4WD & Caravan Power Systems Buyer's Guide

What Is A Power System?

Let's start with the basics, a power system is a pre-wired charging, monitoring and management board for all-in-one off-grid caravan RV and motorhome touring solutions. Traditionally, customers would purchase each component separately and wire the system themselves or have it wired and installed professionally. However, system design can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. Not only that, but cable and fuse sizing and professional connections, are crucial to the safe performance and longevity of your DC off-grid installation.

Pre-wired power systems take all of the guesswork out of this process, which is why they are becoming so popular in the caravan and 4WD market.

Can I Install It Myself?

Yes, generally speaking DIY installations are possible for all components except any 240V inverters or 240V hard wired appliances. In other words, the end user can install DC systems, provided they are low voltage. Any electrical work carried out by an unlicensed individual must comply with the Australia electrical standards and guidelines. Be sure to check the guide for the type of work you are legally allowed to undertake.

Why Do I Need A Power System?

Do you want to save time, money and effort? Then a power system is your answer!
Most people make the mistake of purchasing one component of their power system at a time like a 12V deep cycle battery. After they have received the battery, they quickly learn that there are many other components and wiring involved to ensure they get the best out of their battery. This can lead to multiple purchases as the system grows. If you're the type of person who wants everything organised from the beginning (and want to save valuable money), then you need one of our systems!
If you want to get the most enjoyment out of your travels, then you need a power system. There is nothing worse than constantly looking over your shoulder checking your DC system performance or having to make modifications, replacements, and maintenance while away on a trip.

Which Power System Do I Need?

4WD Canopy Vehicle Owners & Toy Haulers:

There are 3 options to choose from depending on your power requirements:

The Explorer system is designed for the end user only requiring a minimum power option in a neat package.
The Traveller system is designed for the end user requiring a higher level of power requirements along with AC charging ability
The Adventurer system is designed for the end user requiring a higher level of power requirements along with AC charging ability. This system includes the 2000W inverter with RCD and AC transfer switch.

Tradies:

Enerdrive have produced a unique canopy system for tradies, "The Lackey". Run your small power tools and recharge your lithium battery packs on site without a generator. The main components of this system are a 40A DC to DC Charger and a 2000W Inverter with RCD & AC Transfer Switch.

DIY Boards:

Enerdrive's DIY boards are pre-wired power systems with various charging components. These boards can be mounted in a caravan, 4WD or camper trailer. They are more versatile than the canopy systems above. To choose a model that suits your requirements, please see the table below:

Compare All The DIY Installation Kit Models Below:

Properties	eSYS-C	eSYS-D	eSYS-E	eSYS-F	eSYS-G	eSYS-H	eSYS-I	eSYS-J	eSYS-K	eSYS-L	eSYS-M-03	eSYS-O
ePOWER AC 40Amp 230v Charger	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓
ePOWER AC 60Amp 230v Charger						✓	✓	✓
ePOWER DC2DC 40+ Charger (Vehicle/Solar)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Morningstar Tristar PWM-45A Solar Controller	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Enerdrive Epower MPPT 40A Solar Controller												✓✓
ePRO Plus 500A Battery Monitor with Remote Display	✓		✓			✓		✓		✓	✓
Simarine Pico LCD WIFI Monitoring Screen		✓		✓	✓		✓		✓			✓
Simarine SC303 300A Main Battery Shunt		✓		✓	✓		✓		✓			✓
Simarine SCQ25T Individual Load/Charge Module		✓		✓	✓				✓
Simarine SCQ50 Individual Load/Charge Module							✓					✓
Inverter Breaker 200A (Pre Wired Inverter Supply								✓	✓	✓		#
Battery Restart Switch (Lithium Batteries)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓				✓	✓
24hr Critical Load Distribution Fuse Block		✓	✓	✓	✓		✓		✓	✓		✓
Main Load Distribution Fuse Block		✓	✓			✓	✓
ePOWER 2000W AC Transfer Inverter	✓			✓
Dimensions	1185W x 380H x 130Dmm	600W x 490H x 100Dmm	600W x 490H x 100Dmm	1185W x 380H x 130Dmm	790W x 380H x 100Dmm	1195W x 380H x 111Dmm	1195W x 380H x 111Dmm	920W x 380H x 111Dmm	490W x 600 H x 111D mm	490W x 600 H x 111D mm	600W x 350H x 111D mm	600H x 520W x 111Dmm

