The Ultimate Guide to EcoFlow Power Systems For Vanlife, RVs & Overlanding

1. Power Stations
2. Alternator Chargers
3. Solar Power
4. Shore Power
5. Generator Charging
6. Accessories

AC power (alternating current) is the type of electricity found in household outlets, allowing you to run standard appliances such as a toaster, induction cooktop, computer, etc.

Alternator: a device that powers a vehicle’s electrical systems and charges the battery while the engine runs.

Amperage (Amps, A) measures the rate of electric current flow.

DC power (direct current) is the electricity that your vehicle, EcoFlow devices, and most of your essential accessories like fridges, fans, heaters, lights will use.

Solar array is a group of solar panels that work together to convert sunlight into electricity.

Volts (V) measure the electric potential difference between two points, indicating how strongly electricity is pushed through a circuit.

Watts (W) are calculated by multiplying volts by amps.

Watt-hours (Wh) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure total energy used or produced over time.

Incredible value for such a capable and versatile power station. I use this one personally on all my adventures.

EcoFlow Delta Pro

Vanlife Power Station Review

Reasons to buy

• Amazing value ($1,399)
• Supports large series solar array (11-150V⎓15A)
• Large battery capacity (3,600Wh)
• Great AC output (3,600W total / 7,200W surge)
  • 4x 20A AC plugs (NEMA 5-20R)
  • 1x 30A AC plug (TT-30R)
• 12V Anderson Powerpole out (12.6V⎓30A, 378W max)
• 6x USB ports (4x USB A / 2x USB C)
• Cigarette lighter port (8A)
• 2x DC5521 ports (12.6V⎓DC 3A, 38W)
• Wheels and collapsible handle
• EV station charging (separate accessory)
• Supports control screen (separate accessory)

Reasons to avoid

• Single solar input port
• Older model (released in 2021)
• Less capacity than Delta Pro 3 (3,600Wh vs 4,096Wh)
• Larger and heavier (25 × 11.2 × 16.4" / 99lbs)

• Buy from EcoFlow

A highly capable power station with solid performance and versatility. I would also have loved to see this have 60A DC out for those with higher power needs.

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

Vanlife Power Station Review

Reasons to buy

• Supports large series solar array (30-150V⎓15A)
• Two solar input ports (1,600W / 1,000W)
• Large battery capacity (4,096Wh)
• High AC output (4,000W total / 8,000W surge)
  • 4x 20A AC plugs (NEMA 5-20R)
  • 1x 30A AC plug (NEMA TT-30R)
  • 1x 240V~16.7A plug (NEMA 6-20R)
  • 1x 120V/240V~16.7A plug (NEMA L14-30R)
• 12V Anderson Powerpole out (12.6V⎓30A, 378W max)
• 4x USB ports (2x USB A / 2x USB C)
• 1x DC5521 port (12.6V⎓DC 5A, 63W)
• Great value (compared to Power Kit and Delta Pro Ultra)
• Wheels and collapsible handle
• EV station charging (separate accessory)
• Supports control screen (separate accessory)

Reasons to avoid

• Expensive in comparison to Delta Pro ($2,299 vs $1,399)
• Larger and heavier (27.3 × 16.2 × 13.4" / 114lbs)
• No cigarette lighter port

• Buy from EcoFlow

A space-saving, budget-friendly unit that delivers solid performance. However, its 11–60V solar input range limits its compatibility with many arrays. If it supported 11–80V per port, I would recommend it to many more people.

Reasons to buy

• Budget-friendly ($1,099)
• Small and relatively light (19.4 × 9.5 × 12" / 49lbs)
• Smallest EcoFlow power station with DC Anderson Powerpole port (12.6V⎓30A, 378W max)
• 4x 20A AC plugs (NEMA 5-20R)
• Two solar input ports (500W each)
• Cigarette lighter port (10A)
• 4x USB ports (1x USB A / 3x USB C)

Reasons to avoid

• Doesn't support several solar panels in series (60V⎓ max)
• Smaller but reasonable battery capacity (2,048Wh)
• Lower but reasonable AC output (3,000W total / 6,000W surge)
• No 30A AC plug

• Buy from EcoFlow

A capable mid-range power station with solid performance. However, the Delta Pro's pricing makes this model difficult to justify. Had its solar input been 11-100V per port instead of 11-60V, I would recommend this to many more people.

