How to build a portable power box version two

This is an upgraded version of the portable power box build. Sorry about the longer video but this should help you build one of your own step by step and help answer most of the commonly asked questions. Thanks everyone
Disclaimer.
I'm not an electrician I do this as a hobby all suggestions are just that, take them and the info in this video at your own will and your own risk
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[@Dirtlifer]

Thanks for taking the time to give such a comprehensive demo on this power box build. You took an everyday ammo can style field box, and laid down a symmetrical design for component mounting, and you made it look easy! This is a well thought out and brilliantly executed build. I've already started gathering the materials to duplicate your creation. You got a like and new sub from this vid, and glad to be in board! Again... thanks for the idea and information on its construction!

[@847MicRoss]

and it looks clean..... It doesnt look like a rats nest inside the box.

[@kidwitt1]

Built this, this weekend. Followed your video all the way. Thanks for the instructions. Impressed with the outcome and I plan to make several more. Well done bud!

[@d-money5976]

Outstanding job....... I wasn't planning on it but I am now in the process of making my own for my kayak.....fish finder, nav lighting and a few interior lights...and again outstanding job. You couldn't have been more detailed and straight forward.......

[@lazarogarcia2122]

Thanks for this video. I decided to build one following your design with a different box. It turned out great! I’m no pro when it comes to wiring stuff up so it helped having such a detailed tutorial. I use my box to power a fish finder for ice fishing. I’ve used it twice now and I love this thing.

[@martinlarkin9624]

Lazaro, was it hard to power your fish finder without having to use the power poles. Please advise.

[@lazarogarcia2122]

@@martinlarkin9624 I actually didn't put posts on my box. Powering the fish finder was simple. I used a switch with one of the fuses on the panel for power and went directly to the battery for ground. 2 years later its still going strong, I just used this setup for ice fishing yesterday.

[@martinlarkin9624]

@@lazarogarcia2122 thanks for letting me know.

[@shoeshow1999]

This is as close to perfect how to video I've ever seen. Great job. A lot of guys are waiting on your solar panel hook up and hopefully you will follow through with one. I built this and it was a lot of fun.

[@centenojoel]

This video is the best one, hands down. I followed it and built 3 field power stations for my telescope and camping. It was intimidating at first but using your explanation of following the power from the battery throughout the switches and accessories, it made all the difference, nothing exploded :). Thank you for sharing such valuable content!

[@jaydow1267]

This is brilliant. So simple and comprehensive. Good work thank you. As I was watching I was ordering the items on Ali express. Cheers fella this is exactly what I need to take down the allotment. Brilliant.

[@davefranklin9372]

Excellent video! I cant wait to give this a go. I'm in the UK, so will now try and track down the equivalent parts here in good ole blighty!

[@zzarkS]

I built my own with the help of your video. It's next to me charging my phone and will be used to power my radio this weekend! Thank you for sharing!

[@cedarcrossbeefarm5399]

Built your box. I love this thing. I run all my power needs in my kayak with it. I have people ask all the time where I got it. I send them to your video.

[@geocachingdad1445]

Just made this tonight following this video. Great step by step instructions! Next time I'll make sure I get a proper bit to cut out the larger holes, but the biggest I had was a 3/4" spade bit so I used that and reamed out with a dremel which was not pretty, but it worked! Thank you very much

[@JDSOutdoors]

Geocaching Dad this is why I made this. thank you

[@nozi2000]

Draper Redline 68470 Hole Saw Kit worked great for in the uk

[@boondocker76]

Am going to make this . just ordered everything thanks for the great idea! No more dragging a heavy marine battery ...

[@seanpagano8567]

Just built my first one for my kayak. Easy! Cuts are a little rough but that's from my inexperience. Give me two more to do and it will be even simpler. One difference is my Plano field box had a different type lid that required more trimming. No biggie, you get the idea by how this is explained and demonstrated. Good job!

[@BudhagRizzo]

What a well-made, thoroughly detailed tutorial! Inspiring! I enjoyed watching it. Thank you.

[@edsonanaya8239]

I just wanted to say thanks for your video. I was able to purchase everything I needed and built my very own power box. Very rewarding to be able to complete.

