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In 2018 I built out a van and became a part-time van dweller. Two years ago I went all electric with a 3KW "solar generator" that includes an 2KW AC inverter. I have 400 watts of solar on the roof, and can also charge via the car's system. I use an induction hotplate, a microwave, a small pressure cooker, and even a coffee pot. Additionally, I power my fridge, a roof van, lights, and a Wabasto heater. It all works and I never have to worry about finding butane cartridges.
@@michaellynn3928vinegar spray. Wipe down with a paper towel and done. I have lived in a non propane van for three years. It seems to be catching. We also have rooftop a/c
~3yrs all-electric, although it's come via trail and error but luckily sparing significant cost per error. Currently at 800ah lithium for the past ~1.5yr with RedArc RedVision, which only allows 30amp max charging from alternator, solar, or 120v. Last summer worked at night and slept in vehicle during the day in Arizona. The hottest outside temp 119F while staying cool inside at 72F x8hrs with 5k BTU 120v window AC unit via 3k inverter and 600w solar panels. In the winter, then sleeping at night, NMBDR ~8k above sea level, 7F was the lowest stayed warm with 120v 1800w heater. Additionally, 1800w induction heater, 1800w Ninja AirFryer, and 300w 12v heating rod to warm water for showering. In the ~3yrs I have upgraded the batteries, but their location has stayed he same, the rear seat footwell in a 4Runner on top a 10g footwell tank from Front Runner. Electric over propane or diesel, is more set and forget, no spills or leaks, and regardless wind or elevation as well.Thanks for sharing.
In my experience, and I'm sure others have noticed similar, most of the battery is consumed between making dinner, staying cool or warm while sleeping, and making breakfast, all when there is no solar power support.
@@jatorresrv How do you mount an AC window unit in the 4runner? Were your solar panels attached to the roof, or did you set them up on the ground? Care to make a video of your setup? Could you provide links to everything you used?
To me, overlanding is about redundancy. I'm not full electric but my system (2.6kWh 24v/2kW inverter) is more than capable of doing so. Going all electric is fine but highly recommend keeping a minimum of gas-based items onboard as a backup in the event the electrons, plugs, software, bluetooth, etc decide not to play nice for any of the myriad of reasons that they typically do. Good video and happy trails!
I have a 48v 10kw Power kit from Ecoflow. Still, I've chosen a gas range and no microwave in my van. I like to cook, and I cannot bear participating in generating all that plastic from pre-made dinners for the landfill. I'm happy that your system works for you.
Kai, I love your videos. I am marking this down for my future build. This set up is going to be great for long distance overlanding from the Midwest to Utah and beyond!
If everyone gains a basic understanding of lithium based battery tech, the relationship to power/watts = voltage * amperage and what a BMS is, you can build quite a bit of power reserve and charge it efficiently from both the alternator and solar. Most people's power demands aren't running a 2000w inverter, it's best to stay within the 12v (24v Aussie) realm for all devices for a much more efficient use of stored power.
Yes it’s more efficient but you’re gonna have a hard time finding a 12v microwave, induction cooktop, instant pot. They might be out there but will cost more than the inverter to use mass produced household appliances.
Nah. The biggest downside of doing 110V/220V AC is that you lose efficiency to heat converting DC from battery to AC. Also good luck finding powerful 12V Kettle, cooking top, etc. 12V wires are super thic for these loads, 110V and 220V especially reduce the wires AWG quite a lot.
I thoroughly enjoy your engineering/DIY content Kai. Also the fridge that I purchased from you is working great. Just upgraded my portable power source along with an alternator charger. Hoping to get an induction stove real soon.
the new Ecoflow Alternator sealed the deal for me.. delta 2 + battery and alternator for the new camping setup... and I love my airfryer I run off my 200ahu lithum setup in my 4x4 van!! now I can take it tent camping too!!
When I saw the ecoflow 800w I immediately thought about your setup. It's an exciting time to witness the transition. Even more and more homes are going full electric. I'd love to see a video of your take on hybrids and how they benefit in electric camping. My RAV4 Prime PHEV has been flexing at the camp site for the past year!
The RAV prime seems like a factory designed full electric overland system with added drive train integration. Can you charge up on solar, or is there some minimum power / voltage threshold to make it work?
@@MrJhchrist You can not charge up the car with solar. Well technically you can, it'll just take a looooooong time. Solar charges too slow, or rather hybrid batteries are way too large in capacity. The RAV4 Prime has 14kwh of usable/chargeable battery. So even with a large 400W solar panel that Kai has with his FJ, it'll take you 35 hours to fully charge the Prime.
Electric camping is good to go if your solar, batteries etc are up to task. Im about to drop a video on made in canada gen 6 solar panels that are simply magik
One other big point is many power station companies are FINALLY putting high amp 12v DC outputs on their units. Oupes, for example, has a 12v\30amp DC Anderson plug output on their mega line. This allows you to run 12v accessories like lights, diesel heaters, etc. You can even connect it to 12v switching systems like those from Switch Pros, Auxbeam, Garmin, etc. IMO there is very little reason to run dedicated complex dual battery systems anymore. Power stations with the fast alternator charging and high amp 12v DC output have rendered them obsolete.
Just experiementing with the same after building a 400AH/5120wh setup in my rig (overkill I know 😂) and so far so good, man induction is great on windy australian beaches!
I have two 92Ah LiFePO4 batteries in parallel in the 2nd row passenger-side footwell of a 4Runner, underneath the plywood sleeping platform on the floor of the cargo area (I took out the 2nd row seats). Charged by a 40A RedArc BCDC1240D charger from the OEM alternator, using 4 AWG wires through the firewall. I installed a temperature probe on the alternator housing, with a display on the dashboard. So whenever I see that the alternator is well below 175 degrees F, I do not have to worry about overheating the alternator if I turn on a switch that I installed in the dashboard to send current from the alternator to the RedArc charger, to charge the LiFePO4 battery bank. My 1200W inverter is enough for an 1800W induction cooktop since I only ever need at most medium heat from the induction cooktop, and a medium setting draws only 1100W. This setup worked well on a 6,000 mile overlanding trip. For heat in the winter, though, I am working on installing a diesel heater in the cargo area.
