EcoFlow Power Kits: The Simplest DIY Campervan Electrical System for Off-Grid Adventures

A reliable and efficient electrical system is crucial when building your dream campervan. Designing and putting together a functional, safe, off-grid power solution can be scary, especially if you have no prior electrical experience.

Well, I have good news for you! The EcoFlow Power Kit is a modular electrical system for your campervan that is revolutionizing DIY campervan electrical systems. (use the coupon code WAYWARD10 for 10% off your order of over $4,000!)

What is Included in an EcoFlow Power Kit?

The EcoFlow Power Kit is a 48-volt plug-and-play comprehensive electrical system with an integrated design unlike anything you’ve seen. It allows hassle-free installation and eliminates the need for complex wiring and technical expertise while meeting all your power needs.

This groundbreaking system offers a user-friendly approach to powering your campervan. It provides convenience and ease of use, saving countless hours on your electrical installation process.

So what all comes with EcoFlow Power Kits? As crazy as it sounds, the entire system has only four components! Curious how that’s possible? Let’s break it down:

1. Lithium-ion batteries

The EcoFlow Power Kits offer the option of including up to three 2kWh or 5kWh batteries allowing you to easily increase capacity to accommodate your power needs. Need more van power than you first thought? If you leave space for another battery, you can add one later.

This unique stackable battery can easily and safely be secured to your campervan floor and wall with the included brackets or straps. The stackable design helps ensure you don’t take up valuable space by having to align batteries side-by-side on your floor.

The batteries have a built-in auto heating system, so they will still operate in cold climates and won’t be damaged by severe temperature fluctuations.

Also, these batteries are the best kind of lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate (also known as LFP or LiFePO4). These LPF batteries have advanced battery safety protections and also have the longest typical life span of any lithium battery chemistries currently available.

2. Power Hub

EcoFlow Power Kits combine five components (inverter/charger, dual MPPT solar charge controllers, DC/DC battery charger, DC/DC converter) into one box: the Power Hub. Along with a 3600-watt inverter, you can charge your batteries with multiple methods by connecting your solar input, alternator charger, shore power, or generator to your primary batteries. The integrated EcoFlow Power Hub is where all the cables plug into for your solar charging, alternator charging, batteries, shore power, and even generator charging with an EcoFlow Smart Generator (or any type of generator) if you want that.

3. AC/DC Distribution Panel

The AC/DC Smart Distribution Panel for the EcoFlow Power Kit is a three-layer box that helps organize and connect all the electrical components.

It has a deep box with slots for the primary AC power input’s positive, negative, and neutral connectors and six 20A AC circuits. It also has slots for the main DC power input and connections for twelve 20A DC circuits.

To make the connections, you simply insert the wires into the slots, and EcoFlow provides coverings to ensure secure connections for all the circuits. The connections are hidden behind a removable slotted faceplate, keeping everything tidy while allowing access to the AC circuit breakers and slots for the DC circuit fuses.

The topmost part of the AC/Dc Smart Distribution Panel is a semi-transparent faceplate that acts as a safety barrier for the circuit connections, keeping them protected.

4. Power Kit Console

You can control your entire system with a full-color six-inch touchscreen display, the Power Kit Console. You’ll have real-time data tracking for battery levels, solar panel power generation, and smart controls that can turn on or off any part of your system with the touch of a finger.

What about the wiring?

You might be thinking: “This all sounds great, but what about the wires? That’s one of the hardest parts!”

You’ll be thrilled to learn that EcoFlow Power Kits include ready-to-use cables with sturdy connectors at each end, designed to work seamlessly with their Power Hub and the other components.

These cables are incredibly convenient to use as they simply plug into the corresponding ports by hand, you don’t even need any tools. Most of the cables, such as the AC charge, AC output, and DC output cables, are 15 feet long. There are longer cables, like the solar and alternator cables, which are 20 feet long, and shorter cables, either 5 or 8 feet long, specifically for the battery connections.

The cables have a protective braided outer covering, similar to a conduit. This outer covering helps safeguard the wire’s insulation and the main conductor inside each cable, ensuring their durability and longevity.

Why Are EcoFlow Power Kits 48 Volts?

EcoFlow Power Kits are designed to operate at 48 volts DC (like modern residential solar power systems) instead of the 12-volt DC standard used in traditional campervan, automotive, and marine electrical systems. There are several reasons why EcoFlow has chosen this higher voltage for their power kits:

1. Efficiency: Operating at higher voltages allows for more efficient power transfer. When an electric current passes through a wire, there is a natural resistance that results in energy loss in the form of heat. Increasing the voltage decreases the current required to deliver the same amount of power, reducing the resistance and minimizing energy loss. This leads to greater overall efficiency and less wasted energy.
2. Reduced wiring size: Higher voltage systems require smaller wire gauges to carry the same power as lower voltage systems. This means lighter and thinner wires can be used within the power kits, reducing weight and simplifying installation.
3. Longer cable runs: Higher voltage systems enable longer cable runs without significant power loss. With a 48VDC system, the power can be transmitted over longer distances, making it more suitable for larger vehicles, like campervans or recreational vehicles, where the power source might be located far away from the appliances or devices that need to be powered.
4. Future-proofing: As technology advances, there is a growing trend towards higher voltage electrical systems. By adopting a 48VDC system, EcoFlow ensures that their power kits are future-proofed and can easily adapt to upcoming advancements in electrical technologies.

