Tested: Redarc SmartCharge

The problem with modern cars and caravans is the small constant power drain of their many small electronic devices.

In the past, when caravans and life were much simpler, you could just disconnect your battery when storing it, then hook up the battery again a day or so before your holiday trip to top it up and pre-cool the fridge via mains power.

It’s no longer that simple. A myriad of small LED and devices like sat-tracking satellite security systems, demand a constant trickle current. This is an issue with indoor caravan storage, where the sun can’t energise your solar panels (if you have them) and if there is no convenient 240v power.

Outdoor storage  with a caravan under a cover  poses a similar problem that many people get around by chaining a small solar panel to their A-frame.

Either way, your battery may require a power top-up before you travel and that’s when you might need a battery charger. Even better, you should keep it charged all the time when parked to avoid shortening its service life. The same applies to a classic car that is not driven regularly.

Smart way to stay charged

Smart chargers keep your 12-volt battery healthy, fully charged and always ready to use. They've been around for some years, switching off when the battery is fully charged for your peace of mind and to avoid overheating and shortening the battery’s life.

However, Redarc has teamed with Norwegian innovator DEFA to create a new range of AC battery chargers, taking these products to the next level by dumbing down the technology to the point where they're virtually fool-proof.

Available in 4,6,8 and 10 amp variants with retail prices from $137-$275, the compact Redarc SmartCharge units are designed for the home and garage and are compatible with most common automotive batteries, including lithium (LiFePO4) – the sort you'll commonly find in many caravans and campers these days.

The Redarc 10 amp SmartCharge by DEFA that we tested is a compact unit that has been designed to automatically charge and maintain most common 12V automotive batteries.

Capable of breathing life into larger batteries from 20 to 200Ah, it automatically adjusts to the battery type in any caravan, car or boat application and tailors a charging solution to suit its needs.

All you have to do is connect the positive (red) and negative (light grey) charging clips to the battery, connect the charger to a 240v power outlet and push the ON button.

Where the Redarc charge is foolproof is that it automatically recognises the type of your battery and  adapts automatically, displaying its state of charge, monitoring its charge status and topping it up to its optimum.

Built-in safety

What I particularly liked about this charger is that it's secured against short circuits and reverse polarity, so no more of those sparks or potential damage to the battery or charger. The unit even compensates for temperature and adjusts the charging rate accordingly.

When finished, you simply wind up the cables in the cable tracks on the charger, toss it in the boot  and it’s ready for the next time you need it.

While the SmartCharge is a ‘plug and forget’ way of keeping the battery of a little-used vehicle in optimum, ready-to-use condition, it’s also a good way of bringing a caravan or camper’s battery back up to its full charge after you’ve given it a hammering free-camping.

At a RRP of $275, the top-of-the-range Redarc SmartCharge is not cheap, but have you priced a replacement AGM/deep cycle or lithium battery lately? Then factor in that keeping your battery in a permanent state of full charge could double its service life and these numbers make sense!

Details: Redarc