Hey there, fellow vanlifers! Today, we’re diving deep into the EcoFlow River 2 Power station, a compact and versatile power solution that’s been making waves in the vanlife community.
First off, the River 2 is a compact and lightweight power station, weighing in at just seven pounds. It’s small enough to fit in your backpack, making it an excellent companion for those off-grid adventures or even just a day at the beach.
One of the standout features of the Eco Flow River 2 is its versatility in charging options. You can charge it via solar panel (check out my AllPowers 100w Solar Panel Review), a USB-C port, a wall AC, or through your car’s 12-volt port. This flexibility means you can keep your devices powered up no matter where your travels take you.
The River 2 also boasts a lithium-ion phosphate battery, known for its longevity and reliability. It’s rated for 256 Watt hours, which is enough to power a laptop for a full working day or keep a cool box running for around four hours.
The power station also has a variety of output options, including a 300-watt inverter, a 60-watt USB-C output, and a 100-watt 12-volt cigarette lighter. This means you can power a range of devices, from your laptop to your phone, and even a cool box.
One of the unique features of the River 2 is its user-friendly app, which allows for customized controls of some features. The app does require registration to pair with the device, which adds an extra layer of security.
The River 2 also features a clear and informative display that shows you exactly how much power you’re drawing and how much battery life is left. This is a great feature for managing your power usage effectively.
Now, let’s talk about the downsides. The River 2 is not designed to power larger appliances like a full-size refrigerator or a coffee maker. It’s also worth noting that while the River 2 can accept up to 360 watts of input power, it can’t stack charging methods. This means you can’t charge it with AC power and USB-C at the same time, for example.
Another downside is that it only comes with an AC and 12v DC cable to charge the unit up. If you have a solar panel with an MC4 connector you will need a MC4 to XT60 Cable which will set you back around £18
Another point to consider is the fan noise. While it’s relatively quiet, it may be bothersome to some, especially if you’re planning to use the power station on your desk while charging.
In conclusion, the Ecoflow River 2 is a solid choice for vanlifers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a portable and versatile power solution. It’s not going to power your entire van, but for smaller devices and short trips, it’s a reliable and efficient choice.
The EcoFlow River 2 is available from Amazon for £269 and has a discount voucher of £30 at the time of writing.
Now, let’s address some of the questions you might have:
- How long does it take to fully charge? The River 2 can fully charge in about an hour when connected to AC power when set to charge on its full 300w setting.
- Can it charge multiple devices at the same time? Yes, it can power multiple devices simultaneously thanks to its variety of output options.
- What is the maximum wattage it can output? The River 2 has a 300-watt inverter for AC output. There is an overboots function when can provide 600w for a short period of time for appliances that need a bit more oomph to get going
- Can it power larger appliances like a full-size refrigerator or a coffee maker? No, it’s not designed to power larger appliances.
- How efficient is solar charging? Solar charging is a great option for keeping your devices powered up when you’re off-grid, but the efficiency will depend on the solar conditions.
- What is the weight and size of the River 2? The River 2 weighs just seven pounds (around 3.2kg), making it highly portable.
- How does the user-friendly app work? The app allows for customized controls of some features and requires registration to pair with the device.
- How loud is the fan noise on the River 2 when it’s charging or in use? While the fan noise is relatively quiet, it may be bothersome to some, especially if you’re planning to use the power station on your desk while charging. The noise is more than noticeable when charging at the full 100w of solar or more than 100w when using AC.
- What is the lifespan of the River 2’s lithium-ion phosphate battery? The River 2 boasts a lithium-ion phosphate battery, known for its longevity and reliability.
- Can the River 2 be charged while it’s being used to power devices? Yes, the River 2 supports pass-through charging, which means you can charge it while it’s being used to power devices.
Remember, vanlife is all about freedom and flexibility, and the Ecoflow River 2 fits right into that ethos. So, whether you’re working remotely from your van or just enjoying a picnic in the great outdoors, the River 2 has got your power needs covered.
That’s it for today, vanlifers! Stay powered up and keep exploring. Safe travels! For more vanlife essentials, tips, and experiences, check out our other posts on Avanlifething. Be also sure to follow me on Instagram and Youtube
