200Ah – 200A Max Draw – 2560Wh – 40a DC/DC Charger
Sometimes you just need a good challenge. A challenge that will test you and drive you to learn something new. This Packout Battery Box was just that for me. I had been searching for quite some time for a portable solar generator setup with a large enough capacity and max draw that also didn’t break my budget. Needless to say – I found it best to build my own. I’m thrilled to say that I’ve now used this battery box with no issues for 2 years. Below, I’ve assembled a list of the items I used (minus anything I already had on hand).
***If you decide to take on a similar project, you do so at your own risk. I highly encourage anyone who would undertake something like this to thoroughly understand electricity and the potential dangers involved.***
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Milwaukee Packout Compact Tool Box
The vessel. Sure there are cheaper boxes out there but I’m already invested in the packout system. Add that to the compact size and portability of this box and it felt like a no-brainer.
Power Queen 12V 40A DC to DC Charger
For charging the battery setup from the alternator or from built-in MPPT Solar. Bonus: This charger also features reverse charging to your alternator if you happen to run your engine battery down.
0-300A Battery Monitor Meter with Shunt
9-in-1 Comprehensive Monitoring system. Includes shunt and diagram for connecting. There are more expensive options if you’d like bluetooth/app compatibility.
250A Switchable Circuit Breaker
The much needed failsafe. I positioned this breaker between the negative post of the battery and the bus bar. Easy push button disconnect under the lid.
Flust Mount 50A Anderson Plug Connectors
Flush mount Anderson 50a Anderson plug connectors. I used one of these for the Solar input port and one of these for the power input port from the alternator.
Fuse box for each of the accessories added to the box. Always run an appropriate size fuse between each accessory port and the battery.
83W 12V USB Outlet Laptop Charger
Same as above. Organization. Grab-and-go. Domestic Rig Friends are doing it wrong if they’re asking me for SAE tools.
Welding Cable Panel Quick Connect
Already had this lying around from a previous project idea. Otherwise, some beefy Anderson connectors would have done the trick just as well.
(2x) 100Ah Mini LiFePO4 Batteries
Originally, I believed I could fit 2 of these in the packout box without modification. Unfortunately, Milwaukee advertises the widest interior measurement, not the widest USABLE space… So I improvised.
May be cheaper inverters out there but I wanted a brand with a good reputation. Works perfectly.
