You’ve been asking about our off-grid solar setup in the new rig—and Barry’s finally ready to show you everything!
After spending $14,000 on our Victron system in our last RV, we knew we wanted a robust off-grid system again, but we also wanted to keep the costs down. Barry discovered something that might just revolutionize RV solar power—a brand new system that’s just hitting the market, and we got early access to test it.
This is a complete 48-volt off-grid power solution that Barry installed himself, and it cost us literally half what we paid before. We’re talking 5,000 watts of power, 1,600 watts of roof solar, massive batteries, and the ability to run everything we want to run while boondocking indefinitely.
What Makes This System Different?
If you’ve been researching off-grid RV solar systems, you know that a quality 48-volt setup with inverter, battery management, and smart distribution can easily cost $15,000 or more. The Bluetti RV5 changes that equation entirely.
The Bluetti RV5: An All-In-One Solution
The RV5 is fundamentally different from traditional solar setups. Instead of buying separate components (inverter, charge controller, distribution panel, etc.) and having them professionally installed, the RV5 combines everything into one integrated system that’s designed for DIY installation.
What’s Included:
- 5,000-watt 48V power hub
- Built-in inverter
- Solar charge controller
- E-panel (breaker box and fuse box)
- E-pad touchscreen controller
- Two 48V batteries (approximately 4.8 kWh each)
Our Previous Setup vs. The RV5
Previous System (44′ Toy Hauler):
- $14,000 total cost
- 800 amp hours of lithium batteries
- 1,550 watts of solar
- Victron MultiPlus system
- Required professional installation ($5,000 of the total cost)
Current Setup (Alliance Paradigm Fifth Wheel):
- Approximately $7,500 total cost (including solar panels)
- Two 48V batteries (equivalent to about 800 amp hours at 12V)
- 1,600 watts of roof-mounted solar panels
- Bluetti RV5 system
- Barry installed it himself
The Installation Process: What Barry Learned
It’s Not Actually a “1-Hour Install”
Let’s be honest—Bluetti’s marketing mentions a 1-hour install, but that’s only realistic in a perfect scenario with a small Class B camper where everything is easily accessible. For our fifth wheel, it took Barry several days of work.
Why it took longer:
- Working in tight storage compartments
- Routing cables through the RV
- Waiting for tools/parts from Amazon
- Learning the system as a first-time installer
- Making decisions about breaker configurations
Important note: Barry has no formal electrical experience. If he can do it, most handy RVers can too.
Tools & Resources That Helped
Barry credits several resources for making the installation successful:
- Bluetti’s Installation Guides – Detailed PDFs available on their website
- ChatGPT – Barry uploaded all the manuals as a project and used AI to answer technical questions throughout the install
- Provided Cables – Most cables are included and labeled, making connections straightforward
- YouTube & Community Support – Watching similar installs and asking questions in RV solar groups
What You’ll Need to Buy Separately
While the RV5 system includes most cables, there are some items you’ll need to source:
- Grounding cables (proper gauge for your setup)
- Crimping tools for custom cable lengths
- Battery jumper cables (to connect the two 48V batteries)
- Solar panels (if not using Bluetti’s portable panels)
- Mounting hardware for your specific installation
Understanding 48V vs. 12V Systems
One of the biggest questions Barry got was: “Why 48V instead of 12V?”
The Garden Hose Analogy
Think of it this way: If you’re watering a garden with a set amount of water, you could use either:
- A huge hose that moves water slowly (12V system)
- A normal-sized hose that moves water quickly (48V system)
The 48V system is simply more efficient. It delivers the same power with:
- Smaller gauge cables
- Less heat generation
- More efficient power transfer
- Better performance under load
Battery Capacity Comparison
Our previous 12V system: 800 amp hours
Current 48V system: Each 48V battery contains about 4.8 kWh, which equals approximately 400 amp hours at 12V equivalent. With two batteries, we’re at roughly the same capacity as before.
Real-World Performance: Can It Run Air Conditioners?
One of the biggest questions about any off-grid solar system: Can it run RV air conditioners?
The Answer: Yes—And Without Soft Starts!
This was one of the most impressive discoveries. In our previous Victron setup, we had to install soft start devices on all three air conditioners at $300 each ($900 total). The soft starts reduce the initial power surge when the AC compressor kicks on.
The RV5 doesn’t need them.
Barry demonstrated in the video:
- Running one AC unit: ~1,100 watts
- Running two AC units simultaneously: ~2,100 watts
- Both started without any soft start devices
- No system shutdown or overload
This alone saves $900 in equipment costs.
