Real-world lessons from our van

Our system

Our 2022 Ram ProMaster full-time build uses an EcoFlow Power Kits Gen 1 architecture with two 5 kWh LFP batteries (10 kWh nominal), 750 W fixed roof solar, shore input, and alternator charging set around 50 A. Loads include a 12 V A/C, induction cooking, oven, fridge, fans, pumps, lighting, TV and Starlink Mini.

Why we chose it

We wanted a powerful, compact, organized system that reduced component-by-component design and installation work. The integrated app and input-current control are genuinely useful while moving between weak shore sources and daily driving.

What worked

Ten kWh gives meaningful freedom and supports normal living without watching every phone charge. The integrated system is tidy and easy to operate. Solar carries background loads well in good conditions, and alternator charging gives a predictable recovery source.

Reality check

A 12 V A/C drawing about 65 A is roughly 0.8 kW before cycling. Eight compressor-hours can approach 6 kWh. Starlink, refrigeration, cooking and conversion losses add up. A 750 W roof does not reliably refill a 10 kWh bank in one day; our planning estimate in strong sun is often around 2-3 kWh/day, with large seasonal/weather variation.

What we would change

We would treat alternator charging and generation balance as early design decisions, preserve more service access, and calculate high-demand climate use separately from normal daily life. The closed battery ecosystem is convenient but limits mixing batteries and long-term replacement choice. The lesson: integration is valuable, but energy math still wins.

Dave's bottom line

The 10 kWh bank is not “too big” when A/C is part of daily life. But capacity alone is not independence. In strong conditions, 750 W of solar may replace only a fraction of a heavy cooling day. The winning system is storage + generation + honest load management.

CHAPTER CHECK

• I can explain the purpose of every component covered here. • I can identify the exact manufacturer limit that controls my design. • I have added the decision, rating or measurement to my schematic/worksheet.