RELIABLE POWER! DIY DC to DC converter install (dumbed down instructions)

There's a YouTube channel that explained that Solar Panels are only "supplemental power", and I 1000% agree!! I've tried to keep my power stations topped off with a permanently mounted solar panel and a 12v outlet but, on many trips, I found myself UNDER POWERED and having to choose between charging my laptop or powering my fridge. With a DC to DC converter power upgrade, I'm recharging at 433 watts and worrying about having enough juice is a thing of the past.

here's the link to Kai's video:

Here's a dumbed down installation overview to give your vehicle 433 watt fast charging capability!

Just to make sure you are aware, I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL, I AM JUST SHARING WHAT I KNOW. Do you research, consult with a Pro, wiring your vehicle's electrical system incorrectly can lead to an electrical fire. Be safe friends!

PARTS LIST:
*Victron Orion 20A DC to DC converter*

*40 Amp Thermal Circuit Breaker*

*4 Gauge Wire*

*Eyelet and Heat Shrink Kit (4ga - 10ga)*

*Signal Wire*

*Hydraulic Crimping tool*

*Genuine Eco Flow XT60+ cable*
(I hear 3rd party cables might not give you full output. Make sure to choose the XT60i cable **Reddish Orange with extra pin**)

*CHOOSE YOUR POWER STATION Take advantage of sales*
Eco Flow River 2 Pro
768 WH capacity / 800 watt output
Single 230 Watt XT60+ input

Eco Flow Delta 2
1024 WH capacity / 1800 watt output
Single 500 Watt XT60+ input

Eco Flow Delta 2 Max
2048 WH Capacity / 2400 watt output
Dual 500 Watt XT60+ inputs (1000 watt)

Get Prepared With @EcoFlowTech Now, click the link below to Save up to $2,299 and & get free Camping Light. Use my code EFDCJONDZ for an extra 5% OFF (except Flash Sale products). Learn more about EcoFlow Reliable Disaster Service, offering 24/7 support and Pick-up Service within 24 hours, until September 27th.
---------------------------------
Wire Size Calculator
---------------------------------

If you found this video useful, please consider signing up

disclaimer: I may be an affiliate or in a partnership with the below companies. This means that I may make a small profit from sales at no additional cost to you. You might even save money :P Thanks for your support!

For and in depth write up on my midsized Honda BUILD, check out:

For all other gear, check out my AMAZON STORE FRONT. I also have little gear review videos.

#dctodcconverter #ecoflow #fastrecharge #dctodc #dcpower #dc #jondz #jondzadventuring #overlandmovie #overlanding #overlander #offroad #offroading #softroader #softroading #crossoverlanding #crossover #lightoffroad #CUV #SUV #outdoors #adventuremobile #vanlife #honda #hondapassport #hondaridgeline #hondapilot #ivtm4 #awd #subwaycave #4wd #vtec #vtecsociety #vtecnation #hondaoffroad #trailsport #twinclutch #jeep #carcamping #primitive #dispersed #remotecamping #primitivecamping #hondatruck #skidplate #pasport

[TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks for the shout out man. Great instructions!

[PatrickRich]

Hey Jon, I've spent a lot of time making and improving on aux electrical for my 80 series and I have some thoughts. 1. DON'T ground the circuit breaker, they don't require it and mounting it to the frame just create a potential to short on the frame which is going to cause major problems for all electrical components. Mount it someplace electrically isolated, ideally as close to the battery as possible. 2. You shouldn't be using a thermal breaker in this application, you should be using a fast blow fuse like a MEGA or MIDI. With that much current and that gauge of wire its very likely that in the event of a short you could actually fuse the breaker closed. Now this is something I need to take my own advice on because I use those breakers and I haven't installed my MEGA fuse yet because lazy. 3. be careful with pushing a ton of current through the XT60, they have a history of melting on EcoFlow. I understand they've made some changes to their cables, but it's been an issue in the past - keep an eye on it. 4. I would alter your signal wire location. Having it on the relay out isn't ideal. What I would consider is finding the signal for something that comes on with the ignition like the cigarette lighter and tapping into that and then putting a fuse between the tap and the signal. What I've done is I tapped that wire then added a small fuse panel and individually fuse any relay trigger that is using that signal using the bluesea 5045.

