Victron vs EcoFlow | Which is Better For Your Van?

[@thomaskiser140]

I installed Ecoflow Powerkit with 3,150 watts of solar on my 34ft Avion Travel Trailer last June. I have 15kw of batteries and run my air conditioner on the system. Live full time in our rig. In the over 8 months I have not plugged into shore power or a generator. Totally of grid. Full time. Love my Ecoflow Power Kit!

[@eddy_creative]

Hey, so you're able to run stuff like a fridge, shower, lighting in your van, charging appliances etc just with solar? not even using the alternator charger?

[@hightechauto]

Just finished the install of my 5kwh independence system. My god this is a beautiful system from the unboxing, templates for everything and just ease of installation. I didn’t expect the quality of the screen, very happy with my purchase. Something that nobody seems to mention is the compact nature of the entire system, allows for much bigger garage space. I’m very excited to hear about your 12v A/C workarounds and hopefully sooner than later as it’s time to decide which way to go. Thank you for your videos and especially for turning me on to this product on your first video!

[@JohnnyPratt]

Do you have any idea whether the top or bottom port for the power hub solar connector is positive? I have to cut my solar mc4 connector off to feed through my roof gland and now wondering which wire is positive :)

[@drphibesrises]

Great comparison. Just what I was looking for. Just became aware of the EcoFlow system and was looking at Victron components. This helps quite a bit. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@tk72231968]

I have several Ecoflow units. Including a 4kw Powerkit. Ecoflow has answered all of my email questions with-in 48 hours. I have had no failures, or warranty issues..just technical questions. So far I am very pleased with all of the Ecoflow products I have.

[@JohnnyPratt]

Do you have any idea whether the top or bottom port for the power hub solar connector is positive? I have to cut my solar mc4 connector off to feed through my roof gland and now wondering which wire is positive :)

[@Gazziza29]

My only concern with the Ecoflow system is future proofing. I hope they offer a plan and roadmap for people to upgrade their system in the future as Ecoflow improves on their system. What’s to say they don’t come out with a Powerkit Gen 2 next year and abandon the Gen 1 products. I would hope that you could potentially upgrade the individual modules down the road and not have to completely get rid of your current system.

[@bobbywalter5320]

Not next year....but 3 to 5 years they will stick it to us

[@jonmustang]

I just got an email this morning that the v2 PowerKit is coming out next week. I'm leaning towards DIY just because of this question of backwards compatibility

[@KelsAndJay]

Any updates on running 12v ac with the ecoflow kit?

[@pj-3325]

We just purchased the 2kw kit a few months ago and luv it! One thing we are considering is to add the Efoy fuel cell to charge during the winter as we dont get much sunlight on the west coast in canada. Requires an exhaust line, but see that one container of fuel gets you approx 4.5 days running, and there is little noise.

[@DaphneLowe]

Outstanding comparison! Another option is to use an EcoFlow Delta Pro to power a distribution box. This would be a smaller, simpler, cheaper system.

[@poppew]

Yes, that was my question. What are the benefits of the ecoflow kit vs the delta pro, which I saw for under $2k..

[@glennpaul9173]

I would go with a Victron system but use other companies batteries. This would allow you to use Victron controllers that accept higher solar input and a larger battery setup while being cheaper then Ecoflow.

[@janeleonard985]

~9:10 Battery heating you mentioned that below freezing you need a way to heat your batteries, but from what I understand that only applies to what temperature the batteries get to. If you're doing a build like y'all usually seem to, the battery is inside the van. If you're camping in below freezing temperatures, the van should be fully insulated and probably also have a heater. So here's my question: for someone living in the van full time who doesn't let the van get too cold (because they can't sleep if it is), how often is the lack of battery heating really a problem? How cold does the battery get under the bed or wherever if the air over the bed is being kept at least 60F? (I have trouble sleeping if the air is below 60F, much less below freezing.) I know they're in a case that might not get as much airflow from the heater and they're lower down while heat rises, but I still feel like being inside the insulation they probably wouldn't get below freezing. Especially if they're in use, say, powering your fridge and heater's fan and therefore generating resistive heat themselves (though granted not much if you're using thick enough wiring to be efficient). Do y'all have any old customers that you installed Victron in whose batteries froze *while they were sleeping in it* and if so, how often and at what temperature?

[@FenixOffGridSolutions]

I've had several clients ask me about EF power systems vs my typically installed Victron system and this video helped me compare the systems in general. The pricing of the Victron system and installation cost is higher than I typically charge. Also most of my systems are retrofits into a wide variety of rigs, not brand new van builds so Victron has more customized options. But not having to cut, crimp, and size every wire has me licking my lips!

