Dual Battery Setup EVERYONE should fit! EASY DIY 12V Tips

[@mastersKaaP]

I'm from South Africa, got a redarc BCDC 50amp on sale about 2-3 years ago, paired it with a 100ah lithium, installed it in the back of my vehicle and pretty much forgot about it. It works great powering a fridge, some camp lights and usb chargers for 3-4 days no problem and I haven't had a single issue. I'm planning on adding a small solar panel to the installation this year for those prolonged stays. For a dual battery system it's really worth spending a little extra and making sure you use good quality components every step as well as using the correct tools for the job, since a failure on a critical component could not only mean a ruined holiday or leaving you stuck in the middle of nowhere, but it might even cost you your rig if there's a fire. I really enjoyed fitting my own system and I liked being able to lay it out exactly how I wanted it without relying on what is the easiest or fastest some fitment centre would do for me or spending a fortune on such a simple setup. It also helps to know your own system inside and out in case you have any issues, that means you will know exactly where to look. It's really not that difficult if you take your time, do your research and properly lay everything out beforehand so you know exactly what needs to go where and, if you are working off a plan, it's easier to check your progress and make sure you haven't made a mistake. All my big connections (cables to and from batteries as well as all the anderson connectors) I first crimped and then filled it in with solder, to ensure a good contact all round, unless it was already terminated out of the package, in which case I used it as is. For the smaller accessory cables I mostly just crimped those, except the really small ones which I had to solder, since the process of crimping it would sometimes break the tiny amount of copper inside the wire causing the connector to come loose.

[@johnturner6014]

😢😂2❤❤.❤😅😊 1:09 o 1:09 😮❤😂I k😂😂

[@richardcrowell284]

As an auto elect being in the trade since 1976 the one thing he missed out on is a test light. You can now buy a test light fitted with a voltmeter, an essential part of diagnosing problems.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

He did mention using a test light during the conversation of checking for good ground location.

[@veneratedmortal4369]

He had a multimeter?

[@darrengray5854]

This is a great video to explain the basics for entry-level 12v DIY, thanks.

[@cliff1551]

Hey mate why was the wire red, coz it got caught blowing the fuse.

[@gwolf7716]

This goes without saying but knowing where all of your fuses are and how hard or easy they are to access is very important. More likely if buying a used vehicle or if getting anything professionally installed.

[@waynemee8920]

I'm so electrically illiterate, dyslexic and incompetent and I was almost following on the 1st watch. I want to fit 12V mods to boat, car and camp gear. Great vid, and saved👌

[@4WD247]

Cheers mate - we're glad we could help! You can check out more of our tips in our 'Tips & Trick's KZbin Playlist.

[@DaleWilliams-z7d]

He’s a good auto elec but Im more impressed with that dudes olds school skateboard tattoos 🤙😂😂

[@patrickwinters5051]

Love a 12v episode would of liked some more on inverters now that induction is becoming more popular

[@4WD247]

Noted!

[@task82]

This was super helpful!!

[@brucetucker1833]

Where’s the entry details for the Redarc package?

[@aussieadventurenerd8137]

I’m just here to enquire about the revolving bed. When will they be available for my Troopy please?

[@REDARCElectronics]

Our engineers are onto it. Should have it turned around in no time.

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

Cool informative video thanks guys

[@prasannakurukuladithya7630]

Will Redarc do the full installation as per customer requirement if a vehicle is handed over to them on one of their service outlets or do we have to go to one of their(Redarc) certified installers ?

[@SmartAceHole82]

I was of the understanding that lifepo4 batts don't like being at full charge like gel batts do. Should you keep your lifepo4 topped off like a gel?

[@REDARCElectronics]

LiFePo4 batteries are designed to be charged to full capacity providing a suitable LiFePo4 charger is used. When in storage for long period of time this is where LiFePo4 batteries should be discharged to around 50% (always see battery manufacturer specifications for these details).

[@matthewcadle2328]

The advice on batteries and state of charge is opposite to what I've heard (from multiple sources) over the years: and AGM battery is an alternative to a deep cycle battery which were traditionally used in boats and the like (but can discharge a high current, which deep cycle cant), so can be discharged right down to nearly flat and still recover fine. It's voltage output will slowly drop off as it becomes discharged. A lithium battery (including power tool battery) prefers (ie will extend its life) to be discharged only to about half charge before recharging. Putting a load (trying to draw current) from a discharged lithium battery will be very detrimental to the battery. The advantage to lithium is that it will deliver its full voltage for a long amount of time and then when it's capacity is used up, the voltage drop is rapid. Can you confirm this information about the charge state please?

