Added a Bluetti Portable Power Station to Class C

[bry899]

I purchased a Bluetti Portable Power Station AC300 with 2- B300 batteries. 6144 watts, they are also called solar generators.

This is not for everyone but I did want to show a different option then a permanent lithium conversion. When the time comes to sell the motorhome I can keep the Bluetti system for other personal uses.

Why:
I was looking for a portable power solution, that can be used for multiple situations such as events at parks and fairs, picnics, beaches, remote locations like friends cabin off grid, boating, Emergency electric backup for power outage, on the property where there is no grid power, and boondocking, camping.
Yes the motor home has a generator, but there are a few instances when the generator can't be used, such as quiet hours at campgrounds.
I also didn't want to buy a portable generator and have to transport gas cans, If I am going somewhere with the car.

Note: They are considered "portable", and I don't have issues moving them but each battery weighs 80 pounds. Each B300 battery (80lbs x 2) and the main AC300 (40lbs) combined totals 200 pounds.

My motor home is a class C Four winds 22E, no slides, with all tanks full and gear is 10,900 pounds, So the extra weight is not a problem.

Cost:
They were $2800 new, it was discounted as “New open box”. They are considered home battery backup units and are eligible for a 30% Federal tax credit ($840) so after income tax credit, cost is $1,960.
NEW from the manufacturer they are 1x AC300 + 2x B300 = $4,400 – $1,320 tax credit = $3,080
How does this compare to a lithium conversion on an RV, I have no clue, but I am sure someone will chime in. But this isn't permanent in the RV, its portable for me.

Ease of Hookup;
Plug and play
It has a RV 30 amp outlet.
I did snake a 30 amp cord from my storage compartment to my shore cord. This allows me to plug my 30 amp shore cord in to the Bluetti battery, or plug into shore power at campground.
The Ac300 is expandable to 12,288 watts it can work with 1 or up to 4 B300 batteries. Each battery is 3072 watts.

I am now in the process of adding some solar panels to the roof of the RV. I anticipate having a total of 825 watts of solar on the roof, for the Bluetti battery. I already have a 100 watt panels for 2-house, and chassis battery.
The Bluetti AC300 has 2 MPPT controllers inside, so the solar panels are directly wired to the Bluetti.

Hopefully can fully test it in the RV soon, though next trip isn't planned until next year.

The Bluetti did come in handy at a recent Flea market we attended recently.
I am also using it for partial charges for my PHEV car with the level 1 (120 volt) charger.

Some More Specs:
3,000W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (6,000W Surge), Expandable Up To 12,288Wh with 4×B300's, 7 Ways to Recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar), 2400W Max. Solar Input, 5400W Max. Fast Dual Charging (Solar + AC Adapter Simultaneously), Smart App Control & Monitor, 240V Connection Available, 24/7 UPS Home Backup

 

[OldWEB]

This is not for everyone.....

You got that right.

 

[bry899]

You got that right.

Thank you for your critical response.
I am sure it will help other forum members.

 

[RizeMaster]

I am doing something similar with a smaller LiFePO4 power station. The energy needs for my class B camper are humble, and I am able to run all of the 12V systems (fridge, fans/Truma, lights, water pump etc) off the 100Ah box. It is recharged mostly via solar, or while driving via the coach batteries.

I am planning to dump my two 100Ah AGM batteries when they die, replace them with a small 35Ah AGM, and run most everything from the power station. The small AGM will provide the necessary current to start the generator, extend the awning, and run the inverter (actually I never use that, and the power station has 110V output as well).
I might be able to forego the AGM completely if I can use the chassis battery for generator/awning. But I don't think I can both charge and discharge the Power station from the same source (to recharge it while driving. So maybe the small AGM has to stay as buffer.

(And yes, everyone has different needs/wants. I appreciate the OP for taking the time to share their setup/solution).

 

[OldWEB]

Thank you for your critical response.
I am sure it will help other forum members.

You took it critically, I was being practical. Not everyone can afford the pre-built system.
I was not going to go there... but for that price, you can assemble two sets from "off the shelf parts", be exchangeable and not proprietary if a failure occurs.