[@karolszafranski5215]

😊

[@dmwi1549]

EcoFlow is headed in the right direction but with air conditioning and induction cooking and fast alternator charging I’ll stick with my tried and true Victron. I went with another battery manufacturer with 10 year warranty who also has heated battery option. I agree, read the seller’s reviews. Support of the complete system is worth the extra cost. And my 400ah, 3000 Multiplus Inverter system was around 20 hours for this first timer to install, has been flawless for 3 years and cost around $5500 all in with quality wiring, fuses and the hydraulic crimper to make sure I did it right. That doesn’t include solar but 100 watt systems are fairly inexpensive. I found I don’t use solar. I park in the shade. My van lives in a garage between trips-which for now-are shorter.

[@hopehope938]

For four years I have designed but never built and I wanted to do things on the cheap and easy. With all of the talk Victron is a sound and a life long investment. I want to design and use in an agricultural setting. The only criticism I have for victron is they also need to design and build equipment and components for wet environments. Second is Victron components are expensive but in all honesty you do do get what you pay for. I need to use in a remote and isolated environment in the middle of nowhere on range land. So, with Victron’s history of reliability I know for me it’s victron.

[@TImberwolfadventures]

i did a victron system, 400 ah battery, 1200watt solar, victron 3 -100/30 , 3 -400 watt panels, 48.1v 9.97amp, 2 power queen batteries and 3000 watt inverter, and 30 amp dc to dc charger victron all wiring etc under 4500

[@JaimetheNomad]

Watts are watts. I know most people especially beginners get hung up on amp hours, and yes I agree that most people are thinking about 12v systems since that is most common but it’s better to just talk in watts. Especially since it’s a very simple formula (volts * ah). Great video though! Admittedly I’m a Victron fanboy and love their ecosystem. The only product of theirs that extra hard to get passed are their battery prices! Sure they’re great but you can get just as good for much less. I always use their components… except their batteries 😂 That 12v 330ah battery they offer is 🔥 though, I’d love a handful of those 😇🤙

[@thudang5298]

Thanks for creating this content! I love the idea of all in one, simple for most DIYers, especially those of us who want plug and play. Someone mentioned using the Delta Pro, and in some ways that might still be better. No doubt they’ll make the next iteration better suited to market demands.

[@kf8048]

Extremely well-done comparison! I purchased the EcoFlow PowerKit 10kWh version when it came out and just recently installed it in my van. I agree with you that it is so easy it is almost fun. I also agree that tech support is lacking. I had an issue with the alternator charging not working. I searched online in Facebook groups of all places. Other said to turn the entire system off, then back on after 5 minutes, and that fixed it. EcoFlow's support had no such suggestion. Similar issue with their console. I found the answer online. I have waited a week for EcoFlow's support to get back to me. They are very good about firmware updates though! They are constantly updating it. My only concern is what if a component fails X years from now? I know that is a risk.

[@kk-pz8gn]

k72231968 said 7 months ago "I have several Ecoflow units. Including a 4kw Powerkit. Ecoflow has answered all of my email questions with-in 48 hours. I have had no failures, or warranty issues..just technical questions. So far I am very pleased with all of the Ecoflow products I have."

[@nashdashflash]

I love the idea of the Ecoflow and think it'll be great for a lot of people, but the main thing people need to understand is that you're trading ultimate flexibility & customization (Victron) for a boxed solution (Ecoflow). I was tempted to go Ecoflow myself until I realized the 12/24V DC output is too low... 12v output is 1000w and 24v output is 1600w (pick one or the other, not both)... And I'm not sure if you can tap into the 48v batteries directly. I want to have a DC-powered AirCon... Also, the limited alternator charging is too low for my goals of having a dedicated secondary alternator (maybe even a 24v or 48v one for much higher watts).

[@rjthomasindyusa]

I can see the potential benefits of the EcoFlow..... however if something breaks..... the whole unit has to be replaced. I like the fact that I have more control and the ability to repair the system on the road with a Victron system.

[@VanLand]

I hear this quite often, but as someone who has used both of these systems, replacing the EcoFlow components are significantly easier than replacing and re-programming Victron components. We sell and install both, so I'm not knocking Victron, but trying to determine what might be malfunctioning in a Victron system and replacing it is definitely not easier or more convenient than the EcoFlow Power Kit. Just sayin'...

