In-Car Charging

About this range

Power your fridge, lights and camp gear away from mains power with a dual battery and in car charging setup. This range covers lithium deep cycle batteries, solar panels and power distribution units for touring 4x4s.

We stock HardKorr and Nomad gear, including LiFePO4 batteries with Bluetooth and a 170W fixed solar panel. Buy online with Australia-wide shipping, or have your dual battery system supplied and fitted at our Burwood workshop.

7 products

Buying guide

Dual battery and 12 V power explained

A second battery runs your fridge, lights and charging without touching the starting battery. Modern vehicles and lithium batteries change how that system should be built.

  1. Smart alternators

    Many late-model vehicles have smart alternators that vary their voltage. A simple isolator doesn't charge a second battery well from these, so a DC-DC charger is recommended (Redarc).

  2. Where lithium can go

    Lithium batteries must not go in the engine bay: the heat is too much (Redarc, Enerdrive). They go in the cabin, tub or canopy.

  3. Charge it correctly

    Lithium needs a charger with a lithium profile, and most can't be charged below 0 C unless the battery is heated. Don't mix battery brands or sizes in one system (Redarc).

  4. Sizing solar

    Work out how many watt-hours you use a day and divide by 5 to 6 sun hours to size your panels. A panel laid flat can lose up to 38% of its output (Enerdrive).

Choosing a dual battery and charging setup

Start with your power budget. Add up what your fridge, lights, chargers and pumps draw over a typical day, then size your battery so it covers a couple of days without charge. Lithium LiFePO4 batteries have become the popular choice for touring because they are lighter than AGM and can be drawn down further without damage.

Then plan how the battery gets recharged. Driving charge keeps things topped up between camps, while solar keeps you independent when the vehicle is parked for days. We stock Nomad LiFePO4 batteries, the NOMADPDU power distribution unit and HardKorr solar panels, so you can build a system that suits your touring style.

Related categories

Common questions

Do I need a DC-DC charger?

If your vehicle has a smart alternator, yes: isolators charge poorly from them. A DC-DC charger also gives the second battery the right charging profile, including for lithium (Redarc).

Can a lithium battery go under the bonnet?

No. Battery makers say lithium batteries can't handle engine bay heat and must not be installed there (Redarc, Enerdrive).

Lithium or AGM?

Lithium needs a charger with a lithium profile, a location out of the engine bay and, below 0 C, a heated battery to charge. Compare usable capacity and weight on each battery's specifications, and follow its maker's mounting guidance.

How much solar do I need for a fridge?

Add up your daily use in watt-hours, then divide by 5 to 6 sun hours (Redarc). Allow extra if the panel will lie flat or sit in shade.

Can I run my fridge off the starting battery?

You can, but you risk a flat battery and no start. A second battery with a DC-DC charger keeps the starting battery for the engine.

Keep going

Lithium Batteries & Battery ManagementLithium batteries and monitors50 in range Battery TraysTrays by vehicle21 in range SolarPanels and blankets5 in range ChargingChargers20 in range Switches & AccessoriesSwitches and wiring17 in range