, we would using 40mm2 section cable to even think about such a distance. Using my set up as an example, I have a 120 amp Sterling buck boost DC - DC charger. I drive one hour from one overnight stop to another and potentially can charge my Lithium batteries, your system you would have to drive 12 hours, even if you could actually charge at 10 amps.

Solar, most of these systems refer to being a "solar generator" some laughably show people on top of mountains, with an array of folding solar panels whilst they flood social media about their day! However, you have solar panels installed and you have them wired to your garage so that you can connect them to your "jack of all trade" battery in a box. As you say three quick plugs and you can remove the box, leaving you with no solar charge whatsoever! OK you could then connect another regulator, but what a lot of faffing around! My set up I have three 175 watt solar panels that will automatically look after my leisure batteries and my engine battery 365 days a year without a moments thought or input on my part.


As would running an extension lead from the camper, but I agree that the portability is potentially useful, thinking primarily of kids camping in a tent or weekending in an unconverted van, which lets be honest is their intended use really.

So I was not saying that they are crap, far from it, but when asked the question is a properly installed set up better than a "Solar Generator" in a modern motorhome, the answer, in my opinion is an unequivocal yes.

I would agree a set up as you describe would be better, though difficult to install in my case.
Our particular use of the motorhome suits this arrangement as we tend to stay somewhere with ehu at least once every three days or so. Charging of the ecoflow will be mainly from ehu when we're on a site or CCP aire. The 12v is just a trickle top up, set to max of 4A.
If I was off grid more often I would need more solar anyway, just a single 150w panel at present.

 

[Reallyretired]

A better solution but much more expensive and overkill for my needs at present.

 

[tonyidle]

Better to re-locate the battery, free up under seat storage and install two Lithium batteries in the garage. Our guys do it all the time

Or just use correctly sized cable to link them where they are - though I prefer your solution.

 

[Lenny HB]

My mh has a single leisure battery under seat with no room for more so

You have a Hymer, Hymers always have room for a second battery normally fitted under the other sear where the EBL and first battery is under one seat.

 

[tonyidle]

You have a Hymer, Hymers always have room for a second battery normally fitted under the other sear where the EBL and first battery is under one seat.

I fitted two batteries under the drivers seat on mine - with minor trimming of the front & rear plastic covers.

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[autorouter]

Most are DC charged using a cigarette socket, the absolute maximum that this type of plug / socket arrangement can handle is 10amps, if your unit is in the garage its just about as far away as possible from the engine battery. The voltage drop must be horrific, we would using 40mm2 section cable to even think about such a distance. Using my set up as an example, I have a 120 amp Sterling buck boost DC - DC charger. I drive one hour from one overnight stop to another and potentially can charge my Lithium batteries, your system you would have to drive 12 hours, even if you could actually charge at 10 amps.

Obviously a professionally installed battery and inverter will work better than an add-on module. But then compare it to a common DIY upgrade, adding an extra battery and inverter. It's a lot less trouble to add a module to give you 240V, 12V and USB power, all in one. If you want fast charging, you could get one with a Lithium battery, and fit an Anderson socket and a nice big B2B and that would charge it fast while driving.

 

[eddie]

Obviously a professionally installed battery and inverter will work better than an add-on module. But then compare it to a common DIY upgrade, adding an extra battery and inverter. It's a lot less trouble to add a module to give you 240V, 12V and USB power, all in one. If you want fast charging, you could get one with a Lithium battery, and fit an Anderson socket and a nice big B2B and that would charge it fast while driving.

I agree there’s lots that could be done, but the influencers tout them like they are a replacement for a conventional system

 

[chaser]

I agree there’s lots that could be done, but the influencers tout them like they are a replacement for a conventional system

Another thing is do you actually need anything?, Most of these YouTube things have been running for months or even years, with just what they have,it's not until they are given one that they decide they need one.

 

[Jim]

Guys, I'm super, super, ever so excited to tell you about the new gadget I've bought for my van. Yes I know it looks like I don't wash, let alone wash my clothes, but I do. Well you're right, I didn't, but now I do. Why is that?

Well you know how its such a struggle for us van lifers to get our clothes dry after wearing them in the shower. Well not any more.
Ta daaaahhhhh

This great bit of kit which I will now be using forever is available now and you won't believe the price, Just £497.

Best Deal Ever, you all need this

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​

 

[eddie]

Guys, I'm super, super, ever so excited to tell you about the new gadget I've bought for my van. Yes I know it looks like I don't wash, let alone wash my clothes, but I do. Well you're right, I didn't, but now I do. Why is that?

Well you know how its such a struggle for us van lifers to get our clothes dry after wearing them in the shower. Well not any more.
Ta daaaahhhhh

This great bit of kit which I will now be using forever is available now and you won't believe the price, Just £497.

Best Deal Ever

Sorry, you need to subscribe to see this content. Subs are £20 a year. You Can Subscribe Here

Log in or register now.

​

Any link Jim@? Lyn would love one for her birthday

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[Justus3]

We have one and it work's for what we want , our van would need a fair bit of work to upgrade everything the cost is not one we can afford at the moment. We are still fully working out just what set up best suits us so having an eco flow means best of both and the option of just taking it out the van when not needed and option of having a handy portable back up power source at home.