[@rjthomasindyusa]

@@VanLand Does EcoFlo let you crack the case and return individual components or do you replace the whole unit?

[@damianjanaszek1390]

Did you figure out connection 12 v air conditioner for ecoflow?

[@omjaye]

Excellent breakdown on the comparison. What about a noise category? Most videos about the power kit are how to install or how to plug in cables but there's no one actually reporting on real use. Rumor is the PowerKit is horrendously loud. Is this true?

[@ChocolateManInThailand]

Yep, I have no more questions. Excellent

[@rustybeatty6567]

EcoFlow does offer a AC/Heater that has it's own independent battery pack and can also have it's own independent solar charging system as well.

[@waexplorer]

One thing you didn't talk about was the Victron Cerbo's ability to monitor holding tanks and propane tanks with Mopika sensors. I don't think Eco Flow can do that.

[@yooperdog]

Very informative. We have a Nucamp with the Battleborn and Victron components and love it, but we are selling that camper and our new truck camper from Outpost comes with the Ecoflow system. Looking forward to using it and glad to see the comparison goes to Ecoflow.

[@VanLand]

We love our EcoFlow products

[@simon359]

I would go with Victron, but I’m more experienced than somebody brand new. Plus I’ve heard a lot of negativity about eco-flows customer service. So far I figured out every issue with the Victron, though I have to admit some of them were somewhat of a challenge, mostly because of the learning curve. Although I have to say that I’m not sure why you can’t go to 48 V, as my system is 48. 🖖

[@peTeMelster]

Is a 12v or 24v mini split AC/heat pump more energy efficient (all other factors held constant) in conjunction with the EcoFlow Power Hub? What quirks are there to know when installing a 12v or 24v mini split with the EcoFlow Power Hub? Also, after the EcoFlow Smart Distribution Panel, can you only choose one (12v or 24v) or can you have both to use with some 12v devices AND also 24v devices?

[@billyk7831]

Great comparison video. Very helpful. One thing I wanted to mention about a downside of the eco flow kit is that what happens if one of the components fail? You would be without your whole system because all the components are housed all together. What are your thoughts on that?

[@warrenkawamoto8660]

Just swap out the hub, and you should be good to go! Since they have a 5 year warranty, this should be very easy to do...even a novice can do it.

[@brendanryan262]

Does the Ecoflow inverter have a Pass through feature like the multiplus when connected to shore power? Tks.

[@ramidaoud3776]

According to the datasheet for the Victron Peak Power Battery with a capacity of 20Ah, it specifies a continuous output current of 30A from Output 2 and a nominal voltage of 12.8V. However, if the logic board consumes 12.8V at 14.7A, it is unclear if the battery will supply more current than the specified 14.7A to the logic board.! any tip is appreciated

[@gostay-2.2]

EcoFlow is definitely on the right track and will only get better with the next generation. If I was building a new van EcoFlow would win.

[@RamSlow]

Will wait for Ecoflow 2.0. The 75amp limit won't work for me. Everything else looks awesome!

[@rioscueva1899]

You just change my mind! Thank you.

[@VanLand]

My pleasure!

[@KarolinBierbrauer]

We want to put the Powerkit system in our caravan/RV and are just finalizing our planning and have a question. For example, when you have the shore power plugged in and it only has 6Amps, does it use the remaining energy from the battery, so it can run the devices, like stove on 10Amps? The victron system can do it, so I am asking if the Ecoflow system can do it too.

[@VanLand]

Yes, it will use power from the batteries to provide the necessary amps irrespective of the incoming shore power setting.

[@rodmeisterful]

Great, clear presentation, thanks!

[@VanLand]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GlennThomas]

Great video! Thanks for laying it out, always open and honest. Love it.

[@serima.c]

Thank you so much for this video!!! So helpful

[@VanLand]

You're so welcome!

[@RyanMDoyle]

I'm not sure what this Victron kit is and where its from. I'm building a victron system and I see a 250/100 solar charge controller will handle 5600w at 48v. You can choose the multiplus II in a 48v version, batteries are simple, and an Orion 48/12 will get you your 12v for the van. Just because the victron system somebody put together doesn't do what the ecoflow does, it doesn't mean that victron can't do it, but rather proves the point that you should put together your system taking into account YOUR needs.

[@anneburns2686]

Thank-you. I have been waiting for a comparison like this.

[@waynec2962]

great video and I'm thinking EcoFlow for my system!

