Charging at an off-grid Cabin (electrical advice)

[BrentInCO]

Update:

I was able to successfully install a NEMA 14-50 plug at our cabin this weekend and charge. I did have some issues with charging stopping right after starting. The truck would start charging and then would hit 8kw in the UI and charging would stop. What I found is that I had to slowly ramp up the amps from the truck. So I'd start at 16 amps and tick it up 2 every 15-30 seconds or so. If I increased it too quickly charging would stop. I did this and was able to get the truck to charge at 32 amps for about 2 hours before charging stopped again.

Because of this I disconnected my wiring again and made sure everything was nice and tight. Problem remained. I don't think the issue is with any of my new work I've done. My best guess is the generator just has a hard time outputting the power or the wiring from the generator to the panel has some issue (it's probably from the 60s). The main 50 amp circuit breaker also looks a bit janky to me, I could try replacing it in the future.

Anyways, despite the issues I still consider it a success as I was able to charge at a pretty high rate. Solves my worry of being stranded up the mountain.

Thanks to everyone who provided advice here, I appreciate it!

I have an off grid cabin and currently charge my Tesla there. I’m not running off a generator, though I do have one as a backup. I have solar and battery storage as my primary source of electricity. Anyway, I also have to regularly monitor my vehicle to make sure it’s still charging. The higher I push the amps, the more likely things overheat and turn off due to safety mechanisms. I tend to charge at lower amps for longer durations.

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[pc500]

IMHO, unless you *need* to charge at the cabin, don't, and run the cabin off the Rivian

 

[Mcdubjr]

IMHO, unless you *need* to charge at the cabin, don't, and run the cabin off the Rivian

Actually, I installed a power inlet with interlock kit as well this weekend. I was able to run my cabin from the Rivian this way. There was another thread on here where someone had tried the same. I had same experience, I had to use a 2 prong to 3 prong adapter or the Rivian outlets would just turn off. Was just a proof of concept anyways -- real intent is to get solar generator to plug into it.

 

[pc500]

Actually, I installed a power inlet with interlock kit as well this weekend. I was able to run my cabin from the Rivian this way. There was another thread on here where someone had tried the same. I had same experience, I had to use a 2 prong to 3 prong adapter or the Rivian outlets would just turn off. Was just a proof of concept anyways -- real intent is to get solar generator to plug into it.

It needs a floating ground unfortunately. You might be better just to put an ecoflow or some lithium battery in the middle.

In general, generator will be very inefficient consumption wise.

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