Just started using an induction cooktop with my bluetti setup. Also could run the heater to heat up my GFC, but definitely limitation is ambient temperature, my batteries ran down pretty quick when it was ~30F outside, so even my 4kwh setup was down to about 15% (from 89%) when I woke up in the morning.
are you using a space heater over night? that will run it down a lot as the tent loses a lot of heat. i only use the space heater in the morning when i change and run electric blanket inside the sleeping bag overnight
@@TinkerersAdventure I ran it on low (so it was cycling) for about 4-5hr. Granted it was my first test in my GFC and it was trying to heat the tent and the bed area. When it's on low it pulls ~5-600w, but it cycles with the thermostat as well. I will say, I am sold on induction cooking, it works exceptionally well.
I am all electric, without solar. I charge during a daily drive with a GoPower 1750 inverter to a ecoflow delta 1300 and a zerobreeze elechive (combined 3000+ wHr) using 120v inputs. Yes, there is conversion loss, but it is the fastest charge rate I’ve found.
I been running 2560Wh in my 4x4 with a 180watt panel And 145amp custom alt ..Lights fridge fan 600watt A/C when peak sun times are hot However with 2.5inches of spray foam And a thermostat The wattage works out to be 350 to 400wh The trick being I run my trucks A/C first for 10 mins Power stations are nice But you pay for the cost of it to be portable
Switch out your electric kettle for a hot water dispenser. You will have hot water on demand, and it doesn't use as much wattage when heating up, meaning you can get by on a system using less wattage
Love your perspective and explanation! I use EcoFlow Delta 2 with 200 watt solar panels on roof. Runs my DC cooler, charges all devices and cook with 110v griddle.
Respectfully, replace “camping” with “overlanding” in the title; you even say car-recharging is a practical requirement. I implemented a modest solution, in part inspired by Tinkerer, with a good panel, battery and a small fridge which only gave me a couple days camping at North East camp grounds. My setup wasn’t a failure but I did have to plan on power exhaustion.
step one - cover your roof with solar! 400-500 watts step two - get a 60 amp MPPT step three - 200 AH of LiFePo4 batteries step four - 1000 watt sine wave inverter! It costs money and takes work to set up but then you get to... enjoy life!
Do you have any thoughts between a delta pro max and a etaker m2000? Is there a reason why you went for the etaker besides it looked more suitable for storage?
I like telling people that I have 75kwh Jackery that charges at 150kw. Electrifying the whole car can save you all the wiring that takes up the space and cost money, and let you run AC overnight. An EV or PHEV can also get you $7500+ rebate. Toyota and others are hybridizing their entire lineup, so hybrid is an option if you don't like full electric.
As always good info you provide , have you tried to charge the Ecoflow using the Etaker generator !? I hope it does work since the Etaker is much cheaper compared to the Ecoflow generator 🤞
The new generation of hybrid pickup trucks/SUVs should make full electric overlanding a no-brainer. The new 4Runner and Tacoma have a 2400 W inverter that can run multiple appliances already, and the truck automatically charges the hybrid battery using the ICE when the SOC is low. This would leave more space in the truck for cargo and equipment, and for a much simpler and care-free experience.
The only thing I don't like is how soon the engine will kick on. It tries to keep the SOC very high. So for electric cooking or running things overnight. The engine will go on and off every 5 minutes. Kind of disturbing for a camp site.
The current problem I have with the new all in one power systems it how slow they recharge on 12V. For me the dual battery system is still better for now.
I am all electric camping, kettle, toaster, induction,,amd kettle for heating water for a shower. Overnight we typically use 80AH from the battery. We then charge at 80A, so, it takes 1hr of engine running during the day to replenish that 80ah, and we have 240ah total. We have never runout.
Great video, as always! A few questions; what is the wattage of your induction cook top? Also, I have a hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, so no alternator, only a IDCM (integrated dual charging module) - would you happen to know if a DC to DC charger could work to rapid-charge my EcoFlow EF? Thanks for anything you can provide!
I am so confused now on how to set up my 2011 Tundra to run a refrigerator/freezer and my 12 volt marine oven on remote camping trips and day trips to the shore 🤔
of course it is. :) or just use diesel/gasoline generator in the car. integrated in the drive train, to charge electric stuff. yep just fit a more powerful battery charger generator in the drive shaft.
I use a mix of fuel and electricity. I use a coleman gasoline camp stove and lantern, operates cheap and effectively. Shares an ample fuel supply with my FJ cruiser. My EcoFlow powers an electric blanket, water kettle, fridge, a K-Cup machine if i'm feeling fancy, etc... Charges at 400W from the alternator with a 48V transformer. That ecoflow charging accessory is 600 dollars! Get out of my face
Hybrids cars are better at overlanding because you don’t need a power source all you have to do is tap into the battery 🔋 and every time power is getting low the Engine turn on and charges the battery.
Same here 200$ Microwave without turntable 30$ kettle (500W travel) 50$ induction 100Ah battery + Renogy 30A alternator charger and a Delta 2 make up my electric power house. Microwave is a game changer. Costco stuff + Microwave is a new level unlock
I love my tiny camp kitchen for my Rivian R1S. It's just a little stove and pan. A small cutting board and collapsible bowls and water bag. I carry it full time in the "hidden storage" in the back because it takes up so little room. The Rivian has a built-in 1,500W plug in the back. I typically cook 2 meals per day and I can't get it to even register 1 mile of range for my cooking. Love that vehicle for sleeping in it too. I just set the temp at whatever I want and it consumes little energy overnight.
I’m electric with my Minivan. I have a small kettle, a small microwave and a small Instant Pot. The Instant Pot, which is an efficient pressure cooker, can also be used as a griddle. With a 12 volt fridge, I can precook a lot of meals and simply heat one up in the microwave. I use two power stations. That way one is always attached to the fridge and I can be charging the other one with my portable solar panel. If it’s cloudy, I can always recharge with my vehicle. My minivan is a hybrid, so the engine only turns on when the hybrid battery gets low. It’s a fairly efficient way to recharge the power station. To clean my dishes, I rinse them off and then use a small steam generator. That saves a lot of water since theres no soap to rinse off. The super heated steam gets rid of any grease/oil, and it kills bacteria with the heat.