[@sticks29pgm29]

Great instructions video. Have built two so far for Kayaks and will be building a bigger version for our home. Thanks for the video.

[@palmparadise85]

thanks a lot man. I had no idea where to start and your video made it easy for me to understand with my limited electrical knowledge. Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@roadrunr92]

that is the BEST how to video on making a portable 12V power box! GREAT job!

[@ryanwilson5936]

Great stuff! This is the best looking and best put together box I’ve seen so far. I just found the box for $5 and I’m excited to build my own. Thanks for sharing.

[@hogated]

I picked up two Plano 1312 boxes at my local WalMart for $4.88 each yesterday. On their website today they're $3.99 ship to store. Dirt cheap.

[@michaelprevost1229]

I just completed my power box.It turned out great thanks for the video.

[@yuckyduck9064]

This has to be one of the best videos I've seen in a long time!!! Great fricken job!!! I'm Building one for sure. The retail package would be awesome too. I'd definitely buy some from you .

[@esamalmulla2130]

This is the best and richest video I have seen about making a power bank it is so simple and easy to understand. Thank you

[@Ghostbit]

Super helpful video. Thanks for showing the wiring process in greater detail. I've watched a couple other videos where the wiring was "magically" done in a blink of an eye. After watching this I think i could make my own box. Thanks for the video! Cheers

[@anthonydibiasio4983]

Made mine today with a larger plano box and 35Ah AGM battery. Had trouble with the tiny led wires even using automatic strippers. Used pop rivets instead of machine screws for the fuse box. Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@clintpotts8983]

I got to the box on my own, planning to make a simple box for just my fish finder and a charger. Now...I’m doing this. I could use me one of those! Excellent DIY. Thank you!

[@clintpotts8983]

I've made additional "improvements" for my use of this design. I added two flush-mounted SAE connectors into the side of the box. One, I connected directly to the battery. My battery charger has an SAE connector, so I just plug it into the direct-connect port for charging. I put another one in the opposite wall that is switch/fuse connected. I put an SAE connector on my Garmin power feed and I plug it into the mated SAE port. I sealed around each with some marine-bond because the holes I cut were imperfect rectangles, covered by the mounting disks. I mounted both with pop-rivets, rather than nuts/screws. To help me remember which SAE port is which, I set one vertically and one horizontally and also connected the one on "the right" right to the battery. (it works for me to remember). I charge with all switches off to prevent any charging from hitting the system. I can flip the main to see the voltage status. Again, thanks for this DIY. You really got my imagination working in the right direction. I'll use this for the life of my boat, I'm sure.

[@Vinniecervantes]

Great video, love how you explained everything in detail!!!

[@MasterK9Trainer]

Loved your video despite the small format, you actually showed the viewer how to build this box step by step. And plastic is easy enough to cut and sand plus it lightens the overall weight and metal ammo boxes are ridiculously pricey. Now I know those small batteries used for trail cameras can be used for a project like this.

[@JDSOutdoors]

I know that bugs me as well. I was in the learning stages of editing and had no idea I could turn it. My phone never moved during filming and shot half one way and half the other

[@dougdaniels]

Great video. I'm doing a similar project but with a RigRunner. I couldn't get my head around the three prong switch wiring. Seeing you do it with the fuse block made it all make sense.

[@DannyWalker1949]

Nice Lil' Unit for sure. Thanks.

[@HoboCoastie]

Nice! I would echo another comment about adding the discarded plastic piece from the banana connectors to add reinforcement. Also, I believe you have your fasteners backwards in those. Placing the flat washer over the lock washer defeats the lock washer's purpose of locking the nut on.

[@kennethbland4086]

Brilliant video. I have never enjoyed watching another video so much. Many thanks. I will have to have a go and make one of these.

[@kalihihouse660]

Excellent video. I ruined several switches inserting the blades. I added dielectric grease which helped a little. I was running out of switches and first inserted them into a blade to stretch them out a little and I didn't ruin anymore switches. I plan to use the box in saltwater for my electric reel and instead of bolting in the fuse box and adding two more holes I used adhesive sealant silicone and clamped it overnight, it seems to be secure. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@stripedbassnut]

Great tutorial! The only thing I might do different is to put the "discarded" bottom piece of plastic from the banana posts on the inside of the cover to give them some extra reinforcement. Great job!

