The best budget 2nd Battery for your 4WD: Kick Ass 120AH with DCDC & MPPT charger (A SIMPLE REVIEW)

[@bethwalker5330]

the most truthful and authentic review of a 2nd battery system I have watched. Very good explanation. Thank you.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment and support.

[@AmericanProspector1776]

Yeah man this is the solution I was looking for

[@chrisj7055]

Thanks for this video. Great to see some attention on realistic set ups for weekend warriors. No criticism of those full blown 4wd custom set ups, but many of us need temporary set ups that we can swap out when the car needs to be used as a daily driver again on monday. Also great point about the box being moveable. Big positive in my book.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers Chris, yeah it's a realistic and simple setup for the weekend warrior, like myself. Thanks for the comment mate.

[@007Knightjp]

Agreed on this.. portable is far more better. Perfect for the weekend / seasonal camper who has only one daily driver.

[@FourLowAdventures]

I ran into the smart alternator issue earlier this year. I was charged $750 to install the wiring and then later found out it wasn't earthed correctly and ended up paying twice. Similar story with my tow plug, the auto electrician used 6 gauge wire which was too small and installed in a way that didn't accommodate for the smart alternator and I had to pay twice for this too. If I ever need to do this again I will get it done at a 12v shop that specialise in this stuff. Bright Spark in Cairns fixed all my issues, big kudos to those guys.

[@amarokmc88]

After I watched your video straight up I went to super center and got me a battery housing with pre wired setups and a agm batterry; now my car is already wired up with dc isolator so when I saw your video I’m like fuar out I’ll follow that steps. Now everything only cost me 500 bucks ish knowing it’s super center and I’m on a tight budget too. Thank you for sharing your simple setup

[@OverlandUnknown]

That's great to hear mate. Very happy to have helped out in your 2nd battery set up. Enjoy the outdoors and see you on the trails 👍

[@michaelbettinelli8469]

Mate, love your candid, honest humour. There's a lot of info crammed into this 11:37 vid. It was exactly what I needed and was so happy we share the same vehicle. Your down to basics approach has really helped me out of the confusion of other set ups... so thanks heaps.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Sorry for the late reply mate, thank you for the comment, glad you like my humour and content. Glad it helped you out. Cheers mate

[@tanzylee4713]

So nice to see a realistic setup that doesn't cost thousands and is doable for most. So many videos about are about expensive premium setups so its great to see the basics and how to start as a newbie. Thank you :-)

[@OverlandUnknown]

I agree Lee, so many videos with really expensive setups. I thought I'd share my simple and cost effective setup. Cheers for the feedback mate. 👍

[@chrisduzstuff6130]

Fantastic.. honest and you are a legend. Someone who admits they don’t know .. refreshing.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate, I'm the first to admit that, although I'm always trying to learn along the way 👍

[@bhathiyanikahetiya6130]

Good point. People try to do fancy things. Nice setup mate.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Keep it simple. Cheers mate.

[@AllTerrainAction]

Our story is very similar, only ever owned Holden's ended up giving up our VEs and moved to the off road world. Best choice ever.. only difference is were quite auto elec savvy. Great video mate for anyone needing that support for the second battery setup 🤙

[@OverlandUnknown]

Once you go 4WD, you never go back, right? Cheers for the comment, all the best mate. I subbed as well 👍

[@asd67lkj]

Bought my dual battery system for my camper trailer from KIckAss 5 yrs ago. Very happy....

[@Actionjackson0014]

Most budget friendly solution I've found on the tube. Thanks mate and good job

[@OverlandUnknown]

cheers mate, I hope it helped :)

[@tommoss2005]

I have just installed a similar system in my Triton. I have my dcdc charger attached to the side of my tub. 2nd battery connected with Anderson plugs, so easy to disconnect and remove from vehicle to tent when camping, then charge from solar.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Is a great set up, very versatile 👏

[@craigrobertson1813]

Nice mate, this is a realistic clip for realistic campers. Nice set up

[@NWEDC]

I have been looking for a solid power source for a fridge and diesel heater for MONTHS, and thought I would just have to drop a couple grand and get a professional grade install. Your video showed me another option that I will be using. Cheers mate!

