Powerstation to power the campers DC system directly.

josephkruger

I recently purchased a Bluetti AC240 and am looking for guidance on the best way to integrate it with my small travel trailer.

I have a 2019 nuCamp T@G with a 12V marine lead-acid battery and the factory small solar panels mounted on the trailer.

I understand that I can simply plug the trailer’s 30-amp shore power cord into the AC240, but I also realize that this is not very efficient since it converts DC → AC → DC just to run my 12V loads (lights, TV, fan, etc.).

What I’d like to do instead is properly use the AC240’s 12V / 30A DC output to power the camper’s DC system directly.

My goals are:

• To power the trailer’s 12V DC system directly from the AC240
• To disconnect the trailer’s 12V battery while using the AC240
• To be able to switch back to the trailer battery when the AC240 is not in use
• To avoid backfeeding or damaging either system

What is the correct and safe way to wire this?
Do I need a DC-DC charger, selector switch, or other components to do this properly?

Thanks in advance for any advice or diagrams — I want to make sure I do this the right way.

JamesDow

@josephkruger;
I have a 2018 standard 5-wide nuCamp T@G with a 12-volt lithium battery (Renogy).
Two methods come to mind.
My first thoughts would be to back feed from your Bluetti 12-volt accessory port directly into one of the 12-volt accessory ports of your T@G. (inside or galley)
i.e. use a male-to-male 12-volt cigarette lighter/accessory adapter. (suicide cord) This would feed into your converter (WFCO?) and should feed to all other 12- volt sources, such as refrigerator and USB outlets.
You would want to limit your capacity usage as to only draw 120-180 watts (10-15 Amps). Your biggest draws would be your refrigerator, FanTastic vent fan and water pump.
»» It would be important to turn off your main electrical battery switch, (do this first before connecting up the Bluetti) otherwise your Bluetti would want to charge up the trailer battery. I would think you should have minimal issues. Always carry some extra fuses for the converter and the accessory cord.

Another option (not the best) would be to use a 12-volt male accessory cord to a SAE adapter. (This assumes you have one on (SAE) the side of your tongue box) In this case the main battery switch would need to be on. The Bluetti would then be charging up the trailer battery as well as providing power to the entire trailer. This method would drain the Bluetti faster. In my case this may not be a bad option with my lithium battery, since I can shut off my battery, eliminating any attempt of the Bluetti charging it. With your marine lead-acid battery, you do not have the option to shut off the battery, besides cable disconnect.
My best upgrade was replacing my marine lead-acid battery with lithium. Costs have come way down. For $200-$250, you can get a very good lithium battery these days.
Good luck on whatever decision you make.

josephkruger

Wow. That was really helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain that to me. I am going to try that first option.  I’ll let you know how it works out!