RV power cord route it to the inside - 2022 tab 320 boondock

TerryLee · April 2

Hello everyone! I am hoping to run my Bluetti AC200L Solar Generator from the inside of my 2022 Tab 320S Boondock when I am boondockiing and not able to connect to shore power. Where on the Tab 320 is the easiest place to route the power cord inside the Tab 320 so that I can plug it directly into the 30amp Power Station input? What are the steps in doing so? Thank you in advance!

Mickerly · April 3

I may have misunderstood your thought. You are wanting to power the trailer from a "solar generator?"

We have a power cell we use for a several things. We mostly camp with hookups. On the once or twice per year we are without electricity, we use the power cell to extend the trailer's battery; powering equipment directly. We often use it for lighting or other electrical needs when I don't want an extension cord across the camp site. We sometimes use the power cell's solar panels to charge the trailer's battery. Our 2018 doesn't have a built in solar panel.

These power cells or 'solar generators' are a lithium battery, an inverter, and several plugs in a plastic box.
Using the power cell's inverter to provide 110v AC from the battery has some loss. Using the trailer's transformer rectifier to convert the 110v AC to battery voltage for charging has some loss. You can do this, but it is not the most efficient way to use your Bluetti.

Is there a reason you choose not to get a larger battery for the trailer? If you mostly boondock, that would be the simpler method of having more power available. I may not be understanding what you are trying to do.

MuttonChops · April 4

I'm also a bit confused on why the BLUETTI at some 65-pounds would be inside a 320S, if my rig I'd just place it on the ground (like a gas generator) and plug it in.

That said, if there is a pressing reason. with a sane location, for the BLUETTI to be inside . . . instead of routing the standard (big, heavy, dirty) shore power cable back into the trailer . . . how about installing a two source Changeover Rotary Switch; Source 1 = shore power, Source 2 = Bluetti. with perhaps the 'switch' located in the Alde space and a custom made 'power cord' routed inside the trailer to the Bluetti. This means no extra holes in TAB side walls or floor and with a positive action rotary switch insurance that Bluetti or Shore power only will be feeding the WFCO VAC Circuit Breakers at any time.

TerryLee · April 5

Thank you for your answers, you obviously pointed out that I am new at this. the Tab 320 does not have an inverter. The cost to hookup is a bit much for us struggling senior citizens in this economy. I do not wish to leave the bluetti outside in the rain, or in temptation of others to take. IF one uses a Victron Shunt, one can control if the CONverter will be on or not. I have a 100 ah Lithium battery in the Tub. It is my understanding that no matter HOW large the battery is, the Tab 320 does not have an inverter to power AC110 voltage OFF GRID. 30 AMP cords do not need to long and dirty either. This bluetti has a 30 amp input plug on it for OFF GRID USE in RVs with NO INVERTER. Thanks for your help, I think.

AnOldUR · April 5

TerryLee said:

The Tab 320 does not have an inverter. The cost to hookup is a bit much for us struggling senior citizens in this economy.

I don't know if you've seriously looked into this, but for us, the total job of adding a 2000W Renogy inverter was less than $400. That includes the wiring from the tub back to the bench seat by the drivers side wheel well plus hardware required. I'd guess that's less than you paid for the Bluetti with money left over for a battery upgrade.

TerryLee said:

If one uses a Victron Shunt, one can control if the converter will be on or not..

A shunt simply measures the instantaneous current flow in and out of your battery to give you your current battery charge level. The WFCO converter is not a Victron device and is not networked with the shunt. The shunt can measure current coming from the WFCO, but it can't control it. The WFCO itself will determine what mode of charging to provide by the voltage of the battery. Be sure that your WFCO is lithium compatible and is set properly.

Since you've already gone the power station route, why not leave it in your tow vehicle and run your 30amp cord to it?

VonAustria · April 5

I agree with AnOldur. That would be the simplest, cheapest, and easy solution.

TerryLee · April 6

Having a Solar powered generator serves 2 purposes for us disadvantaged Seniors who have a home to power during a blackout. Obviously I am not as versed as all of you. That $400 upgrade does it include the now $225 an hour RV tech rate?

RTWCTS · April 6

@TerryLee what exactly are you trying to power with the AC? Since you stated you have no inverter in your T@B, I'm assuming you have no microwave and a 12V television? Since the Alde can run on gas, I believe that pretty much leaves just the air conditioner needing AC power (which isn't realistic boondocking).
Both of my T@Bs have run mostly on 12V power (one older and one newer than your model). With more info on you expected use, a better answer may be available using the equipment you currently possess. For example, if you have a 12V (cigarette lighter) plug in the T@B, you can hook your power supply output into that circuit and feed power into the trailer. Knowing you intended use would help folks brainstorm/share solutions.

AnOldUR · April 6

TerryLee said:

That $400 upgrade does it include the now $225 an hour RV tech rate?

Wow! Maybe I should come out of retirement and start an RV upgrade business.

No. That $400 did not include labor. I did the work, but it was mostly straight forward. There's a lot of online help if you're not sure about something.

I don't know your level of "disadvantaged seniors", but as a 73 years old couple who by all standards did not plan properly for retirement, we've managed to keep our 2020 320S T@B (purchased used in 2021) up to date with upgrades. I find that doing these mods myself takes way longer than it should, but with patience, persistence and a lot of free time most things can be done without paying high labor costs. Unfortunately, not everyone can do these things.

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