Power systems are critical for safety, comfort and equipment reliability on the road
Good gear reduces risk of failure in remote conditions
Battery, charging and monitoring solutions should match your load and travel style
You can build around proven camping and outdoor power products for peace of mind
Why Power Reliability Matters More Than Ever
Touring rigs are more advanced than they used to be. With fridges, lights, chargers, water pumps and sometimes even coffee machines on board, your power system isn’t just a luxury—it’s core to how the setup works.
And unlike at a powered campsite, off-grid travel means there’s no backup if your 12V system fails. That’s why power reliability needs to be planned, not patched together. It’s not about overspending—it’s about using the right gear for your needs, tested for real-world conditions.
Start With the Demands, Not the Devices
Every vehicle build is different. Dual cab tourers, canopy campers, and SUV-based setups all draw power differently. The best place to start is by listing out what you need to run—then how long you need to run it for without driving or charging.
Fridges, lighting and comms gear usually form the baseline. Add in devices like air compressors, water systems, induction cookers or even Starlink units, and the draw can spike quickly. Without enough stored power—or a reliable way to replace it—you’ll get cut off at the worst time.
That’s where having the right camping and outdoor power products makes the difference. You're not just looking at capacity, you're planning for consistency.
Batteries Are Just the Beginning
Lithium batteries are the standard for touring now, and for good reason. They’re lighter, charge faster, and provide more usable power than older AGM systems. But the battery itself is only one part of a working setup.
What matters just as much is how that battery gets charged—via alternator, solar or AC—and how the system manages both input and output.
That means using quality DC-DC chargers, solar regulators, fusing, and battery monitors that don’t just work individually, but work well together. If one part of the system underdelivers, the rest will follow.
Smart Charging Makes a Huge Difference
Modern dual battery systems rely on smart chargers that manage multiple input sources. These chargers regulate voltage, prevent overcharging, and optimise solar usage depending on panel conditions.
A quality DC-DC charger ensures your lithium or AGM battery is charged fully and safely while you drive—even if your vehicle uses a smart alternator, which many newer models do.
Pairing that with solar lets you stay parked longer without relying on idling the engine. That’s especially useful for remote or extended touring where fuel and access are limited.
Know Your Monitor, Trust Your Readings
Guesswork is the enemy of reliable power. A clear, accurate battery monitor lets you see exactly what’s going in and out—so you’re not caught off guard when usage spikes or input drops.
The best systems use shunt-based monitors that track amp hours in real time, rather than just voltage. This gives a more complete picture of battery health and lets you spot potential issues before they become trip-ending problems.
Some camping and outdoor power products even offer Bluetooth monitoring, letting you check performance from your phone without digging into wiring or switchboards.
Build For Vibration, Heat and Dust
One of the most overlooked factors in 12V setups is environmental stress. Heat, vibration, dust and water all take their toll over time—especially in Australia’s interior where road conditions are rough and support is limited.
This is where using purpose-built components pays off. Connectors, mounts, cables and fuse blocks all need to handle movement, heat and constant draw without degrading. Cheap gear might work in the driveway but fail on the track.
Projecta’s range, for example, is built for mobile conditions. That includes tough enclosures, sealed fittings and gear that doesn’t flinch when roads get punishing.
Leave Room for Expansion
Touring setups evolve. You might start with a fridge and lights, then add a second fridge, inverter, or new rooftop solar. Choosing gear with headroom—extra circuits, higher amp capacity, or a larger BMS—saves you having to rebuild the system from scratch later.
That’s why experienced tourers tend to go with scalable systems from the start. It costs a little more up front, but pays off quickly when your needs grow.
Think Like an Electrician, Travel Like a Camper
You don’t need to become a 12V expert to build a reliable system—but you do need to think systematically. Every wire, switch and socket plays a part in how your power setup performs when it counts.
Whether you’re building your first dual battery system or upgrading for remote touring, start with gear that’s designed for the job. You can shop camping and outdoor power products that have been built and tested for real conditions—so you’re not left in the dark when it matters most.