[@can5projects563]

Nice Video TY

[@SimonEllis-t5n]

Thankyou lots of great info

[@fowletm1992]

An important note for solar, if you have a roof top tent you put your solar at an angle that might not be ideal for solar and you usually camp in the shade so youve got to work on far less sun than you might expect

[@ianweal3081]

Obviously it depends on the RTT, some such as Bundutecs Bundutop remain horizontal. I also make the conscious decision never to park/set up under trees as I've seen horrendous instances of Red Gums "Widow Maker" (they silently dislodge limbs), She Oaks etc. just drop limbs without notice. That conscious decision also is to retain solar power input. I'm so so comfortable with being out from under trees, they're caused many fatalities dropping limbs on unsuspecting campers. I cringe when I see some setups under trees, uh.

[@simon-mouse8739]

Great informative video. Also good to see that Thanos has found himself a fulfilling career 😜👍👌

[@jarrodsinclair3844]

Temu Ron Perlman??

[@davidjustice9036]

I have been running the redarc system for a couple of years now, had some minor issues but I would say the customer service is the best in Australia, people who know their product.

[@cyclemoto8744]

Excellent customer service but their products are overpriced, specifically the Redvision and batteries.

[@jasonambachtsheer4316]

Love the video great tips i would love just some set up in my dmax from an expert like this

[@ColinBillett-x2z]

Get video, would have helpful to explain the 12v wiring to an inverter ie cable sizing and fuses used

[@fredio54]

Good point on splitting the alternator capacity between the vehicle and a dcdc charger. The real answer is plenty of full time solar, though.

[@flyfishing51fifty]

A point that was missed is that you should always have an appropriate fire extinguisher in an easy to get location Incase something does happen. Even a professional set up can have issues if something on the track causes a problem.

[@paulsmit8147]

Thanks for the share 🇿🇦🤙👍

[@finngoldner522]

get Alex Volk out on the tracks with you boys, have a look at his new rig! cooking with shauno and volk👍

[@steveberesford1955]

Is it practical to run a charger off an inverter connected to your auxiliary circuit, providing it can charge more than your draw, I guess as a self charging system if your solar can't keep up

[@PeterGibson-z8f]

Perpetual energy/ perpetual motion doesn't exist mate, you can't magic up energy from nowhere.

[@ayrproductions]

EGON DC Hub guys!

[@joshholder2591]

Do you know the brand or part numbers of the crimpers used in the vid?

[@REDARCElectronics]

Utilux crimping tool 00/1

[@TheBrowneTown]

Just buy hydraulic crimpers with interchangeable heads. You can get a good pair for about $100 and you won't need to struggle with crimping any sized cable. Some of the nut cracker style crimpers cost even more and do a worse job. Just know that automotive cables often are in between sizes as they're AWG and most of the lugs are metric in mm². For example you may have an AWG2 cable which is ~33mm² going into a 35mm² lug which could be a little loose if crimped with the 35mm die, so crimp it with the 25mm die in the 35mm lug (doesn't have to go all the way as you're now using a smaller die don't force it to touch metal to metal). A more extreme example might be AWG1 (42.4mm) into a 50mm lug, it will pull out if crimped at 50mm, crimp it smaller, file the edges. Crimp them two or three times depending on the width of the die and the length of the lug's barrel. Crimp with the hex head die, then file the edges, put heat shrink over the barrel of the lug but avoid it creeping onto the mating face of the lug. Done. Solder can be used but I generally choose a lug over solder even on smaller cables, but I have soldered cables in tricky positions as it's sometimes the right choice, only on smaller cables though.

[@lifeisawesomeeveryday9734]

Where does the fuse go and how many do you need

[@PeterGibson-z8f]

common mate, really?

[@REDARCElectronics]

A fuse will always go as close to the power source as possible, ie the battery providing the load.

[@michaeldallimore8590]

Great video. What is best for an invertor, a 250 amp Mega Fuse or a 250 amp circuit breaker or does it not matter as long as both are rated below the cable capacity? One advantage of the circuit breaker that I can see is that it gives you a disconnect switch.

