How to build a 12v portable power box

[@dub5355]

I needed so badly, a step by step. All things electrical scare the heck out of me. Yes even little 12 v batteries. I tip my hat and truly honestly thank you.

[@dayonmage3946]

Thank you very much for the patient explanation and willingness to make this video. I’m studying to be an electrical engineer, though I’m still a novice amateur at best, therefore this power-box project is an ideal learning experience for me to make something for practical applications, and it will be fun and enjoyable, and I can do it w/ my dad who is a retired electrician. Have a great day, JDS Outdoors. You’re the man!

[@mirocapin4759]

Absolutely the best pedagogic video, no stirr, no stress ...perfect, thanks👍👍👍👍👍

[@ricker76er]

Nice build, and a very well organized box. FYI, your batteries are in parallel giving you a 12V 18Ah system. If anyone is curious, you can also connect them in series and get a 24V 9Ah system (I hope that's right, college circuits were a long time ago). Just depends on what your needs are. Thanks for posting.

[@robertocarloscaruso6840]

Just finished building mine. Thank you very much. A clear cable explanation would be the best. But everything worked fine for me. Wish you the best, my friend. Greetings from Argentina.

[@tuckergmt]

Can't thank you enough. Just finished my go box. Your video and explanation regarding the wiring were what got me through. I did add a couple of items you don't have but everything works great. Thanks again and hope to see more of your videos.

[@JDSOutdoors]

Gary Tucker thanks man I'm glad it helped. comments like this make it worth it

[@alphainfinitum3445]

This is solid work mate. The video is detailed enough for anyone to understand and build one.

[@jimmysharley]

I've been wondering all about these power boxes. You described it right on! Clear and simple. Great job!

[@jeffreyhodge3088]

Been looking for a way to build a battery box for my Kayak. Best video yet! Great job. Will reference this when I get ready to build. Only will have to figure how to wire up a control panel where I will be sitting. Thanks.

[@newageautotechnology]

Nice build. I used a 30 ah battery on mine. So far it does all i need.

[@kevind8667]

I bought the same set up you have here and haven't done it because I wasn't sure where to start or how to do it exactly. This video will be watch A LOT when I make mine. Very easy to follow and clean! Nice work! Thanks for the help!

[@JDSOutdoors]

Kevin D no problem thanks for the comment glad it helps

[@robertbeda959]

Very nice job. Actually bought the same swiches for redoing my old Jeep. Only change I would make is to connect the hot leads coming off the fuse block to the swich beneath it rather than running the wires diagonally. But, that's just my OCD kicking in! Suscribed.

[@Tony94541]

Wonderful video. I am building my portable power box now. Still waiting for components to come in from Amazon and Ebay. I will be adding a MPPT Solar charge controller, an Inverter, and a external AC plug. Thanks for posting. Really appreciate your discussion about wiring the fuse block and switches.

[@utultrarnr]

Everything looks ok. Hung it on a hook in the living room she can't reach.

[@jimpoop]

Awesome. I gotta build one of these for my camping, fishing, and my Astrophotography rig

[@PBS-nm1uu]

thanks for taking the time to show how it is done, please keep them coming,

[@aim2fish242]

Thanks JDS Outdoors for the video. I basically duplicated your box for using in my fishing canoe. Worked out great!

[@kellyclover5953]

I bought a Powerwerx premade power box, a battery, and a battery charger. It cost me about $200 for all 3 items. It saved me a lot of work. Now my thoughts are about improvising so I can do more with it. For example, I will after learning to use this properly for small wattage electrical things, connect much higher Ah battery(ies) so I can power a lot more stuff. For those of you who want to save time cutting up and connecting wires, you could consider the Powerwerx power box to get started quickly with little work.

[@riskybidnes]

Love the box build, very thorough description. Thank you for sharing.

[@kimsotus]

Cool project. Getting all the pieces together to make something similar, not as many bells and whistles. But you've done a spectacular job describing the setup process.

