If you plan to leave the bitumen roads behind and enjoy the good times, you need to get there and back. Investing in a solid DC to DC power system will help you keep up with the demands of providing the wife a hot shower, the kids their iPads and your mates a cool beer.
No one wants to be stranded with a flat battery. Here at Bainbridge Technologies we’ve put together some information on power systems to help keep you charged.
THE BASICS
A DC to DC battery system draws power from the alternator to power your start battery first, and then your auxiliary. It adjusts the voltage and the current flow to give your batteries a quicker charge and fuller capacity.
This system is ideal for 4WDs and excellent for camper and caravans and will extend the life of your batteries.
Remember, deep cycle batteries are normally used as auxiliary batteries. If they are discharged beyond 50% their lifespan is shortened. So, it’s important that you purchase a battery that is large enough for your demands and optimise its performance by keeping it well charged.
NEED MORE POWER ON TAP?
If you have a DC to DC power system and want to up the ante by installing a high-powered winch, more LED lighting on your vehicle or a second fridge you will need more power and a safe way to recharge batteries. In this instance you should consider a DC to DC smart battery charger.
A charger like the CTEK D250S Dual DC-DC will charge your 12V batteries while you drive – using your alternator – so your batteries are ready to go when you set up camp. It will increase the voltage and manage the current flow to quickly charge your auxiliary battery.
On top of this, the CTEK D250S Dual can also operate with solar to charge your batteries at your campsite.
To learn more about DC to DC smart chargers look at our website www.baintech.com/dual and watch our video on dual battery systems.
BATTERY AND CHARGER PLACEMENT
For longer battery life the auxiliary battery should be mounted in an area where there is good ventilation and a low temperature.
Locating the DC to DC charger close to the auxiliary battery will minimise the voltage drop.
CABLING
One of the challenges in charging an auxiliary battery is voltage drop. Make sure you choose quality cable, the larger the current draw of your system and further the distance the cable from your battery, the larger the cable needs to be.
FUSING
Choose and install a high quality and adequate fuse for both batteries. This will protect the cable and you and your vehicle in the event of a short circuit! Consider using a Baintech DC charger wiring kit, which provides everything you need to wire up to a smart alternator!
Leaders in power product solutions. Bainbridge Technologies offer the largest range of high quality and reliable product solutions in Australia; including battery chargers, lithium batteries, solar power, inverters, inverter chargers, sockets, panels, meters, 12-volt accessories, and more.
