Flexboss18 and 3 hand truck carts? Flexboss plus two EG4 280aH batteries - Will Prowse style cart system?

[Chris O]

Has anyone built a portable solar system with the EG4 Flexboss18 and outdoor batteries on multiple hand carts so it could be “semi” transportable?
(Similar to a Will Prowse solar cart)
Flexboss18 & RV type post with circuit breakers on one cart
EG4 280ah Outdoor battery on another hand cart
2nd EG4 280 Outdoor battery on another hand cart

I’m looking for something I could use at my remote property and RV, but when not using it, transport it home and be able to charge via grid and use as emergency backup for my house. We already have a critical loads panel we connect a gas generator to and have used 6-7 times in 5 years…. I would like some simple battery disconnects so I don’t need to constantly tighten the lugs in the inverter


Maybe using connections like below and having a bus bar box the batteries plug into?
Connectors like these? https://amzn.to/451sjEQ

Yes I know it does need to be under some shelter like a cart port or canopy and not out completely in the open.

RV Pedestal $145 https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-RV-P...d-20-Amp-GFCI-Receptacle-GE1LU502SS/203393687
Hand Truck $129 (3 of them) https://www.homedepot.com/p/HARPER-...t-Free-Heavy-Duty-Hand-Truck-H51T86/204158727

 

[SunDave]

Have you considered a small trailer? This is probably coming up on 800lbs of equipment. Takes care of the shelter, makes it easier to move, etc. You could then wire it all up to a generator inlet with transfer switch or even an interlock device for your main panel at home. Make it so that the same cord works for both locations. You could even squeeze a panel or two in

 

[Brucey]

Has anyone built a portable solar system with the EG4 Flexboss18 and outdoor batteries on multiple hand carts so it could be “semi” transportable?
(Similar to a Will Prowse solar cart)
Flexboss18 & RV type post with circuit breakers on one cart
EG4 280ah Outdoor battery on another hand cart
2nd EG4 280 Outdoor battery on another hand cart

I’m looking for something I could use at my remote property and RV, but when not using it, transport it home and be able to charge via grid and use as emergency backup for my house. We already have a critical loads panel we connect a gas generator to and have used 6-7 times in 5 years…. I would like some simple battery disconnects so I don’t need to constantly tighten the lugs in the inverter


Maybe using connections like below and having a bus bar box the batteries plug into?
Connectors like these? https://amzn.to/451sjEQ

Yes I know it does need to be under some shelter like a cart port or canopy and not out completely in the open.

RV Pedestal $145 https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-RV-P...d-20-Amp-GFCI-Receptacle-GE1LU502SS/203393687
Hand Truck $129 (3 of them) https://www.homedepot.com/p/HARPER-...t-Free-Heavy-Duty-Hand-Truck-H51T86/204158727

If you do go with Anderson connectors make sure they are originals and not those knockoffs on Amazon.

Some options: batterycablesusa.com and ul listed wire with sb175s in 1/0 or less:

Anderson SB175 Copper Battery Cable Assembly 1/0 Gauge UL AWG w lug/terminal/clamp

www.batterycablesusa.com

Should be able to get similar hand trucks for half that price from harbor freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/material-handling/hand-trucks-carts-dollies/hand-platform-trucks.html

 

[Chris O]

Have you considered a small trailer? This is probably coming up on 800lbs of equipment. Takes care of the shelter, makes it easier to move, etc. You could then wire it all up to a generator inlet with transfer switch or even an interlock device for your main panel at home. Make it so that the same cord works for both locations. You could even squeeze a panel or two in

Yes, I have been looking at small trailers and may go that route. I would only put one item per hand cart, so 300lb battery on one hand cart. If I get two batteries, two hand carts.... And I would just use the hand carts to roll them on a ramp onto a Pallet and use my Skid Steer to move them. So more like a semi-portable.....

 

[410kirk]

Sounds like you've already given this lots of good thought. If it were mine I'd favor the trailer option which could include all the batteries, no hand trucks and a single larger inverter. Next to the inverter could be a load center, below the load center could be an outlet with a ThermoCube to thermostatically control a heating device for the batteries in January. If the trailer was tight and well insulated you could even heat it with a 25w incandescent bulb. Inside a waterproof box on the outside of the trailer could be a 50' (or other length) 50A RV extension cord wired through a hole from the box into the trailer and the 14-50P end removed and wired directly to the load center. The P end of a 10AWG regular extension cord could be wired into the load center with about 45' of it in the box giving your generator easy to use 240v and 120v outlets. Also in the box could be Anderson connectors on the ends of wires going to PV input on the inverter. Also through the wall of the trailer you could put a very small window A/C. Consideration should be given to placing the batteries such that the center of weight is in the right place just slightly ahead of the axle. Inside or on top of the trailer you could transport a few solar. panels with the appropriate wiring to connect with the Anderson connector in the box. You would then have a very robust (as many cheap 48v lLiFePo4 batteries as you think you need) solar generator that could be taken just about anywhere. I only suggested the 14-50P cable end to move the most power in such a portable manner, you could go smaller with an L14-30P twist lock (but that might not give you the "umph" you need for a big A/C compressor, if you have one, unless you're using a Soft Start). BTW, everything I described was what I intended to do at my off grid cabin except that age (78) and wealth (or lack of) allowed me to compromise much smaller and less portable. Have fun with your project however you go.