I found the line 7 Ways to Recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar) funny, they sound incredible but there is only two ways to recharge... AC or DC. I am surprised they did not add wind or even nuclear to the statement.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Before doing my lithium upgrade I considered a portable solution such as this. The main issue was where to stow the "system" when not in use. My built-in solution has the batteries under the bed and inverter/charger in the rear storage near the batteries.

Considering these are the main components of a portable setup, the under-bed option was out. Then there was the logistics of dragging the equipment out and setting up, very similar to a portable generator.

Although my lithium conversion was expensive AND a lot of work - including modifications of the house battery cables, it was worth it to me. I wanted a seamless setup for "portable" power when boondocking... which is our primary choice. AND every 120v outlet/appliance just works with the inverter on - just flip a switch.

That said... I applaud the OP with their excellent setup! If I still had our Grand Design trailer that setup would have been my first choice.

Bottom line... evaluate YOUR situation. Then balance the expense and effort against the value/convenience it provides.

 

[bry899]

You took it critically, I was being practical. Not everyone can afford the pre-built system.
I was not going to go there... but for that price, you can assemble two sets from "off the shelf parts", be exchangeable and not proprietary if a failure occurs.

I found the line 7 Ways to Recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar) funny, they sound incredible but there is only two ways to recharge... AC or DC. I am surprised they did not add wind or even nuclear to the statement.

Thanks, for the honest reply.
Yes once the Main controller goes down the whole system goes down until it is repaired or replaced. The batteries can be hot swapped (added or taken off while the system is running)

As far as the 7 ways to recharge the website also mentions small wind turbines and Tesla charging stations.
And I agree that it is either AC or DC current, but all controllers and inverters have specific parameters including this system on amperage, Voltage inputs.

 

[macdaddy1111]

Awesome job! Welcome to the lithium family! My rig is always making power. We going back to Ocracoke NC Tuesday in national sea shore camp and usually we the only ones that doesn't have to use a generator!

 

[bry899]

Before doing my lithium upgrade I considered a portable solution such as this. The main issue was where to stow the "system" when not in use. My built-in solution has the batteries under the bed and inverter/charger in the rear storage near the batteries.

Considering these are the main components of a portable setup, the under-bed option was out. Then there was the logistics of dragging the equipment out and setting up, very similar to a portable generator.

Although my lithium conversion was expensive AND a lot of work - including modifications of the house battery cables, it was worth it to me. I wanted a seamless setup for "portable" power when boondocking... which is our primary choice. AND every 120v outlet/appliance just works with the inverter on - just flip a switch.

That said... I applaud the OP with their excellent setup! If I still had our Grand Design trailer that setup would have been my first choice.

Bottom line... evaluate YOUR situation. Then balance the expense and effort against the value/convenience it provides.

I like the permanent solution for the RV, but not sure if it was necessary for us. We have the RV for 5 years and were fine with 2 group 27 lead acid batteries and 100 watt panel. We would use the generator for accessories like toaster, microwave coffee pot and induction stove. The batteries handled everything else with a small inverter. Hot water and fridge was propane.

It all started at quiet time at a campground with no hookups and I couldn't make microwave popcorn.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

I like the permanent solution for the RV, but not sure if it was necessary for us. We have the RV for 5 years and were fine with 2 group 27 lead acid batteries and 100 watt panel. We would use the generator for accessories like toaster, microwave coffee pot and induction stove. The batteries handled everything else with a small inverter. Hot water and fridge was propane.

It all started at quiet time at a campground with no hookups and I couldn't make microwave popcorn.

I started with two GC2 6volt golf car batteries and two 100 watt panels and no inverter. The upgrade was to get better prepared for more frequent boondocking with longer stays. Now I just need to double the fresh water and waste tank size!

 

[Ace30.2]

Thanks, for the honest reply.
Yes once the Main controller goes down the whole system goes down until it is repaired or replaced. The batteries can be hot swapped (added or taken off while the system is running)

As far as the 7 ways to recharge the website also mentions small wind turbines and Tesla charging stations.
And I agree that it is either AC or DC current, but all controllers and inverters have specific parameters including this system on amperage, Voltage inputs.