I know they may not be liked by many on here or seen as pointless. But not everyone can afford , practically or wishes to have full solar/ battery ect set up. Equally many don't have the need for fully fitted set up but at times know when they need a bit of extra portable and simple power option.

Every one is different if you don't like them fine but don't knock ones who do find they are just fine.

 

[eddie]

We have a gadget that we have been testing for some little while.

Collapsible they solve my fresh water problem, my grey water problem, my waste collection problem and even makes washing up the night before' s boozy BBQ, bottles and cans no longer an issue, simply collected, and binned and brimmed full of hot water the plates and cutlery and quickly sorted

I can really say that this simple device has changed our lives

Thank God for Van Life videos showing us how to use equipment

 

[Swifter]

Guys, I'm super, super, ever so excited to tell you about the new gadget I've bought for my van. Yes I know it looks like I don't wash, let alone wash my clothes, but I do. Well you're right, I didn't, but now I do. Why is that?

Well you know how its such a struggle for us van lifers to get our clothes dry after wearing them in the shower. Well not any more.
Ta daaaahhhhh

This great bit of kit which I will now be using forever is available now and you won't believe the price, Just £497.

Best Deal Ever

Sorry, you need to subscribe to see this content. Subs are £20 a year. You Can Subscribe Here

Log in or register now.

​

Discount code ?

 

[Jim]

Discount code ?

Sorry, no. But you'll be able to tell people you use the same gear as moi

 

[Otter Spotter]

Guys, I'm super, super, ever so excited to tell you about the new gadget I've bought for my van. Yes I know it looks like I don't wash, let alone wash my clothes, but I do. Well you're right, I didn't, but now I do. Why is that?

Well you know how its such a struggle for us van lifers to get our clothes dry after wearing them in the shower. Well not any more.
Ta daaaahhhhh

This great bit of kit which I will now be using forever is available now and you won't believe the price, Just £497.

Best Deal Ever, you all need this

Sorry, you need to subscribe to see this content. Subs are £20 a year. You Can Subscribe Here

Log in or register now.

​

That’s Christmas presents sorted for family and friends

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[tonyidle]

Mine'll be bigger & cheaper.

Vintage Cast Iron Mangle, vintage machinery. | eBay

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www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Guys, I'm super, super, ever so excited to tell you about the new gadget I've bought for my van. Yes I know it looks like I don't wash, let alone wash my clothes, but I do. Well you're right, I didn't, but now I do. Why is that?

Well you know how its such a struggle for us van lifers to get our clothes dry after wearing them in the shower. Well not any more.
Ta daaaahhhhh

This great bit of kit which I will now be using forever is available now and you won't believe the price, Just £497.

Best Deal Ever, you all need this

Sorry, you need to subscribe to see this content. Subs are £20 a year. You Can Subscribe Here

Log in or register now.

​

Sorry, haven't got the payload

 

[Reallyretired]

OK as you ask, but I promised I am really not having a pop at you, but we get asked about them daily. The suppliers intimate that they are an alternative to an installed system, which they are not, hence my statement that they don't do anything "properly"

A properly installed system will provide mains power to the vehicle when not on hook up, and will support a low amperage site supply by supplying a "mix of inverted power and site power" to avoid tripping the site and finding a grumpy warden to re-set it. Also, fully installed the output is fully protected with a RCD and MCB's to avoid the user being able to electrocute themselves. I don't know exactly what model you have but most that we have evaluated have absolutely no protection for the AC output.


If your on EHU you wouldn't need to charge it anyway.

Most are DC charged using a cigarette socket, the absolute maximum that this type of plug / socket arrangement can handle is 10amps, if your unit is in the garage its just about as far away as possible from the engine battery. The voltage drop must be horrific, we would using 40mm2 section cable to even think about such a distance. Using my set up as an example, I have a 120 amp Sterling buck boost DC - DC charger. I drive one hour from one overnight stop to another and potentially can charge my Lithium batteries, your system you would have to drive 12 hours, even if you could actually charge at 10 amps.

Solar, most of these systems refer to being a "solar generator" some laughably show people on top of mountains, with an array of folding solar panels whilst they flood social media about their day! However, you have solar panels installed and you have them wired to your garage so that you can connect them to your "jack of all trade" battery in a box. As you say three quick plugs and you can remove the box, leaving you with no solar charge whatsoever! OK you could then connect another regulator, but what a lot of faffing around! My set up I have three 175 watt solar panels that will automatically look after my leisure batteries and my engine battery 365 days a year without a moments thought or input on my part.


As would running an extension lead from the camper, but I agree that the portability is potentially useful, thinking primarily of kids camping in a tent or weekending in an unconverted van, which lets be honest is their intended use really.

So I was not saying that they are crap, far from it, but when asked the question is a properly installed set up better than a "Solar Generator" in a modern motorhome, the answer, in my opinion is an unequivocal yes.

A bit of a misunderstanding. My single solar panel charges the leisure and starter batteries. The ecoflow only gets a charge if plugged in to the 12v. As I explained the ecoflow is mainly charged from ehu when we stay on a site or aire with lecky and is only used when off grid probably half the time.