I didn't realize Victron made a converter that wasn't a charger. That solves the issue I've had in my mind with trying to pair a multi-stage charger with an MPPT controller. Neat.

[georgecarousos]

Just an important note regarding the starting battery info in this video. When you say you can "drain to empty", that is very vague value and should be explained with a voltage number. The majority of people do not understand when a battery is actually "empty" and why you should not even be getting close to that value. Your Optima, or Odyssey or Interstate or any other lead acid battery (wet cell or AGM) are all subject to the exact same chemical properties. A lead acid battery is essentially at 0% capacity (empty) at approximately 11.50 volts. And once you go below 10.5 volts you start to damage the internal chemical composition of the battery and can cause it to drastically lessen it's reserve capacity. Deep cycle does not mean you can drain the battery into single digit voltage...it will get damaged and start to have very diminished reserve storage capacity. Sometimes you can't even get it to take and hold a charge....battery is ruined. Most people don't realize that if your battery has a voltage reading of 12.0 volts you only have 50% capacity left. Always try to keep your lead acid batteries above 12.0 volts for longevity and a useful reserve capacity, regardless if they are deep cycle or starting design.

[CareyParks]

Just starting to beef up my power system and this helps zap power into the power station. Thanks Jon!

[ShiftinAt]

Thanks for this video, Jon. For my needs, this will pretty much eliminate the need to carry solar on my end. You should pick up one of those electric bug paddles to zap those pesky mosquitos away.

[bearoverlandandoutdoors]

Great video man. I have a delta 2 and I got it after returning the river pro. New lifepo4 battery tech, Bluetooth to the app and the physical shape is so much easier to work with for my setup.

[TobyCostaRica]

18:00 the new Toyota hybrids with 1500/2400w HV DC to AC pure sine inverters will be able to dump huge amounts of power into these units.

As people transition to those newer platforms it opens a lot of options like you mentioned before for electric cooking AND heating/cooling.

[brettjohnson]

This will be clutch for road trips and camping with an e-bike, appreciate it! well done. zap

[virtualjeff]

Glad you got it working! I haven’t done the big 3 upgrade yet but might at some point. The dc to dc charging seems easier, I’ll probably go down that route but in no hurry. I took my rig down to Baja for 9 days and my Ecoflow with solar worked great for keeping things charged up. I know the summer will eat more power with the fridge but for now I’m good. Sounds like you have a pretty good setup now! 🤙🏽

[mikemitchell]

Thanks for making the vid. Much appreciated!

[insighta]

Super useful tutorial, excited to try it on my Passport! Zap 😊

[MichaelCarper]

Charging up batteries on this overland journey we call life feels a lot like my attempts at bug control. Sometimes it's a sneaky 'zap' that the fly never sees coming, other times it's an awkward 'Zap' where I just graze it, and on those rare, triumphant occasions, it's a full-on 'ZAP'! – and that, my friends, is when the fly knows I'm not just winging it!

[vibolbou]

I've been debating putting this in my setup. Although, having my power unit charge while on the trail has worked just fine for me so far. This would make it zap much better.

[Subieoftheozarks]

Need one to Zap up my goal zero to full charge! Great video!!

[bruceyyyyy]

Growing up I figured out that if I could put a piece of tape over a VHS cassette tape to allow it to record. That Ecoflow seems to be using more or less the same tech on the plug all these years later. Neat.

[christopherwilson]

This is awsome, I was wondering if I could just send 12v from a DC to DC converter straight through the solar jack and now I have my answer. For some reason I thought I needed a solar panel simulator but couldn't get that sorted.

Thank you.

[robertohernandez]

Thanks for the info bro! Love the video…ZAP!

[venturahondo]

This is gonna be the right setup for me. Thanks for going through the install. Zap that Orion D/C converter to me now. 😎

[tribalsean]

Great video, buddy. I feel the same way about the mosquito, hahaha... 👊🏼🙏🏼🤙🏼

[wingit]

I just returned from the KOAR event in Michigan's Keweenaw with my 2021 Passport with a 300mAh Power Queen powering the campsite fridge. I'd love to learn how to ZAP high wattage power into that while driving!