We have used the kzread.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

I did the exact same thing but went with the biggest box of the ridged system that has the wheels and handle. The extra space gave me the room for an extra battery an inverter and a few different electrical plugs and connectors. Going on 4 years absolutely zero regrets. It powers my conversion van 90% of the time but when camping or hunkering down for a hurricane the portability is priceless. At the time I built this box I didn't know there was an off the shelf solution but by doing it myself I saved a ton of money and have the box configured to what I need.

@kaidesign01

Жыл бұрын

how much did the two battery system and gear run you if you mind me asking.. ? We are trying to set one up now

@LocdnessMomster

9 ай бұрын

What precautions would you need to take with the battery pack during hurricane season? Like if you’re in an area and it floods is that an electrocution danger?

@berniecarinci299

9 ай бұрын

What's the total output in watts? Any idea?

For your iPhone, since apple doesn't do QC charging, you can get a USBC to lightning cable and that will tell the port to output 9 volts for faster charging. Great build!

That was the best example of how to put something like together I have seen yet! Most videos just TALK about how to do it with pointing to the components, this was a legit build video! Thank you! Would like to see 110v outlet added to a set up like this, I have need for one, and various ways to set up charging it back up. Thanks!

Awesome brother. In 6 months I'm setting off on my 4 Runner trek down Route 66 from Chicago to California. 3-4 week slow adventure. I'm gonna build this setup! Thank you brother!

The battery box I have built, I added a led strip light to the outside. It is very convenient to turn on and is able to provide enough lights for a lights out situation.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Great idea.

Really well thought out setup! I'll soon be making something similar, but with an AGM battery. As for possible suggestions, you could consider an internal led light mounted in the lid, that powers on either manually by a switch, or automatically as the lid is opened (kinda similar to how some closets etc. are set up). The idea is to get a better overview if you need to check inside the box for some reasons, while it is dark where you are at. It's all about that convenience! :) Thanks for the video!

Some people aren't happy unless they find something to complain about. I guess they want to be spoon fed the information instead of putting out a little effort to do some research themselves. HELL! You've already specified the parts and built the damn thing. I find both the video and the build to be very well done.

Nice setup. I did have one build for testing purposes without the inverter. I did build one based in a 5Ah 18V Ryobi One Li-Ion battery with a 200W solar panel. The test did draw the power directly from Victron Bluesolar 75/15 the 12v-terminals equipped with Bluetooth-dongle for monitoring and settings. Works well for small scale devices like the 12V-cooler. The charging was done with 3A with specific settings to the Victron MPPT charger. It did work well, but charge current wasn't enough to run 12V cooler with all my drinks on it and charging it on the fly (The cooler draw about 65-75W of power. Normally i did use it directly from MPPT solar controller without battery and stopped when clouds comes out of hiding :) Like i said, it was a test for the adding a battery. Battery not too heavy as i do haul whole thing with my Recumbent 3-wheeler bike and a trailer attached to it. So, there's a limit for weight in all this. The Ryobi 18V battery doesn't like more than 3A of charging current, so i did leave the idea of that there and run if directly from the MPPT after the cooler drained the battery. Need a bigger battery with a better charging capability or run those batteries in paraller with 6 A charging current. In Finland, similar Li-ion 12V battery as your installation costs an arm and leg. About 1000 euros each. I'm planning to build solar battery from 3.2V cells instead. It's cheaper, alot. Nice to watch these kinds of setups.

Love it! In a similar fashion I used a Milwaukee toolbox for my ham radio and switches/plug ins for my atv front rack. Thanks for sharing!

Love that you used the Rigid Box. That system is so versatile and rugged, so it totally makes sense!

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Yes it’s a great little toolbox. 😀

@johannwolf1

Жыл бұрын

@@ExploreTrekAdventure yes... they are great for the price. I worked in film and photo and used pelicans for decades... now I have a pretty extensive assortment of these and love them... makes sense to do this now too. I like the idea of stacking extra batteries too. I would incorporate a robust inverter to power tools for homesteading off grid.

Really like how you set yours up. I did a similar DIY solar generator and I used a big old Rubbermaid storage bin to fit just about all of the same components plus a 1200 watt inverter, MPPT, and some 12 volt case fans. So there’s a lot of dead space in mine

I like this build! My personal application is for in a boat, though (12 ft) so ill be going for minimal size and I'll have 3/8" posts on the outside to hook my trolling motor up. I like the Rigid stacking boxes though because the Radio can clip on to the lid!

