Modern 4WDs have less room under the bonnet for a dual battery system, so more people are turning to battery boxes and portable power units for camping and touring. They aren't all built the same. Here's how REDARC's GoBlock compares with a traditional battery box.
One purpose-built unit
A typical battery box is put together from parts by different makers: an AC charger, a DC-DC charger, a solar regulator and a battery. Those parts don't always work well together, and if something goes wrong you can end up chasing several companies for support.
The GoBlock combines DC-DC charging, AC charging, an MPPT solar regulator, battery monitoring and a lithium battery in one sealed unit, designed and tested in Australia. With no external wiring to get wrong and no fans pulling in dust and moisture, it's well suited to Australian conditions.
Charging and battery life
Many battery boxes can only charge from the vehicle, so you have to be driving to top them up. The GoBlock can also charge from 240V at home and from solar at camp, so it can be full when you arrive and stay topped up while you're parked.
It uses a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, which handles many more charge cycles than the lead-acid batteries found in cheaper battery boxes. That means a longer service life. See our lithium deep cycle batteries for more on LiFePO4.
Monitoring from your phone
With a basic battery box you either wire in your own monitor or rely on a small screen on the box itself. The GoBlock connects over Bluetooth to REDARC's RedVision app, which shows state of charge, input sources and system diagnostics. You can check your power from the campfire.
Built to take a beating
One of the biggest killers of battery boxes is battery concussion: an unsecured battery rattling around inside the box over corrugations or chop, which damages the battery and everything connected to it. The GoBlock is a fully enclosed unit in a tough outer shell, designed and crash-tested for road and marine use.
Is portable power right for you?
A portable unit is a great fit if you swap between vehicles or want power at camp without a permanent install. If you'd rather have a fixed system that charges while you drive, have a look at our dual battery systems and dual battery kits, or browse our portable power range.
Talk to us about your setup
Want help choosing between portable power and a fitted dual battery system? Visit us at Unit 1, 66 Pilkington Street, Garbutt, call 0459 364 303, or request a quote online.