REDARC Electronics: Get the power to go offroad
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Time to read 6 min
Industry leader REDARC Electronics has spent decades designing, researching and real-world testing its power products and systems so that Aussie travellers can enjoy life’s luxuries on the road with confidence.
Technology is constantly improving and it’s becoming much more common for the camper trailers and RVs exploring Australia to be fitted with sophisticated power systems so that their owners can enjoy the creature comforts of home even when they’re in our big and beautiful country’s most remote locations.
Whether its power for household appliances such as coffee machines, hairdryers and induction cooktops, or for Starlink and other communication systems that enable us to be connected to the outside world 24/7, being able to easily charge and monitor your power system is crucial for a stress-free trip.
For many of us the easier option is to go without life’s luxuries for a few weeks. But more and more Aussies are selling their homes, packing up their families to travel and work on the road full time with their camper trailer or RV in tow. This kind of off-grid lifestyle means that reliable power systems are not just nice to have but are a necessity.
With all the innovative technology on offer now, camping has never been easier. But we shouldn’t take for granted the often decades of research and rigorous testing that go into the products that we use to make life on the road simpler and safer.
South Australian based REDARC has more than 40 years of experience in the research, design, development and manufacture of a wide range of top-tier electronics, including electronic voltage converters and associated products, inverters, power supplies, battery chargers, brake controllers and trailer braking products.
As an Australian company, you can be sure all of REDARC’s products are built to survive and thrive in some of the harshest environments and toughest conditions on the planet and undergo a rigorous in-house testing program to ensure they’ll meet the gruelling demands of the Australian landscape.
“Nobody designs, engineers, builds, tests or uses gear like we do,” said Taylor Boyley, REDARC Marketing Manager ANZ. “From copper mines to caravan parks, REDARC products are built to take you there and back.”
“Building great gear is in our DNA and so is supporting customers with our market leading sales and technical support. Coupled with our rugged product design and outback proven gear means there are no limits to where REDARC can take you.”
REDARC has become a household name for adventurers throughout Australia, New Zealand and worldwide, and its award-winning advanced vehicular power solutions can be found throughout the camper and RV industry.
REDARAC at CTOTY 2024
We were lucky enough to have REDARC as a major sponsor of Camper Trailer of the Year (CTOTY) 2024, and the team put on a great display of the latest and greatest products at the public Showcase. REDARC has proudly sponsored the Camper Trailer of the Year since 2019 and has extended its support to the Caravan of the Year events in 2023 and 2024.
“These events provide us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with manufacturers and showcase REDARC to your readers,” said Taylor Boyley, REDARC Marketing Manager ANZ.
“They are incredibly valuable as they help prospective buyers make informed decisions through practical comparisons. For industry participants, including manufacturers and sponsors, these events offer a relaxed environment to network and discuss industry trends.
“The content produced during the events serves as a valuable tool for promoting our latest and upcoming products such as the new Manager Alpha.”
We got to check out the new Manager Alpha100 charger and the new Smart Battery Monitor, which comes standard with the Manager Alpha. These newly released products are designed to make the outdoor adventuring lifestyle easier than ever, particularly for those who enjoy spending time off-grid. There’ll be more on this later or you can click here to see our review of the products.
It was also great to see that almost every camper trailer at CTOTY 2024 was fitted with REDARC power systems, as you can see in the six reviews.
Heading off-grid
In an increasingly competitive power market, REDARC stands out for several compelling reasons as the product of choice for Australian outback travellers.
It’s class-leading local service provides prompt and knowledgeable support tailored to customer’s unique needs.
The products are designed and manufactured in Australia and are tested extensively by REDARC’s expert team to ensure they won’t let you down, offering peace of mind for those travelling into Australia’s beautiful but remote landscapes. Additionally, REDARC offers a comprehensive range of innovative options that suitable for various camper setups, applications and systems, from rugged BC-DC chargers all the way to complete RedVision systems ideal for decked-out caravans.
For campers and 4x4 enthusiasts, REDARC’s BC-DC and Smart Battery Monitor are popular choices, offering fast charging from solar and DC, along with state-of-charge information available on your phone.
One of the most accurate battery monitors on the market, the Smart Battery Monitor provides real-time monitoring of your battery’s state of charge, power flow (in and out), temperature and battery voltage via the REDARC RedVision app or an optional RedVision display panel.
The Smart Battery Monitor features the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology, which delivers reliable results over distances up to 42m — perfect for those sprawling campsites where you’ve got room to spread out.
Caravans, which typically have higher power source demands, are moving to REDARC’s new Manager Alpha series for their AC charging and high charge rates. This also unlocks RedVision connectivity, providing complete control options when paired with the TVMS (Total Vehicle Management System) Rogue or TVMS Prime products. Inverters are typically standard in caravan setups, powering household appliances such as hair dryers, microwaves and toasters.
New release: Manager Alpha chargers
As we touched on earlier, REDARC has expanded its tried-and-true Manager range, introducing three new Manager Alpha chargers to its lineup. Available in three sizes (50A, 75A and 100A), these chargers are impressive for a host of reasons.
Firstly, this range is the only one of its kind available on the market, allowing users to recharge their batteries using AC, DC and solar inputs. This means users can rest easy knowing they’ll be able to recharge their batteries while driving, while plugged in at camp or using solar panels or blankets.
Impressively, the Manager Alpha100 boasts a charge rate that’s more than three times faster than the Manager30, which is one of the most trusted chargers on the market. “With this much power on tap, you can run everything from induction cooktops to air-conditioners, to fridges and lights, and still charge your batteries faster than you can drain them,” said Taylor.
Size and weight are important considerations when adding gear to your caravan or 4WD setup, and the Manager Alpha chargers don’t disappoint here. All three models exactly the same size, which is up to 55 per cent smaller and 28 per cent lighter than comparable competitor systems, meaning you’ll have plenty of room left for your travel essentials and any creature comforts you want to bring on board.
In addition to keeping your batteries charged, the Manager Alpha range can also take care of your tow vehicle’s starting battery. When the auxiliary battery has reached 100 per cent, and there is excess solar coming in, the Manager Alpha charger will begin to deliver excess charge to the vehicle’s start battery automatically, offering users even more peace of mind knowing they’ll always be fully powered and ready to go.
Another impressive feature is that if disaster strikes and your vehicle start battery goes flat, the Manager Alpha can recharge it with the touch of a button. This technology uses a fast charge similar to REDARC’s GoBlock portable charge lithium power station and will ensure you never get stranded while out exploring.
Every Manager Alpha charger comes with a REDARC Smart Battery Monitor as standard, but these monitors can also be purchased separately.
The future for REDARC
Despite economic challenges, the industry continues to experience year-on-year growth, with 2023 recording a record number of caravan and camping overnight trips. Campers are increasingly demanding more power as they transition away from gas and take their previously considered luxury appliances with them on the road. REDARC remains committed to meeting this demand by delivering innovative products and exceptional service, ensuring it stays at the forefront of the industry.
While the team can’t reveal too much, we can expect continued expansions of REDARC’s BCDC and Manager Alpha ranges soon, providing even more options for campers and caravanners.
To find out more, head to the REDARC website.
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