[@jimbrownza]

There are loads of videos here on how to make these boxes: this is one of the better ones. Only suggestion I'd make is to lay an insulating sheet of plastic or rubber over the batteries because the working parts get a bit close when the lid is closed: adds a second line of defence if anything wiggles loose in transit and prevents shorts. I like the master fuse and master switch.....

[@anton00867]

This is by far one of the better boxes I have been looking at. Great job!

[@pennystansfield9362]

I’ve been looking for a tutorial on how to assemble my box and this video is simple and easy to follow. Just one thing, I was thinking of adding a socket to charge the batteries either from a charger or solar panel.

[@JDSOutdoors]

Its possible I have a solar video as well for the power boxes. Version 2 is much better than this one

[@JDSOutdoors]

Marc Velo yes everything was ordered off of Amazon I typed in 12v switches, volt meter, USB, and fuse block and found the ones I thought would work best for my needs. thank you

[@MrRahimhosein]

Hi. Can you make one and sell it to me?

[@jerrydensmore2887]

Great job, the box was big enough to put the batteries to one side and wire in a 200 watt inverter for the most important camping item, (the TV). Looks very clean build, thanks for sharing.

[@shanemartinson5006]

great video, I'm going to build something like this for my kayak, thank you

[@Karlx2x]

Hi JDS Outdoors, this is awesome and I am aiming to build one to go fishing! I am no electrical expert so what would really help is a list of the items you used...e.g. 7amp fuses / 10amp wire etc... if at all possible. No worries if not I can muddle through. Thanks for the video!

[@davescorneroftheworld1147]

He also never said how to RECHARGE the batteries, most of us use SOLOR but you can use a small battery tender from Harbor Freight. You really need to charge when you are away from home, that would be with solar most likely. You could hook it up to your car 12V DC supply (segregate lighter). That is not in his description. What I would do from the LEFT I would have a 20 amp MAIN fuse then a 7.5 or a 10 amp fuse then the rest would be 3 amp fuses.

[@tracybudzielek5608]

Wow, I just came across your video. Thank you very much. Your video was very informative and it helps me out a great deal. I’m going to make one of these out of my Milwaukee pack out box. Thanks again

[@thejwchannel3137]

Bloody good video, feels great to be able to make your own stuff, keep producing those vids, big hi from Australia!!

[@bobt471]

👍Also a step bit works great for holes!!

[@homevalueglass3809]

Boy, that's nice and tidy wiring. Fantastic design. Thanks for sharing. I have no idea what your time is worth to you but I'd be willing to pay a guy $50 to source and build one of these. I'll be using this wiring design but will be solar charging. Will also add a connection for 2 hand crank chargers so can charge the battery if not sunny.

[@seanhughes5905]

Great advice... I've made one following your video with a 130ah leisure battery.

[@ct026]

What an absolutely fantastic video. Well done mate. Many thanks from across the pond.

[@electro_solar]

Easy and simple. Great product.

[@blackwolfprepper1128]

great video. Maybe put a peice of that bar across your batteries so they don't short out anything of the box gets tipped over. Just a suggestion.

[@christopherharris1039]

good video and well presented and clearly set out , nice one JDS Outdoors

[@ChaZacIsa]

Hey cool, man. I was looking for something simple for emergencies and camping. This will go along with my 40w solar panels I just bought. Good tutorial. Five stars!

[@tomrum42]

I just got the last of what I need for my box, which will be a power source for a trolling motor on a canoe. My box will have a cig lighter, combo volt/amp/watt panel meter (ebay), combo battery charging port & battery status panel (NOCO chargers), PWM motor speed controller with variable speed and a reversing switch (ebay). I plan on having 2 sets of power lugs. 1 set of lugs will come out of the PWM speed controller (for the trolling motor) and the other set of lugs will bypass the speed controller. I had already planned on doing almost all of the wiring on the inside of the lid like you have done. I am using one 35ah battery (Amazon).

