Here’s my mobile household battery bank learning experience. Credit for some of the ideas and details goes to Steve Harris, as well as Pacific Yacht Systems.
I decided to build it on a cart because it stays on the charger (Schumacher WE-1555A) in my closet, and all my battery charging stuff lives on the shelves. I can wheel the cart to the garage door to jump a car or to be charged by a car. I can also wheel the cart to my back door and connect to solar panels.
1) Found the sturdy Rubbermaid cart on OfferUp for $20.
2) Purchased two Duracell GC2 golf cart batteries at Sam’s and added terminal top posts.
3) I wanted a bit more permanent setup, so I decided to go with bus bars and soldered terminations.
4) I fastened a plywood board to the end of the cart. That board has a battery switch from the bus bars, which leads to the fuse block. Mounted on the board below the fuse block is an MPPT solar charge controller, which can handle intelligent charging from solar panels OR from jumper cables. I used heavy-duty jumper cables with a quick connect wired into a small bus bar, so the connectors would be fastened securely.
5) I added a switch panel that controls LED strip lights above each shelf so I can see what I’m doing.
6) The middle shelf has an 800W inverter on a battery switch, as well as several of the Wagan 4-way splitters, and the system monitor. I mounted most of the 4-way splitters on the plywood shelf. Also wired up three 12v sockets.
7) The bottom shelf contains my AA/AAA charger, C/D charger, and a multi-charger for various portable battery banks
A Few Parts I Used
- WindyNation 1 Pair Brass Marine Grade Battery Terminal Top Post for Boat Car RV (Military Spec. B-12128C) (link)
- 4 Post Power Distribution Block Bus Bar Pair with Cover – Made in The USA – 250 Amp Rating – Marine, Automotive, and Solar Wiring (3/8) (link)
- Battery Switch, 12V 24V 48V Battery Disconnect Master Cutoff Switch for Marine Boat RV ATV UTV Vehicles, Waterproof Heavy Duty Battery Isolator Switch (On/Off) (link)
- Blue Sea Systems ST Blade ATO/ATC Fuse Blocks (link)
- EPEVER 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller 100V PV Max Input Negative Ground LiFePo4 Battery Charger W/ MT50 Remote Meter & Temperature Sensor Tracer4210AN (link)
- RUGCEL WINCH 4-Gauge Permanent Installation kit Jumper Battery Cables with Quick Connect Plug 30 Ft (link)
- HERCHR 5 Gang 3 Pin Rocker Switch Panel, Waterproof On-Off Toggle Switches for Car Vehicle Trailer Truck SUV Marine Boat RV Ship, 12V/24V, 20A, 5 LED, Blue (link)
- 108 LED Interior Light Bar Lamp, 12V Universal LED Light Strip, Car Interior Strip Lights with ON/OFF Switch 6500K White Light (2 Pack) (link)
- Car Cigarette Lighter Socket, ZHSMS Universal 12V/24V Automotive Replacement Outlet Socket with Blue LED for Car Marine Motorcycle ATV RV(3 PACK) (link)
Update
Now that I’ve had it for over two years, I can add a few thoughts. I didn’t build it to be portable beyond wherever I can roll the cart, which is exactly what I wanted. I envisioned it to be used in conjunction with solar panels and generator and car. It is NOT something you’re gonna take with you, except when you move. And I did move last year. And it was probably the most irritating thing I had to move. 🙂
If you like the dump power to and from a car, make sure you can actually GET it close enough to a car. You COULD also use the inverter and power your battery charger to charge your car battery, in which case, you use your standard 120v extension cords.
You could go for more portability by a) opting for a smaller and lighter (more expensive) battery tech than FLA. There are heavy duty rolling carts that collapse to some extent. No reason you couldn’t mount a plywood board to the front of such a cart, and lift it into your trunk or cargo area.