Bronco Off Grid Power Setup with Bluetti Charger 2 (w/ Bidirectional Charging)

[Aaron1121]

Thanks for providing the info in this thread! I completed my install a couple of weeks ago. My Bronco is used for off-roading and dispersed camping but also is used by the wife for mall and beach duty.

I could have permanently mounted the Charger 2, but I switch my Bluetti Packs and Charger 1-2 between my Bronco, Truck, and Van.... I wanted something removeable and inconspicuous.... for now.

• I used @EOS SAPS fused distribution panel, and ran a couple of 6AWG runs to the rear.
• I put a Blue Sea 80 AMP Breaker in the rear (I like having a disconnect near the plug) I added a rubber grommet in the trim panel to be able to flip the breaker.
• I added an Anderson SB-50 in the interior trim panel (past the Breaker/ used for Bluetti Chargers) and another waterproof SB-50 near the tow hitch. (Used for compressor and towing power)
• A also added a port for a D wire (Charger 2) to Aux 5 and a Starlink 24v adapter on Aux 6.

I really wish Bluetti would release a battery pack the size of the 100v2 or 200v2 that was lightweight and supported reverse charging.

I also wish Bluetti would release a Charger 1 size model with a physical on / off switch. I don't leave the Charger 1 plugged in for more than a couple days if I'm not using a vehicle... it killed a couple of batteries in my truck when parked at the airport for a week.......

With my Elite 200v2, the Charger 1 maxes out around 540 watts... and Charger 2 gets around 680. Not a huge difference for 3x the size.

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[03SVTL]

Thought about running a DC-DC (alternator) charger, but some of these units can pull 600–800W while charging lithium batteries. At idle, that can be a significant continuous load on the alternator, especially when combined with other vehicle electrical loads. I’ll stick with slower charging through the 12V outlet for now.

 

[dejones64]

Thought about running a DC-DC (alternator) charger, but some of these units can pull 600–800W while charging lithium batteries. At idle, that can be a significant continuous load on the alternator, especially when combined with other vehicle electrical loads. I’ll stick with slower charging through the 12V outlet for now.

I held off on the alternator charger for awhile thinking the same thing. My rear 12v port would heat up the cable which kind of scared me. Not a fan of vehicle fire. My Bluetti battery can take up to 500w input so naturally the Charger 2 input 500w. I also have a 200w solar panel wired in, I believe solar has priority over the alternator input but don't quote me on that. I set the Charger 2 to run in silent mode which cuts the Charger 2 input in half to about 250w. I feel more comfortable with that.

 

[swamp2]

• I used @EOS SAPS fused distribution panel, and ran a couple of 6AWG runs to the rear.

I cant post as EOS presently, but thanks for your purchase and shout out. Nice overall system.

 

[Surge]

I just swapped out my EcoFlow Alternator Charger and Bluetti Charger 1 for the Charger 2.

Why did you switch from Ecoflow to Bluetti? I'm considering getting the Ecoflow alternator charger and a Delta 3 Max.

 

[Demon4x4]

Why did you switch from Ecoflow to Bluetti? I'm considering getting the Ecoflow alternator charger and a Delta 3 Max.

The Bluetti AC Charger 2 has a solar input (in addition to the alternator input).

 

[Surge]

The Bluetti AC Charger 2 has a solar input (in addition to the alternator input).

Ecoflow's upcoming Alternator Charger Plus 1000 and 600 also have solar inputs. They're not available yet in the U.S. but you can see them now on their website pictures and the documentation is available.

 

[dejones64]

The Bluetti AC Charger 2 has a solar input (in addition to the alternator input).

That solar input is a big deal, for me. The Charger 2 will pull what it can from solar first (I have a 200w bifacial mounted on top), then the rest from your alternator while driving. I do not know the long term effects on the alternator but maybe this process can save wear and tear!? I also run the Charger 2 in silent mode which cuts down the alternator load even more. In camp it's strictly solar.

 

[Demon4x4]

That solar input is a big deal, for me. The Charger 2 will pull what it can from solar first (I have a 200w bifacial mounted on top), then the rest from your alternator while driving. I do not know the long term effects on the alternator but maybe this process can save wear and tear!? I also run the Charger 2 in silent mode which cuts down the alternator load even more. In camp it's strictly solar.

Yep, pretty much the same for me, except 200w rigid solar panel mounted to my RTT. It’s nice not to have to swap cables/connections between the AC input and solar, like I was doing it the EcoFlow AC charger.

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