Dual battery system

[Lukeis]

I’m looking for a dual battery system, it willl only be for a 50L waeco fridge from time to
time but it’s possible I will get a winch at some stage.

Does anyone know if I could use something like this? I have already wired up the fridge etc so I just need the additional battery and isolator:

DUAL BATTERY KIT 140AMP NARVA COMPLETE ISOLATOR AND WIRING SYSTEM CABLE 61092 + | eBay

yes, I’m very aware of the triaxide option but it’s expensive and if I can find something 90% as good for way less then that’s a win for me given my low need for it.

[harryharrison]

I have the Intervolt in my D3. it's pricey, but a little cheaper than Traxide.

In-Vehicle DC-DC Battery Charger | Intervolt

[Eric SDV6SE]

It's more expensive to replace batteries and buggered alternators from a poor quality DBMS than it is to get the Traxide system.

Whilst I haven't got a Traxide system, I've read a lot of very good reports about it, so if I was in the market for such a system that would be the one of choose for my D4.

[Lukeis]

I appreciate triaxide might be the gold standard but It’s just not on the table for me so I just want to know about other options which have worked for people on here

[Eric SDV6SE]

I have the Intervolt in my D3. it's pricey, but a little cheaper than Traxide.

In-Vehicle DC-DC Battery Charger | Intervolt

I have the intervolt solid state isolator nice bit of kit.

[DiscoJeffster]

I’d like a Traxide too, but I can’t justify at the moment as I only charge the camper when on the road and don’t have a fridge in the car. That might change in the future. I’ve looked at the Intervolt too. Seems a reasonable alternative if you’re competent to wire the system yourself and don’t want a turnkey solution such as Traxide.

One thing to remember is there is no warranty that compares to Traxide or the level of support available.

[DiscoMick]

I think the DBS we had in the D1 cost about $150 and came from ARB if that helps.
There are lots around just to separate batteries and the wiring is simple.
The Traxide has the advantage of allowing some draw down of the starting battery as well as the second battery.
You might consider buying a solar panel with wiring and a regulator to fit to the roof rack and run to the starting battery. That way it will always be charged, the DBS will connect the two batteries and your fridge will keep running.
I spent about $150 on an 80 watt panel with a regulator and 10 metre lead on eBay and it works fine. Just a thought.

[loanrangie]

Any basic $50 isolator like the Narva unit will do the job, in the scheme of things the traxide is not much more. Your winch will be wired to the main battery so a basic isolator will disconnect and not offer much assistance.

[Pinelli]

I've got a simple isolator relay that I've used, mainly because I recovered from the D2 when it went. I don't use the second battery for much, but the isolator seems to do the job fine. I think if it was going to have heavy usage, or you were using different types of batteries, you may want to consider something a little more intelligent.

[LRD414]

I wonder if you’re comparing apples with apples Luke? The Narva VSR kit for $165 gets you the isolator and cabling to connect batteries. The Traxide SC80 isolator alone is $165, so the only difference is the cabling. What about battery tray and hold down bracket plus a mount for the isolator? The basic Traxide kit for $430 includes the tray and isolator bracket and all wiring to suit the space in front of cranking battery.

Perhaps your aux battery is not going in front of the cranking battery and I’m sure the Narva unit would be a good option but I felt the perception of massive cost difference seemed worth further investigation.

Regards,
Scott