The Reality Check on AC Usage
While the system CAN run air conditioners, Barry and I are realistic about actual usage:
Our Philosophy: We don’t boondock to run air conditioning all day and drain batteries. We boondock in places like the western states where:
- Daytime temperatures are around 70°F
- Nights cool down to the 40s
- Low humidity means open windows feel great
- Natural cooling is sufficient
If you MUST have AC while boondocking: Consider upgrading to modern, efficient AC units like:
- 12V air conditioners (use about half the power)
- Inverter air conditioners (much more efficient)
- These new technologies make more sense than oversizing your battery bank
Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment
PROS ✅
1. All-In-One Design
- Everything integrated into one system
- No hunting for compatible components
- Simplified installation process
2. Cost Savings
- Half the price of comparable Victron systems
- No soft starts needed (saves $300+ per AC unit)
- Most cables and hardware included
3. DIY-Friendly
- Designed for self-installation
- Clear documentation
- Labeled cables and connections
4. Efficient 48V System
- Smaller cable requirements
- Better power efficiency
- Cleaner installation
5. Expandable
- Can add more batteries
- Two solar inputs at 25 amps each
- Modular design
CONS ❌
1. Not Perfect for 50-Amp RVs (Initially)
This was Barry’s biggest learning curve. The E-panel that comes with the RV5 has only 8 breaker spaces. Our fifth wheel has 12 circuits.
The workaround: Use your existing RV transfer switch. Barry plans to:
- Disconnect the E-panel breakers
- Reconnect circuits to the original RV breaker panel
- Plug the RV5 into the transfer switch input (where a generator would normally connect)
- The transfer switch will see the RV5 as a “generator” and automatically switch over
This solution works perfectly if you don’t have (or don’t plan to use) an onboard generator.
2. One Leg of Power (30-Amp Equivalent)
The RV5 operates on one leg of electricity, meaning:
- When off-grid, you’re in a “30-amp situation”
- You can’t run all appliances simultaneously like you could on 50-amp shore power
- Practically: You can run 1-2 air conditioners, but not all 3 at once
For us: This is not a problem. We have no interest in running three air conditioners off batteries while boondocking. But if that’s important to you, this system has limitations.
3. Solar Input Limitations
The RV5 has two solar inputs rated at 25 amps each. This means:
- You need to carefully design your solar array
- Can’t just keep adding panels indefinitely
- Series/parallel configurations matter
Barry’s solution: 1,600 watts in a two-series, two-parallel configuration works perfectly within the limits.
4. Not Infinitely Customizable
Unlike Victron systems where you can build massive, custom setups:
- The RV5 has fixed capacity limits
- You can’t just keep adding components
- It’s designed for typical RV needs, not off-grid homes or huge builds
If you’re building a skoolie or want unlimited expansion: You might still want a fully custom Victron setup.
5. Installation Takes Time
Despite marketing suggesting otherwise:
- Plan for 2-3 days of installation time
- You’ll need to problem-solve along the way
- Tight spaces in RVs make everything take longer
Weight Considerations
Each 48V battery weighs approximately 100 pounds. With two batteries, that’s 200 pounds total.
Comparison: This is actually about the same as our previous setup with four 12V 200-amp-hour batteries at 50 pounds each.
The difference:
- Fewer, heavier batteries = fewer cables to run
- Bluetti provides nice mounting brackets
- Having a helper for the initial install is smart
Space Requirements
The RV5 unit itself needs approximately 8 inches of clearance on all sides for proper airflow and heat dissipation.
Barry’s solution: He installed everything in a large storage compartment that had the required clearance. Before you buy, measure your available space carefully.
Who Is This System Perfect For?
✅ IDEAL FOR:
Full-Time RVers Who Boondock Regularly
- Want to cut campground costs
- Enjoy beautiful, free camping locations
- Need reliable off-grid power
Budget-Conscious Solar Shoppers
- Want quality without the $15K+ price tag
- Willing to DIY to save money
- Don’t need unlimited customization
30-Amp RV Owners
- This system is PERFECT for 30-amp rigs
- Drop-in solution with minimal modifications
DIY-Minded RVers
- Comfortable with basic tools
- Like learning new systems
- Can problem-solve through challenges
Moderate Power Users
- Run typical RV appliances
- Occasional AC use while boondocking
- Don’t need to run every appliance simultaneously
❌ MAYBE NOT IDEAL FOR:
Weekend Warriors
- If you only camp a few times per year, the investment might not make sense
- Consider portable solar panels instead
Heavy AC Users
- If you must run multiple ACs constantly while off-grid
- Consider efficient 12V/inverter ACs first, or a larger custom system
Massive Power Needs
- Building a skoolie with residential appliances
- Want to run a full workshop off-grid
- Need unlimited expansion potential
Non-DIY Folks
- If you’re not comfortable with any electrical work
- Don’t have time to learn the system
- Would rather pay for professional installation
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
After three and a half years of full-time RV living, we can confidently say: Boondocking capability is essential for sustainable full-time travel.
