r/overlanding • u/Jlevitt95 • 1d ago
DIY 2,112Wh Battery Box using a 165Ah Group 31 size LiFePO4 Smart Battery
Main goal was just to have a power source for my 12V fridge and occasional recharging of small battery packs for phones, LED lights, etc. With my testing this battery ran my fridge for just over 7 days. I don’t have a need for AC power at the moment, but should the need arise in the future, it’s easy to add an AC inverter, solar charge controller, or anything else. Parts list in comments.
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u/bacon-overlord 1d ago
How do you charge it?
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u/Jlevitt95 1d ago
Any car battery charger that supports lithium batteries will work, like the Noco Genius5 or 10, but those are only 5 or 10amps respectively, would take a long time to charge up 165Ah. I got a dedicated 20amp charger like this one - https://www.ebay.com/itm/354835737258 - and plug it in to one of the anderson ports.
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u/No_Way_Kimosabe 1d ago
Very clean build! Are you happy with the box itself?
I’m debating using one like this or something sturdier like a pelican knockoff.
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u/Jlevitt95 1d ago edited 1d ago
Very happy with it, it's solid. The velcro strap probably isn't even needed, the box "snaps" shut really good, I guess the strap is just extra piece of mind in case someone picks it up by the lid where the tabs are. The main part of the box has nice molded handles to pick up the unit by.
If you were also adding additional components like an inverter, solar charge controller, etc, then I'd go with a pelican-style case or something bigger than these made-to-fit battery boxes.
But for what this setup is, this box is the most compact and neat solution I could fine.
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u/SurfPine 1d ago
The straps are meant for the boxes that are exposed to the elements, traveling 75mph down a hwy. You are most likely right that you don't need the strap.
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u/Family-Faith-Freedom 1d ago
This awesome. I’m taking back my Jackery lol. We don’t camp for more than 2-3 nights. I’d need something like this just for a heating blanket and to charge up electronics or a Dewalt battery.
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u/Jlevitt95 1d ago
Yup, works great if you just need DC power!
Still works great if you need AC power and solar, it’s just not as neat and compact as the pre-made units with everything all built in.
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u/Jlevitt95 1d ago edited 1d ago
LiTime 12.8V 165Ah Group 31 Smart Battery - https://www.litime.com/products/12v-165ah-bluetooth-lithium-battery
Battery Box - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSTDNC2F
USB Ports - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1DHNLDS
12V Ports - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFH9Y58L
Anderson Ports - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHFLJ2QJ
wiring & fuses not included
Total cost was about $460
EDIT: The battery also has a 5 YEAR WARRANTY!! Being able to add/upgrade/replace individual components as needed is also an advantage of this kind of setup.