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Bushranger X Bar Mounting System
Regular price $91.00Regular priceUnit price per
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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 switches and electrical accessories
Good switching separates a tidy 4x4 electrical setup from a tangle of wiring. Start by listing everything you want to control, such as driving lights, light bars and compressors, then choose switches rated for the current each circuit draws. Sealed rocker switches are worth considering for gear that will cop dust and moisture.
Piggyback adaptors and vehicle-specific looms make for a much cleaner install than cutting into factory wiring, and they are simpler to remove later. Narva, Piranha, HardKorr, Low Voltage and Bushranger all feature in this range, and the team at our Burwood workshop can wire everything in properly if you would rather not tackle it yourself.
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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.