[@OverlandUnknown]

Thank you for the feedback, it's definitely a great set up for what your looking to do. Plus you can always add another battery to it for more amp hours. Cheers 👍

[@camc71]

Great video mate, clarified everything for me before i install myself.. Also sounds like Bells ice cream in the background

[@ThBigIAm]

The man..you seriously just sold me on this set up ... keep up the videos 🤙🤙

[@normandiefenbach6571]

Mate well done, I have been gifted a Lithium 100amp battery and was looking for a way to mount it in my ute, came across your post and you have been a great help, like you I have limited electrical knowledge and a limited budget but big plans, great work, keep up the good work Thanks so much Norman

[@OverlandUnknown]

That's great mate, lithium is the way to go these days... so it's great you were gifted one. Thank you for the kind words Norman, I appreciate it 👍

[@deang5622]

No you haven't been gifted a 100 amp battery, you might have been gifted a 100 ampere-hour battery. Does it matter? Yes it does. When you drive your car at speed, do you drive at 50 miles per hour or do you drive at a speed of 50 miles? The units matter. In the example I gave, the first was units of miles per hour and the second was units of miles, yet the units of speed should be miles per hour. And so it it with amps and ampere-hours. The first is a measure of current, the second is a measure of capacity. They are not the same. They really aren't.

[@kabaottoemulsion1869]

Now I am fully convinced! I watched Kickass guy video as well. I think he did modified box design slightly! I will be buying one soon. Very neat job you have done ! Thanks for the video!

[@OverlandUnknown]

They really are a awesome, simple and excellent seyup for us weekend warriors. Cheers mate, Grant.

[@sp1nnak3r]

Upvoted 30 seconds in. Cute dog!

[@OverlandUnknown]

Thank you!!! He is amazing.

[@wadus89]

Solid advice mate. I agree, you don't need to spend a fortune to get out there

[@brianmaclennan561]

About the most helpful, 12v vid ive watched, simple to understand, perfect for me. Will be fitting same system, cheers mate👍

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate, it's a great battery system.

[@danielturetahi2384]

Cheers mate I just bought this I haven't set up yet but your video helps me alot cheers

[@OverlandUnknown]

Great to hear mate, glad it has helped , thank you for the comment 👍

[@13378389]

The set up that we all need. THANKS, LEGEND!!

[@WakuahOutdoors]

G'day. This is perfect for what I need! I need something that can be relocated to a camp site or other vehicle. I have plenty of mates with permanent kitchens, fridges, drawers, batteries etc which is cool and all but they have no room for anything else. I do need an empty canopy from time to time. I have a bit of experience wiring 12v and was planning to rig up something custom, but this is such an easy solution! I'll definitely look into this system. Thanks!

[@stevieteeesadvfnq7381]

Great video mate, dont worry about sexy, the battery box is a better idea, I've had fixed units and i found i got more use from a portable unit like yours, just need to up grade to Lithium 120ah and your all sweet mate. Happy Camping :)

[@OverlandUnknown]

Definitely agree with going to lithium 👍. Cheers for the comment mate

[@inthefarqueue]

Mate, just get yourself a Kick Ass battery tray. It'll stop that battery from moving around. Great video, thanks for posting.

[@laidenc]

I wish I found this video sooner before purchasing and installing my setup. You basically achieve the same result for a fraction of the price and best part of yours is it's portabl like you said. Nonetheless thank you for the review and great info. Happy travels

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate 👍

[@Lucid21]

Love these versions they are amazing Definitely a keeper

[@mickvivian3410]

Good on you mate. Gave me a bit more confidence to install one myself also.

[@ciadiac]

Brilliant explanation and very natural.

[@MoopLigs]

This is exactly the setup I want, wasn’t sure how to do it with my smart alternator, but seems very simple! Thanks mate! Perfect advise

[@OverlandUnknown]

Great to hear Josh, thanks for the feedback 👍

[@quintusvandermerwe4138]

The centre smaller receptacle one you do know is a Hella plug receptacle, Can take more amps than the standard cigarette lighter plug.

[@MrGtrjason]

Great easy straight forward setup. Sweet. 👌

[@garyaaron8425]

Wow..wonderful video. I'm mechanically inclined and electrically chicken/dumb! I truly appreciate your video and I had no idea such a setup was available. I'm out in Colorado and keep seeing these elaborate things and offerings and each was something I didn't want to get to understand. Your product review is what I want! I get it. Thanks again and happy trails out there!