[@jake00040plays]

I would use a mega fuse as those circuit breakers are shit and trip early sometimes because of the heat and not very accurate. I have a 3000w renogy inverter with a 250amp mega fuse and it has never blown and I've run things upwards of 2300w

[@DB-yj3qc]

Very good point, in some places of the system I use a fuse at both sides at battery and at solar controller "MPPT" in my wired in system the underhood (bonnet) end has fuse. A diagnostic is more detailed if it has a (failure) or problem but less likely to burn up. But my system is a combination of 2 separate solar systems and vehicle alternator interconnected with 3 batteries, 2 from vehicle manufacturer and LiPO battery. One solar system is primarily charging vehicle batteries then to LiPO battery.

[@REDARCElectronics]

MIDI/MEGA fuses have always provided a stronger more reliable connection and is recommend by REDARC. Saying this a good quality circuit breaker will still be suitable for this application. There are many cheaper circuit breakers on the market which could let your system down.

[@michaeldallimore8590]

Thanks. I used a mega fuse.

[@RedVMember]

Awesome family owned South Aussie business showing the world how its done!

[@DavidLee-rj6vr]

What size are the cable which come out of the 25amp dc dc charger

[@REDARCElectronics]

The REDARC BCDC1225D is utilising 8B&S cable.

[@Sammyzookii]

We need red arc products in France pleaaaseeeeee

[@brendanstreet1868]

Is old mate from redarc from the movie Hellboy🤔

[@mattychambers8063]

As I’m an electrical illiterate also, I’m after some advice on running a CPAP (Sleep Apnea) machine on 12v please? I have no idea what I need to be able to run this when out in the bush. Great video, very informative, I’ll admit I had to pause and google a lot of things lol but I’m slowly learning. PLEASE HELP!!

[@antontaylor4530]

Small inverter. I have one too, you could do DC to DC step up instead, but if you blow up your CPAP machine? Not worth the risk. Get a high quality inverter instead. My CPAP machine uses about 50w AC 240v.

[@REDARCElectronics]

Often CPAP machines run from a 240v power socket. The REDARC 350w inverter is a great solution to convert your 12v battery power to 240v to run a CPAP machine.

[@Oz-Crawln]

Many of the CPAP brands have a 12dc adapter available to allow to run from 12v cig socket. Resmed have one for example

[@lovefishncookn14]

My question is, are 12V systems only for modern 4x4’s? I own a 1998 single cab navara. I could possibly fit a second battery in one of my toolboxes.

[@jaredwhitby6279]

Of course you can have a dual battery setup it still has a alternator

[@tommy49er]

It’s easier on older vehicles. You don’t need a dcdc charger, just a voltage sensitive relay. Much cheaper. Newer vehicles switch off the alternator when the main battery is topped off so you need the dcdc charger to pull the power to charge the secondary. In older cars the alternator just runs so it’ll charge your secondary just fine on its own.

[@lovefishncookn14]

@@tommy49er yeah it makes sense. I guess modern four wheel drives drain more power from their batteries.

[@ayrproductions]

You can put a dual battery system in any vehicle.

[@888johnmac]

next time you have Steve in .. please make Graham the host .. lol

[@JaxsnDave]

Great info guys.. thanks

[@davidcarlisle6560]

It won’t be long before the powers that be will demand only Licensed Auto Sparky’s can certify 12V set ups . That’s my gut feeling. Insurance companies will be leaning in big on this in years to come.

[@deanriley5690]

Thats a good point

[@michealplater9007]

Won't happen, they tried to do it with the 230VAC side of things. It's too hard to police when you can go to Bunnings and buy every 230VAC equipment you need. Same with 12VDC, too hard to Police.

[@benperkins2929]

@@michealplater9007 Pretty sure 230VAC does need to be certified by a licensed sparky though?

[@davidcarlisle6560]

@michealplater9007. not up to the Cops mate , but if your insurance company won’t cover a home job … what do you do??

[@deanriley5690]

@michealplater9007 240v ac does require by law to be installed by a licensed electrician.

[@MrVirAl1-r3g]

with redark whats the cheapest set up i could do with them, could u you a video of that like with a battery with solar or somthing like that. thanks heaps 4WD 247 big fan

[@dn059]

If your on a budget just get the kings battery box half the price itll do the same job

[@MrVirAl1-r3g]

@@dn059yeah have been looking just not sure what’s the best, I’ll go that way

[@tripz2571]

I went with xtm stuff. Skip the Dc DC charger. Just run ISO from battery and have a solar set up on the roof ​@@MrVirAl1-r3g

[@TomWilding1]

After a 30 minute video?? It’s redarc!

