Blluetti Apex 300 + B500K + SolarX 4K- Talk Me Off the Ledge!

[Lantley]

I am no solar guru. For the most part I understand the RV electrical system. I have a good sense of electrical overall.
Why do I not want to buy something like a Bluetti box And use it as I need it versus a true solar install with panels on my roof. As long as I'm on the East Coast I don't imagine I will be an avid boondocker. Sure sometimes I go off the grid but it won't be a regular thing There's just nowhere on the East Coast to go regularly.
I like the idea of being self-contained. I like the idea of quiet power. I don't know I can justify the cost or the need of A true solar install. I do like the idea of occasionally Being able to run my AC off of quiet power. I carry a portable generator more for emergency use than anything but it is capable of running the AC.
All that said, Can I simply buy a Bluetti package and skip the whole install process and just carry that thing with me and plug it in when I need it.
Is it the cost vs. Internally installed solar package that makes that package unattractive? Is it that an onboard solar install is more convenient vs. hauling the Bluetti.
What am I missing? It seems the Bluetti would allow me to go off grid on occasion, and have plenty of power without having to install anything.
I could also use it in my future RV or for other purposes than just having it installed on the RV.
I'm curious to hear the thoughts of Jim, Bryan and other solar Guru's.
Bluetti Apex 300 Package

 

[Oregon_Camper]

You're not missing a thing. That will work great for what you have outlined. Plus you can use it at home if ever needed.

Now...the downsides IMHO

• No way to recharge if needed...unless you buy some solar panels.
• You will have to put it somewhere that your 50 amp cord can reach...that might mean having it unsecure
• An AC unit will draw these down at ~ 100 amp hours per hour. So the system you linked above will get you ~6hrs of AC

Have said that, I still think it is a good solution for you. They are nice, but about 2x the cost amp hour to amp hour of batteries.

 

[Lantley]

You're not missing a thing. That will work great for what you have outlined. Plus you can use it at home if ever needed.

Now...the downsides IMHO

• No way to recharge if needed...unless you buy some solar panels.
• You will have to put it somewhere that your 50 amp cord can reach...that might mean having it unsecure
• An AC unit will draw there down at ~ 100 amp hours per hour. So the system you linked above will get you ~6hrs of AC

Have said that, I still think it is a good solution for you. They are nice, but about 2x the cost amp hour to amp hour of batteries.

Thanks Jim,
That gives me good perspective. The idea is worthwhile just beware I'd be paying a premium vs. a dedicated RV solar package.
Thanks again

 

[Lantley]

If I understand correctly. the unit could be placed inside the RV if security were an issue. Getting the 50 amp cord inside the RV to plug it in could be a challenge but I think it's doable. Just something else to think about.

 

[BryanValRox]

I am no solar guru. For the most part I understand the RV electrical system. I have a good sense of electrical overall.
Why do I not want to buy something like a Bluetti box And use it as I need it versus a true solar install with panels on my roof. As long as I'm on the East Coast I don't imagine I will be an avid boondocker. Sure sometimes I go off the grid but it won't be a regular thing There's just nowhere on the East Coast to go regularly.
I like the idea of being self-contained. I like the idea of quiet power. I don't know I can justify the cost or the need of A true solar install. I do like the idea of occasionally Being able to run my AC off of quiet power. I carry a portable generator more for emergency use than anything but it is capable of running the AC.
All that said, Can I simply buy a Bluetti package and skip the whole install process and just carry that thing with me and plug it in when I need it.
Is it the cost vs. Internally installed solar package that makes that package unattractive? Is it that an onboard solar install is more convenient vs. hauling the Bluetti.
What am I missing? It seems the Bluetti would allow me to go off grid on occasion, and have plenty of power without having to install anything.
I could also use it in my future RV or for other purposes than just having it installed on the RV.
I'm curious to hear the thoughts of Jim, Bryan and other solar Guru's.
Bluetti Apex 300 Package

Hi Lantley, I will defer to Jim’s expertise on this topic, as I am not familiar with that system , nor the full story on your intended end game.
High level concerns before considering would be, charging (solar,Ac, or Both) Storage discharge ( would it be ready to go after storage or partially discharged), Storage foot print required, weight, capacity to meet your intentions , set up/ tear down, equipment security and integration to the RV to operate your intended loads. Some of these could be a wash with installed solar systems.

