How I Power My Life on the Road 🔋 | Custom Lithium Battery Install in My BT-50

The very first install I tackled on my BT-50 was the 12V power system—and for good reason. After a full year of travelling around Australia in my Suzuki Jimny with nothing more than a portable power pack, I knew it was time for something more reliable. I wanted the freedom to head completely off-grid and still power all of my essentials… and yes, that definitely includes my hair straightener!

This setup has been an absolute game-changer for how I travel, camp, and stay connected on the road. Here's how I made it happen—and why I chose to mount everything behind the rear seat of my cab.

Why I Chose Custom Lithium:

I was originally referred to Custom Lithium by a friend in the Jimny community, and after doing a bit of research, I quickly realised they’d be the perfect fit for my setup. Why? Because space efficiency and reliability were non-negotiable when it came to building out my touring rig.

Custom Lithium ticked all the boxes—an Aussie-made company backed by years of industry experience, a massive 5-year warranty, and a reputation for quality. But what really sold me was their custom-built slimline range, made right here in Brisbane.

They don’t just sell batteries—they build them. And the fact that they could customise a slimline unit to mount neatly behind the rear seats of my BT-50 (or any ute, really) was exactly what I needed to keep my cab functional while still being fully powered.

The Setup:

• Battery: 200Ah Custom Lithium ultra slimline battery

• Inverter: 2000W Enerdrive inverter

• Monitoring System: Enerdrive battery monitor BMV-712 smart

• Solar: 200W panel input

• DC-DC Charger: Redarc BCDC Core 40A 12v battery charger

Why I Installed It in the Rear Cab:

At the time of the install, I was still running the stock tub on my BT-50, so making the most of my available space was essential. Mounting the battery setup behind the rear seats was the perfect solution—it kept everything tucked away without compromising any usable storage or tray space.

The team at Custom Lithium absolutely nailed the install. They wired everything up so I had convenient access to power where I needed it most: the inverter and USB/cigarette ports were accessible inside the cab, in the tub, and even up in my rooftop tent. Whether I was charging camera gear, powering my fridge, or straightening my hair (priorities!), I was covered.

The install itself was super clean and discreet—but if I ever needed to access the battery, it was as simple as folding down the rear seats.

Is It Safe to Install a Lithium Battery Inside the Cab?

One of the most common questions I get is whether it's actually safe to install a lithium battery inside the vehicle—and the short answer is: yes, when it’s done properly.

The Custom Lithium battery I had installed is a LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, which is considered one of the safest lithium chemistries available. These batteries are extremely stable, have built-in battery management systems (BMS), and don’t produce harmful off-gassing like older battery types.

On top of that, the install was done professionally and meets all necessary safety standards. The wiring is clean, protected, and properly fused—and with the battery tucked securely behind the rear seats, it's safe, out of the way, and easy to access when needed.

How It Powers My Setup:

My daily power usage is actually pretty high—I’m someone who loves their creature comforts on the road, and between full-time travel, working remotely, and editing videos, I definitely don’t go light on the power draw.

That said, this system has held up incredibly well. It’s kept me powered through remote camps, long stretches without driving, and cloudy days when solar input is limited. But to be completely honest? In hindsight, I probably could’ve gone for an even bigger battery, just to future-proof my setup a little more.

💻 Charging my laptop (for work and video editing)

📱 Charging phones, cameras, drone and other devices

🔌 Running my fridge + freezer

🌐 Powering my Starlink setup for internet access

💡 Lighting inside the cab, rooftop tent and tub

🍞 Toaster and sandwich press

🍳 Induction cooktop (on occasion)

💇‍♀️ And yes... my hair straightener

Even with all this, the 200Ah slimline lithium battery paired with the 2000W inverter has handled it all impressively well. And with the added support of a 200W solar panel, I’m usually back to over 60% by midday when the sun’s out (this can vary based on other factors).

Final Thoughts + Would I Recommend It?

Since the initial install, I’ve moved this battery setup as I upgraded to a full tray and canopy on my BT-50 to better suit my off-grid lifestyle.

Rather than running a second battery and keeping the original rear cab setup, I decided it made more sense to relocate the entire system to the canopy. This decision was all about usability — I spend most of my daily life working and relaxing in the canopy area, so having easy access to power there was a game-changer.

To support this upgrade, I had XTS 4x4 install the Enerdrive Traveller System with the ePRO Plus Battery Monitor. This system has been fantastic, consolidating all my power needs into one easy-to-manage setup, while still powering my rooftop tent and other accessories.

On top of that, the ePRO monitor also lets me keep an eye on my water tank levels — a handy feature for off-grid living.

Overall, this journey from the rear cab install to my canopy setup has been a huge step forward in making my travels smoother and more comfortable. I’d absolutely recommend Custom Lithium and the whole system for anyone looking to get serious about reliable, off-grid power.

Power is the backbone of life on the road, and having a reliable, efficient system has made all the difference in my adventures. From my first install behind the rear seats to the upgraded canopy setup, I’ve learned how important it is to invest in quality gear that fits your lifestyle and keeps you connected — no matter how far off-grid you go.

If you’re planning your own build or looking to upgrade your power system, I hope my experience with Custom Lithium and the Enerdrive setup gives you some useful insights.

You can check out their range here: https://customlithium.com.au/

Thanks for reading!

If you want to see more behind-the-scenes of my build, travel tips, and off-grid life, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram.

Let’s keep exploring together!

Sarah Rose Foster