I built (& continue to optimize after EVERY trip) my van 7 years ago. At first on the road (before actually building it) I grabbed all my camp gear and travelled for 3 months. Then went home to do the build. On the first trip I considered how I would do the build & decided to build the most robust electric system and to NOT use fuel. (except a Butane cooktop which I never used as a back up, but occasionally as a second cooktop) After 7 years I would not do it any differently. 220 amp lithium battery - proven to be enough - I use 33% a day - so it last 3 days. 3000 watt inverter - never overloaded 30 + 40 = 70 amp Redarc BC/DC charger - I just added the 40 amp to speed up charging 200 portable solar panel - which I very rarly use - I pull the. out just to make sure they still work... I never tried a microwave - never realy sure I would need one - I'll ponder it
Glad to see someone else looking into the practicality of electronic camping appliances. I was doing the same thing several years ago while drawing up plans for my Superkart 🏁🏎️ karting trailer... While camping at the race track for several days. 🇦🇺👍
I just received mine yesterday. This will be the ultimate setup. Hooking it up this weekend; Delta 2 Max LFP, Glacier fridge/freezer, 800W alternator charger, and 160W solar panel.
Simple is the best, that's what I learned from some videos from Australia, your double acid battery is enough for fun, worry better about pranks with friends.
Very informative, great research and easy to understand! However, it's not for me at this time. Being in my 70's and having been "old school" for so long (successfully) I'm going to stay with my campfire, Coleman stove, Cowboy coffee pot, cooler and a few MRE's. It is "camping" after all and is supposed to be simple. When I go out (and yes, I still do) I want to escape from technology. IMO, there is too much tech and glam camping going on and "roughing it" so to speak is good for the mind, heart and soul.
@@richardstone5241 Aeropress is a godsend for the first cup of coffee. Build a morning fire, drop a tea kettle on some coals (or use an electric boiler) and make 3 cups of fresh brew directly into a thermos. Few things beat stopping a mile into your morning hike and having another piping hot cup of coffee.
I will never go back to gas after moving to electric because of space constraints in the SWB Pajero Evolution. I have my whole car run off a single 200Ah lithium that does cranking and deep cycle duties. It charges at full alternator current (100amps) so it recharges extremely fast and i get about 4 days of fridge and cooking duties out of it without starting the car. Never worrying about cold or wind is a huge advantage of induction as well
Really depends on what you do. If you drive a lot this works, if you don't it doesn't. Also depends on the style of cooking or heating equipment you use. I have 2400Wh in my overland trailer and it's enough to run everything for 4 days without charging in about 90 degree weather. I don't do cold weather trips so I don't really care about cold weather capabilities. around freezing is my minimum temp. I run most things on gas and I never ran out - that's just poor planning. I don't see a reason to spend a couple thousand bucks just to be electric - it offers no benefit to me since my trailer already has a pull out kitchen and I don't need to run a water kettle inside. I love my induction range at home but I don't even own a microwave as I never had any use for one. My kitchen setup has 6 burners and I frequently use all of them. No, I don't do junk food, neither at home nor when out on a trail. I cook from scratch every time - it's a preference, I know. So most of my electricity goes into refrigeration and amenities like shower and furnace. I do have a DC/DC charger in the car to charge the batteries while driving, but most of the job is done by 800W of solar panels, some mounted on the trailer and most portable on extension cords so I can move them 40 ft out into the sun.Usually recharges my batteries in 2 to 4 hours. I do remain stationary a lot. I drive someplace, find a nice spot to camp and then explore the area without the trailer. Works for me and I don't see much benefit in electrifying everything. A bottle of gas lasts me at last a month and I usually carry 2 20lbs bottles so I can enjoy my gas firepit any time I like even in red flag conditions which on the west coast are common. So whenever there's a ban on campfires, which to me belongs to a camping trip, I at least have a gas firepit. What do electric people do? Run a laptop with a fireplace app?
Your previous vdieos influenced me to go full electric with the Delta 2 and DC2DC in my Isuzu Vehicross 😂 About to embark on a 3 week pan european trip in summer, and so far on the test runs it has worked great!
I fit 200Ah Li where the rear AC would go in the luxury models of GX460 behind the plastics... I welded up a battery box that is held in place by all of the existing bracket holes. I can park the GX in the shade of a tree, and run an extension that plugs into my rear bumper out to 400w of deployable solar panels. I 've got 2000w inverter tucked in on the other side, with an output to my bumper, as well, so I can run an extension cable out to whatever I need. I dont' have to open the vehicle to add more solar or to run AC out. The batteries, inverter, cabling, monitoring, charge controller etc, don't take up any interior cargo space. I'd have to add up total cost, which is likely more, but I still have seating for 5, a drawer system and a 73qt fridge/freezer.
Honestly this just makes sense, you run your engine all the time, might as well get full potential out of it. It will charge when there is no sun, and most "overlanders" are driving for at least 4 hours a day, which will usually keep your batteries topped off. These systems make way more sense than building your own now to IMO. I went with the anker F3800, but in hindsight I wish I would have went with ecoflow. However they more or less do the same thing, but the ecoflow has more peripherals and better options like built in heating pads on the batteires.
Also the ability to set your charge current at 50 watt intervals. I was surprised my friends anker unit didn’t have that. With I have a long drive I charge at 2-300 watts to be gentle on the battery. If I need to quickly top off my pack I’ll charge at 8-1000 watts
Like a simple solar setup with batteries rather than power station. Did a test with a simple system on my channel and was surprised how fast the induction stove heated water.
Good summary. I’ve essentially gone all electric for cooking in our Airstream, with microwave, coffee maker, convection oven and induction cooktop all powered by an Ecoflow Delta Max with two extra batteries. Now I’ve added the Ecoflow Alternator Charger to my solar charging. Our boondocking is limited only by water.
I plan to utilize more AC in my next truck build. I’m not sure I will ever be 100% electrical, but I do think things like heat (even though inefficient) can be utilized successfully with how quick some of these can charge now. I just got an Etaker today and I have to say I am very impressed so far. It has a lot of features other batteries as missing for a good “overlander” battery pack. Well done as always man!
