To start I am cheap, so DIY and other way thinking I use a lot. I try not to buy cheap stuff just stuff cheaply. I work from home and drive VERY VERY little (5 maybe 6 gas tanks 2019, less 2020). So 20 year old car with older battery tech and I get a drained battery. I also just added a powered sub and 4 sets of roof lights and 1 set of grill lights last year. So I wanted a new AGM battery and the one I want had a $30 rebate off $319.


Turns out my buddy works there and got me his discount on the battery and a $99 charger for AGM batteries all for $280. Since I wasn't changing the amp on the alt charger the car wouldn't ever fully charge the higher volt AGM. So once a month I charger over night with quick connect plug. Last month on the last day the car started a little sluggish (not low enough to reset MPG, Clock, etc) and later that night when I charged, the charger said under 25% (Cold month only drove 2 short trips).

I did needed to add a spacer (nut) and I filed the rough edges on the top of the bracket to stop it from cutting into the hood gasket.

I have been looking for a cargo cover and OEM ones are like $300-400 (more than 10% of car price) Used ones $150-250 if you can find clean ones. I want to carry stuff in the back and not have people see DeWalt, etc. So I found this steamer style trunk for $72 total (shipping and tax) that normally sells for $198+tax. It covers up my stuff and still looks nice.




Holds up to 200lb has a place to quick attach wheels. I did order the tray and wheels for another $45 and will spend $10 on some smoke gray oil paint for the tray and inside. See that orange thing , it's next.

So I found this Streamlight 45855 E-Spot Litebox Lantern with DC Charge Cord and Mounting Rack that sells for $180+, open box for under $85. So as I expected it was like new but didn't work when I got it. These batteries need to stay charged and only last a few years, some places replace once a year. So my buddy's place sells a AGM replacement for $32. He charged me a little over $10 and I bought him lunch.


My problem was how and where to mount it........so a piece of kydex some cuts and a little melting, I made this


It just slips over the door/lid and doesn't move. The flashlight stays charged in the house but if I need to take it with me, I easily can.

More to come.

 

Nothing wrong with being frugal! Nice storage trunk.

 

Nice!

When you do drive, make sure you run it for at least 45minutes.

Salim

 

Or trickle charge it.

 

Nice clean job on the fuse block and the always ready to go reachargeable flashlight is a nice touch too.
The trunk will keep people from seeing your tools and busting your windows so one less thing to worry about.