Power Stations Instead of More Batteries
This is a question I trying to think thru - and am open to any thoughts...
With introduction of more powerful and feature filed LiFePO4 power stations at a competitive price does it make sense to incorporate one of these for of-grid RVing as opposed to adding more batteries? I have been aware of Jackery and some others but I caught a couple of YouTube videos about Dabbson and their incorporation of the RV TT30 connector.
So here's my situation -> Class A diesel 2010 Journey Express 34y
- 300 AH of LiFePO4 batteries (Battleborn)
- 3000W Victron multiplus inverter
- about to add 400 or 600 Watts of rooftop solar (CIGS flat panel as they are tough to destroy, shade tolerant and decent power - and got them new for a VERY low price, <$0.40/watt)
So I thinking should I add more batteries or get a 2200 watt Dabbsson Power Station (54 lbs) that has a TT30 connection that I could hook my 50AMP cable to with a dogbone and have 30 AMP service in the coach - it's like the typical 30 AMP connection you get in a state park.
Thoughts:
- at $1800 MSRP or $900 on Amazon today for DBS 2100 it is far less expensive that adding 3 Battleborn batteries (you need to stay with same brand and type as I understand it when expanding) $2250 for 3 X 100AH at today's pricing plus cables and labor.
- I can run my basement AC on 30 AMP with a few amps to spare when on 30 AMP shorepower...it takes about 23 AMPS...but am trying to figure out the calculations for see how many hours I might get with the power station. (23 AMPs x 120 Volts =2760 Watts, so <1 hour -is that right?)
The battery draw down if running the microwave 15AMPs is very fast so really can't do that well on the 300 AH of battery.
The Victron Multiplus will kick in briefly to supply power if I creep past the 30 AMP for a few moments.
The Dabbsson app lets me turn on/off the 30 AMP service so I not constantly having it on doing nothing, whch if I have it doing nothing will still draw 30 watts/hour.
Recharging could be done via Solar or via the 12Volt port in the RV while driving to next destination or managed by DC to DC charger installed so my batteries recharge while driving
Questions:
Anyone have experience using the TT30 connection on a power station with their RV, Class A or Class C? Would you share it?
Anyone have any advice on how to organize my thinking - somehow I feel like I have info but have not structured it yet so I can think it thru logically.
Thanks for any insights.
Brian
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Brian
2010 Journey 34Y towing 2012 Honda CRV and 1UP bike rack
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