[@OverlandUnknown]

You are so welcome! I know how you feel mate. Cheers.

[@575Ziggy]

Fantastic overview boss! Keeping it real, cheers from NZ

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate, I appreciate the comment. Hope you guys are going well in NZ! 👍

[@frondale5497]

excellent, honest vid. Yep I too loved my Holdens and have moved on :) Happy Camping!

[@OverlandUnknown]

Thanks, you too! 😀

[@sg7392]

Did a similar setup years ago. If doing it again would use 40amp charger better especially if car running for shorter times.

[@francismann2695]

Hey bro love your work man. Based in NZ just purchased a 2nd hand trailer with rooftop tent only have a 2wd so not so much off roading but camping and knew our little fams would benefit getting a 12v dual battery setup but the cost just really out of my budget. Cominh across your video has given me hope man. I have an np300 and really considering giving it a Crack. Appreciate your work. You definitely should be more confident bro you nailed it. Blessings from the long white cloud. Hope to see more videos

[@OverlandUnknown]

I love NZ, it's amazing there, I'm truly jealous!! Once this covid19 still is finished, I'm coming to NZ! You don't need the most expensive set ups, just a set up that works. Cheers mate, Grant.

[@GizmosBushEscapes]

connecting a dcdc extra ignition wire. here's a simple tip for a lot of 4wds with a cig socket in the back .most of your IN CAR female cig sockets are ignition on only. So all you need, is to attach a male cig sockets + tip wire from your battery box. plug this into your cars female socket.. you wont need the negative side.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate, I'll have to look into that 👍

[@fergnjude]

Well done old son, have just put one in my New Mux, great review.

[@ludrock2]

Great video mate! The other socket is a merit socket, sometimes referred to as an Engel socket.

[@spf4x4]

If you don’t need it, change it outfit another USB or ciggy charger.

[@shaunobrien4041]

Excellent thanks, I will being settting this up in my Troopy

[@Roland_Rohrle]

Great review, thank you. I'm looking to do this to my Falcon ute for weekends away with a Ute Swag.

[@OverlandUnknown]

This would be perfect for the falcon mate. Let me know how you go 👍

[@GeorgeAlfred5777]

Gold!! Bloody awesome vid mate. Totally spoke my language and I appreciate the honesty. I'm exactly like you, I'm winging it so thanks for insight. I got a lot of Kickass gear they are good.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Sorry about the delay in reply. Good to hear mate, keep it simple I believe! Cheers for the comment mate

[@maxadventures2025]

ive been wanting a 2nd battery, great video, I'll check out kickass, cheers mate!!

[@OverlandUnknown]

no worries, they have a website you can check out and they have sales on occasionally too.

[@brettknowles3582]

Thanks for the video. Great work on the battery mod, Im trying to keep it even more siimple with my Colorado. I dont have a rear canopy which I think will be a show stopper for a battery box in the tub ?

[@OverlandUnknown]

I personally would have it protected from the elements and also thieft. Not sure the DCDC charger is waterproof, you'll have to ensure it's water proof if you bought one. There are brands out there that are.

[@garycarroll9447]

Looking for a more detailed video like installing

[@OverlandUnknown]

ok. well there are many videos on KZbin to help you. Also checkout out Facebook's Aussie 12v page, very helpful. Cheers.

[@craignicholas592]

Thanks man - that was an awesome video 👍 well explained and simple to follow - get out there

[@sundaytaybron1213]

Absolutely Brilliant!!! What 12 charging Solar Panels are you using?

[@OverlandUnknown]

In using a cheap 120w panel from ebay that's mounted to my roof

[@robertthacker1547]

make some more videos you did great on that one i'm more into getting one now because of your video thanks for making the video for us.

[@jeffreygalamiton5492]

very helpful video mate,, cheers

[@OverlandUnknown]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@jacobgordon1605]

Love your work champ, just the kind of video I was looking for! Keep it up mate!

[@steveyoung8992]

great work mate....I haven't read all the comments yet so don't know if someone has suggested it yet but you can use a bit of rubber mat or something similar, to stop ur batt moving about,as much.....

[@OverlandUnknown]

Thanks for the idea!

[@robertwilson1827]

@@OverlandUnknown also, I've seen others, put the strap over the battery, under the cover? Maybe worth a shot..😊

[@tedjames2534]

Liked the vid cos of the Labrador!