Great set up and design. Thanks for sharing this. I definitely want to do a solar generator build similar to this some day :) Thanks for the inspiration.

Nice! I was trying to find the charge controller and then thought the panel must have it. Looked it up and yes.

I’m always a sucker for a good battery box. I love to make them and I love your layout

@ExploreTrekAdventure

9 ай бұрын

Thank you

Fantastic build, only thing I would have done is paint the piece of wood black! Thanks for sharing you’re video with us.

I am able to fit 2-80 ah lifepo4 batteries in the short second box from ridgid 2.0 there is space in the middle( 5") same size box used in this video. I am building a 24 vdc power supply for my inflatable kayak motor. A simple on off switch, and a 10 amp inline fuse. And marine twist on plug with cap. Drill the least number of holes i can. The batteries almost touch the lid in the short box. If you need more room to mount inverter and such, i recomend the taller xl box. ( see home depot) i am installing a 24vdc step down to 12vdc box for a future fish finder power as well Pad eyes, and battery cam straps hold batteries in place.

I'm going to do a modified version of this for our new camper. Should work great.

i'm going to be building the same kind of lipo4 storage box along with 2 200ah mini lithium batteries.. looks great.

Pretty sweet! I would rotate the usb plugs vertically for easier access.

EDIT- I was mistaken. These are actually PWM controllers. Aren't the Blue Solar charge controllers only PWM? I think it's a false economy not going for a mppt charger. The output of your solar panels will be a lot lower.

I use Goal Zero 1500X for all my camping power needs that is recharged using 2 Goal Zero 100w solar panels. It works great and reliable.

Nice project, one thing I have discovered using the USB marine type chargers, is that the touch switch can be kinda finicky in cold weather. I opted for aversion with a regular switch to put in my truck, they have a positive shut off- my charger has a built in voltmeter as well and I didn’t want a ghost load. Locking good!

Nice work! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the road!

Wish the video was longer, this is inspiring

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Make sure to check out Part 2. DIY Solar Generator - Part 2 - AC & Solar Charging kzread.info/dash/bejne/mZ6qr5WOiN2nn6w.html

Very nice. I also plan to mostly use the inverter that comes with a pre-built generator. Can use DC from the big battery to recharge the generator that has an inverter if need be.

Excellent video. I've been thinking about building a very similar box and your parts list will be very handy!

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad it will be helpful.

I’ve seen similar installation where plastic chopping board has been used as support for mounts and plugs.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

That is a great idea.

Funny how we used to camp with just a tent, sleeping bag, icecooler and matches. Now we need power everywhere.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

We may not need it but progress does offer some nice options.

@peteniemela9900

Жыл бұрын

I remember those days.

Just ran across your video. It is perfect for what I want to do. I'm thinking of only using 12V cigarette lighter plugs to run a 12V fridge, a couple of cpaps, and 12V fans. No inverter only DC power. Thank you for sharing.

Nice build. Neatly carried out. An essential add I would make is a vent at the top side. when you’re charging a lead-acid battery, it gives off hydrogen. AGM batteries absorb most of the hydrogen and oxygen again and turn it back into water, so they’re reasonably well-sealed, yet they still have vents that will vent some gas. But defiantly inspired to make my own. Thank you.

@jasonbroom7147

Жыл бұрын

Not sure if you decided to build something like this, but that is a lithium iron-phosphate battery...no potential for off-gassing. I made a similar type of power station and added both intake and exhaust vents (with a thermal switch) to help keep everything reasonably cool on hot summer days.

@cipropertycare

Жыл бұрын

@@jasonbroom7147 thanks for that. Really helpful.

Very cool build! I did something almost the same, but I used the bottom box (with the extendable handle and wheels) to hold the battery, shunt and solar charge controller. I then used a 175 amp Anderson connection to go from the battery up to the middle box where I have a set of bus bars, various 12v outputs, and a 1,000w Renogy inverter. I then have two 3-prong 110 output from Noco coming out the side of the box to plug in stuff. Yours is definitely lighter and a little more portable/stackable. I hope you have enjoyed using it as much as we have. :)

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you have a great setup!

