Why did we choose the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus portable power station for our BASECAB camper instead of a traditional dual battery system? CABMANIAC is built on simplicity, modularity, and freedom—not just in how you use the camper, but in how you can take your power with you anywhere.

When people think of camper van power, they usually imagine a classic setup: LiFePO4 batteries, solar controllers, DC-DC chargers, inverters, fuses, monitors, and miles of cabling. It works. But in our world, "just working" isn't enough. That's why we chose the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus. With a 1000Wh capacity and the ability to double it to 2000Wh in a heartbeat with the DELTA 3 Extra Battery, this setup fits perfectly into the center cabinet of our BASECAB camper.

Overcoming the Two Main Challenges

To make this the perfect camper heart, we had to solve two specific hurdles:

1. CHARGING WHILE DRIVING

EcoFlow offers its own vehicle charger, but it uses the same port as the Extra Battery. If we want to offer customers both expanded capacity and the ability to charge while driving, we hit a wall—you can't have both at once.

Our Solution: We use the latest Victron XS 1400. This device sends power from the alternator directly into the EcoFlow via the solar input at a steady 500W. The XS 1400 can output up to 34V / 50A, which aligns perfectly with EcoFlow's input limits (max 50V / 15A). The result? High-speed charging while driving, leaving ports free for both solar panels and the Extra Battery. Everything is automatic, reliable, and requires no manual switching.

2. LACK OF HIGH-OUTPUT 12V PORTS

This is a known weak point of the DELTA 3 Plus. Standard camper equipment (diesel heaters, fans, pumps, lights) runs on 12V. However, the DELTA only has 10A max 12V outputs, which often isn't enough to start a compressor fridge or a diesel heater's glow plug—let alone multiple devices at once.

Turning a weakness into an advantage: We utilize the 230V AC output, where the EcoFlow is incredibly strong. We discovered that:

• The Dometic CFX3 fridge is actually more efficient on 230V than 12V (saving about 5W).

• A water heater with a 660W element heats up lightning-fast on 230V. No waiting—just turn it on, heat, and turn off.

• One 230V socket remains free for your laptop, hairdryer, or power tools.

For 12V devices (heater, ceiling fan), we use high-quality 230V to 12V power supplies. While there is a slight conversion loss, the fact that EcoFlow runs on a 48V architecture makes these internal conversions much more efficient than 12V or 24V based systems. This leads to better overall efficiency, less heat loss, and a more compact footprint.

The Ideal Solution? No. But it's a Smart One

Sure, it would be great if the EcoFlow had a 30A 12V output. Maybe we'll see that in the future. But in the meantime, we've found a functional and elegant workaround. Thanks to the combination of solar, alternator charging, and the extra battery, the system lasts 2–4 days stationary, depending on usage and weather. And if the sun is out or the engine is running, power is never an issue.