[@asdfjkl7430]

When I first read the title, I thought Kick Ass was your opinion of the tech, didn't know it was a brand name. haha (I'm in the States)

[@A-Trip-Away]

Just found your channel and this was a really honest and truthful break down of your current set up. Very good 👌 subscribed

[@OverlandUnknown]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for the support mate, I appreciate it. More NP300 vids coming soon plus a walk around of all my mods on the vehicle. Cheers, Grant.

[@BonnieBlueProductions]

Will the controller automatically switch to the solar input for charging when available when you shut the car off? Or do you have to manually set the Mode to charge via solar? Very well done video. Kudos...

[@kylewhitpaine8218]

Hey man, cheers for the video helped me out heaps! How is the system going? Thinking of doing something similar in my np300 👌

[@OverlandUnknown]

I now use this battery system for my garden shed with a solar panel (it provides lights etc). I have a full custom 12v set up in my np300 now 👍

[@karennelson7105]

This was an honest, informative review of some good (unknown to me) kit. Cheers

[@kubacydzik]

Can you show where the trigger cable is plug in? I’m struggling with this for last two weeks, even authorised dealer give up 😢

[@JPLP-1971]

Just followed the same thing you have done to your navara. Thanks. The only thing that I haven’t done is the black wire to the ignition. Will test when the battery arrives in a few days.

[@darrensmith4661]

my issue as a tech is that you haven't mentioned fuses. Did you install any? Should have fuse from output of battery (near battery) abd then near your load (battery box). Otherwise you run the risk of a short and potential fire.

[@whisthpo]

Such a refreshing, Honest, down to earth post about a subject which many will find a confusing and daunting topic! Much obliged Mate!

[@arief3479]

great setup you helped me with my setup appreciate it!!!

[@OverlandUnknown]

No problem 👍

[@diggeroldmate8122]

Navara load rails - winning

[@OverlandUnknown]

They come in handy!!

[@dougmatheny854]

Very nice set-up! Is that battery isolated from your starter battery? Thanks

[@SuperGazza77]

G'DAY old mate, haha. Mate I been looking at doing some sorta set up like this ... just funny I came across your mug talking about this one. Hope ya been well mate. Cheers Framps.🍻

[@OverlandUnknown]

Hey Framps, long time no hear mate. Yeah been keeping well, keeping busy. It's a small world hey! Hope you're doing well too mate. 🍻🍻

[@jacklowee]

nice video mate. clear as & no b.s keep it up brother

[@OverlandUnknown]

cheers mate, appreciate the comment

[@007Knightjp]

I'm looking for good solution to mount my battery box and fridge into the back of my ute tub and it be easy to remove and put back as I tend to use my truck to haul loads from time to time.

[@OverlandUnknown]

This is a great set up for that exact need 👏

[@matthewwallace1857]

That smaller one is the Engel plug. Pull the Engel plug apart, taking off the cigarette lighter plug which just pulls off. The Engel plug locks in better than the standard cigarette lighter socket

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate, thanks for letting us know 👍. I'm assuming they aren't popular connections compared to Anderson's.

[@dazgam4101]

It's called a Merit plug. More sturdy and can handle high current.

[@johnshaw5978]

@@dazgam4101 Merit are a good plug. But the world doesn't really need another standard!

[@muzza566]

Top job mate

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate

[@jethorse1816]

Good overview mate

[@Novagunner]

wow, very simple and neat setup mate !!! and looks easy enough to take out if you need it !!

[@OverlandUnknown]

Thanks 👍

[@dvtofk9908]

I got a 140ah battery and box, 380w solar blanket, and a alternator wiring kit and controller for $500.

[@mulldog5455]

nice mate cheers for sharing,been a mission trying to figure out what to buy

[@OverlandUnknown]

Glad it helped mate. I just got back from 6 nights in outback Queensland and 9 nights on Fraser Island and it was great, no dramas at all. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Grant.

[@doraexplora9046]

Great vid but I would never pay $1200 for a second battery. If you've got a Smart alternator I don't even know why you need a DC-DC charger. But I do love that box and it's electronics. Kickass are a great Ozzie brand that's for sure.