One benefit would certainly be the ability to use at home or on the road.
Interesting topic for sure!

 

[Lantley]

Hi Lantley, I will defer to Jim’s expertise on this topic, as I am not familiar with that system , nor the full story on your intended end game.
High level concerns before considering would be, charging (solar,Ac, or Both) Storage discharge ( would it be ready to go after storage or partially discharged), Storage foot print required, weight, capacity to meet your intentions , set up/ tear down, equipment security and integration to the RV to operate your intended loads. Some of these could be a wash with installed solar systems.

One benefit would certainly be the ability to use at home or on the road.
Interesting topic for sure!

Thanks Bryan I certainly appreciate your comments. One thing I need to consider that you mentioned is the system is relatively heavy.
Secondly it needs to be set up and taken down. Considering my disdain for additional RV chores the set up and breakdown are major negative factors for me to contemplate.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

If I understand correctly. the unit could be placed inside the RV if security were an issue. Getting the 50 amp cord inside the RV to plug it in could be a challenge but I think it's doable. Just something else to think about.

I guess you could drill out a hole in the propane tank area, that connects to the front bay. Then just find a rubber grommet to cover the hole when not using it. There is already a hole in that wall I use to snake in a power cord in the winter to run a space heater on a timer....while in our pole barn

 

[darrenlife]

I have the Apex 300 with a B300 on my Paradigm 340. I spliced in male and female plugs into the 8/3 wire that runs between the shore power inlet and the transfer switch. The output of the Apex feeds the entire AC panel which allows a full 12kW pass through when you’re connected to shore power and you can set the input amp limit anytime you’re connected to less than 50amps. I left the original battery where it was so that the converter charges the battery as per normal for all of your DC loads. I also took the factory solar panel wire out of the Victron solar charge controller, attached a XT60 and ran that to the Apex 300 solar input.

As mentioned above, this system allows me to take it in the house during winter storage which is can connect to my Generlink during power outages.

I’ve installed Victron inverter and battery systems on my last two rigs but ending up selling with the rig, now I can take the Bluettie with me if I do sell but not planning to sell my Paradigm!

 

[Lantley]

I have the Apex 300 with a B300 on my Paradigm 340. I spliced in male and female plugs into the 8/3 wire that runs between the shore power inlet and the transfer switch. The output of the Apex feeds the entire AC panel which allows a full 12kW pass through when you’re connected to shore power and you can set the input amp limit anytime you’re connected to less than 50amps. I left the original battery where it was so that the converter charges the battery as per normal for all of your DC loads. I also took the factory solar panel wire out of the Victron solar charge controller, attached a XT60 and ran that to the Apex 300 solar input.

As mentioned above, this system allows me to take it in the house during winter storage which is can connect to my Generlink during power outages.

I’ve installed Victron inverter and battery systems on my last two rigs but ending up selling with the rig, now I can take the Bluettie with me if I do sell but not planning to sell my Paradigm!

I see merit to what you have done. However my idea is to not install anything. But to simply use the Apex as a large battery (power source) to allow me to go off grid occasionally for few days.
My biggest concern now is balancing portability with security of the unit. I could just plop the unit down, Plug in the RV and be good to go. However my concern becomes keeping someone from walking away with my unit. Placing it inside is an option but I honestly don't have that all sorted out. I'm sort of in the dreaming phase. This idea may never come to fruition. Based on feedback from others it does appear to be feasible.

 

[UGA Fan]

Add me to the list of those who have gone this route and would do it again without hesitation. Quick and easy to install, quick and easy to move to the next rig and works extremely well. Specifics of my install are as follows: Apex 300 and BK500 installed in the front storage bay of a 29RL with a 350 watt portable solar array and a Pulsar 4000 watt generator for off grid recharging. Also have 2 LiTime 320 AH batteries to handle the 12v side. I could move the entire system to the next unit in an hour. Very pleased.