Electrical

About this range

Power, charging, batteries and in-car electronics for your 4WD. Ask us about a setup matched to your vehicle and touring plans.

Ask about fitting in Burwood

108 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 the right electrical gear

Start with the load. Every accessory you add draws current, and the cable, connectors and fuses all need to be rated for it. 50 amp Anderson plugs are the standard for dual battery and fridge circuits because they handle high current and cannot be plugged in the wrong way round. Whatever you wire in, fuse it as close to the battery as possible.

For switches, sealed units like the Narva rocker range are worth the small extra spend on a 4WD. Dust and water get everywhere off road, and an unsealed switch is usually the first thing to fail. Match the switch rating to the circuit, and run anything with a heavy draw through a relay rather than through the switch itself.

Dash cams come down to resolution and features. The AUTOBACS range runs from Super HD up to 4K, with GPS logging and Wi-Fi on most models. If you want parking mode, the camera needs to be hardwired with low voltage cut-off protection so it never flattens your starter battery.

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