I’m pretty sure everything is either AC or DC. Not charging it with dirt or water.

 

[bry899]

I’m pretty sure everything is either AC or DC. Not charging it with dirt or water.

Thanks never thought of hydropower, or Dirt power (Earth Battery). But if the Voltage and or amps meet the specs then that also could be used.

 

[Mark54]

I purchased a Bluetti Portable Power Station AC300 with 2- B300 batteries. 6144 watts, they are also called solar generators.

This is not for everyone but I did want to show a different option then a permanent lithium conversion. When the time comes to sell the motorhome I can keep the Bluetti system for other personal uses.

Why:
I was looking for a portable power solution, that can be used for multiple situations such as events at parks and fairs, picnics, beaches, remote locations like friends cabin off grid, boating, Emergency electric backup for power outage, on the property where there is no grid power, and boondocking, camping.
Yes the motor home has a generator, but there are a few instances when the generator can't be used, such as quiet hours at campgrounds.
I also didn't want to buy a portable generator and have to transport gas cans, If I am going somewhere with the car.

Note: They are considered "portable", and I don't have issues moving them but each battery weighs 80 pounds. Each B300 battery (80lbs x 2) and the main AC300 (40lbs) combined totals 200 pounds.

My motor home is a class C Four winds 22E, no slides, with all tanks full and gear is 10,900 pounds, So the extra weight is not a problem.

Cost:
They were $2800 new, it was discounted as “New open box”. They are considered home battery backup units and are eligible for a 30% Federal tax credit ($840) so after income tax credit, cost is $1,960.
NEW from the manufacturer they are 1x AC300 + 2x B300 = $4,400 – $1,320 tax credit = $3,080
How does this compare to a lithium conversion on an RV, I have no clue, but I am sure someone will chime in. But this isn't permanent in the RV, its portable for me.

Ease of Hookup;
Plug and play
It has a RV 30 amp outlet.
I did snake a 30 amp cord from my storage compartment to my shore cord. This allows me to plug my 30 amp shore cord in to the Bluetti battery, or plug into shore power at campground.
The Ac300 is expandable to 12,288 watts it can work with 1 or up to 4 B300 batteries. Each battery is 3072 watts.

I am now in the process of adding some solar panels to the roof of the RV. I anticipate having a total of 825 watts of solar on the roof, for the Bluetti battery. I already have a 100 watt panels for 2-house, and chassis battery.
The Bluetti AC300 has 2 MPPT controllers inside, so the solar panels are directly wired to the Bluetti.

Hopefully can fully test it in the RV soon, though next trip isn't planned until next year.

The Bluetti did come in handy at a recent Flea market we attended recently.
I am also using it for partial charges for my PHEV car with the level 1 (120 volt) charger.

Some More Specs:
3,000W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (6,000W Surge), Expandable Up To 12,288Wh with 4×B300's, 7 Ways to Recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar), 2400W Max. Solar Input, 5400W Max. Fast Dual Charging (Solar + AC Adapter Simultaneously), Smart App Control & Monitor, 240V Connection Available, 24/7 UPS Home Backup

I like it- not a bad price, and can even charge my EV on it!!

200# is the killer for me, plus no where to carry in the Tellaro 20L, except behind pass. seat, where we keep our 12V cooler.
I did the permanent 600Ah LFP conversion, and move the electrics up inside at the same time. I spent about $2k to do that. Works like a charm.

I love the portability otherwise, except I cannot lift 200#...hand truck or dolly of some kind needed.
My house has powerwalls, but if I didn't this would plug right into my old generator transfer switch, that runs 6 essential circuits of my home.

 

[Scubawise]

I purchased a Bluetti Portable Power Station AC300 with 2- B300 batteries. 6144 watts, they are also called solar generators.

This is not for everyone but I did want to show a different option then a permanent lithium conversion. When the time comes to sell the motorhome I can keep the Bluetti system for other personal uses.