Fantastic video! Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your breakdowns that start with general engineering design choices, then break down parts choices into some main categories and price points based around *use cases*, then discuss individual brands and their implementations. It's so refreshing to get the opinion of an actual engineer rather than the intuitive, but not grounded in deep ME knowledge, "opinions of guys in your local overlanding garage". Perfect example: your shocks and upper control arm videos simplified my decision making process greatly. Thank you! I've been searching for a channel of information just like this. GIVE US MORE VIDEOS! I think you mentioned in one video that you also owned a 1st Gen Tacoma. I just lucked into an old man (25-year old classic vehicle!) 1999 Tacoma SR5 3.4V6 standard 4x4 Xtra-cab w/ long bed. Generally, it's in fantastic shape for an old truck but it's going to need serious love in the suspension category especially as the big FabTech coilovers and the old shocks in the back with add-a-leaf springs in the back are all well past their duty cycle dates. It's up on 32" BF KO2s and the back end bounces up and down like a trampoline when I go over train tracks! Any videos you might consider making for giving your ancient Taco some love in 2024 would be seriously appreciated. My eventual goal is to outfit it for overland camping with a Kuat IBEX topper and all electric camping setup like you've outlined here. May be tricky with the old-time electrical system, I'm not sure. I was thinking dual battery with a couple of slim-line Li-Ion packs but now you've got me thinking about the all-in-one battery banks. Ecoflow has some seriously big batteries available, all the way up to house-capacity.
I have the same cookware as you and they are absolutely fantastic. Clean up so easily and work great on induction stove top! Yes, going electric is the best way to go! I have two portable power stations one is 2000 W hours and the other one is 750. Perfect combination and they all recharged very quickly! I think both will charge in about 80 minutes total would never go Two. Dragging around propane, containers, or gas. Thanks for the videos.
Great video. Brings up an interesting dilemma too. Technology has made it so easy and convenient for us that even if most people had bugout bags and a capable 4x4 to escape when SHTF they wouldn't survive without their electrical appliances or gadgets. Most wouldn't even know how to start a fire let alone what a fire does. LOL
during my camping trip over Memorial Day, my electrical system did fail. my DC-DC charger which failed and I could not charge my battery. luckily I have 2000 wh and back up gas stove system so I was able to get through.
@@TinkerersAdventure I drew my conclusions too early and sorry wrong terminology. The set up: Car battery-fuse-relay-Amazon voltage booster 12/24 - bluetti D050S "DC Charge enhancer"- BLUETTI B230 battery I originally thought my 12-24v voltage booster (amazon SUPERNIGHT 12-24 20A) failed since the bluetti battery would not charge. However, I have measured the voltage from the car battery( which read normal 13v), the output voltage after the 12-24 booster (normal 24v), and the output voltage after the D050s (normal 59v). The D050S came with a cigarette plug and the battery charges (red light) when I plug it into the car. There is a status light (green- battery is full or on standby, and red- charging). The most expensive component still works! phew When I use my own wiring, the D050S shows a green light (confirming that power is going in), but does not charge. The D050S has input voltage of 12-60v and is meant for solar so the voltage doesn't have to be completely steady. The system has worked before but I only realized it stopped working this past weekend. Maybe it's been broken for a while and I just didn't know. The only thing I can think of now is that the relay has failed and is not able to provide enough current, but is able to provide just enough that I can measure the voltage is good.
This is a good point. ☝️Keep in mind EcoFlow now has their own DC-DC charger offering 800w from car alternator - which should be considered by anyone having these portable batteries, including me with my Delta 2.
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In 2018 I built out a van and became a part-time van dweller. Two years ago I went all electric with a 3KW "solar generator" that includes an 2KW AC inverter. I have 400 watts of solar on the roof, and can also charge via the car's system. I use an induction hotplate, a microwave, a small pressure cooker, and even a coffee pot. Additionally, I power my fridge, a roof van, lights, and a Wabasto heater. It all works and I never have to worry about finding butane cartridges.
Do you have a convenient solution for washing dishes?
@@michaellynn3928vinegar spray. Wipe down with a paper towel and done.
I have lived in a non propane van for three years. It seems to be catching. We also have rooftop a/c
~3yrs all-electric, although it's come via trail and error but luckily sparing significant cost per error. Currently at 800ah lithium for the past ~1.5yr with RedArc RedVision, which only allows 30amp max charging from alternator, solar, or 120v. Last summer worked at night and slept in vehicle during the day in Arizona. The hottest outside temp 119F while staying cool inside at 72F x8hrs with 5k BTU 120v window AC unit via 3k inverter and 600w solar panels. In the winter, then sleeping at night, NMBDR ~8k above sea level, 7F was the lowest stayed warm with 120v 1800w heater. Additionally, 1800w induction heater, 1800w Ninja AirFryer, and 300w 12v heating rod to warm water for showering. In the ~3yrs I have upgraded the batteries, but their location has stayed he same, the rear seat footwell in a 4Runner on top a 10g footwell tank from Front Runner. Electric over propane or diesel, is more set and forget, no spills or leaks, and regardless wind or elevation as well.Thanks for sharing.
In my experience, and I'm sure others have noticed similar, most of the battery is consumed between making dinner, staying cool or warm while sleeping, and making breakfast, all when there is no solar power support.
@@jatorresrv How do you mount an AC window unit in the 4runner? Were your solar panels attached to the roof, or did you set them up on the ground? Care to make a video of your setup? Could you provide links to everything you used?
men of culture, here we meet again !
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To me, overlanding is about redundancy. I'm not full electric but my system (2.6kWh 24v/2kW inverter) is more than capable of doing so.
Going all electric is fine but highly recommend keeping a minimum of gas-based items onboard as a backup in the event the electrons, plugs, software, bluetooth, etc decide not to play nice for any of the myriad of reasons that they typically do.
Good video and happy trails!
Isn't fire starter enough when wood is around? I wouldn't want to carry gas cans, I'd rather install two batteries so if one fails I have another.
Makes me wonder if the new Toyota Hybrid body on frame SUVs will be great electric overlanding vehicle options.
Pecron has added a 500-watt car charger to it's accessories list. It works directly off the battery (with protection).
Man!!! Your videos are so valuable! Please make videos of ALL of your Tinkering Projects…you’re a master.
