Marine Switches

Solenoids

The computing power that we have in these modern vehicles means that these vehicles are susceptible to damage from things like voltage spikes.

A voltage spike or a surge occurs when you parallel batteries together in a charging scenario. It's just like jump-starting.

Now obviously, you don't want to damage the computer in your car, and you don't want to damage any of the electronics either.

Even things like GPS's can be affected by surges and spikes, so the answer to that is to try and not create that surge or spike in the first place.

Piranha Offroad originally introduced modern-day systems with technology that allowed us to run smart computer systems in our cars with a battery isolation system that was compatible and safe.

Since then, technology has developed even further.

Now what's happened is; originally, we used to have minimal choices of batteries.

We had basically wet cells in cranking and wet cells in deep cycle.

Nowadays, we have:

• AGM batteries which is Absorbed Glass Mat.
• Calcium batteries
• We have a whole range of wonderful technologies that allow us to charge our batteries more quickly, and they give us more capacity, which is all really, really good.

However, you then need to use smarter technology products. Something like products driven typically by a microprocessor:

• Enabling us to have a full smart charging algorithm built into our battery charging system.
• Allowing us to charge those different batteries with the different chemistries and still function effectively.

Importantly, the smarter systems cannot damage the electronics on your car, so you will not be stranded, and you'll not be in limp home mode.

You can use these products with absolute confidence knowing that everything is going to be fine. Learn more about the Piranha 180 Amp Dual Battery Management System HERE.

The last thing, of course, is very important is that on an older style vehicle, you don't necessarily need this level of technology.

But if you do sell that vehicle in a couple of years and then upgrade to something a bit newer, this can go with you.

The life expectancy of these products is typically 15 years or more, so a smart answer with smart technology is a great way to go.

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Dual Battery Control Features

What are the features that we should be looking for in a modern dual battery controller?

One of the very most important features that most simple systems do not have is one-way flow.

In other words, very simply, let's explain this in terms of tanks of water.

If one tank is full and the other one is empty, and we join the two tanks together, they'll equalize so that the full one will go down to half and the flat one will come up to half.

That's not what you want in a modern system.

You must have a one-way flow so effective that the alternator charges the main battery, and after that's charged, it charges the auxiliary battery, so one-way flow is one of the most important features.

The second thing is we must have in a smart, intelligent modern system electronic current limiting.

We can't be using fuses or circuit breakers. They just are not fast enough to protect those computers that we need to look after.

The next feature is related to a frequently asked question, not IF it goes wrong, but WHEN it goes wrong.

Because everything gets old and wears out eventually, it's critical that you will not be left stranded when a system fails.

If this system ever goes wrong, it does not impinge or in any way affect the computer, the starting, or the running of the car.

The worst thing that might happens is getting warm beers as the fridge will stop working.

Back to the points again.

The joints in every electrical system have the potential of having problems

• A wire can come loose
• You can get high resistance
• You can get corrosion
• Something can short out

So typically, we don't want lots of joints in our system in the wires in these smarter systems.

We typically only have two connections, one onto each of the batteries.

If you've got external fuses and circuit breakers, you end up with six or more connections.

So keeping the joins to an absolute minimum is really, really important.

The next thing, of course, is an infinite choice of batteries.

Now you don't have much choice over what battery the car comes with when you buy it initially, but once that battery is worn out, the choice is up to you.

With smart systems, we can run any type of chemistry or technology. Now, remember that different chemistry batteries require different amounts of voltage to make them charge correctly.

They have different charging regimes. That's the technical term for it.

With these systems, we can use dissimilar batteries with very specific charging regimes and still get them to charge properly.

Very importantly, these systems are Australian made and Australian tested with five years or more warranty.

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Conclusion

Piranha Offroad are experts when it comes to dual battery setup for off-road vehicles.

A dual battery setup gives you extra power for your vehicle electrics and accessories.

Piranha also produces a range of high-quality battery trays designed primarily for dual battery systems.

Piranha has the battery tray you need, no matter what make or model of your 4WD.

All Piranha battery trays are designed for strength and made out of plated steel. Built with high sides and pressed bases, Piranha battery trays are made to withstand the stress of offroading in any condition.

Piranha battery trays all come with fixing hardware included.

Piranha Offroad is the answer if you are looking to upgrade to a dual battery system without all the fuss.

Check here for our selection of Piranha Offroad products, including battery trays, electrical accessories, and camping gear.

If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced sales team, and they will guide you towards choosing the right product for your needs.

Do you have any questions about Dual Battery Systems? Contact our team today on (02) 4041 4000.