Power Station Charge Options While Driving

I just picked up a Bluetti AC180 power station and an ICECO JP40 PRO fridge on Prime Day. I've had my eye on these for awhile and finally pulled the trigger. While on longer trips I would like the ability to charge the battery while driving.

I am considering a DC to DC charger from Bluetti
https://www.bluettipower.com/products/bluetti-charger-1?_pos=1&_sid=547058c3a&_ss=r

or the Guild Outfitters Interior Outlet Upgrade
https://guildoutfitters.com/product...terior-outlet-upgrade-kit-by-guild-outfitters

Anyone have real world experience with either they can share? It seems the Guild Outfitters Outlet Upgrade is the easiest/cleanest install...no visible wires or box. I would initially only install the harness and wait on the extra outlet unless I find the need to relocate. Will 400 watts tax my electrical system while driving?

The Bluetti Charger 1 install seems straight forward and has a few extra safety features but involves running 6 AWG and having the box mounted somewhere in the interior.

I've searched the forums but can't find definitive answers. Thanks!

 

I’m sorry I don’t have real world experience. But just from a practical point of view I’d choose the Guild Outfitters setup because it’s a multitasker.

 

I plug my eco flow into a cigarette lighter, and my fridge into another. I used to daisy chain them, fridge into eco flow , eco into outlet, but that seemed to cause issues and after thinking about it, it was a waste of energy as there is always a loss. Also, I have added a battery pack to my fridge which keeps things going when the runner is off.

I struggled to keep the 400 watt plug operating when driving, so I stopped trying and went the other direction.

I also use solar panels when camp is set up.

 

I know this is probably going to be a dumb question, but why not just plug the power station into one of the vehicle's plugs and plug the fridge into the power station?

 

I use a Goal Zero DC-DC charger that is wired into the trailer harness and is live when tha trailer is attached to the 4Runner. Solar when I get to camp.

 

No dumb questions...It's the logical thing to do but you are limited to about 100 watts while driving. Most DC/DC chargers are 400-500+ watts while driving.

My goal was to be able to camp in one spot for a couple of days and not deal with solar panels. My power needs include a 12 volt fridge, a couple of LED lights, and phone charging. Onboard quick charging between camp locations would allow me to make camp with the the power station topped off.

 

My plan is the same, and I think the ORP has a 400W plug in the back...but I might be remembering it wrong. I have a Dometic fridge and power station.

 

Check and see if your power station can be charged from non pure sine. The stock inverter is not pure sine. My eco flow can't charge off that.

However I did charge off the cigarette lighter DC power at the 65 or 80 watts or what ever which charged it enough for me.

I upgraded the inverter which is a whole 'nother thing.

 

The factory inverter is a modified sine wave and won’t charge many of the power stations. Plus it’s only 100 watts when not in park.

 

Somewhat counterintuitively, the 110v outlet is limited to 100 watts while driving and 400 watts with the motor running in park. I don’t know why this is. But I think trying to get around this limitation with either of OP’s suggested workarounds gives rise to a Chesterton’s Fence conundrum.

 

Also keep in mind 400 watts is about 30 amps. Stock alternator is 130 amps.

Now you're down to 100 for EVERYTHING ELSE.

If your bank can charge off dirty power and you do the 400 watt mod it would be wise to get a way to check battery voltage to see if the battery gets low.

 

I'm leaning towards doing the Bluetti Charger1 for compatibility, and built in monitoring/protections. According to their website it will monitor vehicle battery voltage and allow you to adjust voltage output through their app. I just need to find a place to mount it out of sight. Anyone know if there is room where the onboard inverter is mounted?

 

400-500watts is hopeful and alot.. i would recommend > 6awg wire and a voltage booster.

 

Pretty darn slick that it can monitor voltage.

How often are you going to use it? You could instead install a plug like these so you can plug in the charger when needed.

$22 RVBOATPAT 50 Amp Battery Quick Connect/Disconnect Connector 6 to 12 Gauge Battery Cable Connector Quick Disconnect Battery Terminal, 12V Wire Harness Plug Connector Kit for Car Winch Trailer - 2 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSYGK72P?ie=UTF8&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams

There's a lot of room in there. Afterall those stealth sub boxes fit back there but then youre looking at making a bracket and gettting into more tricky territory and then you would still need a plug to make it look clean.

 

GENIUS!!! Thanks Thacrow!! Run power from the battery to wherever I want and have a disconnect. I could also put the fuse in the engine compartment closer to the battery. Plug and Play as needed!

 

Pleasure and an honor. You HAVE to fuse this and want to fuse as close to the battery as possible.

 

I use an ARB DC to DC harness for my ARB fridge. It’s connected to the battery with a fuse near the battery and I run it to the rear of the 4R. I unplug it when I stop for the day and transition it to my Jackery.

https://store.arbusa.com/fridge-wiring-kit-10900027/