I have a 48v 10kw Power kit from Ecoflow. Still, I've chosen a gas range and no microwave in my van. I like to cook, and I cannot bear participating in generating all that plastic from pre-made dinners for the landfill. I'm happy that your system works for you.
Kai, I love your videos. I am marking this down for my future build. This set up is going to be great for long distance overlanding from the Midwest to Utah and beyond!
If everyone gains a basic understanding of lithium based battery tech, the relationship to power/watts = voltage * amperage and what a BMS is, you can build quite a bit of power reserve and charge it efficiently from both the alternator and solar. Most people's power demands aren't running a 2000w inverter, it's best to stay within the 12v (24v Aussie) realm for all devices for a much more efficient use of stored power.
Yes it’s more efficient but you’re gonna have a hard time finding a 12v microwave, induction cooktop, instant pot. They might be out there but will cost more than the inverter to use mass produced household appliances.
@@TobyCostaRica gotta stay home, or just get an RV. Ive never needed a micro, dont even use one much at home. But thats me.
24v Aussie? I'm in Aus and only trucks (and some winch comp vehicles) run 24v
Nah. The biggest downside of doing 110V/220V AC is that you lose efficiency to heat converting DC from battery to AC. Also good luck finding powerful 12V Kettle, cooking top, etc. 12V wires are super thic for these loads, 110V and 220V especially reduce the wires AWG quite a lot.
@@TheMitchellbegeng so there is 24v there? Most of the offroad channels ive seen use 24v rigs
I thoroughly enjoy your engineering/DIY content Kai. Also the fridge that I purchased from you is working great. Just upgraded my portable power source along with an alternator charger. Hoping to get an induction stove real soon.
the new Ecoflow Alternator sealed the deal for me.. delta 2 + battery and alternator for the new camping setup... and I love my airfryer I run off my 200ahu lithum setup in my 4x4 van!! now I can take it tent camping too!!
When I saw the ecoflow 800w I immediately thought about your setup. It's an exciting time to witness the transition. Even more and more homes are going full electric. I'd love to see a video of your take on hybrids and how they benefit in electric camping. My RAV4 Prime PHEV has been flexing at the camp site for the past year!
The RAV prime seems like a factory designed full electric overland system with added drive train integration. Can you charge up on solar, or is there some minimum power / voltage threshold to make it work?
@@MrJhchrist You can not charge up the car with solar. Well technically you can, it'll just take a looooooong time. Solar charges too slow, or rather hybrid batteries are way too large in capacity. The RAV4 Prime has 14kwh of usable/chargeable battery. So even with a large 400W solar panel that Kai has with his FJ, it'll take you 35 hours to fully charge the Prime.
I love the RAV4 Prime!
I’m going to camp in mine this fall and hope to run AC all night without the engine kicking on. PHEV is the ultimate overland setup
Electric camping is good to go if your solar, batteries etc are up to task. Im about to drop a video on made in canada gen 6 solar panels that are simply magik
I look forward to that video Richie!
I use a Microwave in my van all the time! It's one of my favorite pieces of kit.
One other big point is many power station companies are FINALLY putting high amp 12v DC outputs on their units. Oupes, for example, has a 12v\30amp DC Anderson plug output on their mega line. This allows you to run 12v accessories like lights, diesel heaters, etc. You can even connect it to 12v switching systems like those from Switch Pros, Auxbeam, Garmin, etc. IMO there is very little reason to run dedicated complex dual battery systems anymore. Power stations with the fast alternator charging and high amp 12v DC output have rendered them obsolete.
Extremely timely! Looking at moving to a fully electric camper behind a Lexus GX.
Just experiementing with the same after building a 400AH/5120wh setup in my rig (overkill I know 😂) and so far so good, man induction is great on windy australian beaches!
I have two 92Ah LiFePO4 batteries in parallel in the 2nd row passenger-side footwell of a 4Runner, underneath the plywood sleeping platform on the floor of the cargo area (I took out the 2nd row seats). Charged by a 40A RedArc BCDC1240D charger from the OEM alternator, using 4 AWG wires through the firewall. I installed a temperature probe on the alternator housing, with a display on the dashboard. So whenever I see that the alternator is well below 175 degrees F, I do not have to worry about overheating the alternator if I turn on a switch that I installed in the dashboard to send current from the alternator to the RedArc charger, to charge the LiFePO4 battery bank. My 1200W inverter is enough for an 1800W induction cooktop since I only ever need at most medium heat from the induction cooktop, and a medium setting draws only 1100W. This setup worked well on a 6,000 mile overlanding trip. For heat in the winter, though, I am working on installing a diesel heater in the cargo area.
Just started using an induction cooktop with my bluetti setup. Also could run the heater to heat up my GFC, but definitely limitation is ambient temperature, my batteries ran down pretty quick when it was ~30F outside, so even my 4kwh setup was down to about 15% (from 89%) when I woke up in the morning.
are you using a space heater over night? that will run it down a lot as the tent loses a lot of heat. i only use the space heater in the morning when i change and run electric blanket inside the sleeping bag overnight
@@TinkerersAdventure I ran it on low (so it was cycling) for about 4-5hr. Granted it was my first test in my GFC and it was trying to heat the tent and the bed area. When it's on low it pulls ~5-600w, but it cycles with the thermostat as well. I will say, I am sold on induction cooking, it works exceptionally well.
Noticed you use stack tech. I just got some of these for work and camping. Very good boxes.
Nice setup, I seen in another video an 800w DC to DC converter...Electric keeps getting better!
I am all electric, without solar. I charge during a daily drive with a GoPower 1750 inverter to a ecoflow delta 1300 and a zerobreeze elechive (combined 3000+ wHr) using 120v inputs. Yes, there is conversion loss, but it is the fastest charge rate I’ve found.
I love to see this! I am fully electric (self-sufficient) living inside my Tesla Model X
What about the 400W outlet in the back of the 4runner for charging I thought the FJ had that aswell
I been running 2560Wh in my 4x4 with a 180watt panel And 145amp custom alt ..Lights fridge fan 600watt A/C when peak sun times are hot However with 2.5inches of spray foam And a thermostat The wattage works out to be 350 to 400wh The trick being I run my trucks A/C first for 10 mins Power stations are nice But you pay for the cost of it to be portable
Switch out your electric kettle for a hot water dispenser. You will have hot water on demand, and it doesn't use as much wattage when heating up, meaning you can get by on a system using less wattage
Love your perspective and explanation!
