Portable Power vs Dual Battery: Which one is right for me?

Having access to power when you’re off the grid is essential, and while your vehicle can supply some of your needs in the shorter term, the support of a secondary power supply offers a number of benefits vehicle power can’t.

For starters, the vehicle’s power supply isn’t drawn down when used for an extended period, meaning your vehicle’s battery is always charged and ready when you need to start the engine.

The other main benefit of secondary power is that it can be charged separately to the vehicle’s battery, and in the case of a portable power solution, can be used remotely from your vehicle, caravan, or camper trailer.

Of course, there are pros and cons to each setup, which we’ll take a look at now.

Dual battery system

The benefits are a dual battery system are well known. The main upside is that the auxiliary battery can usually be relied upon to start your engine in the event the primary battery runs down. Conversely, like the primary battery, the auxiliary battery relies on your vehicle’s alternator to draw charge, meaning the alternator is working hard to supply charge to your vehicle and a pair of batteries.

An issue with dual battery setups is that they don’t receive the charge they need to maintain a healthy battery charge during your daily commute. A battery needs to maintain a certain level of charge to preserve its longevity. Simply, short trips don’t provide enough charge to supply two batteries, and if the system is not well setup, you may find that even your primary battery isn’t charged sufficiently for starting your vehicle.

Of course, there are ways to mitigate this. An uprated alternator is one option, DC to DC chargers and intelligent solar setups are another.

DC-DC Battery Chargers

Designed to enhance the life of deep-cycle batteries, the IDC range of DC-DC chargers input a tailored charging profile specific to the selected battery.

An IDC DC/Solar battery charger allows you to charge your 12V second/auxiliary deep cycle battery on the go, simultaneously from solar and alternator (9-32V) inputs. It provides an advanced 3 stage charging process to produce a safe and comprehensive charge, a must for deep cycle batteries.

The initial bulk-stage charges the battery faster while the secondary absorption-stage ensures the battery is thoroughly charged while the final float-stage maintains the battery ready for use and can be left connected indefinitely.

The IDC range feature sealed, shock-proof construction that is both dust and water resistant and can safely operate in temperatures from -10° to +80° Celsius.

Portable power

Typically, portable power systems are better suited to someone who ventures out infrequently or is reluctant to invest in a costly dual battery setup.

Your usage is going to determine what kind of portable power system best suits your needs, but for most people, a system like the Projecta Power-Hub offers the kind of flexibility and staying power required for a few days off the grid.

What makes a portable power system more practical than a battery that stays in your vehicle is its portability. You can setup camp or work away from your vehicle, caravan, or camper trailer, while still charging the unit from solar power. You also don’t need to carry and charge the unit while commuting through the week, leaving it at home or in the garage when it can be maintained via a domestic power outlet until you’re ready to use it.

Of course, portable power systems can also be charged on-the-go. This gives a portable power system a ‘best of both worlds’ level of appeal for a lot of different users, the unit able to be charged from your vehicle via an Anderson plug, 12-volt cigarette lighter outlet or even a solar panel on the roof of your vehicle, caravan, or camper trailer.

Projecta Power-Hub

There’s a lot of portable power systems on the market, and of course some are better than others.

Essentially these systems turn your 12-volt battery into a versatile and user-friendly option for charging your accessories and appliances while you’re off the grid. They’re a terrific alternative to conventional dual battery systems, reduce the risks associated with inferior setups, and provide flexibility for a broader range of users.

But not all portable power systems are created equally. The Projecta Power-Hub offers a range of features to help it stand out from the pack, not least of all is its 10 power outlets (including Merit, 2-amp USB, cigarette lighter, Engel type, heavy-duty 50-amp socket, DC terminals and an AC outlet with on/off switch) and powerful 300-watt pure sine wave inverter, ideal for sensitive electrical equipment.

The Projecta Power-Hub also includes a Smart Battery Gauge to take the guess work out of knowing your battery’s status. The 2.4-inch LCD monitor utilises Projecta’s patented self-learning technology to provide comprehensive battery status information, making sure you’re never left with less charge than you expect.

Compatible with a wide range of battery sizes and chemical types, the Projecta Power-Hub can accommodate batteries from 100-123Ah measuring up to 245mm high (including posts). The unit is constructed from lightweight and durable glass reinforced plastic and is compact enough to fit in even smaller SUVs or pop-up camper trailers.

For more information, visit: Portable Power Hub