There are many 4WDing and camping accessories that you can buy, but are not actually necessary. In this article, we take a look at the DCDC charger, which has been a huge hit.

However, the question is, do you really need a DC to DC charger, or is it another fad that everyone and his dog will buy because it's the new thing on the block?

I've long been skeptical of them, and today we've covered everything you need to know and provided you with the information you need to make informed choices.

What is a DCDC Charger?

The DCDC charger uses low-voltage current to charge the secondary battery through several stages (bulk, absorption, then floating).

In most cases, it will require 12V alternator power and add it to charge the battery system further away. This is different from an AC charger, which takes 240V from a wall (or generator) and converts it to 12V in order to charge the battery.

DCDC chargers are primarily used to charge a battery pack consisting of one or more cells that are designed for deep discharge.

Battery packs are usually used to run accessories such as refrigerators, lights, water pumps, and inverters. They are usually connected to the starter battery in one way or another, and a common option is via a DCDC charger.

In years past, you would simply connect the two batteries together with a voltage-sensitive relay, which would connect the two batteries together when you were driving and then disconnect them when the battery voltage dropped below 12.5 volts (or something similar) while you were parked.

This will ensure that you can use separate batteries to run your accessories without flattening your starter battery and starting your car the next day.

When you pack up and leave, the AC generator will charge the main battery and then the auxiliary battery.

The DCDC charger sits between your main battery and the battery you want to charge, and it modifies the charge that goes into your auxiliary battery to accommodate it.

In most cases, it raises the voltage. For example, it will typically take 12.8 volts of power from the starting battery/alternator and increase it to 13.5 volts into the charging battery.

There are many reasons why DCDC chargers are beneficial, which we will discuss below.

Who sells DCDC chargers?

There are many manufacturers of DC-DC chargers out there.

The most common units are RedArc and EnerDrive. However, you can get them from Renology, Projecta, Intervolt, CTEK, Australian Direct Think, Ridge Rider, Adenture Kings, iTech, and the list goes on.

They're not all the same, and in many cases, their quality and what they can do (or even what you can do with them!). There's a big difference.

The best DCDC chargers are the ones that fit your budget and reliably do what you need. There are certainly some brands out there that are better than others, so do your research before paying anything.