I use EcoFlow Delta 2 with 200 watt solar panels on roof. Runs my DC cooler, charges all devices and cook with 110v griddle.
You dropped this video before I’m suppose to clock in? I guess I’m gonna be late!
Very interesting and I love my solar setup in the travel trailer but not so reliable on rainy weeks.
Like that I have a gas stove.
It's awesome to see your experience with full electric overlanding! We sent you an email, take a look.
Since I have a EV with 72000 WH and v2l I really should consider this.
I own Victron but us HAM radio operators have moved away from them based on electrical noise.
Did Justino cook up some picanha!?
Yes!
Respectfully, replace “camping” with “overlanding” in the title; you even say car-recharging is a practical requirement. I implemented a modest solution, in part inspired by Tinkerer, with a good panel, battery and a small fridge which only gave me a couple days camping at North East camp grounds. My setup wasn’t a failure but I did have to plan on power exhaustion.
Thanks for the suggestion! title changed :)
Mitsubishi Outlander phev allows access to its 20kwh battery using two 110v outlets.
step one - cover your roof with solar! 400-500 watts
step two - get a 60 amp MPPT
step three - 200 AH of LiFePo4 batteries
step four - 1000 watt sine wave inverter!
It costs money and takes work to set up but then you get to...
enjoy life!
Now I’m curious as to why you ditched the RTT!
Do you have any thoughts between a delta pro max and a etaker m2000? Is there a reason why you went for the etaker besides it looked more suitable for storage?
Can you do a video about steel versus alloy wheels?
Would you still keep your Victron dc to dc converter or go with the Etaker F1000 to charge your power stations. Thanks love the content
I like telling people that I have 75kwh Jackery that charges at 150kw. Electrifying the whole car can save you all the wiring that takes up the space and cost money, and let you run AC overnight. An EV or PHEV can also get you $7500+ rebate. Toyota and others are hybridizing their entire lineup, so hybrid is an option if you don't like full electric.
As always good info you provide , have you tried to charge the Ecoflow using the Etaker generator !? I hope it does work since the Etaker is much cheaper compared to the Ecoflow generator 🤞
The new generation of hybrid pickup trucks/SUVs should make full electric overlanding a no-brainer. The new 4Runner and Tacoma have a 2400 W inverter that can run multiple appliances already, and the truck automatically charges the hybrid battery using the ICE when the SOC is low. This would leave more space in the truck for cargo and equipment, and for a much simpler and care-free experience.
The only thing I don't like is how soon the engine will kick on. It tries to keep the SOC very high. So for electric cooking or running things overnight. The engine will go on and off every 5 minutes. Kind of disturbing for a camp site.
Great upload
The current problem I have with the new all in one power systems it how slow they recharge on 12V. For me the dual battery system is still better for now.
I am all electric camping, kettle, toaster, induction,,amd kettle for heating water for a shower. Overnight we typically use 80AH from the battery. We then charge at 80A, so, it takes 1hr of engine running during the day to replenish that 80ah, and we have 240ah total. We have never runout.
what type of setup would be needed to run a 1800w ninja foodie? (pressure cooker/airfryer/rotiserrie chicken roaster)
Great video, as always! A few questions; what is the wattage of your induction cook top? Also, I have a hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, so no alternator, only a IDCM (integrated dual charging module) - would you happen to know if a DC to DC charger could work to rapid-charge my EcoFlow EF?
Thanks for anything you can provide!
Thanks!
Are those power packs suitable for EVs?
what if make Y splitter from dc converter and put both xt60 to the delta max? will it charge 1000w or not?
I am so confused now on how to set up my 2011 Tundra to run a refrigerator/freezer and my 12 volt marine oven on remote camping trips and day trips to the shore 🤔
of course it is. :) or just use diesel/gasoline generator in the car. integrated in the drive train, to charge electric stuff. yep just fit a more powerful battery charger generator in the drive shaft.
I use a mix of fuel and electricity. I use a coleman gasoline camp stove and lantern, operates cheap and effectively. Shares an ample fuel supply with my FJ cruiser. My EcoFlow powers an electric blanket, water kettle, fridge, a K-Cup machine if i'm feeling fancy, etc... Charges at 400W from the alternator with a 48V transformer.
That ecoflow charging accessory is 600 dollars! Get out of my face
Would there be an efficiency difference using 240 volt appliances vs the 110v
Yes, but nothing you'd notice in real life. The biggest advantage is that a 240V system can use thinner, lighter and cheaper wires.
I can't imagine what if you got a PHEV overlander.
Next step get a used Ford F-150 Lightning and run everything directly off the truck.
Would you be worried about having a car fire with all the electronics?
So it sounds like $2,000 at least of gear, or just stick to the $5 propane cans and the gas appliances I already have.I know what I’m doing.
Yeah there's an initial cost to it. The convenience is unparalleled though
Drop that steak recipe please
How much can a 2024 4runner alternator spare? I have the ecoflow alternator charger option on the way
"wait and see" market
How about 12 volt?
better to boil water with induction
I use both......
Anker F2600?
Hybrids cars are better at overlanding because you don’t need a power source all you have to do is tap into the battery 🔋 and every time power is getting low the Engine turn on and charges the battery.
Bob Wells has been cooking with a microwave for at least a decade.
Same here
200$ Microwave without turntable
30$ kettle (500W travel)
50$ induction
100Ah battery + Renogy 30A alternator charger and a Delta 2 make up my electric power house.
Microwave is a game changer. Costco stuff + Microwave is a new level unlock
What are your recommendations from Costco?
100wh?
Do you mean Ah?
A microwave was never even a consideration until I saw this. Now it's tempting. I wish they made small ones with the convection option!
@@KingsonMan Sukhi;s chicken, some nice korean frozen stuff, Enchiladas, Jim beans for breakfast..
@@ausguy4385 Aaah yes, fixed it
A year updates are the videos I value the most.
Thank you.