[@therealMikeG1]

ya big miss. dont understand why he threw them away. i always use them. plenty of room and like you said, it gives extra reinforcement.

[@scooterjes]

I made a similar box for my ham radio gear but I included a way to put AC power in so I could have a charger as well as a plugin 13.8v power supply as well I used a larger box that has a 18 amp hour agm battery as well.

[@jdcisz7980]

I love the step-by-step tutorial. I made one of these from watching this video and it worked perfectly. THANK YOU! I recently came back to watch this video again because the lights and some switches stopped working. I was able to trace what happened, replace my lights, and tighten up some connections because of your clear and concise explanation. Thanks again!

[@fluffycat6]

Congrats on the best instructional video for building these. Most folks leave out the most important steps we dummies need to know about, or don't explain them in an understandable way. Great video. That wiring is a thing of beauty! Mine works, but the wiring is a tangled mess, which I know now how to clean up. Thanks!

[@JDSOutdoors]

Thank you very much.

[@artierodriguez8334]

Outstanding tutorial for dummies like myself. Thanks for the vid.

[@PureFishermenTV]

Great DIY project JDS. Thanks so much for sharing! I built a nearly identical box as you have shown and it fits perfectly in my kayak! I posted the video breaking down all the benefits it has for my kayak and referenced you because I was so glad to have found your video :)

[@JDSOutdoors]

Post a link to the video I wanna check it out

[@PureFishermenTV]

@@JDSOutdoors Here you go man! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaWWZmtueamWfMk

[@robertbeda959]

Awesome video! going to make one of these, looking at the solar version as well. IDK what you do for a living, but whatever it is I'm sure that your work is top notch. I will probably use a combination volt and ammeter, also a larger box so I can add other bells and whistles.

[@tux7]

My next weekend project. Already ordered the parts. Thanks.

[@captainduck08]

As the rest of the comments state: Great job with the video and appreciate you taking the time to explain, what, how and why. I now feel 100 percent confident and ready to get to work! God Bless You!

[@keliblake]

Such an easy tutorial to follow. I've been wanting to make one of these for a while now. I just added another 2 sets of banana plugs to the other end.

[@JDSOutdoors]

Thank you very much

[@jube42]

@@JDSOutdoors can I just pay you to make me one?

[@therealMikeG1]

@@jube42 you can pay me too. Mike G PowerBoxes hmu

[@itroy3039]

Thanks for the update awesome work great tips and build.

[@12Bravojeepstuff]

Looks good, great job. Reminds me of those electric labs they made when I was a kid.

[@coltronex]

This is a superb build,a very useful piece of kit,well done!

[@JDSOutdoors]

Thank you sir

[@1billiedale]

Excellent diy presentation. I learned a lot. Thanks. Subscribed.

[@billyevichjr172]

I just wanted to say I made one thanks to your video for ice fishing. I made my own modifications but it is all thanks to you.

[@ndmike]

Great job with this video. Great explanation and easy to follow!

[@JaredS47]

Thanks mate, very helpful I will probably now build one with your easy installation guide

[@kennthbrowne7051]

you can even add inverter in them pure sine wave like 1000 watts and run like laptop etc

[@warrenhansen4443]

Thank you for the great tutorial. Just finished my first box last night. The best thing about your instructions is that it walks anyone through the HOW and WHY to build. I used the same box and most of the components, but I was able to adapt my box to fit my needs using different components. I only put in one set of power posts as I thought they were great for having a quick alligator connection for lights and charging, etc. But I also added a marine SAE connector so i had a quick and more secure connection for my fish finder. I then cut the wires on my fish finder power cord and put in an SAE also so I can just plug it right into the top. Great video. Thank you very much. Liked & Subscribed.

[@JDSOutdoors]

Thank you very much for the kind words

[@kevindunham6795]

Good idea ,,, are the components you used available at Amazon?

