Redarc dc -dc charger

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

i just purchased a low voltage cut off from abr 12v 60 amp ill never have to worry about destroying my battery now or having not enough Volts for the accessories

Where did u mount this device... up near your main battery?

[downunder Find all posts View Profile Close downunder]

I installed mine up near the AUX battery, and so far it has been working great, I made sure cable size was adequate. If you are interested in photos of the install see by rig build page.

[daniel Member Find all posts View Profile Close daniel]

its not installed yet
ive got draws ordered so im going to try hide it somewhere in the draws with a fuse box ill post pictures when i get it all done

[squonk Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close squonk]

Hi all
my dual battery setup
redarc bcdc1240 (40A Dc-Dc charger)
optima yellow top d34 55ah
ARB battery tray
4mm2 cable into the back for fridge rated at 10A
and a Anderson plug for solar

Hi Daniel,
I've notice you intalled the dc-dc charger next to the battery.
According to the ARB shop here in Perth, that device is quite sensible to heat and stops working at 80 degrees (temperature value confirmed by data sheet).
He was suggesting to install the charger in front of the main radiator so that it doesn't get heted by the engine and get cooled by the air.

I was considering installing everything as you did, but then the heat issue set me off.

Did you ever notice any issue with heat so far?

Ciao
Marco

[daniel Member Find all posts View Profile Close daniel]

i had the same thoughts but ARB in kilsyth vic said that position would be fine and thats were they would put it


and no issue with heat but ill keep a eye on it

[Prone Member Find all posts View Profile Close Prone]

Hi All,

Also had worries about temp under bonnet but due to limited time before departure I mounted my BCDC1220 under bonnet on side panel next to brake plumbing. So far have not noticed any temperature effects. Charges Aux bat at about 20A and when it is charged puts about 17A plus to trailer battery (half length at 13 sqmm and half at 10sqmm. I believe it works much better than just connecting trailer to main battery.

Have checked output and case temp after prolonged high speed towing on current trip. (SA, NT and now WA). Output remains as rated and case temp after stopping and opening bonnet is only warm and definitely not hot.

My main complaint now is it is only 20A suspect 40A may be better to charge batteries on shorter trips.

When I have more time I will rethink it all. Maybe dedicated chargers for aux and trailer batteries.

Cheers

[daniel Member Find all posts View Profile Close daniel]

hi Prone
good to hear there is no problems

ddi you join a 10mm2 to a 13mm2 and if so why ?

[gumboot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close gumboot]

I saw the new 25Amp Redarc BCDC with Solar MPPT. Looks good. See here
http://redarc.com.au/static/files/BC...d_02052012.pdf

cheers

[downunder Find all posts View Profile Close downunder]

Really the only benefit i can think of this rather than the BCDC1240 is you can use a cheaper battery that cannot take the 40A charge rate.

[Prone Member Find all posts View Profile Close Prone]

hi Prone
good to hear there is no problems

ddi you join a 10mm2 to a 13mm2 and if so why ?

I ran 13mm2 in car to Anderson socket. Camper trailer was made with 10mm2 from its Anderson socket to its batteries. Both runs are about 5metres.

Cheers

[Warnsie Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Warnsie]

Hi Daniel

Did the battery tray from ARB come standard with the mount on the side for the Redarc Isolator?

[daniel Member Find all posts View Profile Close daniel]

it was extra cant remember how much or part number

Hi Daniel

Did the battery tray from ARB come standard with the mount on the side for the Redarc Isolator?

[Kowolski Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kowolski]

Redarc strongly advised me not to use a BCDC1240 with just one AUX battery. Told me they have had numerous events where the 1240 had damaged batteries in 4WDs where the AUX battery simply can't handle 40amps, or if it does initially after a while they don't cope.

[downunder Find all posts View Profile Close downunder]

this is true cheap batteries cannot handle being charged quickly. Especially AGM or sealed batteries. This was the reason i got the Lifeline AGM battery as it can take the charge. also optima batteries would also handle the current. Had to sell my left kidney as they are not cheap but worth it, hmm

[winniliss Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close winniliss]

Redarc strongly advised me not to use a BCDC1240 with just one AUX battery. Told me they have had numerous events where the 1240 had damaged batteries in 4WDs where the AUX battery simply can't handle 40amps, or if it does initially after a while they don't cope.

Wouldn't the vehicle's alternator deliver more than 40amps to charge the battery? Aren't they an 80amps or similar? Obviously some amperage would be taken up to run the vehicle, lights etc.