Battery Box Reviews - Australian focus

[TheDocAUS]

DRIFTA BB UPDATE
When the DRIFTA Battery Box is charging at 25 amps, it heats up and lifts the sticker on the battery box lid on the charger end. I will probably use Marine Goop to keep it in place, otherwise it has been an excellent Battery Box (so far).

One of the USB charging ports also failed, I think the internal wiring is faulty (USB unit is sealed). That is a little surprising as the USB port is one of the best quality ones I have seen, it is high quality. I have spares so I just changed it out.

Update: replacement USB port is being posted, no dramas. I wanted the replacement because the USB port is one of the best quality ones I have seen (only the metal ones look better). I was surprised something so well made even broke. DRIFTA have good after sales service, now added to review.

 

[minidok]

Just stumbled over these: https://www.licitti.com, newest product shows as:

Licitti AC Battery Box PRO​

Produced by Li Power (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd. They from Shenzhen, https://www.lipowertech.com

 

[TheDocAUS]

Just stumbled over these: https://www.licitti.com, newest product shows as:

Licitti AC Battery Box PRO​

Produced by Li Power (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd. They from Shenzhen, https://www.lipowertech.com

They might be the OEM for many of those battery boxes I have listed.

I have not seen that new battery box, thanks. I can see an AC charger model, but no DC to DC on that new BB so far.

 

[DenisM]

Not sure where else to post this.
I have been looking for ages for a simple battery box. Built the first version (reported previously) based on a metal box. That's now connected to 2 x 100 AH LiFeP04 batteries in parallel housed in a "tough case".

This version is simply a 100AH LiFeP04 housed in a "tough case", containing a Victron smart shunt and a 40Amp manual circuit breaker, wired to an external SB50 Anderson plug.
Tough Case connects to a breakout box via 1.5m x 8 gauge cable. Breakout box has volt meter with push button display, two standard cig. sockets and 2 x usb sockets.
Breakout box and cable store neatly in tough case when not in use.

 

[Clark Kent]

Not sure where else to post this.
I have been looking for ages for a simple battery box. Built the first version (reported previously) based on a metal box. That's now connected to 2 x 100 AH LiFeP04 batteries in parallel housed in a "tough case".

This version is simply a 100AH LiFeP04 housed in a "tough case", containing a Victron smart shunt and a 40Amp manual circuit breaker, wired to an external SB50 Anderson plug.
Tough Case connects to a breakout box via 1.5m x 8 gauge cable. Breakout box has volt meter with push button display, two standard cig. sockets and 2 x usb sockets.
Breakout box and cable store neatly in tough case when not in use.View attachment 7895059View attachment 7895060View attachment 7895061

Hi @DenisM
What's the application here. Is it just a multipurpose power box? How will you charge it?

Those tactix boxes are ok for the price. I have a Celfi 4G booster unit with some SMA antenna and DC power connectors built into a small one so I can move it between my vehicle and camper. Robust enough and splashproof.

 

[DenisM]

Hi @DenisM
What's the application here. Is it just a multipurpose power box? How will you charge it?

Those tactix boxes are ok for the price. I have a Celfi 4G booster unit with some SMA antenna and DC power connectors built into a small one so I can move it between my vehicle and camper. Robust enough and splashproof.

The box is intended as a portable power pack... small fridge and lights for camping, recharging phone etc away from the vehicle. I bought a Cteck D250se about 15 m ago at an Auto Super centre sale ( on clearance) before I had properly figured out the existing Grenadier setup ...so it's still in its box.... but now I have a cunning plan
I'll mount the D250SE in a small case with external sockets and use it as a separate DC-DC /solar charger for the 100ah Li battery, or a solar charger for the main battery using alligator clips.... (The other, larger battery box, has its own Projecta 25 amp DC-DC /mppt solar charger for the 200 ah batteries.)

I'd been wondering how to best utilise the 40amp "compressor" outlet cable under the back seats on the rhs.... I've decided terminate the cable in a flush mount "3 contact" Anderson socket* on the wall of the electrical cover under the seats, allowing me to plug in either battery box (plus D250se as required) when driving, for recharge . That's the theory!
* the third contact is ignition dependent 12v to activate the smart alternator charging regime.

The Ctek D250SE selects lead acid /Lithium battery charging algorithm depending on how two thin gauge (red and black) wires are connected /or not! I may be able to sort this with a rotary switch... I still need to think that through!

 

[TheDocAUS]

Not sure where else to post this.
I have been looking for ages for a simple battery box. Built the first version (reported previously) based on a metal box. That's now connected to 2 x 100 AH LiFeP04 batteries in parallel housed in a "tough case".

This version is simply a 100AH LiFeP04 housed in a "tough case", containing a Victron smart shunt and a 40Amp manual circuit breaker, wired to an external SB50 Anderson plug.
Tough Case connects to a breakout box via 1.5m x 8 gauge cable. Breakout box has volt meter with push button display, two standard cig. sockets and 2 x usb sockets.
Breakout box and cable store neatly in tough case when not in use.View attachment 7895059View attachment 7895060View attachment 7895061

JTS offer a similar concept called the Power Easy Expedition here. It is bigger and has more features, with a price tag to go with it. But it is a very powerful solution.

The list of Battery Boxes over here has some other choices, now with some generic battery boxes for the DYIer (towards the bottom of the list):

Post in thread 'AUSTRALIA: Third party suppliers for the Grenadier'

Mar 1, 2025

BATTERY BOXES
Some Battery Boxes reviewed here. The Hardkorr BB was the winner but the DRIFTA, KickAss and Thunder are also compelling (and for some even better).

1. KickAss Battery Boxes. My mini review here;
2. KICKASS wired switching canopy power system with 40A DC2DC charger here;
3. The DRIFTA Battery Box. My mini review here;
4. Hardkorr Battery Boxes (also marketed as the CAOS Power Battery Box);
5. Thunder battery box customised by Accelerate Off-Grid Touring, or just the based model Thunder Battery Box...

• TheDocAUS

• 

I will add your new one once you finish it.

The JTS Power Easy Expedition box.

Features:

• DC to DC 12V Charger
• AC 240V Charger
• 240V True Sine Wave Inverter
• Fits up to 125AH AGM or up to a 310ah Lithium Battery
• Grey Anderson Outlet – Power Accessories – Run Your Fridge
• Grey Anderson Input – Vehicle Input – Charge while Driving
• Red Anderson – Solar Input – Charge with Solar Panel or Blanket
• 12V Plug Outlet – Power Accessories using 12V Plug
• Twin USB Socket Outlet – Charge USB accessories
• Digital Volt Meter – Shows battery life instantly
• 50 Amp Resettable Fuse
• Each Socket Individually Fused – easy to replace
  
  View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yynmhrwUFz4&ab_channel=JTSOffroadTV%3AJTS12Volt