[@marklewus5468]

I am an EE and while appreciate the effort you put into this video, I think you made it very confusing for beginners. WH/80 only works for 12V. Watt-hr=amp-hours x volts would be clearer. You can easily distribute 12V with a 48 V Victron system using a DC-DC converter, and charge with 1200W of solar via the 30A charge controller. Bigger inverter is better, but also draws more idle power. The point is this stuff gets complicated very fast.

[@VanLand]

Yes it could be confusing. I just find that most van owners think in terms of amp hours @ 12 volts.

[@JeffTScott]

From a diy builder standpoint I’m on board with ecoflow. Really need a ac solution though and I’ve yet to see unit testing

[@VanLand]

AC solutions are coming online!

[@JeffTScott]

@@VanLand sent you guys an email. Im local and need to start ordering everything

[@alexeygulenko149]

How is operating noise? I have ecoflow stand alone batteries (delta max) and they make a lot of noise during 30-50% load

[@CJ30123]

very loud

[@zodiacfml]

I thought this about Ecoflow's portable stations which is easy for DIY or non-technical people, also likely cheaper due to doing without an electrician. I criticized one video of DIY tutorial install of a Victron system, it is cringey difficult.😆

[@kevinboyer700]

Since the batteries are an expensive part of both systems, how does the life span compare? Do they both offer a comparable amount of charging cycles?

[@Kayandmart]

Thanks for the review, unfortunately I think Ecoflow loose for me because you cannot plug the AC directly to the battery bank. Be aware also of the limitation of 70A on DC output on the Ecoflow system. Using 120 volts rooftop Air conditioning unit will use to much power in my point of view. I was also surprise that Ecoflow system will take more space than the Victron. Space saving is the the name of the game when you talk van build.

[@1ENDUSER]

Can the batteries of the ecoflow power kit work as expansion batteries to the delta pro with the cable/battery adapter?

[@RamSlow]

On the Ecoflow: Would it be possible to merge 2 DC-out ports into 1 some how? Therefore allowing it to run an AC unit?

[@snoregon]

Ecoflow told me you can connect two 20 amp circuits which would work for the 24 volt c&c aircon I am looking at. I’ve also seen it posted that Ecoflow told customers that long as you stay below the total 70 amp output you can swap the blade circuit breakers for bigger ones. Other possibility I saw mentioned was directly tapping in to the 48 volts to run a 48 volt ac which would be very efficient. The best bet either way would be to use 24 or 48 volt ac, 12 volt would eat up too many amps

[@snoregon]

Also the kit included 30 amp fuses with it

[@pj-3325]

How easy is the van power connection in a sprinter VS30/2022? Is the connection under the driver seat? Would you need to add a fuse?

[@krsjames1]

I’ve been looking for a comparison video so thank you so much! My main question is about the suitability of the Ecoflow system for marine use. I recently purchased an older cruising catamaran and am in the process of a refit and love the modularity of the Ecoflow but can’t seem to find a video using it on the water. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[@joeblaney684]

Can I add more dc connections to eco flow can it do 240 ac and how about marine spplication

[@kellstat]

Have you tested, installed, or compared these permanent type install vs. Ecoflow Delta Pro, Max 2, or Delta 2?

[@stephenhill6017]

amazing video, really helped with the comparison of both of the systems. just two notes for me: for the discount code its not working for me in the UK, is this a US code only? - second question is have you managed to figure out running a 12v DC aircon unit with the ecoFlow

[@engineeringVirtue]

We need more installers with experience setting ecoflow system and air conditining/furnace in towable trailers...

[@georgebeebe2385]

All the reviews I’ve seen on the EcoFlow system say that you can use smaller gauge wiring. What is the recommended gauge for both the AC and DC wiring?

[@primetimecyclesportz]

Dometic RTX is listed as 58amp max draw, 19a in ECO mode - why would 75a on the PowerKit not power that AC?

[@lkazanov]

Very nice, or 5,000w/12 volts ( for a 12 volt system) = 416 amps. Where in a watt = volts x amps

[@TheNotMeTube]

I’m guessing it would be 11-3 now that EcoFlow has an alternator charger?

[@JohnnyPratt]

Do you have any idea whether the top or bottom port for the ecoflow power hub solar connector is positive? I have to cut my solar mc4 connector off to feed through my roof gland and now wondering which wire is positive :)

[@peterspencer6562]

Well done. Thank you.

[@VanLand]

Thanks for watching!