[@davidwayneprins]

Almost five years ago now, did something similar but most of the lights were replaced with a Bluetooth amplifier and some car stereo speakers. Wound up changing the battery to a Lithium Ion one as the sealed lead acid was no longer holding a charge for more than an hour.

[@76aussieguy]

cheers for sharing mate, im just about to make another little battery box, your wiring is heaps neater than what i did last time. that fuse box is brilliant

[@JDSOutdoors]

76aussieguy thanks man is it weird I read that with an accent? I have a friend who lives in Tamworth and as soon as I saw heaps I knew you were Australian. glad I could help

[@76aussieguy]

its all good mate, i wrote it with an accent hahaha

[@chellehaney942]

hilarious

[@markwestendorf9469]

Uni-bit for the holes would work. Cool idea.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

Terrific video. Looks like a fairly simple weekend build. I would probably add a three way switch (on-off-on)for charging via a wall adapter and a solar controller. Also a connection point to add in a another ammo box with just a pair of batteries for additional run time.

[@claytonthomas9773]

Bradley Johnson if you do the extra ammo box could you just hook them up to the post on the top of the ammo box?

[@ekoms108]

You dont need a 3 way switch. There is no difference between charging and discharging.

[@bosspatis369]

Excellent build and very precised tutorial too! Of all the DIY power box/power stations I've watched on KZbin, this is the best and easy to understand and follow. Thank you for this great tutorial. Subscribed forever! More power!

[@JM-jb5cb]

what a fantastic video, very well put together, clear and concise, thanks

[@King.DAVid.III2022]

The step bits work for all panel builds I picked up harbor freight

[@Garry1980]

Great video how to make and wire up the box would you do a video of this but adding a solar charge controller and solar panels.

[@damianstirling7553]

a stepper bit will help with holes in future...

[@aaronm9478]

Very cool! I like this project. Will be making one of these for powering a mobile amateur radio soon.

[@waynetate9895]

Great video. Excellent tutorial. I have watched a lot of these videos. This is the best so far.

[@nswst8]

Great DIYer power box. Great "How To"!

[@cet645]

Thanks for posting.

[@danemmerich6775]

Great Video!! Learned alot. That makes a great power box for anything!! A water proofed one would be good for my Kayak. Maybe with some silicone will make it more waterproof.

[@jonmartinez1855]

great video, I a was looking for something like this for ice fishing and my kayak and canoe. Only improvement I can think of is a built in charger to charge the batteries. You should build and sell these, there is a market huge market right now for these. thank you for sharing the idea and how to!

[@williamvan909]

hello great job fella i watch your other video on the small one's made two of them so far going to make some for Christmas gifts for family .love the 20 min videos make's it easy too hook them up thanks again for in formation . P.S. also watch the LED lights like it thanks again .happy holidays to you

[@JDSOutdoors]

Thank you and same to you as well

[@antoncroes4078]

very nice presentation. But how do you charge the 2 batteries?

[@ethanbaylis5204]

very well made mate, you’ve earned a sub

[@geoffreydlin8043]

You are a great teacher. Subscribed.

[@ecoinsectscreens5551]

Finally a very clear and neat video. thanks

[@bobt471]

❤ Excellent video and info….🙏🏻😎

[@JamesWilliams-nw5cf]

Thank You, great video 2 questions - can you provide links for the items used to build, and how is the voltage reduced for the usb port?

[@pjeaton58]

Some kind of voltage regulator chip eg. 7805 or the 2 amp version. Google it !

[@johncapps5044]

How do you charge the batteries without removing them? Through the posts with the switches off? Thanks for the help.

[@erdejo01]

That was exactly my question as well! There's no way to charge the batteries in the box. Leaving the switches off would not change the batteries (I'm pretty sure....), I think!