Items Included	The Explorer	The Traveller	The Adventurer	Tradie Pack – The Lackey
ePOWER DC2DC 40+ Charger (Vehicle/Solar)	*	*	*	*
ePRO Plus Battery Monitor	*	Optional	Optional	N/A
Simarine LCD Battery WIFI Monitoring System	Optional	* (Option to replace with ePRO Plus Monitor)	* (Option to replace with ePRO Plus Monitor)	N/A
4x Pre-Wired Circuit Breakers for Main Power Equipment	*	*	*	N/A
4 x Additional Circuit Breakers	N/A	N/A	*	N/A
4 x Contura Switches	*	*	*	N/A
Pre-Wired Battery & Fridge Anderson Plugs	*	*	N/A	N/A
Twin USB 2.4A Hi Amp Sockets	*	*	*	N/A
Cig Socket to Replace One or Both USB Sockets (Please Request at Time of Order)	Optional	Optional	Optional	N/A
2 x Cig Socket Outputs - User Selectable at time of order	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
1 x Merit Plug Output - User Selectable at time of order	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
1 x Dual USB 2.4A Output- User Selectable at time of order	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
Battery Reset Button	*	*	*	N/A
ePOWER 40A AC Charger	N/A	*	*	N/A
ePOWER 2000W AC Transfer Inverter	N/A	N/A	*	* (with inbuilt RCD Safety Switch)
Main System & Inverter Circuit Breakers	N/A	N/A	*	N/A
Individual Load/Charge Module for Simarine (#SI-SCQ50)	Optional	Optional	Optional	N/A
Water/Fuel Tank Module for Simarine (#SI-ST107)	Optional	Optional	Optional	N/A
Low Battery Cutout DC Loads 60A	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
175A Anderson Plug Battery Input	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
ePOWER DC2DC Charger 60A Output Circuit Breaker	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
Enerdrive 2000W Inverter 200A Input Circuit Breaker	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
Load Output 50A Circuit Breaker	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
Push Button Circuit Breakers for DC Output Sockets/USB	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
Ignition Input for Smart Alternator Equipped Vehicles	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
3mm Aluminum Powder Coated Case Structure	N/A	N/A	N/A	*
Dimensions	440x155x330 mm	685x155x330 mm	630x155x665 mm	590x415x135 mm
Weight	7kg	10.5kg	18kg	Approx 15kg

What Other Accessories Are Required For Installation?

Other components you will need to consider are cabling, fuses/breakers, and solar panels/regulators.

Cabling:

For connecting the pre-mounted Enerdrive 40A DC to DC charger we have three cable kits available all with appropriately sized inline fuses:

1. Enerdrive 16mm Cable Kit (Inc Fuse) Start Battery to DC to DC Charger (Vehicle Mounted), 5 Metres (ENC-KIT-BATT-DCDC-16):

Suitable for installations when DC to DC charger is mounted in 4WD.

Step 1: connect pre-wired lugs to DC to DC charger
Step 2: run cable from charger back to starter battery
Step 3: measure and cut to length
Step 4: connect 70 amp fuse and lugs
Step 5: connect to starter battery (mount 70 amp fuse within close proximity to start battery)

2. Enerdrive 16mm Cable Kit (Inc Fuse) Start Battery To 50A Anderson Connector Mounted at the Tow Hitch, 5 Metres (ENC-KIT-BATT-AP50-16):

Suitable for installations when DC to DC charger is mounted in caravan, trailer or camper trailer.

Step 1: mount 50 amp Anderson connector at tow hitch
Step 2: run cable from tow hitch to starter battery
Step 3: measure and cut to length
Step 4: connect 70 amp fuse and lugs
Step 5: connect to starter battery (mount 70 amp fuse within close proximity to start battery)

3. Enerdrive Anderson 50A Connector to DC to DC Charger Cable Kit 16mm2 Including Fuse. 5.5 Meters (ENC-KIT-AP50-DCDC-16):

Suitable for installations when DC to DC charger is mounted in caravan, trailer or camper trailer.

Step 1: Mount 50 amp Anderson connector at trailer hitch
Step 2: Run cable to trailers DC to DC install location
Step 3: measure and cut to length
Step 4: connect lugs and connect to DC to DC charger (EN3DC40+)

If running an inverter you will need to purchase one of the four cable kits from the accessories list:

Inverters up to 2500W:

AGM Board Cable Kit 70mm2 – available in 1000mm and 1500mm lengths

Inverters up to 3000W:

AGM Board Cable Kit 95mm2 – available in 1000mm and 1500mm lengths

Solar:

The most popular solar option with these systems are 1 - 4 of the Enerdrive 190W Mono Crystalline Fixed Solar Panel. The dimensions of this panel allow for maximum solar yield for space available, for example 1 panel fits perfectly on a 4WD canopy or 4 on a large caravan. These Solar panels are generally connected in parallel and can be easily connected to the input on the Enerdrive 40A DC to DC charger which includes a highly efficient MPPT solar regulator.

Battery:

The Enerdrive power systems are designed to accommodate a large lithium battery. So it is not recommend purchasing a small AGM battery with this system. We recommend starting at the 200Ah lithium battery.

Expert advice: these boards have rapid and diverse charging, sophisticated monitoring, and multi load output capabilities, therefore choose a high quality lithium battery to match this system.

Have additional questions on 4WD & Caravan Power Systems? Give one of our product experts a call on 1300 400 122 or check out our full range of systems here.