So, you want to run a fridge, charge your gear, power your camp lights, and still start your car the next morning? Then you’ll need a dual battery system. We’re breaking down the five steps to design the right dual battery setup to run your gear off-grid.
STEP ONE: CHOOSE THE RIGHT SECONDARY BATTERY
You’ll want to avoid powering your devices from your start battery. A start battery is designed for one job, starting your engine. Running your fridge and camp lights from it is a quick way to end up with a flat start battery and a car that can’t get you home.
When deciding on a secondary battery, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing the right battery for you as there are a few options on the market.
LEAD ACID
For a simple, budget-friendly setup that can be installed in the engine bay, a lead acid deep cycle battery will do the trick. They’re tough, reliable and won’t break your budget. There are a couple of things to keep in mind though. Lead acid batteries are a bit on the heavier side and can only be discharged to about 50% before damage starts to occur.
LITHIUM
For something lighter, longer-lasting, and more efficient, we recommend lithium. REDARC has a couple of options in the lithium battery space, with the Alpha150 and REDLAB Icon range.
While lithium batteries are limited to in-cabin and canopy setups, lithium batteries offer nearly 100% usable power and faster charging. This means you can run your gear for longer before needing a top up.
STEP TWO: CHARGING
If you want the best charge for your secondary battery, you’ll need a DC to DC charger. REDARC’s BCDC battery chargers are a great DC to DC charging option, no matter your battery type.
Choosing the right BCDC for your system comes down to install location and features. For a cost-effective option that’s designed for in-cabin and canopy setups, the BCDC Core is a great choice. It’s simple, efficient and cost effective.
If you’re after a charger that can handle the heat, dust and vibrations under your bonnet, the BCDC Classic is rugged and ready for action.
For the ultimate charging setup, the BCDC Alpha or BCDC Alpha R have two features that will keep you off-grid for longer:
- Start Battery Recovery: Charge your start battery when disaster strikes.
- Start Battery Charging: Keep your start battery topped up through excess solar.
For extreme conditions and under bonnet installations, BCDC Alpha is your go to. But, if you want to get a better picture of what your system is doing, the BCDC Alpha R features real-time battery monitoring straight to your phone.
REDARC’s BCDC chargers are available in a variety of charge rates, check the specs on your battery to find the recommended charge rate.
STEP THREE: CONSIDER THE COMPLEXITY OF YOUR SETUP
If you’re running a more complex setup then you might want to consider upgrading your charger to a battery management system. Choosing a battery management system over a DC to DC charger adds battery monitoring and AC charging from mains power.
REDARC’s Manager30 offers reliable, fuss free charging and monitoring. If you want more advanced charging, a higher power output, complete system monitoring, and Start Battery Recovery and Charging, the Manager Alpha range is the way to go.
STEP FOUR: SOLAR
When looking at how long you want to stay off-grid, if you’re keen on exploring for longer, adding solar is the way to go.
All REDARC BCDC chargers and battery management systems come equipped with a built-in MPPT solar regulator, meaning you can plug in an unregulated solar panel or blanket to keep your battery topped up.
When choosing a solar panel, if you want a set and forget solution then we recommend fixed solar panels but if you want a bit more flexibility, portable panels allow you to park in the shade and still get some sun. For the most compact solution, a solar blanket is going to be your best option.
STEP FIVE: ADD AN INVERTER
Finally, if you want to power a coffee machine, charge a laptop or are working with power tools, then you’ll need to add an inverter.
Inverters change 12V DC power to 240V AC power for household appliances. You’ll just need to make sure you choose the right size inverter to run the appliances you wish to power. For example, a 2000W inverter is perfect to run your coffee machine or induction cooktop.
So, now that you have all the right gear, you’re ready to hit the road.
Still not sure how off-grid power works? Check out our blog on how your car makes power and how to use it.