@jasonbroom7147

Жыл бұрын

@@ExploreTrekAdventure - It works, just like yours does. I can't easily pick mine up and throw it in my truck, though. It's a little too bulky for that, really. It's all about use case and form factor, right? :)

Nice video bro, thanks for sharing,... 👍🙏

I want to build one of these, only use my 200 amp hour battery and my 2500 watt pure sine wave ac device. Things to add , wheels on the case for our aging back, lol

Great for the box part. I think having the directions for connecting the battery cables in order would be helpf

I did something similar with a regular battery box. I use it for over night fishing and just general power needs. One thing I suggest adding is a small eagle eye light connected to a switch.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Great suggestion!

Not only useful, but think you had lots of fun making it.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it was fun and we learned a lot too.

Nice video on project! I expect people should be able to search for build items themselves! Thanks

@ExploreTrekAdventure

6 ай бұрын

We have all the items we used listed in the description box of the video. 😀

6:42 I think you'll find that the wire strippers work better if you turn the strippers around so you are gripping the wire side and pulling the stripped cover off with the cutting side.

Great job Mister....many thanks for this kind sharing...very useful for my new project....Ciao Nick from IT

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful. 😄

This is a cool design. Thank You.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

7 ай бұрын

😀

Great video. Best ive seen. Could you possibly add a wiring diagram to help with proper hook ups. Thank you!

Thank you for this excellent video, I'm going to build one like yours! I also have the renogy 200w suitcase

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

😀 Glad you found it helpful and have fun on your build.

@Emivioricomex

Жыл бұрын

What was the total cost??

Nice with the toolbox. My suggestion, maybe a 200A fuse instead? So you can use a drill for example. Not shore how your converting the power though.

wow terrific job i waiting for part number 2

@ExploreTrekAdventure

4 ай бұрын

Part 2 is already out and covers solar. DIY Solar Generator - Part 2 - AC & Solar Charging kzread.info/dash/bejne/mZ6qr5WOiN2nn6w.html

Suggestion: try and get the 12v sockets and rocker switches that mount on panels that are made of metal. The metal threads are only on the tube that is beneath the surface. The all-plastic ones can strip easily and you sockets/rockers will rotate.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Great suggestion

Nice job gave me some ideas thanks.

I’d definitely add some type of power meter to tell you how much power is being used and how much remains in the battery. Nice box. I’d would build one like it.

@RT-qz5ci

9 ай бұрын

Is there a product you suggest for this? Seems like a good idea but I don’t know where to start with that

@JohnDoe-df2zz

4 ай бұрын

The battery has built in bluetooth monitoring according to the website.

Love this built the most so far on KZread. Could you please guide me how you connect all the cable or if you happen to have the map? Thank you

hi i want to use this diy technique to power my rv using the 50amp plug that I usually plug into the camp site power pole.. is this possible? similar to the new power banks that can do that example: oupes mega 2 , 3 and 5 .. thanks

Anderson power pole hardware added to your box would increase versatility.

Is there any way to add a 110v outlet for a low power requirement? I just found a need to power a podcast station at a remote location. Thanks and I liked the DC setup!

Nice build.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

7 ай бұрын

Thank you. 😃

How would I get a wiring diagram to add a 400 watt inverter ? I literally have the same components that you do with the exception of the jackery, I want to wire in a small 400 watt inverter with all copper wiring.

How did that strap for the battery work out? That seems like a major structural addition to the box for people who want to have this thing in the back of their vehicle. Looks great for a garage addition.

What total cost did you have in your amazing build ?

@Chevroletcelebrity

11 ай бұрын

$100 😃

@nivid01

9 ай бұрын

$100 = bullshit! I would say closer to $400. The battery alone is at least $200.

@Chevroletcelebrity

9 ай бұрын

@@nivid01 it could be done for $100. Your just uneducated and unresourceful 🤨

@codygeorge1008

9 ай бұрын

@@nivid01if you look in the description you can look at the links. The battery costs $500 alone! Crazy.

@michiganmonsters01

9 ай бұрын

​@codygeorge1008 if you're going fully off grid, it will pay for itself within a year or two. No more energy bill

Question. Shouldn't the battery cut-off switch be hooked up to the positive battery post.

01:38 Could the fuse-block mount on the inside of the lid? I think that improves access and visibility... ... especially if you mount a light next to it.