[@matstoner5383]

Hi mate can you tell me what fuse size you use from left to right ta as am using 2x 12v 12ah batteries

[@pjeaton58]

What charger do you use?, how is it connected? and should batteries be in parallel like that? since the stronger one will always try to charge weaker one leading to loss of charge totally !

[@DEADWINTER]

Cool video! I'll be making one of these for the portable this weekend.

[@JDSOutdoors]

DEAD WINTER thank you and have fun I enjoy making them

[@faniebuys2376]

How do you charge the batteries after use?

[@Carpingsince71]

Thanks for such a great video. The wiring you made look so simple. One question: How do you charge it and what with?

[@JDSOutdoors]

You hook a 12v charger to the battery or the power posts

[@leemats2572]

Thanks for the information man! Appreciate it.

[@grantsmith2414]

Hey JDS... this is "heaps" lol (@Sunshine Coast Aus.) great.... with the total 18amps - ideal for those led lights & the little spotties are a great idea & excellent wiring setup & vid.

[@LaurenceAllen]

OMG you rock man; ever think about using Lithium Ion Battery pack instead?

[@JoeSupermoto]

How do you recharge the batteries?

[@outbackeddie]

Very helpful video. I'm getting ready to build one myself and you have given me some very good ideas. Thank you.

[@johnrackley1903]

Great Video, very clean and professional looking.

[@Exitwounds666]

Great video mate. You should sell these. I'd buy one 😊

[@ofacesig]

If you have the master and poles switch on can you charge the batteries w/o opening the lid?

[@JDSOutdoors]

Yes

[@kylewilliams3306]

What would be a good plastic ammo box to put 2 6.5. 1/2 150watt marine speaker on the front of it should I go with 30mm 40mm or 50mm?

[@JDSOutdoors]

I'd go with a 50 cal box.

[@kylewilliams3306]

@@JDSOutdoors is there a 50mm plastic ammo box black

[@JDSOutdoors]

@kylewilliams3306 I haven't heard of one but that doesn't mean there isn't one.

[@donaldfinkler2490]

What size fuse do you use for led lights

[@aaronramsden1657]

Shouldn't you put the fuses connected to the negative terminals? As with electron flow, not conventional current?

[@newport2926]

Made this. Works excellently. Thanx for the great idea. I am thinking about how to make another (smaller) battery source. Any ideas.

[@ronnieroberts4932]

Good Video, However a couple of Safety tips. All jewelry should be removed before working on anything electrical & The Battery should be the very Last Connection ALWAYS.

[@james10739]

good video im planing on making one with 18650s in a steel ammo can

[@zulmep]

So helpful. Thanks bro

[@AngusNB]

Good video and nice box. The info at 6:40 about connecting the positive (+) wire to one battery and the negative (-) wire to the other battery is not necessary. No matter how you connect them power is being drawn evenly from both batteries at once.

[@shepfc1962]

How do you charge the batteries take them out for her to get the charger to pause on the negative

[@carlosreyes485]

Can I see how you did the ground set up.to the bolt

[@JDSOutdoors]

I just used ring connectors

[@islamoradaanthony]

Great video!!! Question.... How do you charge the 12v batteries? Disconnect the accessories and attach to a charger? Thanks

[@mossymaple]

How do you charge the battery? Is there a charge connection?

[@jay-rus4437]

How do you wire in a 2 pole toggle switch and then volt meter, and finally on to the fuse block? Is it battery + to one side of toggle, then + from second side of toggle to volt meter, and then + to fuse block? Is it battery - to volt meter, and then - to fuse block? I have a really nice heavy 30amp toggle, but it only has two poles. So Im assuming it isn’t directly grounded, but is simply interrupting battery positive lead?

[@JDSOutdoors]

Yes it would be pos in from battery and pos out to fuse block.

[@Codylun92]

Do you charge it from the posts or do you need to remove the batteries?

