What is a DC to DC Charger?
Author: TheAutoStore Date Posted:9 March 2020


The very basic use of a DC-DC charger is to make sure your vehicle’s auxiliary or second battery is 100% charged 24/7, maintains its right voltage even when it is away from the vehicle’s alternator, for example in a camper trailer or caravan.
Most vehicle alternators are not designed to fully charge an auxiliary battery. An insufficient charge rate will, at best, shorten the life and performance of the auxiliary battery but may result in the battery being flat when least expected.
A DC-DC battery charger is the best and smartest way to charge your auxiliary battery to ensure optimum performance of your electrical equipment such as fridges, lights and other creature comforts.
At theautostore.com.au we stock a range of DC-DC chargers from leading brands Thunder and Redarc. We have done a comparison of the products below to help you to determine what will suit your needs and requirements.
Thunder TDR02020 and TDR02040 DC- DC Chargers both have a smart and unique pulse charging algorithm that determines the best charge rate for an auxiliary battery. This is best to use in 4WD vehicles for off-road use. It has enough power to charge an auxiliary battery even while driving. Other features of this product include:
- Over heating and over charging protection
- Reverse connection protection that will detect and indicate a reversed connection on its input and output terminals which prevent damage to the battery
- Automatically shuts down if it detects over or under voltage problem preventing battery damage
- Spark-free protection as the charger will not start charging unless it is securely connected
Redarc BCDC1225D and BCDC1240D chargers both feature next generation in-vehicle charging technology as it can charge solar and DC inputs simultaneously. Here are the best features of the product:
- Separate DC and Solar charging units
Simultaneous DC and Solar charging with green power priority, which means it will select solar first, meaning less load on the alternator.
Can be used on both 12V and 24V systems
Fault recognition that protects against voltage spikes, overheating and reverse polarity connection.
Designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions
Redarc and Thunder are one of Australia’s best buys for dual battery chargers. Although both these brands of chargers have similar features, price may vary. These four models have at least 3.8 out of 5 star rating online due to its automatic solar switch on feature.
However, we advise that you consult with us at The Auto Store as to which of these products best suits needs. We must put into consideration the type of vehicle you drive or whether the vehicle you drive would need to pull a camper trailer or caravan behind.
Visit our online shop at TheAutoStore to purchase these items. For Redarc BCDC1225D and Redarc BCDC1240D, please use our Redarc Request Form. For Thunder products,
https://www.theautostore.com.au/20-amp-dc-dc-charger
https://www.theautostore.com.au/40a-dc-dc-charger-with-mppt-solar-regulator