A caravan has many different electric appliances that need power, from lights and fridges to water pumps and entertainment systems. If you plan on travelling around Australia or going away frequently, a DC-to-DC charger will be the first thing to add to your 12V caravan setup.
Don’t just take our word for it — today, Ron and Viv Moon explain how DC-DC chargers work for a caravan, the benefits and what to be aware of, plus how they’re using a DC-DC charger for their adventures.
Meet Ron & Viv Moon, outback 4WD experts
Ron and Viv Moon have been four-wheel driving and touring Australia for over 40 years. They wrote their first guidebook (on Cape York) in 1984 and Ron was editor of Australia's leading 4WD magazine, 4x4 Australia, for 15 years. For the last 14 years, he has been their roving Editor-at-large.
They first travelled in Africa in 1985 and have returned many times, running 4WD tag-along tours through southern Africa between 2007 and 2010.
Between 2007 and 2012 they spent 48 months overlanding in their turbo-diesel Nissan Patrol (fitted with a REDARC Smart Start SBI12 dual battery isolator) across Africa, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, and from the southernmost tip of South America to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska.
In early 2013 they drove the ice road across the Arctic Ocean to Tuktoyaktuk in Canada's Arctic.
In early 2014 they bought a Dodge Ram pickup and a Four-Wheel Camper slide-on camper in the USA and since then have spent a total of 10 months wandering the USA, Mexico, Cuba and Canada. The rest of each year is spent travelling in Australia working on stories for magazines and guidebooks.
In 2016 they bought a 79 Series Cruiser which they are modifying for their ‘vagabond’ lifestyle.
They tow a Trakmaster Gibson caravan (fitted with REDARC’s The Manager15 battery management system) when touring Australia, using their Nissan Patrol or 79 Series Toyota LandCruiser.
In all, they have written more than a dozen guidebooks on outback Australia and now write guides exclusively for Hema Maps.
Ron and Viv Moon are veterans of the Australian 4WD scene, with over 40 years’ experience travelling this great country, so they know what they know exactly what they need when it comes to keeping their caravan 12V system ticking.
Here’s what Ron and Viv have to say about why you need a DC-DC charger for a caravan and how our BCDC1240 is performing for them.
How Does A DC-DC Charger Help Power A Caravan?
A DC-DC charger optimally charges your caravan battery, the primary source of power for the 12V system when you are off-grid, while you are driving, using power from the tow vehicle.
When you are parked up, your caravan will continue to power the 12V electronics, which can leave your starter battery flat in the morning. That’s where a DC-DC charger comes in.
A DC-DC battery charger makes sure the caravan battery is charged with the correct charging profile and, remains 100% charged all the time, even if it is a fair way away from the alternator, as it will be in a camper van or caravan. The power from the auxiliary battery is then used to power your caravan electronics.
The BCDC1240 in all its glory
The unit we have fitted to our 79 Series Cruiser is a BCDC1240D In-vehicle battery charger, which is just one of 14 in-vehicle chargers the company makes. It is one of REDARC’s top units, and means the charger can handle 40 amps continuously, with a voltage range of 9-32 volts. This is ample to charge our auxiliary batteries on the road.
Why Use A DC-to-DC Charger With A Caravan?
A DCDC charger is highly recommended in a caravan to isolate your second or auxiliary battery from the vehicle's main battery to ensure that your main battery is not run flat by all the current-hungry accessories we all like to have these days, the 12-volt fridge being the main culprit of flat batteries.
The power supply for your starter battery is drawn from the tow vehicle's alternator, which, in modern vehicles, is a smart alternator. Smart alternators change their voltage to meet the voltage demand of the electronics it needs to supply. Smart alternators do not always provide a consistent voltage for charging, which is why a DC-DC charger is a smart alternative that regulates the voltage and current that is supplied to your batteries.
Ron and Viv Moon drive a 79 Series LandCruiser, which comes with a steady voltage alternator. However, this type of alternator may not provide the optimal voltage to charge a lithium deep-cycle battery properly. A DC charger is the perfect solution as it regulates voltage, prevents undercharging, extends battery life, and compensates for voltage drops (especially if you require longer cabling) in dual battery setups.
What Are The Benefits Of A DC-to-DC Charger For A Caravan?
Effectively charge any battery type
The BCDC1240D can charge and maintain any lead acid battery, calcium battery, AGM battery, or the more expensive lithium batteries we now see in an auxiliary battery role.
To select the different charge profiles the unit is capable of delivering for different batteries and situations, it is simply a matter of changing the connection of one of the wires.
The LED's on the front panel indicate:
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Charge profile: 'A' is good for lead acid batteries either in the engine bay or outside
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Power source: vehicle or solar
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Charge status: indicated by the continuous or flash of the 'Stage' LED.
Solar input with green power priority
This dual-input charger is designed to receive charging power not only from the vehicle's alternator but also from a portable solar panel. When a panel is connected to the unit it will take as much power from the solar input as it can before supplementing that power, up to the maximum rated output, from the vehicle alternator.
Built to withstand more than 55°C
The crew at Outback 4WD in Bayswater mounted the unit in the front of the engine bay where it will receive a good airflow ensuring the unit will operate at its optimum, in temperatures up to 55°C.
Designed to suit any vehicle type
The different REDARC DC-DC chargers are rated from 6-amps up to 40amps, so there is one to suit you, your charging requirements and your vehicle's technical demands.
Australian-made with 2-year warranty
Designed and manufactured in Australia, all come with a 2-year warranty. They are a first-class product and are designed for years of trouble-free operation. I can't recommend them highly enough!
Power Your Caravan With REDARC
A DC-DC charger is a crucial addition to your caravan electrical system that makes sure you can travel with peace of mind. If you need help with installing your DC-DC charger be sure to reach out to our REDNETWORK who make sure that your installation is up to new caravan standards.
If you need any additional information or need help determining the best DC-DC charger for your caravan, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated expert team today
Stay up to date with Ron & Viv’s adventures by visiting their Facebook page.
FAQ
Why do Ii need a DC to DC charger in my caravan?
A DC-DC charger is an important addition to the power system in your caravan to provide 12V power. Some of the advantages of a DC-DC charger include:
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Provides optimal charging at the right current and voltage required by your batteries, and allows you to change your caravan battery type.
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Supplies enough power for caravan appliances such as lights or a fridge, so you are never without.
What is the purpose of a DC-DC charger?
A DC-DC charger serves many different purposes, but its main function is to charge your auxiliary battery. A DC-DC charger keeps your auxiliary battery topped up at 100% charge so it can supply power to your starter battery. Some other benefits of a DC-DC charger include:
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Battery Isolator: Isolates the auxiliary battery from the starter battery when parked.
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Solar Input: Has solar input so you can use solar panels
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Optimise Battery Charge: Charges any chemistry of battery at the optimal voltage and current.
Do you need a battery isolator if you have a DC-DC charger?
REDARC’s DC-DC charger has an in-built battery isolator which means you do not have to purchase an additional battery isolator.
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The REDARC BCDC1240D doing its thing
There aren't too many places the Moon's haven't travelled to
The Moon's latest set of wheels, a 79 Series Landcruiser
They tow a Trakmaster Gibson van (fitted with REDARC’s The Manager15 battery management system) when on their travels in Australia in either their Patrol or Cruiser.
In all, they have written more than a dozen guidebooks on outback Australia and now write guides exclusively for Hema Maps.
Stay up to date with their travels by visiting their Facebook page.
Looking to start your 4x4, camper trailer or caravan upgrade but not sure what products will allow you to travel the way you want? Take the REDARC Hilux product tour to find out what products are best for your power management and towing needs.
