[TAB Camper]

Hey @TAB Camper, keeping that Bluetti EB3A topped off for your ICECO fridge on long hauls sounds like a smart move, especially after running low on power on an extended drive. Since you're looking into the Bluetti Charger 1, what specific aspects of the installation or its performance with the Ridgeline are you hoping to hear more about from others? Adding a few more details on that might help folks with experience jump in!

Looking for info on running wise from battery to bed of Ridgeline.

 

[TAB Camper]

What about Solar panels on the bed cover charging the Bluetti while traveling as most cruiser boaters.

I considered it but I use one of those roof bags on top of it at times.

 

[TAB Camper]

Wired up my Charger 1 to my 2020 Ridgeline. It comes with

I don't know anything about the Bluetti, but I've looked into the Victron Orion XS DC-to-DC 50A charger. As you mentioned, because of the Ridgeline's smart alternator, the Ridgeline won't charge the camper battery. The Victron Orion XS is a DC-to-DC battery charger that will boost a wide input voltage range up to charge a camper battery. Victron also makes other DC-to-DC chargers, but they're older, less efficient, and don't have the features that the Orion XS has. For example, the Orion XS can be configured to limit the maximum input current draw, which would be perfect for use with the Ridgeline's 20A fused charge pin on the 7-pin trailer connector. The Orion XS could be permanently mounted in the camper, connected directly to the 7-pin charge pin, and set to draw a maximum of, say, 18A from the Ridgeline.

I have not bought the Victron Orion XS yet. So far I have not needed it because I have a 200W solar panel on top of my camper. Honestly, I absolutely love the solar panel. So far I have never had to worry about running out of 12V power. I use the battery at night and the solar recharges it during the day. I will admit, however, that I'm pretty careful with my power and will use propane to run the tri-powered 'fridge when boondocking.

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By-the-way, I guess the chat-bot worked this time! I would not have seen this thread had the chat bot not automatically replied.

I considered it but I use one of those roof bags on top of it at times.

I looked at the Victron too. I like Victron products. I use their Smart Solar Controller, SmartShunt and Temp Sense for my camper. Very well made and their Victron Connect software works very well. The thing that sold me on the Bluetti Charger 1 is that you can adjust the output voltage via your phone which allows you to use it for multiple things. I set it 56 v and I get 560W coming into my Victron Solar Controller on my camper (which manages the charge profile for my 100ah lithium battery). My types of campers with roof solar might get 100w on a good cloudless day if their lucky. I can unhook the camper, change the Charger 1 output to 28 volts and plug it into my Bluetti EB3A Solar Battery Bank and charge it fairly quickly too. The power drops down to 260w but still will change it fast. Always have to remember to maker sure nothing it connected to the Charger 1 when you change the voltage output or could damage the device connected to it. Having the ability to change the output voltage is kind of a game changer. That and being able to monitor how it's doing from your phone is nice too. Really happy with it so far.