I love my tiny camp kitchen for my Rivian R1S. It's just a little stove and pan. A small cutting board and collapsible bowls and water bag. I carry it full time in the "hidden storage" in the back because it takes up so little room. The Rivian has a built-in 1,500W plug in the back. I typically cook 2 meals per day and I can't get it to even register 1 mile of range for my cooking. Love that vehicle for sleeping in it too. I just set the temp at whatever I want and it consumes little energy overnight.
I’m electric with my Minivan. I have a small kettle, a small microwave and a small Instant Pot. The Instant Pot, which is an efficient pressure cooker, can also be used as a griddle. With a 12 volt fridge, I can precook a lot of meals and simply heat one up in the microwave. I use two power stations. That way one is always attached to the fridge and I can be charging the other one with my portable solar panel. If it’s cloudy, I can always recharge with my vehicle. My minivan is a hybrid, so the engine only turns on when the hybrid battery gets low. It’s a fairly efficient way to recharge the power station. To clean my dishes, I rinse them off and then use a small steam generator. That saves a lot of water since theres no soap to rinse off. The super heated steam gets rid of any grease/oil, and it kills bacteria with the heat.
I have never heard of the steam generator, would you mind posting the link to the product if it's available for sale? Thanks!
@@kitty4536 yeah I'm interested in this!!
Yes, please share link to steam generator, sounds very efficient! 😊
Me too! Please share a link to the steam generator
I built (& continue to optimize after EVERY trip) my van 7 years ago. At first on the road (before actually building it) I grabbed all my camp gear and travelled for 3 months. Then went home to do the build.
On the first trip I considered how I would do the build & decided to build the most robust electric system and to NOT use fuel. (except a Butane cooktop which I never used as a back up, but occasionally as a second cooktop)
After 7 years I would not do it any differently.
220 amp lithium battery - proven to be enough - I use 33% a day - so it last 3 days.
3000 watt inverter - never overloaded
30 + 40 = 70 amp Redarc BC/DC charger - I just added the 40 amp to speed up charging
200 portable solar panel - which I very rarly use - I pull the. out just to make sure they still work...
I never tried a microwave - never realy sure I would need one - I'll ponder it
Glad to see someone else looking into the practicality of electronic camping appliances.
I was doing the same thing several years ago while drawing up plans for my Superkart 🏁🏎️ karting trailer...
While camping at the race track for several days. 🇦🇺👍
Ugh.. I cant afford to watch your videos anymore...
Ecoflow alternator charger you can change setting in app for charging watts up to 800w/voltage 12-15v
I just received mine yesterday. This will be the ultimate setup. Hooking it up this weekend; Delta 2 Max LFP, Glacier fridge/freezer, 800W alternator charger, and 160W solar panel.
@@alexsoo1752 Are you using the OEM alt? The vid left me hanging on whether he changed his or not.
Simple is the best, that's what I learned from some videos from Australia, your double acid battery is enough for fun, worry better about pranks with friends.
Poor Justino.. lol I’m not going FULL electric but hanging out with Chris has definitely influenced me to upgrade my electrical..
Very informative, great research and easy to understand! However, it's not for me at this time. Being in my 70's and having been "old school" for so long (successfully) I'm going to stay with my campfire, Coleman stove, Cowboy coffee pot, cooler and a few MRE's. It is "camping" after all and is supposed to be simple. When I go out (and yes, I still do) I want to escape from technology. IMO, there is too much tech and glam camping going on and "roughing it" so to speak is good for the mind, heart and soul.
I agree with you on "roughing it" but have added a 1k power station to run a few small items. Great for that first cup of coffee.
@@madcratebuilder Well, I can't disagree about that first cup of coffee......lol
you know what, my wife actually agrees with you more than she agrees with me lol. She prefer old school camping
@@richardstone5241 Aeropress is a godsend for the first cup of coffee. Build a morning fire, drop a tea kettle on some coals (or use an electric boiler) and make 3 cups of fresh brew directly into a thermos.
Few things beat stopping a mile into your morning hike and having another piping hot cup of coffee.
I will never go back to gas after moving to electric because of space constraints in the SWB Pajero Evolution. I have my whole car run off a single 200Ah lithium that does cranking and deep cycle duties. It charges at full alternator current (100amps) so it recharges extremely fast and i get about 4 days of fridge and cooking duties out of it without starting the car. Never worrying about cold or wind is a huge advantage of induction as well
Wow Pajero Evo. One of my favorites
Really depends on what you do. If you drive a lot this works, if you don't it doesn't. Also depends on the style of cooking or heating equipment you use. I have 2400Wh in my overland trailer and it's enough to run everything for 4 days without charging in about 90 degree weather. I don't do cold weather trips so I don't really care about cold weather capabilities. around freezing is my minimum temp.
I run most things on gas and I never ran out - that's just poor planning. I don't see a reason to spend a couple thousand bucks just to be electric - it offers no benefit to me since my trailer already has a pull out kitchen and I don't need to run a water kettle inside.
I love my induction range at home but I don't even own a microwave as I never had any use for one. My kitchen setup has 6 burners and I frequently use all of them. No, I don't do junk food, neither at home nor when out on a trail. I cook from scratch every time - it's a preference, I know. So most of my electricity goes into refrigeration and amenities like shower and furnace. I do have a DC/DC charger in the car to charge the batteries while driving, but most of the job is done by 800W of solar panels, some mounted on the trailer and most portable on extension cords so I can move them 40 ft out into the sun.Usually recharges my batteries in 2 to 4 hours. I do remain stationary a lot. I drive someplace, find a nice spot to camp and then explore the area without the trailer. Works for me and I don't see much benefit in electrifying everything. A bottle of gas lasts me at last a month and I usually carry 2 20lbs bottles so I can enjoy my gas firepit any time I like even in red flag conditions which on the west coast are common. So whenever there's a ban on campfires, which to me belongs to a camping trip, I at least have a gas firepit. What do electric people do? Run a laptop with a fireplace app?
Your previous vdieos influenced me to go full electric with the Delta 2 and DC2DC in my Isuzu Vehicross 😂 About to embark on a 3 week pan european trip in summer, and so far on the test runs it has worked great!
Microwave popcorn trailer snack. Mmmmmm.
