If you are going to spend any time free camping and really going off grid then you will need a reliable battery system. Especially if you want to run items such as a portable camping fridge, television, lights and other electronic devices. The quality of batteries has improved ten fold in the last decade and there are a range of high quality battery systems on the market. The Enerdrive range of lithium batteries are by far a premium product that are definitely worth checking out. If budget is a concern then it’s best opting for an AGM setup such as the Kickass range of slimline deep cycle batteries.
If you are going to install a dual battery system then you are going to need the following items:
- 2 x quality lithium or agm batteries
- charger
- wiring kit
- inverter (optional)
- solar panels (optional)
Below are our pick of 5 great dual battery systems to consider for install in your caravan, campervan or trailer setup.
- Enerdrive eLITE 12V 2 x 100Ah Lithium Bundle, 40A DC2DC Charger & AC 40A Charger Pack
- Revolution Power Entry Level 200Ah Low Draw Lithium Battery Solution
- KICKASS Slim 12V 170AH Deep Cycle AGM Dual Battery
- Enerdrive 400Ah Off-Grid 40A DC & 60A AC Charging Bundle, with 720W of Solar Panels and 2600W Inverter (AC Transfer)
- Baintech Dual Battery Kit 160 Amps
What to look for when buying a dual battery system
Buying a dual battery system is indeed complicated. There are so many terms and numbers to remember, and it’s almost as if one needs an engineering degree to buy a decent kit. Not to mention the number of products on the market, it is easy to feel discouraged and hopeless. Regardless of that, worry not. To help you make a more thoughtful decision, we’ve constructed a helpful guide that addresses all the features and tips you need to know to buy the best setup for your needs.
Types of batteries
Before installing your best dual battery system Australia, it is worth considering which kind of secondary battery you would like to buy. The choice varies on many factors, such as the model of your van and your power consumption.
However, speaking from a broad perspective, there are three options you can choose from; these include Lead deep-cycle, AGM, or Lithium batteries. Each of these offers different advantages and disadvantages and is catered to different uses. We’ll discuss each briefly.
Lead deep cycle batteries
Lead deep cycle batteries are convenient to install and are a cheap option. The output capacity is also high, and they can be easily recharged. However, they do tend to be heavy and toxic for your health and environment.
AGM Batteries
AGM stands for absorbent glass mat batteries. While its operation is comparable to a lead battery, it is more efficient in some aspects. AGM batteries are durable and have a longer life span compared to lead batteries. They also serve a high output capacity and recharge fast. However, they appear to show a reduced performance with time and tend to have a low resistance to higher voltages; they sustain easier damage.
Lithium Batteries
As for lithium-ion batteries, these are the most brilliant, innovative kinds of all. Almost all devices today, including smartphones and laptops, come with this kind of configuration. They’re well known for their ultimate durability, lightweight, and discharge capacity. However, this technology is costly, and it is still under development; hence, one cannot say for sure if it’s the safest option to use.
Determine Power Consumption
Before you buy the appropriate battery supply, it is crucial to determine the watts consumption for each device you take to the trip. Typically, this would include lights, caravan air-conditioners, refrigerators, fans, phones, or any other kind of device you deem necessary. To do this, you can invest in a watt meter and plug it up to find out the consumption or manually calculate it.
Do this by finding out the voltage, amps drawn, and hours of use for each device. Multiply the values, and you’ll get a value for the power consumption. This is important as the higher the power you require the more current your supply has to provide thus the costlier buying the system gets.
In Summary
The best way to make your trip a pleasure instead of a hassle is by always incorporating a plan B. No one wishes to save up and go for a trip, only to run out of power and be stranded in the middle of nowhere. Hence, it is wise to invest in the best dual battery system Australia to make your trip a happy and memorable one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a dual battery system work?
A dual battery system is composed of two batteries. One is the starter battery powered by the engine, and the other is the auxiliary battery connected to it. The idea behind the system is that when your van is on the go, the engine powers the starter battery, which powers your appliances. But what happens when your ignition is off? That’s where the secondary battery comes in. The secondary battery already has energy stored in the system; this was collected when the car was on the go. So, when you’re setting up your tent or have your vehicle on rest, the isolator between the two batteries disconnects the starter and makes it so that the appliances draw power from the auxiliary battery. This ensures that you have power remaining in the starter battery so that you don’t run the risk of having a nonfunctional vehicle at the end of the rest.
Do I require a dual battery system?
This highly depends on your preferences. However, it is somewhat essential if you’re out for longer and like to visit rugged areas. This configuration minimizes the risk of draining your primary battery and allows you to be in a comfortable state of mind while exploring. It is easy to recharge and discharge these systems depending on the kind of battery you’re working with too. The only downsides would be the cost and the added load to your van. You can risk not having a dual battery system if you’re traveling for shorter periods and in areas where you can easily access a power supply.
How can I install a dual battery system?
If you’re doing this for the first time, we recommend getting a professional to help you with this. However, if you’re willing to do this on your own, there’s an installation guide provided with each setup. Follow the guidelines and be sure to incorporate safety measures.