[@warrenhansen4443]

Kevin Dunham Yes they are. I think these are the other components I used that he didn’t list above already. SAE Connector, Electop Solar... www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCMX24L?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share & SAE Connector DC Power Extension... www.amazon.com/dp/B07MP9MYKP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@kevindunham6795]

@@warrenhansen4443 Thank you !

[@spotlightinspect5540]

I’m wondering about a momentary switch for the voltmeter to keep it from being on the entire time. Not sure if it would save enough battery to be worth the extra effort or not?

[@ChaZacIsa]

Good job on the tutorial. I will be making one soon and charging with two smaller solar panels. Cheers from Vancouver Island, BC

[@inkbytes9440]

Thank you for posting such an informative video. Currently waiting on eBay and Amazon for the parts. 👍🏻

[@kenfields9043]

I have made 5 of these giving 4 to family members for Christmas present.

[@jamarrbrightful9199]

Would you be interested in selling me one of those boxes

[@archmasterone]

Ken, I'm your uncle Tom. I'll private message my address so you can send mine, I keep forgetting to get that done. Thanks for the power box.

[@flyhoovers]

Spent the last 5 days watching about 30 different videos on similar boxes and this by far the BEST for an electrical novice like me. VERY straightforward and answers everything right up front. Excited to see the solar video. A few questions for all of you far smarter than me on these things. Any issue following the same basic wiring as OP but replace one of the banana posts with an Anderson Powerpole faceplate? I would then like to figure out how/where to wire in a solar charge controller. I’m assuming I can plug solar panels in using the power poles to charge battery (as well as other options discussed in previous posts). I’m guessing I’d have to split the leads coming off the battery and have a set going into load just as in original video and another set going into CC battery input? Would love suggestions/advice if anyone has figured this out as simply and cleanly as JDS Outdoors original video. OUTSTANDING VIDEO JDS OUTDOORS!!

[@JDSOutdoors]

flyhoovers thank you for the kind words I apologize about the solar video not being out yet but it's coming I promise just been busy lately

[@flyhoovers]

JDS Outdoors no problem at all man- I know you are sharing this great stuff on your own time and dime- I really appreciate the content!

[@waynechangfoot5867]

flyhoover

[@crossbredmushing]

Great informative video. Liked it so much I had to make one to run lights when I’m camping. But I added missile switches instead because it looks cool. Thanks 👍🏻

[@dhurt2139190]

Thanks a lot bud. I just built one with a pelican box. Your the man!

[@pwdworkstation7827]

It would be great to add a power outlet with some AC DC inverter. Good job!

[@kenmiller3421]

Awesome video - thanks for taking the time to do the step by step instructions. You definitely make it look doable. Not being an "electrical guy," I would generally shy away from this type of project, but your step by step walk through has made me eager to put one together - thanks!!!!! One quick question - wanting to use this for a kayak, have you ever considered using waterproof SAE plugs vice the power poles you put it? I'm thinking that I don't want to use power poles for a box that is going to be used on my kayak :) I think it owuld add some expense to building the box, but probably a better option that exposed poles in a kayak.

[@JDSOutdoors]

Thank you and I have not considered it for this application but its definitely doable for use in a kayak.

[@hungry2hear]

You definitely took the scary out of the electrical build! Thanks for a great instructional video.

[@bigswededog]

Just found this and I know it's been here for a few years but had to let you know how much I appreciate this post. My wife bought me a new fish finder for Christmas and this is exactly what I was looking for.

[@teddyjakeddy975]

You should put together retail packages that include all the parts necessary to build this. Great Build.

[@847MicRoss]

Time vs Money. He probably makes a decent amount of money at his job where its not really worth it to him to build and sell these. He probably rather go FISHING in his off time.

[@Templar451]

Not build, assemble the parts and sell them together as a DYI kit. The buyer can do all the drilling, cutting and assembling. Leave out the battery to save weight. Put the parts in the box and ready for shipping. Bet people would buy them.

[@jube42]

@@Templar451 I witless definitely buy one. I asked him if he'd build one for me and I just pay him. Hopefully he will.