[@EdwardWestbrook-f2z]

Everything about the Eco Flow is great exept: The 1600W alternator charging is a real surprise limitation. It seems like a major oversite of who ever is doing the product management and spec'ing the design. It seems like eco flow would be falling all over themselves to up this capacity. Is there any updates or news of fixing this in the near future? Or is there a work around; say, bypassing with a stand alone DC to DC converter like the Victron Orion?

[@nickh8370]

Thank you all for doing these videos, as I wait on our Transit 130" to convert. What are your thoughts on Ecco Flow vs Goal Zero 6000x?

[@kevinmackay9732]

It's a tough decision to make! Leaning towards the Victron until there is a solution for EcoFlow and AC

[@jaydias7263]

Great video. I know they're less efficient, but how do you feel about using a 120v AC with the Ecoflow, especially if you did the 15kwh kit?

[@limitlesscoker6669]

Forgot to mention my inverter stays turned off until I turn something on it comes on automatically this does not cause Waste inverter most inverters draw two or three at idle mine just does not stay on until needed

[@earlhamil731]

Struggling to understand the AC limitation with EcoFlow. 75 amps on 12 volts is 900watts. Why not put in an AC air conditioner and connect it to 120v breaker? Only 7.5 amps

[@engineeringVirtue]

Ecoflow has their battery powered air conditioner and heater that is relatively efficient and powerful...I'm waiting for them to figure out how to just swap out included hvac system in an RV...

[@keswickadventure]

Quite a good comparison but… you don’t mention the issues surrounding a failed component - if one Victron unit fails, you take that one unit out and can still operate without it. That’s not the same for built in box units. You also could have costed the Victron kit MUCH cheaper if you replace the most expensive batteries on the market with some much cheaper, and equally as good, items. It’s a huge WIN for Victron in my mind

[@kk-pz8gn]

Kes, 5 year warranty

[@TheMerkator]

@@kk-pz8gn it costs nothing beeing at "this moment" in the middle of nowhere

[@stephenhill6017]

For the EcoFlow does anybody also know if DC is limited to 13.6V - 70A, maximum power: 1000 W PER appliance or overall DC output for all devices connected. Would be super appreciated if anybody can confirm that as can't find on their manuals

[@haruhikosakai2479]

Hi just finished install 10kw system to sprinter van . Van has 12 v Air conditioner they consume 50A max and 25A continuously .my experience once reached maximum current system automatically turn off DC power ( only at once I had happened) also you must use hi current load (over 20 amp) direct to DC out put

[@snoregon]

@@haruhikosakai2479 can you explain a bit more about how to directly connect to dc. Does that mean you can’t use the distribution panel? I see there is a negative post for over 30 amp in the the distribution panel. Thanks

[@DavesGuitarPlanet]

Victron: "Ouch." I just discovered the EcoFlow 2 days ago and it seems like this kind of system has been screaming to be developed for the van community. Component systems seem antiquated in comparison.

[@carlredmond3642]

It would be nice if Victron came out with an One box solution.....the collection of various bits and bobs all cobbled together, ideally tequiring a custom design and install is getting old.

[@Stoffe46]

They have the Multiplus 2

[@ZillaYT]

The Ecoflow system just doesn’t have enough outpost rating. 70A DC and 3600W inverter won’t meet my needs.

[@gunnerjoe53]

Doesn’t the EcoFlow hub connect directly to AC/DC Smart Distribution Pane which has a 120v side and 12 volt side? She has EcoFlow 10Kw system and this 48v AC kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXuliK2eqMahec0si=FbDWtgH6HB3WUQXp

[@joeblaney684]

Great seriously great video

[@jamestreanor182]

1600w from alternator is pathetic, my Volta often charges at about 6k when driving

[@CJ30123]

thats because you have a second dedicated alternator in a Volta system. You are comparing apples and oranges.

[@On-down-the-road]

Victory is very popular, ecoflow, also popular. Both are equally very very expensive! Too expensive! I use sungold 3000watt inverter, charge, controller, transfer switch, all in one. Under $600, 4, 100ah lifpo4 batteries, under $750, and it works. Unplug and it runs on battery, plug in and it charges, and pass through. Now I will add solar power, 2600 watt and it will take it, at 80 amps. So $9000, for victron, and $8000 for ecoflow. They don't impress me at all. I also have 5year warranty. Ecoflow is portable, and therefore the only reason to purchase it.

[@sokbattery]

Nice...

[@carlosrios5162]

Damn sucks it doesn't work with an air conditioner

[@VanLand]

It does work with air conditioners. You just have to know how to design the system.

[@carlosrios5162]

@@VanLand when I'll buy mine can you guide me for that :)?