Dual Battery - Do I need it?

[Bumbo]

I always go for a dual battery. I like having the capacity, flexibility, and peace of mind… I do all my own design/electrical work and I like these types of projects so I don’t look at it as a huge cost or hurdle.

That said, over the years of running an efficient fridge like the ARB 50, I know I can get away with a lot less battery for weekend trips.

Portables are also worth considering. So is just adding a small ~50 watt solar panel and a charge controller to the truck to help maintain a single battery setup when sitting.

With a little DIY spirit you can take some small SLA batteries and an ammo can and easily make something that can run the fridge overnight. Add a solar charge controller and you have a budget Yeti

If all you are running is a fridge when the truck is off, you have a lot of options.

 

[sn_85]

I had a National Luna system in my 3rd gen and loved it in principle. But for my 2019 I think I'm going with the Goal Zero Yeti link kit which basically allows you to charge their bigger power stations while driving. Portable, rechargeable power that is much easier to implement.

Have you looked at the new National Luna DC25 Power Pack? It's an isolator, DC-DC battery charger, MPPT solar regular, and portable power pack all in one. Allows you to throw any battery you want in there. I'm sure it won't be cheap but neither is GZ.

I have numerous Goal Zero products and while they are nicely packaged, well thought out, and work well within their own product lines the units themselves are often very limiting. Their battery tech is dated for the prices they charge. I know their 400W and even 1000W units are not running a regulated 12v output. So you can't run a 12V-DC fridge without purchasing an additional 12V regulated cable adapter for $40. You can run it off AC but then it'd be inefficient. I mean really, a 1000W lithium unit can't run a 12V DC fridge without power drops and the need of a $40 dongle? Seems like there's always a compromise and need to run adapters with the GZ kits and by the time you add it all up you spent a lot of money on a limited solar generator that's not even using LiFePO4 batteries.

I like some of their smaller portable battery packs that I can throw in my backpack but I think their solar generators are quite lacking.