“What is a dual-battery system, and is it worth it?”

ANSWER

Like most camping gear, a dual-battery system is not a necessity. However, it can make life a whole lot easier if you’re camping in remote locations.

As the name implies, a dual-battery system is nothing more than a second (or auxiliary) battery in your vehicle. 

The auxiliary battery recharges while you drive (thanks to the alternator), and is typically connected to your vehicle’s main / starter battery.

This second battery allows you to power your camping fridge and 12V lights without the risk of draining your vehicle’s starter battery. Thus, leaving you stranded.  

READ NEXT: Is a Dual-Battery System worth it?

However, in order to safely do this, you need some sort of isolating switch between the two batteries so that you don’t accidentally deplete the auxiliary battery, and your starter battery, at the same time.

In the “old days”, people simply used a heavy-duty switch which they’d manually turn to connect the two batteries (when they were driving), and then turn the switch back again (to isolate the two batteries) once they’d arrived at camp. 

Admittedly, this setup still works well in most vehicles, the only problem is: Remembering to manually operate the switch each time. 

ENTER: The automatic dual-battery isolator

Initially, the first commercially available dual-battery systems consisted of a solenoid switch that would engage when the engine was running, and then automatically disconnect when the engine was switched off. 

To this day, solenoid-based dual-battery systems are still one of the most cost effective, reliable, and proven ways to install a dual-battery system in most vehicles. 

However, as more modern vehicles adopt variable voltage (intelligent) alternators, there are circumstances (in certain vehicles) where a solenoid-based system is not as effective as a DC-DC dual-battery system (a newer technology that can alter the voltage entering your auxiliary battery). 

So, is a dual-battery system worth it? Well, only you can answer that question, but the two blogs below may help you decide. 

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READ NEXT: Is a Dual-Battery System worth it?

The post What is a Dual-Battery System? appeared first on 4WD Revolution.

• Do you camp in remote areas?
• Do you own a 12V camping fridge?
• Do you camp in one location, or do you like to “camp on the move”?

CAMPING IN REMOTE AREAS

Your camping habits will play a big role in your decision to install dual-battery system. If you typically camp in locations where mains power is available, then a dual-battery system hardly seems worth it.

If, however, you prefer camping ‘off the grid’, then a dual-battery system will certainly prove worthwhile.

12V CAMPING FRIDGE

If you wish to upgrade your cooler box for a camping fridge, you’ll most likely need a dual-battery system, too. 

Given that most lead-acid batteries shouldn’t be discharged more than 30% to 50%, you can expect your auxiliary battery to power your fridge for one to three days.

Of course, this all depends on ambient weather conditions, what temperature you set the fridge at, the capacity of your battery, the technology of the battery, the location of your battery (heat), and how long you want the battery to last in terms of service life.

Nonetheless, the point is: If you camp in remote locations, and you own a camping fridge, you will definitely find a dual-battery system worth it.

CAMPING ON THE MOVE

If your camping habits are nomadic, as opposed to staying in just one location, then a dual-battery system is a worthwhile investment. If you tend to set up camp for a week or two (and almost never drive to another spot), then a dual-battery system (which charges off your vehicle’s alternator) isn’t particularly necessary.

READ NEXT: Which Dual-Battery System is best – Solenoid or DC-DC?

However, in saying that, a number of premium DC-DC dual-battery systems are now equipped with a built-in solar regulator. So aside from charging via your vehicle’s alternator, you also have the option of keeping the battery topped up (while you’re not driving) with a suitably-sized solar panel.

On that note, there’s nothing stopping you from installing a solar panel and solar regulator in conjunction with a solenoid-based dual-battery system. In fact, this is still one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market.

But before you commit to a particular system, you’ll definitely want to read this detailed blog piece on: “Which dual-battery system is best: Solenoid or DC-DC?”

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The post Is a Dual-Battery System worth it? appeared first on 4WD Revolution.