I fit 200Ah Li where the rear AC would go in the luxury models of GX460 behind the plastics... I welded up a battery box that is held in place by all of the existing bracket holes. I can park the GX in the shade of a tree, and run an extension that plugs into my rear bumper out to 400w of deployable solar panels. I 've got 2000w inverter tucked in on the other side, with an output to my bumper, as well, so I can run an extension cable out to whatever I need. I dont' have to open the vehicle to add more solar or to run AC out. The batteries, inverter, cabling, monitoring, charge controller etc, don't take up any interior cargo space. I'd have to add up total cost, which is likely more, but I still have seating for 5, a drawer system and a 73qt fridge/freezer.
Honestly this just makes sense, you run your engine all the time, might as well get full potential out of it. It will charge when there is no sun, and most "overlanders" are driving for at least 4 hours a day, which will usually keep your batteries topped off. These systems make way more sense than building your own now to IMO. I went with the anker F3800, but in hindsight I wish I would have went with ecoflow. However they more or less do the same thing, but the ecoflow has more peripherals and better options like built in heating pads on the batteires.
Also the ability to set your charge current at 50 watt intervals. I was surprised my friends anker unit didn’t have that. With I have a long drive I charge at 2-300 watts to be gentle on the battery. If I need to quickly top off my pack I’ll charge at 8-1000 watts
Like a simple solar setup with batteries rather than power station. Did a test with a simple system on my channel and was surprised how fast the induction stove heated water.
Good summary. I’ve essentially gone all electric for cooking in our Airstream, with microwave, coffee maker, convection oven and induction cooktop all powered by an Ecoflow Delta Max with two extra batteries. Now I’ve added the Ecoflow Alternator Charger to my solar charging. Our boondocking is limited only by water.
I plan to utilize more AC in my next truck build. I’m not sure I will ever be 100% electrical, but I do think things like heat (even though inefficient) can be utilized successfully with how quick some of these can charge now.
I just got an Etaker today and I have to say I am very impressed so far. It has a lot of features other batteries as missing for a good “overlander” battery pack.
Well done as always man!
Add a few 12v blankets or pads for those times the temperature is not as harsh
Fantastic video! Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your breakdowns that start with general engineering design choices, then break down parts choices into some main categories and price points based around *use cases*, then discuss individual brands and their implementations. It's so refreshing to get the opinion of an actual engineer rather than the intuitive, but not grounded in deep ME knowledge, "opinions of guys in your local overlanding garage". Perfect example: your shocks and upper control arm videos simplified my decision making process greatly. Thank you! I've been searching for a channel of information just like this. GIVE US MORE VIDEOS!
I think you mentioned in one video that you also owned a 1st Gen Tacoma. I just lucked into an old man (25-year old classic vehicle!) 1999 Tacoma SR5 3.4V6 standard 4x4 Xtra-cab w/ long bed. Generally, it's in fantastic shape for an old truck but it's going to need serious love in the suspension category especially as the big FabTech coilovers and the old shocks in the back with add-a-leaf springs in the back are all well past their duty cycle dates. It's up on 32" BF KO2s and the back end bounces up and down like a trampoline when I go over train tracks!
Any videos you might consider making for giving your ancient Taco some love in 2024 would be seriously appreciated. My eventual goal is to outfit it for overland camping with a Kuat IBEX topper and all electric camping setup like you've outlined here. May be tricky with the old-time electrical system, I'm not sure. I was thinking dual battery with a couple of slim-line Li-Ion packs but now you've got me thinking about the all-in-one battery banks. Ecoflow has some seriously big batteries available, all the way up to house-capacity.
I have the same cookware as you and they are absolutely fantastic. Clean up so easily and work great on induction stove top! Yes, going electric is the best way to go! I have two portable power stations one is 2000 W hours and the other one is 750. Perfect combination and they all recharged very quickly! I think both will charge in about 80 minutes total would never go Two. Dragging around propane, containers, or gas. Thanks for the videos.
Great video. Brings up an interesting dilemma too. Technology has made it so easy and convenient for us that even if most people had bugout bags and a capable 4x4 to escape when SHTF they wouldn't survive without their electrical appliances or gadgets. Most wouldn't even know how to start a fire let alone what a fire does. LOL
Fire is also part of over landing.
Isn’t camping about the simple life?
For me it's about exploring and adventuring. If I can make my living and cooking experience easier I'm all for it.
I’ve been 100% electric for over a year. When it’s raining for more that a few days, I see the benefits of a small fuel burner
during my camping trip over Memorial Day, my electrical system did fail. my DC-DC charger which failed and I could not charge my battery. luckily I have 2000 wh and back up gas stove system so I was able to get through.
Interesting. Which DC-DC charger did you get? Why did it fail? Was it just a blown fuse or the whole thing was toasted.
@@TinkerersAdventure I drew my conclusions too early and sorry wrong terminology.
The set up: Car battery-fuse-relay-Amazon voltage booster 12/24 - bluetti D050S "DC Charge enhancer"- BLUETTI B230 battery
I originally thought my 12-24v voltage booster (amazon SUPERNIGHT 12-24 20A) failed since the bluetti battery would not charge. However, I have measured the voltage from the car battery( which read normal 13v), the output voltage after the 12-24 booster (normal 24v), and the output voltage after the D050s (normal 59v).
The D050S came with a cigarette plug and the battery charges (red light) when I plug it into the car. There is a status light (green- battery is full or on standby, and red- charging). The most expensive component still works! phew
When I use my own wiring, the D050S shows a green light (confirming that power is going in), but does not charge. The D050S has input voltage of 12-60v and is meant for solar so the voltage doesn't have to be completely steady.
The system has worked before but I only realized it stopped working this past weekend. Maybe it's been broken for a while and I just didn't know. The only thing I can think of now is that the relay has failed and is not able to provide enough current, but is able to provide just enough that I can measure the voltage is good.
Do you think the iforce max 2400watt power in the new 4runner and landcruiser could be used a reliable charging set up?
Just installed ecoflow alternator charger ..similtainanly input solar and alternator charger
All the OCD engineers love this guy. Including me.
This is a good point. ☝️Keep in mind EcoFlow now has their own DC-DC charger offering 800w from car alternator - which should be considered by anyone having these portable batteries, including me with my Delta 2.
OK, your next video BETTER be about upgrading your alternator.