[@jube42]

*would

[@therealMikeG1]

ICE HOLE power already does. check them out if you like this vid. they are awesome

[@fattie2550]

Great video. Im going to build mine now but a 110ah battery and bigger box.

[@Matt_K74]

Fattie how did your build go ?

[@ChaZacIsa]

yes...updates?

[@fattie2550]

Bought an RV instead and running dual 6V batteries 232AH

[@jeffarooj]

Great video 👏👌 made an exact replica with an extra LED and stoked to get out ice fishing with it. May have to add that solar panel mod down the road too

[@mikeshepard3602]

Great video. Definitely going to make one of these. I night fish crappie and my green light I have been hooking up to my engine battery. Awesome thanks. 👍

[@davekimbler2308]

You must use the posts to charge the batteries! Try a 3.5mm plug that works great for solar charging ! HF sells nice small solar panels also .

[@dondiego124]

nice build thanks for the vid. for more $$ you can do this with a lithium battery instead of a lead acid battery. and you can either get more Ah's or 1/2 the weight

[@garystewart6033]

This is great but wouldn't you also need a protection circuit for the battery?

[@lisaevans7099]

THANK YOU for posting this. I built two of these three weeks ago and last night one of them kept me from having to call for a rescue on the Barren River in Kentucky. Ended up several miles from camp after dark but had one of these on my kayak. (I'd built them just in case my cell phone needed charging as I've had it die while on the water before and don't like not having a communication device while I'm out.) Last night it was the only thing that kept me from having to stop and wait for rescue or daylight. The LED lights on the front made it so I was able to see far enough in front of me to continue on my way (Very slowly, but still on my way.) I would recommend anyone who kayaks in rural areas make and take on of these on EVERY float.

[@JDSOutdoors]

Can I use your story in a video?

[@lisaevans7099]

@@JDSOutdoors Absolutely. I seriously depended on this last night for 2.5 hours to get me back. Without it, I have NO doubt I would have had to call for help.

[@pllagro]

JDS, this was really a great video. I saw these types of boxes that a friend had bought at ice a fishing show...did some research and they were all over $100 online and locally ones made in MN were pretty awesome. I bought all the supplies per this video from Amazon. I didnt see the ring terminals for the binding posts or the fuse block though? Anyway, I had a few nights in the garage and made 2 of them. It was very slow going getting the layout correctly drilled but you did a great job with everything!!!great fun to build. Thanks a bunch for the video....next up rope lights for the portable fish house.

[@bobt471]

🎉 Super EXCELLENT VIDEO..! Very informative, simple to follow and To the point! 🙏🏻 I’m a new Sub🤓

[@RogueOntheRoad]

I notice there are two fuse spots left over... room for a charging circuit possibly to charge the 12 Volt battery from a solar charge controller

[@phengchan3232]

Very useful video ( you showed all details step by step how to connected the wires to which one in that power box ) I like it a lot, thanks 🙏 for sharing this video.

[@micshtr]

Best video I've ever seen. I'm gonna try my luck and make one I'm just gonna use a full size battery box and use a 35 ah battery in it. Thanks

[@Thomas-po3by]

Question!! Hey JDS, loved the video,, I m building a simple box and was wondering if I could omit a fuse box and just use a inline fuse from battery to master switch.. thanks TC from NV

[@JDSOutdoors]

Good question and yes you absolutely can.

[@hermanjohnson2105]

You can but I believe the fuse box is used as a minified circuit breaker to protect each application of the box individually from one another possible short circuiting and or overloading.

[@peacewalker87]

This guy is so brilliant. I'm decided to challenge him with the wireless version. 😆

[@andrewpegs]

Hi mate, you go any links for the led lights, made the box And it’s awesome, 👌👌

[@gerrymorganelli136]

Great video! I made one and used a lithium battery as an added feature and installed 4 led lights instead of 2.

[@YourOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you for posting this video. When I get ready to post mine - I will gladly give you the credit for the original post. This is great!

[@amorton94]

What's funny, is when you go on Amazon to look at these parts, the rest of the parts are in the "Customers also bought" section.

