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12v Portable Battery Box | Why would you need one?
What makes a 12v Portable Battery Box special.
Firstly a 12v Portable Battery Box are a cost effective power soloution. Great for day trips fishing, overnight camping, emergency power at home or even on a worksite.
A 12v Portable Battery Box is a great and easy soloution when limited space is an issue.
These units can come in several options and sizes:
- 12v systems with 12v output ports for powering USB, lights and other 12v appliances.
- 12/230v systems with both 12v and 230v outputs.
Which is the right fit for you?
That all depends on whay you need while you are out and about. If you just need a few lights for the night and the ability to charge devices, power a 12v fridge, small fan these are are the ones to look at.
Sometimes you need the 12v options but there are certain appliances that will need 230v power depending on your requirements.
What are your Limits?
The most important choice you need to consider is the battery type, size and how ofted it gets used.
There are two types of batteries to consider when choosing a 12v Portable Battery Box:
- AGM – These are general battery types similar to the ones used in vehicles. They are cheaper, however, depending on how you use them you may be looking at replacing them every 2 years. Also a good thing to note is that they are heavy, a 100AH battery can easily weigh 20KG!
- Lithium – These are more common nowdays but yes they are more expensive. Used correctly these batteries can give you easily 5 years of service. They also have a longer discharge time compared to an AGM. These batteries are might lighter and can take up less space.
The last thing to consider is the battery capacity. There are several sizes to choose from, most 12v Portable Battery Box units can take up to a 100amp AGM sized battery. If you are looking at getting a AGM system then a 100AH battery will be the better option.
For lithium systems you have some wiggle room depending on what your power requirements are, if it is just for lights and charging then a smaller battery can be used, if you are looking at powering a fridge 12/230v then a 100AH battery would be the better choice.
Charging your 12v Portable Battery Box
A common mistake is made when purchasing these units, unless specified they generally do not come with a battery charger. It happens ofted that the unit is used, stored and forgotten for a few months then when you try using it again the battery is completely dead, in some cases (AGM) they will need to be replaced.
The reason for this is that are several ways to charge these units. The most simple way is to use a 230v plug in charger that suits your battery type.
Alternatively a combination can be used. A 230v charger for quick charge and storage and a Solar panel. Advantages of a solar panel is that you can take it with you on your trip and use the solar to run the equipment during the day thus keeping your battery at full power for the evening.
The two types of a 12v Portable Battery Box
These units gerenally offer several features from USB ports to various 12v outputs, the outputs can support different appliances from 12v equipment to an inverter that can run your 230v appliances.
Advantages:
- Cost effective – good value for your money.
- Battery can be sized to your needs.
- Battery can be replaced or upgraded.
- Modifications can be made.
These are great for long term use and the ‘weekend warrior’. From spending the weekend at a fishing competition or out camping and enjoying the bush with no one and nothing around you.
Branded compact units, these are “all in one” systems that can be bought off the shelf. The units each have similar outputs and some have add-on components e.g. solar panels.
Advantages:
- Lithium Battery (Standard)
- 12v/230v outputs
- Compact and lightweight
Although these units are considerably more expensive, they are great for a lightweight and compact soloution for almost any outdoor activity.
Need something different?
There are times where both of the above type systems ‘could’ do the job but it’s not exactly what you need.
We can assist with the design and build of a portable soloution that suits your needs.
For more information get in touch with us!