Sep 182 min read

Yeti, Jackery, Ecoflow Power Stations - Are they good option for my Campervan Van DIY Conversion?

Updated: Sep 19

Plug and Play power systems are more common but often can be confusing and expensive depending on requirements. Popularity of power "stations" (Yeti, Jackery, Ecoflow...) as an alternative are ok, but that just it, they are "ok" not really intended nor ideal for campervan and have significant drawbacks for a campervan or RV. They do not generally have decent ability to charge from the alternator correctly or with any real power, they rely mostly on solar or shower power charging, and they don't have built in ability to wire to a fuse panel so that you can run outlets and connections throughout your van. Power stations are very easy and a great option for "temporary" system if you have limited electrical requirements and not really needing an integrated system. There is a reason professional builders do not use these power stations, they have limits and do not truly integrate into a build. This is not because they are designed poorly, they just are not designed for that. Exception however would be the Ecoflow Power Hub 48v system specifically made for this. This is different than however their power generators just to be specific about the difference. What power generators don't provide is built in circuit panels, wiring for external AC connections other than an extension cord (this should not be done through your walls), and in particular quick seamless charging through our alternator. (Ask them how long it will take to charge through a cigarette lighter :))

There are systems that are close to plug and play (Off Grid Solutions, AVC Rig...) but sometimes you just need something a little simpler or more compact. Ecoflows Power Hub 48v is a good solution (still with some drawbacks) or we like CraftAutoworks system for a plug and play system for a DIYer with moderate amount of experience. This system is is totally labeled, has quick connects, super compact, and specifically is designed to integration a professional level system in a van. You still need some electrical expertise, for example you need to be able to wire up confidently alternator power line, ground line, Solar, DC and AC outlets and be able to use a multimeter.

Let take a look how we used this system in a van.

We built a simple box to hold batteries and the power system module that includes a 2000w inverter/charger, fuse panels for both AC and DC, battery shut off, Circuit breakers for all power supplies, as well as AC outlets. It has a built in solar/Alternator charger that is adjustable with external battery and inverter/charger control panel. It is designed to hold up to 460 ah of lithium batteries. We did make modifications on this system to address a low SOC override option to wake up lithium battery if it is in a low SOC state so that you can "wake it back up" to be able to charge it up. (yes is more common than most would think)