While 12V systems are still prevalent in many applications, especially in smaller vehicles, EcoFlow’s decision to use 48VDC for their power kits brings significant advantages in terms of efficiency, wiring size, cable runs, and future scalability.

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4 Key Benefits for DIY Campervans

The electrical system for a campervan is typically the most complex and intimidating part of a DIY campervan build. Many DIYers who aren’t familiar with the intricacies of a power system either turn to a professional electrician or opt for a smaller power solution, such as a rechargeable battery and portable solar panels.

1. Streamlined installation

The EcoFlow modular system plug-and-play kit is designed to simplify the installation process for DIY campervan builders. Unlike traditional electrical systems that often require extensive knowledge and labor-intensive installations, this system offers a simplified experience that even beginners can handle.

The pre-wired components remove the guesswork and potential pitfalls of intricate electrical setups. By following the provided instructions, you can seamlessly integrate the system into your campervan without needing extensive electrical knowledge or professional assistance.

2. Optimal power management

An EcoFlow Power Kit ensures efficient and reliable power management with an integrated power distribution panel and inverter. The distribution panel provides up to 6 AC circuits and 12 DC circuits, allowing you to power various devices and appliances simultaneously. This system offers the versatility needed for a comfortable and convenient campervan experience, from charging laptops and smartphones to running refrigerators and lighting.

3. Integration with solar energy

It’s designed to work seamlessly with solar panels, enabling an eco-friendly and cost-effective power source for your campervan. By harnessing solar energy, you can reduce reliance on traditional grid electricity and embrace sustainable, off-grid living. This integration empowers campervan owners to access clean and renewable energy, even in remote locations, without sacrificing convenience.

4. Saves space and time

Remember stackable batteries? That saves you so much space without worrying about damaging your van’s electrics. Not to mention the all-in-one power hub and the perfectly measured wiring kit.

5. Easy monitoring and control

To monitor your system, you have three different ways to view power system data: the Power Kit Console mounted on the wall of your van, the EcoFlow app on your smartphone using Bluetooth, or if you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can log into the components remotely. If there’s ever a system issue, you’ll get notified via the app.

How Much Do EcoFlow Power Kits Cost?

Now the question of the hour is how much does this amazing power kit system cost? I’m not going to lie – it’s not inexpensive, but when you consider the time savings and other benefits compared to putting together a more traditional power kit, it’s worth every penny.

Keep in mind that learning about all the components and design considerations for offgrid power solutions will take you many hours of study, and alternately having a professional install your entire power system will cost you a significant amount of labor. You also won’t have the ability to have an easily expandable capacity or customizable kits like you can with the EcoFlow Power Kits.

Depending on your power kit size and what other accessories you add on, an EcoFlow Power Kit can cost anywhere between $4,800 and $15,700. The item that adds the most cost to your power kit is the size of the battery and how many you opt to use in your power system.

You may find a sale price here and there, but since EcoFlow Power Kits are relatively new, pricing is still pretty consistent on their website and vendor websites.

Remember that the kit includes everything you need for a complete off-grid power solution.

• One to three batteries, the Power Hub with all necessary connection points, an AC/DC Smart Distribution Panel, a Power Kit Console, and a cable pack with all cables required to join the main components are included.
• No wire cutting, crimping, splicing, or soldering.
• No extra runs to Home Depot for parts.
• No guesswork. Instructions included.

EcoFlow is Revolutionizing DIY Electrical Systems

EcoFlow Power Kits have the potential to revolutionize DIY electrical systems for campervans. Their user-friendly nature and simplified installation process make them accessible to a wide range of DIYers.

By eliminating set up hassle like the complexities of wiring and configuration and integrating components, these systems empower campervan enthusiasts to create reliable and efficient off-grid power solutions without requiring extensive technical knowledge or professional assistance.

EcoFlow Power Kits represent a significant leap forward in DIY campervan electrical systems, offering a safer, smaller power solution. Their seamless installation, intuitive operation, and compatibility with solar energy make them an ideal choice for campervan owners seeking a reliable and user-friendly off-grid power solution.

As the world of DIY campervan conversions continues to evolve, innovations like this system pave the way for a more accessible and enjoyable life on the road.