Why:
I was looking for a portable power solution, that can be used for multiple situations such as events at parks and fairs, picnics, beaches, remote locations like friends cabin off grid, boating, Emergency electric backup for power outage, on the property where there is no grid power, and boondocking, camping.
Yes the motor home has a generator, but there are a few instances when the generator can't be used, such as quiet hours at campgrounds.
I also didn't want to buy a portable generator and have to transport gas cans, If I am going somewhere with the car.

Note: They are considered "portable", and I don't have issues moving them but each battery weighs 80 pounds. Each B300 battery (80lbs x 2) and the main AC300 (40lbs) combined totals 200 pounds.

My motor home is a class C Four winds 22E, no slides, with all tanks full and gear is 10,900 pounds, So the extra weight is not a problem.

Cost:
They were $2800 new, it was discounted as “New open box”. They are considered home battery backup units and are eligible for a 30% Federal tax credit ($840) so after income tax credit, cost is $1,960.
NEW from the manufacturer they are 1x AC300 + 2x B300 = $4,400 – $1,320 tax credit = $3,080
How does this compare to a lithium conversion on an RV, I have no clue, but I am sure someone will chime in. But this isn't permanent in the RV, its portable for me.

Ease of Hookup;
Plug and play
It has a RV 30 amp outlet.
I did snake a 30 amp cord from my storage compartment to my shore cord. This allows me to plug my 30 amp shore cord in to the Bluetti battery, or plug into shore power at campground.
The Ac300 is expandable to 12,288 watts it can work with 1 or up to 4 B300 batteries. Each battery is 3072 watts.

I am now in the process of adding some solar panels to the roof of the RV. I anticipate having a total of 825 watts of solar on the roof, for the Bluetti battery. I already have a 100 watt panels for 2-house, and chassis battery.
The Bluetti AC300 has 2 MPPT controllers inside, so the solar panels are directly wired to the Bluetti.

Hopefully can fully test it in the RV soon, though next trip isn't planned until next year.

The Bluetti did come in handy at a recent Flea market we attended recently.
I am also using it for partial charges for my PHEV car with the level 1 (120 volt) charger.

Some More Specs:
3,000W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (6,000W Surge), Expandable Up To 12,288Wh with 4×B300's, 7 Ways to Recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar), 2400W Max. Solar Input, 5400W Max. Fast Dual Charging (Solar + AC Adapter Simultaneously), Smart App Control & Monitor, 240V Connection Available, 24/7 UPS Home Backup

Excellent good for you.
We live in the yellow zone and always good to be over prepared.

 

[Scubawise]

I like it- not a bad price, and can even charge my EV on it!!

200# is the killer for me, plus no where to carry in the Tellaro 20L, except behind pass. seat, where we keep our 12V cooler.
I did the permanent 600Ah LFP conversion, and move the electrics up inside at the same time. I spent about $2k to do that. Works like a charm.

I love the portability otherwise, except I cannot lift 200#...hand truck or dolly of some kind needed.
My house has powerwalls, but if I didn't this would plug right into my old generator transfer switch, that runs 6 essential circuits of my home.

Speaking of cooler. We and other family members purchased this. We do long trips with home made food and wives love ice. Wives hate store ice size.
We tested these at our home in NM & works very well.
Was $129. Not available now but others we know want one.
One family member carries 2 big expensive yeti.
After my home test, yeti sold!

VECYS Car Refrigerator, Dual Zone 53 Quart(50 L) Portable Efficient Car Freezer -4℉-68℉, 12/24V DC / 100-240V AC 3-Level Battery Protection Fridge for RV, Truck, Boat, Outdoor and Home, Grey https://a.co/d/fk3vm7S

 

[Mark54]

Speaking of cooler. We and other family members purchased this. We do long trips with home made food and wives love ice. Wives hate store ice size.
We tested these at our home in NM & works very well.
Was $129. Not available now but others we know want one.
One family member carries 2 big expensive yeti.
After my home test, yeti sold!

VECYS Car Refrigerator, Dual Zone 53 Quart(50 L) Portable Efficient Car Freezer -4℉-68℉, 12/24V DC / 100-240V AC 3-Level Battery Protection Fridge for RV, Truck, Boat, Outdoor and Home, Grey https://a.co/d/fk3vm7S

Digressing further- we got an icemaker!