Why Off-Grid Power Matters
Financial Reality: If we had to pay for campgrounds every single night for three and a half years, we’d be broke. Boondocking allows us to:
- Cut our camping costs to nearly zero
- Stay in the most beautiful locations
- Have flexibility in our travel plans
- Extend our travel budget significantly
Experience Factor: The best camping isn’t at crowded RV parks—it’s in stunning natural settings that don’t have hookups.
The Investment Math
Traditional Victron Setup:
- $14,000 total
- Professional installation required
- Excellent system, but expensive
Bluetti RV5 Setup:
- ~$7,500 total (including solar panels)
- DIY installation
- Comparable performance for our needs
Savings: ~$6,500
ROI: Even with a few days of installation work, that’s significant savings for nearly identical off-grid capability.
Our Verdict
For full-time RVers who want robust off-grid solar without the premium price tag, the Bluetti RV5 represents a genuine game-changer in the RV solar market.
It’s not perfect—there are workarounds needed for 50-amp RVs and some limitations on expansion—but for the vast majority of RVers who want to boondock comfortably and affordably, this system delivers.
Barry’s already planning our next boondocking adventure to put it through real-world testing. We’ll be staying at multiple Harvest Host locations completely off-grid, running everything we normally use, and documenting the experience.
What’s Next?
We’ll be creating follow-up content on:
- Real-world performance testing at various boondocking locations
- Transfer switch installation for 50-amp RVs
- Modern efficient AC units (12V and inverter models)
- Solar panel installation tips for DIYers
- Troubleshooting common issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install this without any electrical experience? A: Barry did! He used the provided manuals, ChatGPT for technical questions, and online resources. If you’re generally handy and willing to learn, you can do this.
Q: What if I don’t want to install solar panels on my roof? A: Bluetti offers portable/foldable solar panels that you can set up outside your RV and plug directly into the system. This is perfect if you don’t want to drill holes or make permanent modifications.
Q: Will this work in my Class A/Class C/Travel Trailer? A: Yes! The main consideration is having adequate space (8″ clearance around the unit) and adapting the electrical connections to your specific RV configuration.
Q: How long will the batteries last on a typical day? A: This depends entirely on your usage. We’ll be documenting real-world performance in upcoming videos, but with 9.6 kWh total capacity and 1,600 watts of solar charging, we expect to be able to run typical loads indefinitely in sunny conditions.
Q: Can I add more batteries later? A: Yes, the system is expandable. You can add additional 48V batteries to increase your capacity.
Q: What about cloudy days? A: With nearly 10 kWh of battery capacity, you can store plenty of power from sunny days to carry you through cloudy periods. Strategic power management (running high-draw appliances during peak sun hours) helps maximize efficiency.
Q: Is the system compatible with a generator? A: Yes! You can plug into shore power or run a generator to charge the batteries when solar isn’t sufficient. The system handles multiple charging sources automatically.
Resources & Links
Bluetti RV5 System:
Bluetti website for more info on the RV5-
ON AMAZON: Bluetti RV5
Basic package- https://amzn.to/47xZoup
Expanded package- https://amzn.to/49dDTQS
Our RV: 2026 Alliance Paradigm 370FB Fifth Wheel
Tools We Recommend: [Link to Amazon Store]
Subscribe for More
If you’re considering full-time RV living or want to improve your off-grid capabilities, subscribe to our channel and join our email list. We’re sharing everything we learn—the wins, the failures, and the real costs—as we continue this adventure.
Have questions about the Bluetti RV5 or off-grid solar in general? Drop them in the comments below and Barry will do his best to answer!
Until next time, keep living like there’s no tomorrow!
—Darlene (and Barry)
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us create more content for you at no extra cost. We only recommend products we actually use and trust. The Bluetti RV5 system was provided to us for review, but all opinions are our own honest assessment.
