How To Keep Your Dual Battery System in Check with a BCDC Charger

Charging your 4WD battery or dual battery system with a BCDC auxiliary battery charger

If you take off-road or 4WD camping trips, you will require auxiliary power. A dual battery system provides just that, using two separate batteries working in conjunction with each other but for different purposes.

For this Toyota Landcruiser we supplied and installed a new dual battery system to help its owner do just that: take long road trips in remote areas without worrying that the highly anticipated adventure would suddenly end due to a flat battery.

The advantage of having a dual battery system installed is that the factory-fitted original battery will allow you to start up your vehicle, while your second battery will allow you to optimise available power at campsite. This minimises the risk of running out of power while using your fridge, lights and any other 12 volt camp accessories.

The first step is to decide what dual battery system is the best for your vehicle.

The second step is to recognise that any battery, including the auxiliary one in a dual battery system, needs to be charged and re-charged depending on road conditions and the length of your travel.

This is where a battery charger comes into play and can help you manage and extend the life of your battery system. Australian made to the highest standards, we recommend and use in our installations the Redarc battery charges - they are proven to keep your battery charged while driving and fully charge auxiliary batteries.

Featured here is the REDARC BCDC1240D in-vehicle Battery Charger - a 12V 40A in-vehicle DC to DC battery charger featuring REDARC’s Smart Start technology. The 'Dual' input range will charge all types of batteries including Lithium, AGM, GEL, standard lead acid and calcium. As a guide, the BCDC1240D can be used for battery bank sizes over 200AH.

If you're not sure which is the best system for your campervan, Landcruiser, Prado, Amarok or any other 4WD, get in touch with our team today.

Redarc BCDC1240D auxiliary battery charger main features:

Separate DC and solar charging inputs with fully integrated MPPT solar regulators
Charging from solar and DC inputs simultaneously
Due to the built-in ‘Green Power Priority’, the charger will select solar first, meaning less load on the alternator
Maximises the performance and life of your auxiliary battery
Suitable for 12V/24V standard and variable voltage/smart alternators
Suitable for AGM, GEL, standard lead acid, calcium, and Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Off-Grid Ready: Dual Battery and Solar Install for 200 Series Landcruiser

February 21, 2025

To fully enjoy extended off-grid holidays in your 200 Series Landcruiser, you need a combination of reliable power management and essential communication and towing capabilities. This particular setup features a complex dual battery system that includes a Redarc BCDC charger with built-in solar control, a robust Delkor 100 amp hour deep cycle battery, a powerful 190-watt solar panel mounted to the Rhino roof rack, and a convenient rear Anderson plug for flexible power access.

Toyota Hilux work ute with Redarc solar panels installed in the rear toolbox

Power Up Your Work Ute: Solar Solution for the Modern Tradie

February 21, 2025

Has your work fridge ever run flat during a long day on site? You're not alone. This is a common problem for tradies and mobile workers. And we've got a solution that is ideal under the Australian climate. By installing solar panels on the rear toolbox of your work vehicle, and integrating them directly into the BCDC solar input circuit, we create a seamless power management system. This means your ute battery gets exactly the charge it needs, and your portable fridge stays running reliably all day.

GME XRS UHF two-way radio, paired with a Toyota-specific bonnet antenna mounting bracket

UHF Radio Solution for 300 Series Landcruiser

February 20, 2025

If you're driving a 300 Series Landcruiser and need reliable communication on your outback adventures, here's a practical UHF radio installation: GME XRS UHF two-way radio, paired with a Toyota-specific bonnet antenna mounting bracket.

Stay Connected with Professional UHF CB Radio (Grenadier Setup)

February 20, 2025

When it comes to reliable communication in your 4WD, GME's XRS platform leads the pack. We recently completed a clean installation of the GME XRS UHF two-way radio for Ineos Grenadier, adding premium communication capabilities to this already impressive vehicle.

UHF Radio Communication and Power Setup for Ford Everest

February 19, 2025

Have you ever been driving in the outback wishing you had crystal clear communication? That's exactly what we set out to solve for a Ford Everest missing a bull bar for traditional antenna mounting. We installed an 80-channel UHF radio system using a vehicle-specific left-hand bonnet hinge mounting bracket. It's a clean, practical solution that looks like it came straight from the factory floor.