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insign...-auto-shut-off-silver/6331583.p?skuId=6331583
We carry a Dometic CFX3-24 cooler st to 7° for frozen foods

 

[Scubawise]

Yes OP poster mentioned they do this :
***************
Why:
I was looking for a portable power solution, that can be used for multiple situations such as events at parks and fairs, picnics, beaches, remote locations like friends cabin off grid, boating, Emergency electric backup for power outage, on the property where there is no grid power, and boondocking, camping.
************

We are similar to OP.
our cooler does freezer & refrigerator independently or as ONE. We had your ice maker. Small cubes. Takes a long time for ice. When really hot out ice melted.
Since we do lots of off grid, did not want to go buy ice.
As per OP,
We may upgrade solar.

 

[bry899]

Speaking of cooler. We and other family members purchased this. We do long trips with home made food and wives love ice. Wives hate store ice size.
We tested these at our home in NM & works very well.
Was $129. Not available now but others we know want one.
One family member carries 2 big expensive yeti.
After my home test, yeti sold!

VECYS Car Refrigerator, Dual Zone 53 Quart(50 L) Portable Efficient Car Freezer -4℉-68℉, 12/24V DC / 100-240V AC 3-Level Battery Protection Fridge for RV, Truck, Boat, Outdoor and Home, Grey https://a.co/d/fk3vm7S

That is a great price, we ordered the Alpicool X40 Portable Fridge 12 Volt Car Refrigerator 42 Quart Fast Cooling Freezer for Fishing, Camping, RV, Truck, Boat-12/24V DC, it was double the price you paid. It has good reviews, Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow.

 

[bnr32jason]

So I did this too, but actually I did both.

I've got 400ah of permanent lithium in the rig, along with a 3000 watt inverter and 420watts of solar.

I also have a Jackery 3000 Pro, which is 3kWh and has the 30amp RV plug as well. I primarily use the Jackery unit for backup power at home, we get a decent amount of windstorms during the winter in the Seattle area and lose power semi-frequently. But I also installed a little access door through the wheel well to run the power cable to if needed.

It's really only used as backup power if we're in a situation where our 400ah isn't enough, I can use the Jackery 3000 to run things for a while while boondocking. I have an onboard generator but I really don't like using it unless I absolutely have to. We like things to be as silent as possible. Then once we're back on the road or plugged into shore power, I'll plug it into one of the RV 120v outlets and recharge it along with the house lithium batteries, might even use the generator while we're driving to speed things up.

I think this will end up being a very useful setup when we go on a 2 week road trip boondocking almost the whole way in late February and early March.

 

[bry899]

So I did this too, but actually I did both.

I've got 400ah of permanent lithium in the rig, along with a 3000 watt inverter and 420watts of solar.

I also have a Jackery 3000 Pro, which is 3kWh and has the 30amp RV plug as well. I primarily use the Jackery unit for backup power at home, we get a decent amount of windstorms during the winter in the Seattle area and lose power semi-frequently. But I also installed a little access door through the wheel well to run the power cable to if needed.

It's really only used as backup power if we're in a situation where our 400ah isn't enough, I can use the Jackery 3000 to run things for a while while boondocking. I have an onboard generator but I really don't like using it unless I absolutely have to. We like things to be as silent as possible. Then once we're back on the road or plugged into shore power, I'll plug it into one of the RV 120v outlets and recharge it along with the house lithium batteries, might even use the generator while we're driving to speed things up.

I think this will end up being a very useful setup when we go on a 2 week road trip boondocking almost the whole way in late February and early March.

Wow, nice set up.
The Bluetti AC300 has the 30 amp RV outlet, It can handle a 6000 watt surge, but it is rated for 3000 watts or 25 amps, It will shut down if the surge continues over time. I didn't time how long til it shuts down.

Did you try charging the Jackery 3000 with a generator?
The Bluetti is picky on the power from generators. The onboard Onan 4000 would not charge the bluetti.
But after further research, I read that the Onan generator voltage and cycles vary without a load on it. So running a small space heater, the Bluetti charged up fine off the generator.