Get Portable Jobsite Power with the Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply
Having used the Milwaukee MX FUEL Carry-On, the idea of a power supply running on M18 batteries seems logical. We find these tools extremely useful for limited applications where you don’t need the bulk, noise, and smell of a gas generator. Since the Milwaukee 2845 M18 Carry-On power supply uses batteries, it could give you some options when you need power without the noise.
Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply – The Big Deal
Understanding whether you want to buy the Milwaukee M18 Carry-On power supply means understanding what it can do. This battery-powered inverter offers 3600 Watts of starting power with 1800 running Watts. That lets it supply power to 15-amp corded tools (1800W / 120V = 15A). Only have a corded breaker but no access to an outlet? This can help.
The Carry-on power supply can use any four Milwaukee M18 batteries as a power source. Of course, while you can mix and match different battery capacities, dropping four large High-Output packs nets you the most runtime. The Milwaukee 2845-20 gives you emission-free power. That excels when working indoors (unlike gas) or in remote locations.
Charge Your Batteries
You get another very notable feature with the Milwaukee 2845 Carry-on. With its onboard power cord, it can charge your Milwaukee M18 batteries simultaneously at a standard 3A rate. Charging occurs automatically whenever you aren’t using the Carry-On to power other devices. You can’t both operate the device outlets and charge batteries simultaneously. That’s too bad as that would let you use the Milwaukee M18 Carry-On as a UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
The Milwaukee M18 Carry-On power supply lets you run full-size tools like masonry saws and pancake compressors. You also get pure sine wave output, so you can confidently connect laptops, routers, and other more sensitive electronic devices. Beyond the dual 120V AC outlets, you also get a USB-C and USB-A port (1 each) that let you charge most smart devices.
Battery Security and Retention
We’ve been on enough jobsites to know that people like to “borrow” battery packs. So what happens when a coworker needs an M18 battery and you happen to have four sitting on the Carry-On ready to go?
Fortunately, Milwaukee Tool saw this problem too and thought of a solution. The top handle of the Milwaukee M18 Carry-On slides across, letting you lock the battery bays using your own padlock. This prevents theft, tampering, or unauthorized “borrowing” while working.
Additional Features
- Quiet operation— 66dB(a)
- Compact and portable
- Compatible with shoulder strap (sold separately) for easy carrying
- Push-button instantaneous start
Price
The Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply retails for $699 as a bare tool. Batteries must be purchased separately. This makes lots of sense since anyone picking this up likely already has M18 battery packs to run it. The Milwaukee M18 Carry-On includes a 3-year limited warranty.
Final Thoughts
We can’t sign off without mentioning the rather steep price of this product. At $699 for the bare tool, you pay a premium for this tool. Assuming you already own some M18 batteries that may be your total upfront cost. Here’s how the Milwaukee Carry-On sizes up against its potential competitors:
| Milwaukee Carry-On 2845-20 | DeWalt Power Station DCB1800B | EGO Nexus Power PST3042 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting watts | 3600W | 3600W | 3000W |
| Running watts | 1800W | 1800W | 2000W |
| AC output | 2 x 120V, 15A | 1 x 120V, 15A | 3 x 120V, 15A |
| USB-A | 5V, 2.1A | No | 4 x 5V, 2.1A |
| USB-C | 60W | No | No |
| Daisy-chainable | No | No | No |
| Other | 120VAC input | 120VAC input | LED display |
| Charging | 4x Simultaneous (3A) | 4x Simultaneous | Smart sequential |
| Solar-compatible | No | No | Yes |
| Price | $699 | $529 | $549 |
Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 2845-20
- Length: 15.05 in
- Width: 12.25 in
- Height: 13.75 in
- Weight: 28 lbs (without battery)
- Noise level: 66dB(a)
- Starting watts: 3600W
- Running watts: 1800W
- AC output: 120V 15A Duplex
- DC output: USB-A Port: 5V. 2.1 A (10.5W)
- USB-C PD Port: 5/9/12/15/20V, 3A (60W)