Nice build. The only suggestion would be to add a blade fuse to the Victron battery charger lead.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Good idea. 😀

Loved the video! Do you recommend anything to charge it with 120v A/C? Thanks for the great content!!

Turn the battery sideways you can add a 1000 watt inverter on top. 200 watt inverter is good adding a second inverter is great! It's better to have it and not need it, Then to not have it and need it.

Great build 👍Could possibly add an extractor fan and vent to remove any excess heat but with no inverter may not be necessary.

Thanks for sharing, what was the total cost less the solar panels? Thanks for sharing

Seeing ports have rubber covers, perhaps use a gasket or silicone seal around the hole before mounting ports. Also may be interesting to build an inverter into another Rigid box. Then stack them for AC output in a grid down situation.

@AdventureswithZack

Жыл бұрын

I like that idea

@jasonbroom7147

Жыл бұрын

That is exactly who I built mine. Also used stainless hardware for anything on the outside.

Nice video. The only thing I hve to add is do not bind any cable togheter to make it shorter/look nicer. If you bind it in a circle, it will drain energy during use.

@largemarge1603

5 ай бұрын

An electric cable in a loop forms a magnetic field. Could that bother delicate electronics?

Have you had any issue with moisture or condensation on the inside?

using this setup, how long will it last on a charge and with your solar panels, how long to recharge battery?

Would it be hard to add something to show the battery levels?

How long will this run a Cpap using a 12v adapter cord?

Hard to find a terminal fuse block with an M8 battery connection. It's important to use the proper sized connectors.

What would you do to keep a monitor on the batter level and if you went with a larger batter like a greater that 500ah battery, would anything need to change like bigger cords or different fuse box?

@ExploreTrekAdventure

9 ай бұрын

We chose a battery that has built in Bluetooth bms so we can monitor the battery levels from our phone.

nicely done, My jackery is plugged in full time and the ciggarette plug is always falling loose. I would want studs for the 12 volt.

@largemarge1603

5 ай бұрын

Wrap a rubber bungee around the box. . An aside: That would be the only legit use of a bungee.

Putting your solar set up in a metal box wouldve made it a faraday cage.

i found some times screws or nuts come loose from vibration, what i do is use Goop on the end of the threads near the nut or the head of the screw before i insert into the intended hole. easily comes off if needed.

@largemarge1603

5 ай бұрын

Nylocks : a nut with a 'nylon' insert to reduce unloosening.

Can you use a marine battery as well?

ventelation air holes is a must,

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Ай бұрын

Lithium batteries do not require venting but it would be good in warm climates.

@rgrg3683

Ай бұрын

@@ExploreTrekAdventure alot of teslas burned up do to heat,, melting thru concrete, unstoppable fire when lithium batterys light up, malfuntion in the charging system or short is scarey,🔥☄️

I would also add a volt meter just so you can tell when the battery is getting low

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

We picked a battery with a Bluetooth bms so we could check it on our phones but that would be a good option as well.

BRILLIANT!!! What’s the total cost for this build??

what did you do to make the 4 gage terminal wire to stay put on the the circut box?

@largemarge1603

5 ай бұрын

Mount the connector so the cable lays flat (untwisted).

What about having it hooked up to a dc to dc charger?

some 12V equipment can be sensitive to 14.4 of LiOn. Maybe put a 12.4V stabilized circuit somewhere

Hey, Curious about why you only put a terminal fuse on the positive and also a fuse box. Is that not redundant? I do like how it simplifies the wiring process.

@largemarge1603

5 ай бұрын

Semi-retired Aircraft Mechanic A&P here. I install a fuse or circuit-breaker on any electric source: * battery * photovoltaic * alternator/generator... ... to protect the cable.

Great video. can You post video on adding 500 watt inverter? Appreciated

The battery alone is $460. By the time you add the other stuff and an inverter you might as well just by a 1000w solar generator

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

It depends on your requirements but that might be a good option for some people.

You will still need something for the solar to go into before the battery, right?

@ExploreTrekAdventure

8 ай бұрын

You do need a charge controller. We went with a solar suitcase that had the charge controller built-in.

Get a dedicated deburring tool so you smooth over those saw cut holes faster

@largemarge1603

5 ай бұрын

A half-round bastard file.

also, if you were to wire an inverter into this, where would you wire it in relationship to the kill switch and fuse box, would it be going into the fuse box??