[@JDSOutdoors]

Either works

[@iankirwan7267]

Hi this is a great! With your experience can you give me a rough approximation on how many times you could charge a modern mobile smart phone with this set up of 2x 12v 9ahr batteries? Thanks again

[@JDSOutdoors]

You should have no problem getting between 4 and 6 charges out of it easily depending on the sate of your phone battery at charging

[@robertcoleman5560]

hay could use a leisure battery in the uk the leisure battery is about the same size in a car ??? would it work the same just big scale ??

[@ronlewis6394]

Are the Batteries rechargeable?

[@JDSOutdoors]

Absolutely I have some 6 years old running strong

[@ronlewis6394]

What are you using to recharge them?

[@Franisboche]

Where did you get the batteries from?

[@JDSOutdoors]

amzn.to/3cC85di

[@robertocarloscaruso6840]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. WHAT CABLE SIZE DO YOU RECOMMEND?

[@JDSOutdoors]

14-16

[@terrygippert7208]

I do have a question for you, for the USB & cigarette lighter do you use a 5 volt fuse ?

[@JDSOutdoors]

Yes

[@maximusbegg]

How do you charge the battery 🔋 in the box ? I’m looking for ideas. I only have a 12v cigarette socket in the flatbed of my truck and would like to keep the box charged up as I drive

[@JDSOutdoors]

Use this amzn.to/3iMieTR And plug a 12v trickle charger into it and hook directly to the battery or posts with switch on.

[@Mike-fh9tl]

hey JDS Outdoors i LOVE this battery box of yours i want to make one my self but i live in south africa and its hard to get boxes like that i want a box just like yours can you please send me a link of some of the stuff you have bought for your power box what watts are the led lights (hot systems)

[@MsTransfomer]

what type of fuse your using it

[@freshmaker5]

I have a question on the main power switch. I built one and have a main power switch followed by individual switches to each item just like yours with exception to the cigarette lighter plug. I ran the positive to a fuse and direct to the cigarette lighter plug so it’s always hot. I did this because I thought if someone plugged in an 110v inverter to the cigarette plug and plugged in a household item like a fan that the little main power switch could not handle the amps and would melt. So I opted to skip that switch. What is your opinion on those power switches being able to handle something like that? It’s a lot of power going through one little tiny switch to all the rest if using an inverter? I don’t think the cigarette lighter would draw any power unless it’s used.

[@JDSOutdoors]

Good question. Those inverters pull a ton of power. This box isn't really made to power an inverter. However it could easily be made to do so. You would want the lighter on its own cucuit with 10 guage wire and inline fuse in order for it to safely work. Those switches won't handle that many amps so either don't switch it or use a heavy duty switch. But make sure to fuse it. They won't pull power if nothing is plugged into them.

[@freshmaker5]

@@JDSOutdoors sounds like I did the right thing then. Thanks! I have the lighter plug fused individually and being hot all the time isn’t a concern because it has the rubber cap. My only concern was that it would draw power ever so slightly and overtime deplete the battery. The rest of mine is set up like yours where one main power switch allows the other switches to give power to their individual item. Do you know of any switches that could handle the power of an inverter? Like a link on Amazon or what they would be called or their specs?

[@JDSOutdoors]

@@freshmaker5 what size inverter are you using? I have some switches I love for that just wanna make sure your inverter isn't to big

[@freshmaker5]

@@JDSOutdoors 150w but I’m open to suggestions

[@JDSOutdoors]

@@freshmaker5 this is my favorite switch for applications like that amzn.to/3sHOQm0

[@Toadergelu]

hi, how you prevent overdischarge of youer's battery?

[@Mike-fh9tl]

hey JDS Outdoors i LOVE this battery box of yours i want to make one my self but i live in south africa and its hard to get boxes like that i want a box just like yours can you please send me a link of some of the stuff you have bought for your power box

[@scienceobrien8335]

Thanks, very clear explanation on the wiring!