Lithium Battery Warming System

I put together a battery heating system to keep my LiFePO4 batteries above freezing so I can charge during cold=weather camping. Basically there are 2 heating pads under each battery connected to an adjustable temperature controller that turns the heating pads on or off depending on the temperature of the battery container (based on a temperature sensor). I set it up so there is a separate heating system for each battery (I have 2 100AH  batteries wired in parallel).  I surrounded the batteries and heating pads with some rigid foam insulation. Testing so far shows that the heating pads do not get so hot that I need to worry about melting anything and the system draws approximately 2 amps when the pads in both systems are actively heating -- heating cycles on and off once desired temperatures are reached.  There is an on-off switch for each system so I can fully shut it down when not needed. Here are some images to show what I did. I will continue evaluating how well it works once colder weather gets here.

Downers Grove, IL
2017 T@B 320S Max, Blue and Silver -- "The Blueb@rry"

2026 States Visited Map-small.jpg

Comments

  • Zander360
    Zander360 Member Posts: 5
    Did your 2017 T@B come with any lithium or solar or is this a fresh install?
  • FishDoctor
    FishDoctor Member Posts: 79
    No solar or lithium when I bought it. I upgraded to lithium batteries and added a rooftop solar panel this past spring. The solar and lithium upgrade made boondocking easy during a long (35-day) expedition this past summer.

    Downers Grove, IL
    2017 T@B 320S Max, Blue and Silver -- "The Blueb@rry"

    2026 States Visited Map-small.jpg
  • dlb
    dlb Member Posts: 174
    Do you have a components list and links to their source?
    2021 Tab 400 Boondock
    2020 Audi SQ5
  • FishDoctor
    FishDoctor Member Posts: 79
    edited November 2025

    Item

    Description

    Source

    Silicone Rubber Heating Pads

    15cm x 5 cm; 12V; 20W; set of 4 pads

    Amazon

    Project Box

    Junction Box IP65 Waterproof Dustproof ABS Plastic Universal Electric Project Enclosure with Fixed Ear Black 6.2x3.5x2.5 inch (2pc)

    Amazon

    20-Gauge Galvanized Tie Plates

    Used as heat distribution for heating pads. Placed one on each side of the heating pads.

    Home Depot

    Toggle switches

    Waterproof Round Rocker Switch with Shell 12V Blue LED Rocker Toggle Switch Lighted ON

    Amazon

    Rigid Foam Board Insulation

    Pro Select R-Matte Plus-3, 0.5 in. x 48 in. x 8 ft. R-3.2 ISO Rigid Foam Board Insulation

    Home Depot

    Temperature Controllers

    wDC 12V Electronic Temperature Controller Programmable -50 to 110 Degree Celsius Heating/ Cooling Thermostat Control Switch

    Amazon


    Downers Grove, IL
    2017 T@B 320S Max, Blue and Silver -- "The Blueb@rry"

    2026 States Visited Map-small.jpg
  • dlb
    dlb Member Posts: 174
    Great!  Thanks
    2021 Tab 400 Boondock
    2020 Audi SQ5