[@craigadamsbfe3038]

Your gotta love it

[@SKRussia]

Вместо запасного колеса, на isuzu d max, сварил ящик из алюминия, в него разместил agm батарею, и два компрессора, установил зарядное устройство dc-dc, и солнечную панель. Езжу так уже 4 года.

[@putrol4.2]

Wow how to overcomplicate things all that to run a fridge

[@travishudson66]

Fuse vs circuit breaker for protection?

[@Lachiepower0402]

I have a circuit breaker and I find it has a significant voltage drop, will be changing to midi fuse

[@REDARCElectronics]

MIDI/MEGA fuses have always provided a stronger more reliable connection and is recommend by REDARC. Saying this a good quality circuit breaker will still be suitable for the application. There are many cheaper circuit breakers on the market which could let your system down.

[@MarkWilliams-sf9pd]

Great video it’s just a shame you didn’t show in the end on a board so everyone can see how the expert would do it

[@fredio54]

You would only fuse an earth on a positive chassis system. I don't know of any 4WDs with that.

[@justgoodtobeout]

Awesome video guys, helped heaps. Just one quick question, is it possible to run a fridge without a dual battery/12volt setup? Just need only a fridge for little trips and don’t really want to have to run anything I don’t need. Thanks

[@Mzstato]

Brass monkey have fridges that have the option for rechargeable batteries that you can swap out. Might be worthwhile looking at Jaycar if it's just being used for a day trip

[@aussieadventurenerd8137]

Yes and no. It will work just fine from your starter battery but if you run it over night, you might not be able to start your engine in the morning. So I wouldn’t recommend it.

[@REDARCElectronics]

You sure could run a fridge from your vehicle starting battery although only a couple of hours of fridge operation could lead to a flat start battery. A dual battery is best practice to run accessories to protect the start battery.

[@MrVirAl1-r3g]

whats ur thoughts on running a deep cycle battery with a big solar pannel and run small accsessories insted of useing a DCDC

[@cyclemoto8744]

As an example, I have 200 watts of solar on my cruiser and barely switch on the DCDC so depending on your loads and your solar capacity you don't necessarily need alternator charge. You just need to calculate your power consumption and determine if your solar capacity will recharge your battery in due time. This isn't a black art, it's simple maths. Cheers

[@deleted8115]

I got a 100W solar panel on the roof connected to an AGM that can run the fridge for 3 days with no sun. No DCDC charger at all on the vehicle just Solar panel > solar charge controller > battery > fridge. Connected with anderson plugs and never lets me down. Battery is in a battery box for easy wiring, protection, and portability.

[@iVisual.sambonkowski]

The entire concept of a 12v setup is moving more toward the mobile, all in one unit, like EconFlow, bluetti, Jackery, rather then install a heavy, expensive and fix set up in a car. Make sense, better, cheaper, mobile and you can move it between cars, home, boats etc. a flexibility you don’t get with a builtin system

[@Alan.livingston]

I’d contest the cheaper part. That depends on your ability. The box style battery systems also take up space, onboard systems are easier to use dead space. Other than that you are spot on and I ran a battery box for years, purely for its flexibility.

[@SBoag]

Shaun, what brand is your watch? (Off topic I know)

[@Shashika]

❤❤❤

[@fallowdeertv2511]

I built a 304ah lifepo4 with Eve cells and Jk bms, 3000w renogy inverter and 40a enerdrive dcdc all for the price of a redarc 100ah battery. If i can do it, anyone can do it.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Good topic. Lots of practical advise for those wanting to tackle DIY 12v electricals. 👍

[@4WD247]

Glad you enjoyed it mate! 👍

[@overlandready]