[@yarpos]

wouldnt that be exactly how you would expect it to work???

[@jasone1881]

Can I buy one?

[@JDSOutdoors]

Jason Ellet with shipping it just doesn't make sense to sell them if they have to be shipped. I do make some to sell every winter locally but in the summer I'm super busy with work

[@LSDiskoBall]

I will build you one just like this what are you willing to pay?

[@moriahbenjamin2223]

JDS Outdoors we sell these and ship...f you don't mind me posting our site. Please let me know

[@Jow_Rd]

JDS Outdoors I'm able to pay for it ! Just to have extra power backup since we don't have power in some areas. Puerto Rico.

[@moriahbenjamin2223]

Jonathan Reyes check out John's Power Boxes on facebook

[@GreatDestroyer06]

This was an awesome video and you made it look too easy. Should note when charging a battery that it's always wise to do so in a ventilated area just in case it produces flammable fumes

[@nobracobra]

just came across this wonderful vid... will be ordering parts for the build tyfs

[@StraitClownin909]

So many stupid freaking comments on here. Why do none of you people listen to what he is saying?? Read the description of the video! Stop just asking questions and do about 5 minutes of research first.

[@chrispierce2942]

I was going to say the same thing but figured I would keep my mouth shut. You clearly tells you the name of the box and the battery size and all that. If these people would just watch the video they would know everything they are asking about LOL

[@StraitClownin909]

@@chrispierce2942 Never stay silent Chris

[@donsmith4534]

Thanks for all the detail. This was just what I was looking for.

[@NateManning68N8]

Awesome real time tutorial video. Was worth me watching the whole video. Bravo my friend!

[@crazyx7so]

Great video just built one myself watching this video to power all my ice fishing gear thanks again great video

[@Carpingsince71]

Best box build around. Great video. Thanks.

[@TheThemechanic89]

Sweet video!!! Very detailed step by step instructions. Can't wait to start my own

[@dannyfrias8625]

Good video..i built mine a few days ago...works awesome..thank you👍

[@MrTerryTurtle]

I am from Australia can’t wait ti give this ago.. it will be good for my fishing kayak

[@JDSOutdoors]

MrTerryTurtle it absolutely will enjoy friend

[@snorkyjk9620]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Built one last week.

[@gwilbur1]

very complete and thorough video. this was a good tutorial.

[@orlandoarciaga800]

Awesome video! Just ordered needed parts and am very excited to get started soon. Thanks again.

[@monti409]

Awesome , simply the best instructional video i have reviewed on youtube.

[@kengray9827]

Modified this design to use in my Vibe Shearwater 125 fishing kayak. I wanted to use the electric box they provided, and this design worked well. I just had to orient the features differently. While this design is a horizontal or landscape orientation, I had to change my version to a vertical or portrait layout to work well in the center of my boat.

[@geoffreyellis3271]

Whats left to say regarding your video! The best, informative, video on youtube, with a finished product that should really be produced for sale! You have a new subscriber in me, OUTSTANDING & WE ALL THANK YOU

[@bbanditrat]

Excellent installation video. Battery will move when traveling so I will mount it so battery won’t move. Very very good video.

[@kc3ppb]

Great video, going to build this. Thank you for sharing it!

[@mr.makeit4037]

Great job. Laid out great and attention to detail is good. I would say that you were ahead of your time with this project in 2017. Only thing that I would add is using those 90 degree spade connectors as this would bring the the wiring even closer to the lid and clean up the wiring even more. Would also lessen the chance of a wire being pulled out as the lid is opened and closed. Just my thoughts. Good job again and I plan to use this layout. Thanks.

[@JDSOutdoors]

I have since changed to those and they do help big time but I was one of the first to do these builds

[@sunj8286]

Thank you for sharing, great video.

[@GeekMustHave]

Love your construction style with the connectors and wire cut to the correct length. The only thing it's missing is some labels for the switches. Just noticed the solar power upgrade in the next video. Keep broadcasting!!

[@JDSOutdoors]

Thank you and I 100% agree on the labels it has crossed my mind

[@daron2428]

just found this video what a great idea and explained really well thanks for sharing