How is everyone securing or mounting their portable power?

[Aonarch]

I've got an Ecoflow River 2. Pretty small, I just keep it behind the passenger seat of my two door. It's plugged into the center console 12v DC. I use a 220w solar panel when parked to charge it. Keeps my fridge running.

I'm not happy with it just chilling behind the seat.

How is everyone else mounting your solution?

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[cr117]

Wedged under my back seat.

 

[coverthawk]

CR117 - can you confirm a link to the power unit you have (looks like it is in a Pelican case)?

 

[Aonarch]

Wedged under my back seat.

CR117 - can you confirm a link to the power unit you have (looks like it is in a Pelican case)?

+1 is that a pelican case, or a troller motor case?

Any details on the build?

 

[raqball]

CR117 - can you confirm a link to the power unit you have (looks like it is in a Pelican case)?

+1 is that a pelican case, or a troller motor case?

Any details on the build?

Most of the major brands do not recommend using, laying or storing their battery power banks on their sides. I assume if there is a power bank in that case, that's it's on it's side.

I borrowed a Bluetti AC70 from a friend a few weeks ago for a trip and it was a PIA to find a spot for it where it could be secured / strapped down.

I now have a Dometic PLB40 battery power bank that I ordered and I need to find a spot for it where it can be secured / tied down while upright.

I'll go out and play with it later and if I find a good spot for it, I'll snap a photo of it's location. FWIW, I also have a 2dr.

Following this thread for ideas.

 

[cr117]

CR117 - can you confirm a link to the power unit you have (looks like it is in a Pelican case)?

+1 is that a pelican case, or a troller motor case?

Any details on the build?

It's a Harbor Freight Apache 3800 case with a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery inside. I designed & built it specifically so it could be stored on its side, like I have it, or upright. Can't speak for all power stations, but LiFePO4 batteries are completely fine to be mounted sideways.

Details of my build are here: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...n-diy-build-my-portable-battery-system.92428/

 

[raqball]

LiFePO4 batteries are completely fine to be mounted sideways.

Odd, Bluetti, just one brand I did a quick search on, are using LifePO4 (LFP) and they specifically state to not lay, use, or store them on their sides. I wonder why?

 

[cr117]

Odd, Bluetti, just one brand I did a quick search on, are using LifePO4 (LFP) and they specifically state to not lay, use, or store them on their sides.

Like I said, different power stations will have different rules depending on how they're designed. It might be structural (not able to sufficiently support the weight of the battery when sideways) or thermal (no proper ventilation) or some other reason, but LFP batteries on their own, given they're not a liquid chemistry, can be stored in any orientation.

 

[TerryB]

This faq from the manufacturer states they can be used in any orientation.

 

[raqball]

Like I said, different power stations will have different rules depending on how they're designed. It might be structural (not able to sufficiently support the weight of the battery when sideways) or thermal (no proper ventilation) or some other reason, but LFP batteries on their own, given they're not a liquid chemistry, can be stored in any orientation.

I guess the moral of the story is that people should check with whatever battery pack brand they have before storing them on their sides.

Good info, thanks for sharing.

This faq from the manufacturer states they can be used in any orientation.

I didn't watch the video but I hope this guys says their battery packs (not all) can be used on their sides.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Like I said, different power stations will have different rules depending on how they're designed. It might be structural (not able to sufficiently support the weight of the battery when sideways) or thermal (no proper ventilation) or some other reason, but LFP batteries on their own, given they're not a liquid chemistry, can be stored in any orientation.

Some power stations run fans when their inverters are running, they're making sure you're not blocking the cooling probably?

 

[cr117]

Some power stations run fans when their inverters are running, they're making sure you're not blocking the cooling probably?

Yes, that is likely a reason. Mine doesn't have an inverter built in (most of the stuff I run uses 12V) so I can get away with not having to worry about things heating up too much. I still added a temperature-controlled fan with an intake and exhaust to get air flowing through just in case.

 

[lakesinai]

I've got an Ecoflow River 2. Pretty small, I just keep it behind the passenger seat of my two door. It's plugged into the center console 12v DC. I use a 220w solar panel when parked to charge it. Keeps my fridge running.

I'm not happy with it just chilling behind the seat.

How is everyone else mounting your solution?

I've had my PLB-40 running my Dometic frig for 20 months now. They are on my set of jack planks/extraction boards, held in place nicely by rubber bungie cords. The bungie hooks onto the floor loops, works amazingly well. I charge it off the 120v outlet. I have plans for a roof solar panel under my half-rack.

 

[Aonarch]

Some power stations run fans when their inverters are running, they're making sure you're not blocking the cooling probably?

This is good to keep in mind.

I only use my portable power for the fridge and have it hooked up to 12v DC cigarette lighter.

 

[Aonarch]

Waiting on my fridge slide to arrive.

The portable power station can fit behind the passenger seat, sitting on top of my air compressor.

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