Redarc DC-DC Charger

[pete.ryan]

Ok so I think I'm set on the dual battery setup I want. I'm going to install an auxiliary deep cycle battery (to run my fridge and camp lights). I'm going to couple this with a Redarc dc-dc charger. I have been looking at them and there seems to be 3 different models. A 20amp, 25amp and 40amp. Is the amp rating just going to increase the speed of charge the higher the amp rating? What unit are others running?

[dave g]

I run a 25amp as it has solar option.
I think the 40amp is to high.

[gumby90]

I have the bcdc 1220 which doesn't have the solar part to it. It's good for what I do

[dino12]

my guess is 20 amp is more than high enough. my battery boxes have fuses in them that restrict drain to 10 amps. fridges normally don't drain more than 7 to eight amps, waeco don't anyway. engel less. to be charging at more than 20 amps isn't particularly good for the battery. most chargers charge at 10 amps initially then less as the battery charge builds. cheers.

[GeeBung]

I run the redarc 1225LV and its fine. If you got a newer hilux the LV (low voltage) models are the go because of the temperature compensating alternator on our trucks.

[dave g]

look up the redarc site they give you all the fuse and wire sizes.

[deffer64]

I run the Redarc 1220 model I found I had to mount inside the cab on kick panel as they have a cut out when the temp gets to hot 90 degrees if I remember and engine bays get way past that when in hot country like on the way to Karumba it was 39 outside the cab since mounting inside aircon keeps it cool and works faultlessly.

[pete.ryan]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think the 20amp model will do the job. What have people been paying for their units?

[davbar65]

Redarc 1225, has the option to use solar if you get to that point.
Be aware most batteries have a maximum charging current and 40amp will be too high for most applications and may damage the battery. For example, my 105a AGM has a maximum charge current of 30a so the Redarc 1225 is about ideal. The 40a chargers are more suited for multiple battery setups such as in camper trailers & caravans etc.
Cheers.

[packeteer]

check your batteries charging rate

for my 100Ah AGM battery, the 1220 is perfect

[petejohnson2242]

Hey mate this is my set up its 25amp option and it charges my 100a/h am battery in no time. Also if you trying to find somewhere to mount the unit I made a bracket that's slots under the factory battery tray, holds the unit great and saves space. I paid 399 for the unit on eBay.

[packeteer]

thats a real nice setup

[adamw]

hey fellas, I have a bcdc1220 mounted in my canopy to 100amp agm... would it be more beneficial having the 130 wasp solar panels going direct to the agm using the solar mppt or through the bcdc

[packeteer]

the bcdc1220 does not do solar, so I guess the question is upstream or downstream of the bcdc1220 ?

[07luxyTD]

If the solar panel has a MPPT chip then just put it straight to the aux battery.

[dave g]

hi give redarc a call they well have info you need so you don't blow it up.

[Allords]

I think Redarc is an inferior product compared to the likes of Cteck.
Its basically a switch wrapped up in a sexy package, but it sells because its "plug and play"

Anyway, Horses for courses, Ford Vs Holden........Unless you know the diff
But for mine Redarc is a marketing Co first and foremost

[dabbler]

Inferior ? In what way ?

[TOYZX]

How are they plug and play! Yes they make vehicle specific kits now for some models but most of their stuff is all full wire in!

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[dabbler]

Quite right Toyzx. Redarc units arrive with stripped colour coded wiring and that's their limit to plug and play.

Projecta sell units pre-fitted with Anderson plugs but I have never seen a vehicle factory fitted with Anderson. The supposed ease of install of these projecta just limits your install config imo.