Best Overlanding Electrical Systems 2026

A DC-DC charger is the modern standard for Australian Outback touring. It provides multi-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float) that protects your battery and maximises lifespan — essential for lithium (LFP) auxiliary batteries. A VSR (voltage-sensitive relay) or isolator is a simple relay connecting batteries directly. VSRs still work for flooded/AGM setups but can damage LFP cells and cannot cope with the variable-voltage smart/Euro 5–6 alternators in post-2015 Land Cruisers, Rangers, Hiluxes, Patrols, and D-Max utes. Redarc BCDC and Enerdrive DC2DC are the two dominant Australian-designed units.

Australian-designed and manufactured Redarc (BCDC, Manager30, RedVision) is the market leader, followed by Enerdrive (ePRO Plus, DC2DC, ePOWER AC/DC), Invicta (LiFePO4 batteries), REVOLT, and Projecta. International brands with strong AU distribution include Victron Energy (BMV / SmartShunt / Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC), CTEK (D250SE), and Renogy. ARB sells Redarc-based kits under its own branding. Caravan and motorhome setups often use VSR-based dual battery systems from Projecta or National Luna for budget builds.

LFP is superior in every way except upfront cost: roughly 50% lighter, 3,000+ cycles vs 400–600 for AGM, usable to 80–100% depth of discharge vs 50% for AGM, faster charging, and much better high-temperature performance (critical for Central Australia 45 °C+ summer days). A 100 Ah LFP gives you 80–100 Ah usable vs only 50 Ah from a 100 Ah AGM. Invicta, Enerdrive, Revolt, and BLA KickAss LFP batteries are popular; all need a compatible DC-DC charger — never connect LFP directly to an alternator via a simple VSR.

Most serious Australian tourers run both. A 150–200 W fixed roof panel (Redarc, Enerdrive, KickAss, Hardkorr) trickle-charges while you drive and while parked in sun. A 200–300 W folding blanket lets you park in shade for comfort and deploy the panel into full sun — invaluable in 40 °C+ Pilbara or Kimberley camps. Total 300–500 W of solar is typical for a fridge + fans + lighting + phones setup running off a 100–200 Ah LFP bank.

Add up daily consumption in Ah at 12 V: 40 L fridge (~35–45 Ah/day), LED lighting (~5 Ah), phone/laptop charging (~10 Ah), camp lights and fans (~10–15 Ah). A typical touring setup uses 60–90 Ah/day. Battery should be 1.5–2× daily use (120–160 Ah for LFP, 200+ Ah for AGM at 50% DoD). DC-DC charger should replenish the battery in 2–4 hours driving — 25 A for 100 Ah bank, 40–50 A for 200 Ah. Add solar to keep the bank topped at camp.

Traditional caravans still use VSR-based dual-battery setups because they are cheap, simple, and the tow vehicle's Anderson plug runs long cable runs where voltage drop kills a DC-DC's effectiveness. Modern lithium-equipped caravans use a DC-DC charger mounted inside the van (not the tow vehicle) to compensate for voltage drop. Many Australian caravans now ship with integrated systems (Enerdrive, Projecta, Setec) combining DC-DC, solar MPPT, AC charger, and inverter in one unit. Confirm compatibility before retrofitting LFP batteries into an older van wired for AGM.