When you’re travelling across Australia’s vast and rugged landscapes, staying powered up is non-negotiable. From keeping your fridge running in the Kimberley heat to charging your camera gear in the Daintree, a reliable dual battery system can make all the difference between a memorable adventure and a major hassle.
At All 12 Volt, we’ve spent years testing and recommending the best gear for real Aussie conditions. In this guide, we’ll break down the top dual battery systems for touring Australia, explain how they work, and help you choose the right setup for your caravan, camper trailer, or 4WD.
A dual battery system uses two separate batteries in your vehicle or rig:
Starter Battery: Powers your engine
Auxiliary Battery: Powers 12V accessories like fridges, lights, pumps, and inverters
The benefit? You can run all your camping gear without draining your starter battery, ensuring you’re not left stranded.
Whether you’re doing the Gibb River Road, crossing the Simpson Desert, or simply camping in a remote beach cove, a dual battery system gives you:
Energy independence
Longer off-grid stays
Peace of mind
Paired with solar panels and a battery monitor, it’s the ultimate off-grid solution.
Both have their place, but here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | AGM Battery | Lithium Battery |
---|---|---|
Weight | Heavier | Much lighter |
Depth of Discharge | 50% | Up to 90% |
Lifespan | 3–5 years | 8–10+ years |
Charging Speed | Slower | Faster |
Cost | Affordable | Higher upfront, better long-term value |
Lithium is ideal for serious tourers; AGM is a great starting point for weekend adventurers.
To get the best performance, your system should include:
Deep-Cycle Battery
Choose from ZENOT AGM or Lithium depending on your needs and budget.
DC-DC Charger or Isolator
Ensures your auxiliary battery charges safely while you drive.
Battery Box or Mounting System
Protects your battery and gives you easy access to ports, displays, and outputs.
Solar Panels + MPPT Controller
Harness free energy from the sun to keep your system topped up, even when stationary.
Battery Monitor
Tracks voltage, amps, and usage in real-time—essential for managing power efficiently.
Here are three tried-and-tested options we recommend:
Perfect for: Weekend campers or new tourers
Includes: AGM battery, isolator, pre-wired battery box
Pros: Affordable, durable, plug-and-play
Perfect for: Long-term off-grid living
Includes: Lightweight lithium battery, DC-DC charger, Bluetooth monitor
Pros: Fast charging, high capacity, long lifespan
Perfect for: Short 4WD trips and fridge setups
Includes: Heat-resistant AGM, isolator, simple wiring
Pros: Space-saving, cost-effective, great for fridges and lights
Use correct cable sizing to avoid voltage drop
Mount the battery securely and ventilate the area
Fuse all connections for safety
Plan ahead for expansion—add more sockets, solar inputs, or a second aux battery later
Need help with installation? The All 12 Volt team is here to guide you every step of the way.
The right dual battery system lets you enjoy true freedom on the road. Whether you’re cruising the coast or crossing the Nullarbor, our setups are built to handle the extremes of the Aussie outdoors—without the premium price tag.
Explore dual battery systems now at All12Volt.com.au
Power your adventure. The road is calling.
Who does not love the outdoors and camping? It's a great adventure and opens up new destinations and often unexplored places. But you need to be well equipped with the safe and durable caravan and camping accessories for these outdoor activities. It is undoubtedly thrilling and exciting, but unless you take good care of what you need to do and what you should avoid, there's always a chance of an unpleasant experience. It pays to take sound advice from a 4WD specialist when going on a camping trip.