Most of this is perfectly good advice, but totally disagree with the blade vs "midi" fuse, A lot of vehicles both road and off road use Maxi blade fuses both in fusebox and separate systems, they work perfectly, never loosing connection, easy to change and to be fair spot on. You can get them easily and up to 100A. Rover group used these on a lot of off road vehicles and they are never the fail point after 30 years! I would also be cautios about soldering wires as it does give a brittle point, so under most circumstances crimp only, if well supported and little vibration, solder, like in loom splices. I would not reasily solder terminals. I also never use insulated crimps as they don't give a good crimp, I only use proper fold in uninsulated crimps and high quality manufactured parts like Sumitomo and Power timer connectors, they work. Bear in mind the circuits I've added purely to my vehicle have about 2000 crimps if not more and I do this as part of my work too. Crimp quality matters. Realistically with Lithium, you still only have 50% usable battery as most prefer to have no less than 30% and no more than 80% charge as they also damage with repeated cycling, the only real benefit is they weigh less and they have more cycles in general use over the equiv AGM type. but then they also cost more. So is it cheaper? Planning set up is vital I agree, but an inverter charger/isolator is not necessary for all types of install, the old alternator driven or volt sensitive switch type charging is still good for certain vehicles. I have both of these and would only use an inverter charger for trailer use. I don't run Lithium, no need, I cook with gas, lights are LED, no fridge as yet, and when I do it'll be still a small draw. I know for people like Redarc there is no money in simple systems so they discount them.

[@azariley90]

Lithium batteries in a box have made the old under-bonnet batteries almost redundant.

[@gazpixs]

Agree, I run a Bluetti AC70, Charger 1 to obtain max charge on the go. 200W solar panel when stationary (I also have a 200W solar blanket for back up) No issues for 31 litre fridge and 18 litre freezer as well charge for other devices. All un packs when I'm in daily driver mode. Yes, if I was to go full time travelling a higher power full time set up would be better but for temporary, my thoughts are to go for an in and pout set up. Cheers

[@aussieadventurenerd8137]

A second under-bonnet AGM battery is recommended for winches and high powered compressors to take some of the load off the starter battery. Usually used while the engine is running.

[@PeterGibson-z8f]

@@aussieadventurenerd8137 there's another 30kg of unnecessary weight though. A good lithium will run all the big output compressors.

[@johnhutchings8529]

About the only thing I don't have on my rig.

[@fredio54]

Fusing is hard or impractical when you're talking 1000 plus amps to a winch. No fuses on the big cables to my winch SB175. But they are well secured and protected.

[@fredio54]

Equally starter motor cables are almost never fused.

[@DB-yj3qc]

I've never ran a fuse inline with my winches, unless the winch came with one pre-wired on wiring. "Two UTV / ATV winches." did. But have had relay to disconnect at battery on two the other had manual switch underhood to connect with main battery/ auxiliary battery or both batteries. A safety in case of accident on road no power cable at front of vehicle with direct contact to battery.

[@FallingFlying.]

13:28 we call this the pull test! Secretly saying, I miss Jocko

[@TomWilding1]

That’s a big human

[@calebgleeson7731]

Nice lads

[@skylermeredith2522]

totally off topic and not helpful - Love Steve's thrasher, Wendler, and Hawk OG graphic tattoos

[@jonathanfullerton9195]

Many consumer grade clamp meters can't measure DC current through the clamp. You're looking at hundreds of dollars for a proper meter to get that capability. Buyer beware.

[@FallingFlying.]

Why always dual battery, I bought a Facebook Marketplace GQ Patrol and when I popped the bonnet I seen it had 1 battery in the front right corner behind the right headlight and 2 batteries on the left side with 1 battery sitting above the wheel well and another battery shoved into the corner of the inner guard and the firewall below the windscreen, Most people I asked about that setup had no idea.. When I bought the GQ the seller said the previous owner was right into camping with all the accessories for longer stays.. It came in handy when I left the lights on to drain the starter battery so I would jump start using the house battery to feed the starter battery.

[@intimatespearfisher]

So he had a secondary crank battery and one deep cycle to run a fridge? Pretty standard outback/remote set up. People run one of each because 90% of people live and holiday within 2hrs of a major town and just want the fridge to run. If their crank shits itself they just call racq or get a lift to pick up a replacement

[@rjl110919581]

what only 24v want due batttley in car or truck ?????????????????????????????????????????? market done cove do with the 24 v not 12v ???????????????????????????????????????????

[@ONYAMate]

Redarc not interested.

[@LUKEYB0Y93]

Agreed

[@intimatespearfisher]

How the hell do you earth any system on a car when it's sitting on rubber tyres? You mean the negative?

[@REDARCElectronics]

In 12v applications Ground is referred to as chassis earth. Its commonly miss communicated with earth, ground and negative.

[@bittytripod1997]

First