Reasons to buy

• Great AC output (3,600W total / 7,200W surge)
  • 4x 20A AC plugs (NEMA 5-20R)
  • 1x 30A AC plug (TT-30R)
• Two solar input ports (800W each)
• Moderate battery capacity (3,072Wh)
• Not too big or too heavy (24.1 × 12.9 × 15.6" / 74lbs)
• 12V Anderson Powerpole out (12.6V⎓30A, 378W max)
• Cigarette lighter port (10A)
• 4x USB ports (1x USB A / 3x USB C)
• Wheels and collapsible handle

Reasons to avoid

• Reasonable price but more expensive than Delta Pro ($1,499 vs $1,399)
• Doesn't support several solar panels in series (60V⎓ max)

• Buy from EcoFlow

Designed specifically for RVs, this unit has strong potential for high-demand setups. It’s priced similarly to the Delta Pro Ultra, but EcoFlow’s decision to cap solar input at 60V per port is a major limitation to an otherwise amazing product. At this price point, it only makes sense when paired with several batteries or when high DC output is essential.

Reasons to buy

• Very high battery capacity (2,000-45,000Wh / 1-9x batteries)
• Very high DC output (4,752W)
• Very high DC circuits (16x controllable 30A circuits / 16x 50A circuits)
• High AC output (4,000W total / 7,500VA surge)
• High AC circuits (24x branch circuits / 30A max each)
• Three solar input ports (4,000W 1,600W each)
• Two models and lots of accessory options (Power Hub 5kVa & Power Hub 3.6kW)
• Circuit panel accessory (Power Hub 5kVa support 2x)
• Control screen accessory
• Sensor monitoring (Power Link accessory)

Reasons to avoid

• Doesn't support several solar panels in series (60V⎓ max / DP/DP3 support 150V⎓)
• Expensive (starts at $4.7K but can configure to over $40K)
• Solar ports and alternator ports are shared (3 ports total)
• Confusing product line (so many options, needs clearer guides)
• Lack of USB ports (these can be added, but no official EcoFlow accessory)
• Lack of cigarette lighter port (these can be added, but no official EcoFlow accessory)

• Buy from EcoFlow

Less ideal than the recommended models, but potentially viable depending on your setup and priorities.

Maximum solar

Delta Pro Ultra

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Designed for whole home backup power and higher priced (similar to Power Kit). If you need very high capacity, more solar you can fit on your roof, and can get by with only 30A DC then this product may be for you.

Reasons to buy

• Large battery capacity (6,000Wh each, 5x per unit)
• High AC output (7,200W total)
• Supports two large series solar arrays (80-450V⎓15A / 30-150V⎓15A)
• Two solar input ports (4,000W / 1,600W)
• 12V Anderson Powerpole out (12.6V⎓30A, 378W max)
• 4 USB ports (2x USB A / 2x USB C)
• EV station charging (separate accessory)

Reasons to avoid

• Doesn't support 800W Alternator Charger
• Solar ports minimum voltages are 80V/30V (Delta Pro is 11V)
• Maximum 30A DC out (Power Kit supports much higher)
• No support for 24V DC
• Expensive (starts at $4.2K but can configure to over $11K)
• Larger and heavier (inverter: 27.2 × 18.9 × 8.4" / 71lb, battery: 26 × 18 × 8" / 111lb)
• No cigarette lighter port

• Buy from EcoFlow

Best suited for single-appliance DC use or as a secondary power source to your main system.

• Delta Series
  • Delta 3 Ultra
  • Delta 3 Max
  • Delta 3 Plus
  • Delta 3
  • Delta 2 Max
  • Delta 2
  • Delta (1300)
  • Delta (1000)
• River Series
  • River 3 Max Plus Wireless
  • River 3 Plus Wireless
  • River 3 Plus
  • River 3 (230)
  • River 3
  • River 2 Pro (700)
  • River 2 Pro
  • River 2 Max
  • River 2 (240)
  • River 2

These options fall short for typical use cases and are only worth considering in edge scenarios.

• Delta Pro Ultra X
• Delta 3 Classic

High-output with smart controls and flexible performance.

Reasons to buy

• Includes XT150 cable
• Fast charge rate when using XT150 or Custom Fit cable (800W)
• Also compatible with XT60 and Custom Fit cables (purchase separately)
• Settings to lower charge rate if needed when using XT150 or Custom Fit cable (100-800W)

Reasons to avoid

• Doesn't include XT60 cable (purchase separately)

• Buy from EcoFlow
• Read My Review

Budget-friendly with solid compatibility and good performance.

