The car is packed, the kids are asking "how far now?", and the plan is three weeks up the coast and out to the Flinders. The last thing anyone wants is a flat battery at a bush camp on day four. A bit of time in the driveway before you leave can save a lot of hassle on the road. Here is the checklist we would run through.
1. Start with the starting battery
An older starting battery that copes around town can struggle after a few nights of short runs and accessories. Have it tested before you go. A battery and charging system tester shows how healthy it really is, and our post on why load testers beat standard diagnostics explains why.
2. Pack a jump starter you can rely on
A jump starter often lives in the back of the 4WD all summer. The HYPASTART X500 is a compact 12V supercapacitor jump starter, up to 1200A peak, with a built-in LED light, made for 4WD, touring, camping and marine use, and suits petrol engines up to 6.0L and diesels up to 3.0L. It doesn't rely on an internal lithium battery. Read why the best 4WD jump starter has no battery, and brush up on how to jump start a vehicle before you go.
3. Charge while you drive
A DC-DC charger charges your second battery or the van's battery from the tow vehicle while you drive. All Durst DC-DC chargers suit vehicles with smart alternators. Check the charger setting matches your battery type. If you want a portable setup, a battery box such as the 20 Amp Portable Dual Battery Box with integrated DC/DC charger can move between the car and camp.
Lots of people buy a battery box and fit their own lithium battery inside. It is a handy setup, but it means the battery travels in a closed box, often in the back of a hot 4WD or tucked under the van. Most quality lithium batteries have a BMS, and that does most of the work. Adding Temp Guard gives you an independent early warning on top: its sensor sits on the battery, it runs on its own AAA batteries, and it sounds a loud alarm at the first sign of abnormal heat, so it suits a box that moves between the car and camp.
4. Plan for solar at camp
Parked up for a few days? A folding 200W or 300W portable solar blanket with a solar charge controller can top the battery up while you park in the shade.
5. Check the van's battery install
If you have upgraded to lithium, check the install before a long hot trip. The Caravan Industry Association points to AS/NZS 3001.2 for caravan battery installs, including fuse or circuit breaker protection close to the battery, and says upgrades should be done by a competent person.
6. Add early warning for heat
Batteries usually live out of sight, under a bed or in a canopy. Temp Guard is a battery safety monitor that sounds a loud alarm at the first sign of abnormal heat, and runs on its own AAA batteries so it keeps watching if your battery system shuts down. More in our summer lithium battery safety guide.
7. Running 240V gear
For a laptop, a coffee machine or charging tools, a pure sine wave inverter sized to the load will do the job. Remember every watt comes out of your battery, so check how long your battery will last before you plug in.
Quick printable checklist
- Starting battery tested
- Jump starter charged and packed
- DC-DC charger set for your battery type
- Solar blanket, controller and leads packed
- Van battery install checked
- Temp Guard fitted and tested (van battery and any battery box)
- Fuses and spare leads in the kit
Frequently asked questions
What should I check on my 4WD electrics before a big trip?
Test the starting battery, check your second battery and charger settings, inspect cables and fuses, and pack a jump starter.
How do I charge my caravan battery while driving?
The usual way is a DC-DC charger fed from the tow vehicle, set to match your battery chemistry.
Do I need a jump starter if I have a dual battery?
A dual battery can help, but a portable jump starter means you can start the car without relying on that setup or another vehicle.
Can I fit Temp Guard to a battery box with my own lithium battery?
Yes. Temp Guard is designed for lithium and its sensor fits to the battery itself, so it suits a portable battery box. It works alongside the battery's BMS as an independent early warning.
Is solar enough to keep a fridge running?
It depends on your fridge, battery size, panel size and the weather. Work out your daily use and size the system to suit.
Last updated 4 November 2026
