When you’re setting up a 4WD, canopy, or camper trailer, you quickly realise that two resources are always in short supply: space and weight capacity (payload). For years, the standard dual-battery solution was a traditional 120Ah AGM battery. While AGM technology is reliable, these batteries are incredibly heavy (usually around 31kg) and bulky.
With the release of the new KickAss 12V 120Ah Lithium Compact Deep Cycle Battery LiFePO4, off-grid travellers can now get more usable power in a footprint that is significantly smaller and lighter than ever before. This article will explore the technology behind compact lithium and look at how it solves the most common 12V installation challenges.
The Space & Weight Problem (That's Solved By Compact Lithium)
To understand why this battery is a game-changer, we have to look at the numbers. A standard N70-sized lead-acid or AGM battery typically measures around 330mm in length.
By contrast, the KickAss 12V 120Ah Lithium Compact Deep Cycle Battery LiFePO4 measures just 238mm (L) x 168mm (W) x 258mm (H). 
By utilising advanced prismatic lithium chemistry, we have condensed 120Ah of storage into a box that is substantially smaller than a standard N70 casing.
1. 100% Usable Capacity
With a traditional AGM battery, you should only discharge it down to 50% of its capacity to avoid permanently damaging the cells. That means a 120Ah AGM battery only gives you about 60Ah of actual, usable power.
Because this KickAss battery uses premium lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, you can safely use 100% of the rated 120Ah capacity. You get double the runtime of a same-sized AGM.
2. Massive Weight Savings
At just 12.55kg, the compact lithium battery is roughly half the weight of an equivalent AGM battery. Shaving 15kg to 20kg off your auxiliary battery setup leaves more of your vehicle's payload available for water, recovery gear, and camping essentials.
3. Built to Handle the Elements
Unlike standard lithium batteries that need to be sheltered inside a caravan cabin, this compact unit features an IP65 weatherproof rating. This means it has high resistance to dust and water ingress, making it perfect for installation in external canopy drawers, camper utility boxes, or custom 4WD rear-drawer setups.
Secure Mounting on Rough Tracks: The Compact Battery Tray
Reducing the size of a battery is only half the battle. If a battery isn't secured properly, Australia’s corrugated outback roads will quickly cause damage to terminals, wiring, and the battery casing itself.
Because of its unique, space-saving dimensions, this battery won't fit into standard off-the-shelf plastic battery boxes or oversized AGM trays.
To solve this, we designed the matching KickAss 120Ah Compact Battery Tray.
This tray is specifically engineered to cradle the exact dimensions of the compact battery. It features:
- A Lightweight, Heavy-Duty Aluminium Build: It won't rust and adds virtually zero unnecessary weight to your build.
- Internal Foam Padding: Absorbs vibrations on rough corrugated tracks, protecting the structural integrity of the battery's internal cells.
- Adjustable Heavy-Duty Tie-Down Straps: Simple, secure, and easy to undo when you need to relocate or service your setup.
- Included Mounting Hardware: Makes DIY installation onto canopy false floors, drawer systems, or caravan toolboxes simple and professional.
Is a Compact Setup Right For You?
If you are building your first 12V system, upgrading an old AGM dual-battery setup, or trying to pack as much gear as possible into a compact SUV or canopy, the compact lithium battery and tray combination is an ideal starting point.
It provides clean, high-performance power (featuring a 120A continuous discharge rate - meaning it can easily run portable fridges, water pumps, lighting, and small inverters up to 1000W) without demanding valuable storage space.
By upgrading to a dedicated compact lithium system, you spend less time worrying about battery health and payload limits, and more time enjoying the off-grid lifestyle.
