If you're an avid camper or off-roader, you know how important it is to have a reliable source of power when you're on the road. A dual battery system is an excellent way to ensure that you always have the power you need for your outdoor adventures.
A dual battery setup is an electrical system that allows you to power all of your essential equipment, including your camping fridge, lights, mobile devices, and more, without worrying about draining your car's battery.
With a dual battery system, you have two batteries in your vehicle: a primary battery that starts your engine and a secondary battery that powers your equipment. The secondary or auxiliary battery is connected to the primary battery through an isolator or DC-to-DC charger, which ensures that the secondary battery is charged while you drive. When the vehicle is not running, the secondary battery is automatically disconnected from the primary battery to prevent the primary battery from being drained.
Setting up a dual battery system may seem daunting at first, but with a little know-how, it can be a straightforward process. In this guide, we will walk you through each step of setting up a dual battery system, so you can get started in no time.
Step 1: Determine Your Power Needs
The first step in setting up a dual battery system is to determine your power needs. You should consider the number of devices you plan to power, as well as their individual power requirements. To calculate your power needs, you'll need to multiply the amp draw of each device by the number of hours you plan to use it before you can recharge your system.
For example, if you will be running only a fridge with a typical consumption of 3Ah, which runs generally 50% of the time (it turns on and off through the day), you will be using 3Ah*12h=36Ah per day with your fridge.
Here's a list of typical power consumption per item when camping:
- 30L fridge: 2-4 Ah per hour (depending on the model and ambient temperature)
- Mobile phone: 1-2 Ah per day (depending on usage)
- Laptop: 3-5 Ah per hour (depending on the model and usage)
- 12V fan: 0.5-2 Ah per hour (depending on the model and speed setting)
- LED strip lights: 0.5-2 Ah per hour (depending on the length and brightness setting)
- 12V air compressor: 10-15 Ah per use
- Portable water pump: 3-5 Ah per use
- 12V hair dryer: 5-10 Ah per use
It's important to note that these are just rough estimates and actual power consumption can vary depending on factors such as device model, usage patterns, and environmental conditions. It's always a good idea to check the specifications of your devices and do some testing to determine your actual power needs.
Add up the total amp hours (Ah) to determine the total Ah you'll need for your system.
Step 2: Choose Your Battery
Once you've determined your power needs, you'll need to choose the appropriate battery. Deep cycle batteries are ideal for dual battery systems because they are designed to handle continuous discharging and recharging. AGM batteries are also a good choice because they are seale, maintenance-free and provide a great cost-benefit.
Lithium-ion batteries offer the highest performance and longest lifespan, but they are more expensive. They are also lighter and more compact than other battery types, making them ideal for smaller vehicles.
When choosing your battery, make sure it has enough capacity to meet your power needs. Keep in mind that lithium-ion batteries can generally discharge between 90 and 95%, which means that you can use almost all of the battery's capacity before needing to recharge it. On the other hand, AGM batteries can typically handle up to 50% of discharge, which means that you'll need a larger battery to meet your power needs. It's essential to consider the lifespan, weight, and cost of the battery when making your decision.
If you need more than 100Ah, you can get two batteries and wire them in parallel to double your power capacity. Wiring batteries in parallel will increase the overall capacity of the system while maintaining the same voltage. However, it's crucial to ensure that the batteries are of the same type, capacity, and age to avoid any issues.
Step 3: Install Your Battery Isolator or a DC-to-DC Charger
Once you've chosen the right battery, it's time to install your battery isolator or a DC-to-DC charger. The type of charging system you need will depend on your vehicle's alternator.
If your vehicle is an older model with a traditional alternator, a battery isolator or a Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR) is typically the best option. A battery isolator is a simple electrical device that ensures your starting battery and auxiliary battery are kept separate while the engine is off, preventing the starting battery from being drained. When the engine is running, the battery isolator allows the alternator to charge both batteries simultaneously.
On the other hand, if your vehicle has a smart alternator (generally if your vehicle is year 2011 or newer), you'll need a DC-to-DC charger. Smart alternators are designed to reduce alternator output when the vehicle's battery is fully charged, which can prevent your auxiliary battery from getting a full charge. A DC-to-DC charger takes care of this issue by regulating the charge going to your auxiliary battery, ensuring it gets a full charge even when the alternator output is reduced.
To determine if your vehicle has a smart alternator, check the owner's manual or consult with a qualified auto electrician. If you're not sure which type of charging system to use, it's always best to consult with a professional to ensure you choose the right one for your vehicle. Once you have your charging system, follow the manufacturer's instructions to install it in your vehicle.
Step 4: Connect Your Batteries
Now that you have your battery and isolator/DC-to-DC charger installed, it's time to connect your battery. You'll need to connect the positive and negative terminals of your battery to the appropriate terminals on your isolator or DC-to-DC charger. You should follow the wiring diagram of the isolator or DC-to-DC charger to make sure each cable is wired correctly.
You can use a battery box to make connections easier and keep your battery secure. It's essential to use the correct cable size and connectors to prevent any voltage drops or power loss. You should also use a fuse or circuit breaker to protect your system from any shorts or overloads.
Step 5: Add a Solar Charging System
Adding a solar charging system to your dual battery setup is a great way to keep your batteries charged when you're camping off-grid for an extended period. There are several solar options available to suit different needs and budgets.
The first option is a portable solar panel. These panels are lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. They come in various sizes and power outputs, ranging from small panels that can charge your phone or laptop to larger ones that can charge your whole system. Portable solar panels are a great option if you're on a tight budget or if you need a flexible charging solution that you can move around as needed.
The second option is a fixed solar panel. These panels are permanently installed on the roof of your vehicle or camper trailer, and they can be wired directly into your charging system. Fixed solar panels are typically larger and more powerful than portable panels, making them an excellent option for those who need a lot of power and want a more permanent solution.
The third option is a solar blanket. These are similar to portable solar panels, but they're designed to be even more portable and flexible. Solar blankets are made from flexible, lightweight material and can be rolled up for easy storage and transport. They're a great option if you need a lot of power but don't have the space for a fixed panel.
Whichever solar option you choose, make sure you get a solar controller to regulate the charge going into your battery. Solar controllers prevent overcharging and ensure that your battery is charged efficiently and safely. If you are running your battery with a DC-to-DC charger (step 3) likely it will already come with a solar regulator.
When choosing a solar charging system, it's important to consider your power needs, available space, and budget. Consult with a professional if you're not sure which solar option is best for your setup.
Below in an example of a dual-battery system with two AGM batteries connected in parallel (total 200Ah), using a isolator/VSR and solar panels. We have also added an inverter which is needed if you want to charge 240V devices. A fuse box can be useful to keep all connections to your loads tidy and safe, but inline fuses will also work.
Step 6: Test Your Dual Battery System
Once your dual battery system is installed, test it to make sure everything is working correctly. Start your vehicle and check that the secondary battery is being charged.
You can do this by using a multimeter or a digital meter device to check the voltage and current of your batteries. When the engine is running, both auxiliary and start-up batteries should read similar voltages, indicating that your start-up battery is supplying power correctly to the auxiliary battery.
You should also check that your devices are receiving power from the system.
If you notice any issues with your voltage readings or suspect that your dual battery system is not working correctly, consult with a qualified auto electrician to diagnose and fix the problem. It's essential to ensure that your system is working correctly before embarking on any camping or off-road adventures.