[@sykranidiotis200]

Great video buddy 👍 does it allow you to jump start the car if you have a flat battery.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate. Not this battery, it doesn't have enough cranking amps, although I never tried. I bought a small lithium portable jump starter for that purpose 👍

[@OldPongGeezer]

Great video! That is basically the setup I am looking for: simple and swappable. Only confusing part for me was your comment about it mounted on the passenger side. 😅 Otherwise, totally clear and concise info, just what I was looking for. New subscriber. Cheers!

[@asyt9996]

Good explanation mate. Just would like to comment; the main cables you are using from the main battery to the aux battery seem a little light. Use a lower gauge cable (thicker).

[@johnshaw5978]

Or use a DC-DC charger which can actually boost the auxiliary voltage. That's just part of their magic. They also get to apply proper charging profiles. I just retired an SLA battery after 13 (yes, thirteen) years of regular use. How? The DC-DC charger simply looked after it like a nanny. My new truck is moving to lithium - but sticking with using a DC-DC charger. Paid for itself many times over.

[@idan1358]

Good one mate, doing the same setup in a Holden wagon, just to run a fridge when going wave hunting on weekends up and down the coast, I just need the dcdc charger now, I’ll check kickass out - cheers🤙

[@OverlandUnknown]

Awesome mate, also check out the Victron dcdc, it's very good 👍

[@jamesh7395]

Thanks mate - good, informative video, clear and well presented. 👍

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate

[@davelee1103]

Ive been trying to get one of these for nearly a year but they are always out of stock. Good video though mate my knowledge level is like yours.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers Dave, yeah I think the pandemic has made it harder to get them. Cheers mate.

[@lollmfao9563]

Awesome video bro, this is what I was looking for🍻

[@OverlandUnknown]

cheers and beers 🍻

[@tonesbones502]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate

[@DoseVideos]

nice video. youre a very likeable bloke

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate, I appreciate the comment.

[@vivekgubbi]

Thank you for thheh video. Does it come with an automatic circuit breaker and voltage isolator?

[@diepiennuts2789]

Great video! Did you consider using the factory cigarette inlet instead of running cable from front battery? I understand those inlets shutoff when ignition is turned off and does not drain main battery. Wish we had kick ass here. Greetings from SA.

[@lukerowlands1.023]

Quality Vid mate, well done.

[@OverlandUnknown]

Legend!

[@ianmccormick3453]

In regards to in car charging - is there any alternative to an Anderson plug directly from the main battery?. I've got a spare 12v cig plug in the rear, could I utilise that to recharge the battery?

[@craigstephenmcdonald9915]

Good nice and SIMPLE! WELL DONE

[@serge1060]

Very informative video. I have a question on how to run an ignition wire for cars with smart alternator? Thank you.

[@PradoPlacesOz]

Great review mate, congrats and well done.

[@mitchellrobinson1656]

Amazing review mate! My partner and I are going to move into a van and travel around Aus. How long did your fridge last on the battery. Did you have it plugged in all the time.

[@OverlandUnknown]

That's awesome Brett, I would love to be able to do the same. With a fixed solar panel to the roof (about 110w) it lasted quite a while, with only the occasional top up from 240v charger. Just battery by itself, maybe a day and a half with no charging. It also depend on ambient temp, how many times you open it etc. Hope this helps mate.

[@alienmatthew]

hi i like you did't down other people for what they put in !!! but say what you can aford !

[@OverlandUnknown]

Cheers mate 👍

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

Gots everlasting Maxx what 2 do next ? Gots bracket 2 screw 2 van wall? Bracket from HD? OK idea?

[@OverlandUnknown]

Sounds good

[@Thevegemitekid2016]

Thanks mate. great info and well done with the honest review

[@jasonmananquil8040]

boss can you make a video in installing it on your car? cheers

[@OverlandUnknown]

I'll see what I can do mate 🤙

[@aldenformales8764]

As I understand that system is available in Australia? Can you direct me how I can avail the system? I’m from the Philippines. Thank you.

[@DURRIESVISION]

Have you checked out the gr8 new "Kickass" power station...... just released. Would love to see a review on that

[@OverlandUnknown]

Yeah I've seen it, looks pretty good updated. I'm working on building my own 2nd battery setup atm, with a 200ah Lithium 👍

[@dom0]

@@OverlandUnknown you gonna do a video on this one too mate?

[@JUSTBECOUSE13]

I’m confused help me I want to build one don’t you also need a inverter. How do you plug it in right off the battery?