Reasons to buy

• Includes XT60 cable
• Also compatible with XT150 and Custom Fit cables (purchase separately)

Reasons to avoid

• Slower maximum charge rate (500W)
• Doesn't include XT150 cable (purchase separately)

• Buy from EcoFlow
• Read My Review

Second generation alternator charger. This will be EcoFlow’s fastest alternator charger yet, with 1000W output and 300W solar input. Here is what we know so far, more details coming soon.

Size: 27.6 × 18.7 × 3.8 cm
Weight: 1.7kg

Reasons to buy

• 300W solar input
• Includes XT150 cable
• Fast charge rate when using XT150 or 4+8 output cable (1000W)
• Also compatible with XT60 and 4+8 output cables (purchase separately)
• Settings to lower charge rate if needed when using XT150 or 4+8 output cable (100-1000W)

Reasons to avoid

• Doesn't include XT60 cable (purchase separately)
• Not yet released (consider the other models if unable to wait)

• Read My Review

Second generation alternator charger. Here is what we know so far, more details coming soon.

Size: 22.4 × 15.3 × 3.8 cm
Weight: 1.1kg

Reasons to buy

• Includes XT60 cable
• Also compatible with XT150 and Custom Fit cables (purchase separately)

Reasons to avoid

• Slower maximum charge rate (600W)
• Doesn't include XT150 cable (purchase separately)
• Not yet released (consider the other models if unable to wait)

• Read My Review

Enables full charge rate and advanced features on compatible power stations.

Reasons to buy

• Compatible with both 800W and 500W models
• Unlocks more features on 500W model (reverse charge, battery maintenance)
• Unlocks full charge rate
• Variable charge rate (100W to max charge rate)
• XT60 ports are already used (uses XT150 extra battery port)

Reasons to avoid

• Not compatible with your power station
• May require Smart Generator Adapter

• Buy from EcoFlow
• Read My Review

Avoids the Smart Generator Adapter while enabling full charge rate and advanced features on compatible power stations.

Enables adapter free full charge rate and advanced features for specific power stations.

Reasons to buy

• Avoids using Smart Generator Adapter
• Compatible with both 800W and 500W models
• Unlocks more features on 500W model (reverse charge, battery maintenance)
• Unlocks full charge rate
• Variable charge rate (100W to max charge rate)
• XT60 ports are already used (uses smart extra battery port)

Reasons to avoid

• Not compatible with your power station

• Buy from EcoFlow

Compatible with most power stations, but limited charge rate and no reverse charging.

Reasons to buy

• Compatible with more power stations (even some 3rd party)
• Extra battery port is already used (uses XT60 instead)

Reasons to avoid

• Slower maximum charge rate (500W, even on 800W model)
• No reverse charge mode
• No battery maintenance mode
• Fixed charge rate (500W max)
• Alternator Charger auto shuts off after 30s of not charging (this can be frustrating)

• Buy from EcoFlow
• Read My Review

To calculate the total voltage and amperage of your solar array, you'll use the Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) and Short Circuit Current (Isc) listed on your panels.

For panels wired in series:

Total Array Voltage = Voc_panel1 + Voc_panel2 + ...
Total Array Amperage = Isc_of_a_single_panel

For panels wired in parallel:

Total Array Voltage = Voc_of_a_single_panel
Total Array Amperage = Isc_panel1 + Isc_panel2 + ...

In a series-parallel setup, you'll first calculate the voltage of each series string, then add the current of those strings together if they're connected in parallel.

Mountable vs portable: Mountable solar panels provide a semi-permanent and typically higher-output charging solution affixed to the roof, whereas portable solar panels offer the flexibility to chase the sun and can be stowed away when not in use or during travel.

Rigid vs flexible: Rigid solar panels, with their thicker framed design, offer greater durability and efficiency and are common for roof installations. Flexible panels are much thinner, lighter weight, and can conform to a curved surface for stealthier installations.

Bifacial vs monofacial: Bifacial solar panels gather light from both sides for potentially higher energy yield than traditional monofacial panels.

Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline: Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and therefore space-saving, ideal for limited RV/van roof space, while older polycrystalline panels can be less expensive but aren’t recommended.