I'm preparing for my first trip in a conversion van and I've picked up a 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery to use. I'm planning to hardwire it to one of the older inverters I have on hand, but I'm curious if there's a more streamlined solution available. I'd love to know if I could use a modern solar generator together with my larger battery as an auxiliary option, effectively serving as an inverter. I came across a Jackery setup on sale at Costco for $650, which looks nice but seems a bit pricey. I'm also considering the smaller 300W Jackery unit, though I'm worried that might be insufficient for AC loads. Additionally, I see the EcoFlow Delta2 refurb units for $399, which seem comparable to the Jackery. Any thoughts on these options or other suggestions?
2 Answers
For a solid setup, you might want to dedicate that 12V battery to running your fridge if you plan to use one. Then, consider a portable power station for all your other devices. Just keep in mind, you could end up paying for features you won’t use, so choose wisely. The 1kWh to 2kWh portable stations are pretty decent right now, but go for what matches your needs!
I mainly dwell in my Prius, but I've been studying this stuff. The Jackery 2000 is pretty pricey at around $.91/Wh, but I'd recommend looking into the Pechron 3200 instead, priced around .45/Wh. It has dual DC inputs, which lets you charge with solar and a fast alternator. It also has substantial surge capacity—great for appliances like induction cooktops or microwaves! You could even use your 12V battery as a backup. Definitely check this option out!
Awesome recommendations! This really helps me focus my research.
Any recommendations for a fridge? I used to have an old Coleman thermoelectric, but it needed frequent ice additions.