Dual battery systems give offroad peace of mind

Reassurance is crucial when heading off road. Having invested in a good solar array that suits the camping requirements, one of the best upgrades for a 4WD is a dual battery system.
Vehicle ‘start’ batteries are designed for short bursts of very high current, not a prolonged deep discharge, and over time increased demand will damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. Increased demand may leave the vehicle stranded with a flat start battery.
To enjoy the campsite comforts of 12-volt lighting and a powered-up fridge, and to have a constant charging source for phones, drones, and speakers, a second battery is needed. Whilst it is possible to can spend hundreds of dollars on high quality batteries, even the most expensive battery won’t perform at their best if not charged correctly.
Two main types of alternators are commonly used in today’s vehicles: the fixed voltage alternator found in older vehicles, and the modern ‘smart’ alternator. As the fixed voltage alternator does not limit the charging current, it is possible to charge a battery above the manufacturer’s recommended maximum current, causing damage. Most modern 4WDs have a smart alternator that reduces output voltage while in operation, which can render it unsuccessful at charging to a usable level. Putting a DC-to-DC charger in between the starting and second battery allows recharging of the second battery from the vehicle’s alternator through its multi-stage charging profile.
The Redarc BCDC range of DC-DC in-vehicle systems are compatible with all common battery chemistries including lithium and are available in 25, 40, and 50-amp models. The award-winning technology in the BCDC has been independently verified and tested to ensure battery life is maximised, charging your battery to a proven 100 per cent.
Redarc’s dual battery chargers feature an MPPT solar regulator enabling solar charging when touring. However, the secret to a successful dual battery set-up is choosing a second battery that’s big enough to supply all needs when the sun is not shining, and a panel big enough to replace all that and a bit more when the sun is out.
Finally, for added peace of mind in case of start battery failure, a Redarc Smart Start battery isolator gives the capability to jump start a flat starter battery at the touch of a button, meaning the user is never stuck with a flat battery.