@jonnyfish76

3 ай бұрын

No. It would be wired to the battery.

This would have been a great video if you had mentioned the cost of each part and the specs for the battery and other parts.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

You can find the list of parts we used in the description along with a link to the video that goes over our battery & solar panel choice.

@lancelove9700

Жыл бұрын

@@ExploreTrekAdventure is paying you to build it for me an option?

@neonesf5967

Жыл бұрын

I’m assuming this was just a DIYers project because there is no way this was less expensive / or time consuming than purchasing an 800w/h unit.

@88njtrigg88

Жыл бұрын

Nice 1200w unit.

@meta5945

Жыл бұрын

I feel a lithium battery attached to an inverter would be a cheaper cost, and simple. I can find an inverter for as low as 170-200 bucks with a watt range of 2000-3000 watt, my buddy showed me how to do it and he powers a whole 7x16 camper trailer he converted.

Cool build! Congratulations! Are you able to charge the battery via solar and discharge via inverter (AC output) at the same time?

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

We do not have an inverter but we can power devices (12v) while it is charging.

Awesome build, would adding a couple more batteries in series be fine with this configuration?

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

You should be able to add more batteries. Just check with the battery manufacturer to see the recommended way to wire them up.

The only thing I’d do different is use the bottom box of the tool storage stack, because it has a built in dolly🤔

You should consider getting into 3dprinting and 3-D design You probably be pretty good at it.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

8 ай бұрын

Funny you say that. We have been 3D printing for several years now. 😁 Its nice being able to make little adapters or replacement items for things.

@MrGsking12

8 ай бұрын

@@ExploreTrekAdventure rightttt 😆😆

You guys gonna do a follow up to this video? I'm currently looking to do one and I'd love to see how yours has been doing.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

4 ай бұрын

We do not have anything planned at the moment. What specific questions do you have?

@darkskys163

4 ай бұрын

Just wanted to know how it has been working and if you guys wish you had done something differently. You also mentioned that you use the 200 watt inverter on the Jackery, but did not mention how. Do you somehow connect the DIY solar generator to your Jackery, or do you use it completely seperate from your DIY solar generator?

does this build include charging the unit with household AC current ?

@ExploreTrekAdventure

5 ай бұрын

Yes. Part 2 covers charging.

Hello, great build, I like the concept a lot. Did you secure the battery in any way?

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

I ended up using a sturdy strap which is bolted to the side.

@ironwoodoverland

Жыл бұрын

@@ExploreTrekAdventure Awesome, thanks for the reply!

Even using a Dremel tool helps shave off some metal ;) just a tip bud

U can also charge the battery on a ac power?

@ExploreTrekAdventure

2 ай бұрын

Yes. Part 2 goes over the solar and AC charging.

Cool build man! I got confused at the end tho…when you picked up the solar cable connector wire you said you will get an Anderson flush mount then wire that to the fuse panel block. Don’t you need to run the solar wire to a charge controller, then from charge controller to battery?? Which I didn’t see at all in the video.

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

Make sure and watch part 2 which goes over the solar. We went with a solar suitcase which has the charge controller built in. DIY Solar Generator - Part 2 - AC & Solar Charging kzread.info/dash/bejne/mZ6qr5WOiN2nn6w.html

Is there a reason for not adding a couple of 110 outlets to the outside along with the usb and 12v outlets?

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

We use a Jackery 240 for our AC needs which we like because it is small and portable. This build is specifically to power a 12v fridge.

@jn3673

Жыл бұрын

Very true….I remember you mentioning that at the beginning. So I have 8 ridgid boxes. 5 being the one you used. And I’ll tell you what…you have inspired me! I already have the 100ah and some of the other stuff I am planning on using. But I just hadn’t decided on what route to go. You have made me decide. Your box is so simple and clean…I absolutely love it! Thank you so much for taking your time to instruct us lesser minds!😆 One question though…would there be a negative to using 110 outlets? I can’t see any but I could be missing something. Thank you again and keep on keeping on!

@ExploreTrekAdventure

Жыл бұрын

You would have to find an inverter that would fit in the box or attach to the outside. If it was going inside the box you might want to put a fan to vent the heat it would generate.