If you’re kitting out a 4X4 or canopy with a dual battery setup, chances are REDARC is already on your radar — and for good reason. Their gear is built to cop a flogging and just keep working, whether you’re punching through the red centre or running a fridge on Fraser. But with the new BCDC Alpha and Alpha R models now on the scene, there’s a bit of head-scratching going on: what’s the difference, and which one’s right for your build?
Let’s break it down.
The Quick Answer
- BCDC Alpha: Tough as nails, designed for under-bonnet installs, available in 25A or 50A variants. Doesn’t come with full battery management, but you can add a monitor later.
- BCDC Alpha R: Same 50A charge rate but built for in-cabin or canopy installs. Includes full battery monitoring, data tracking, and smart charging via REDARC’s RedVision app and accessories.
Both will charge lithium and lead-acid batteries, both have solar input, and both share some clever new features — but they’re designed for two different jobs.
Shared Features (What You Get Either Way)
Before we dive into the differences, here’s what both models have in common:
- Start Battery Recovery: Flat starter battery? You can now jump it from your second battery via the RedVision app or a push-button on the unit — no need for jumper leads or mates.
- Start Battery Charging: When your aux battery is full, the system automatically tops up your starter using spare solar. Not a gimmick — that’s genuinely handy on long stays.
- Solar + DC Charging: Pulls power from both your alternator and solar simultaneously.
- Current Limiting: You can dial down the input current — ideal if you’re running a smart alternator or something lower output like a hybrid.
- Easy Setup: Screw terminals, push-button interface, and automatic battery detection make these plug-and-play (or as close as it gets in 12V land).
BCDC Alpha – Built for Basic Builds
If you’re installing your DC charger under the bonnet the Alpha is your go-to.
It’s got the IP67/69K ratings, meaning it’ll laugh in the face of dust, water, vibration and engine bay temps. It’s available in both 25A and 50A versions, so you can scale it depending on battery size and alternator output. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t come with REDARC’s Smart Battery Monitor or integrated battery tracking. That might sound like a drawback, but for a lot of folks, it’s not a dealbreaker.
You can still add a monitor (like the BSEN500) later on, but you won’t get that real-time feedback, system data, or smart charging logic like you do with the R model.
In short: tough, reliable, straightforward. Perfect for tradies, tourers, and people who want a fit-and-forget solution under the bonnet.
BCDC Alpha R – Smart Power for Canopy & Cabin Setups
The Alpha R is basically a lightweight version of a full battery management system. This one’s aimed at people doing bigger electrical builds in canopies, camper trailers, or vans — where accurate monitoring and smart charging matter.
Here’s what you get with the R:
- Built-in Smart Battery Monitor
- Tracks state of charge, estimated days remaining, current draw, and more
- Adjusts charging dynamically based on actual battery condition
- Fully integrates with RedVision and TVMS systems
- Still gives you the same charging grunt (50A), solar smarts, and recovery features
The trade-off? It’s not waterproof and not designed for under-bonnet installs. The electronics are more sensitive and the design is focused on clean, protected installs.
This makes a lot of sense when you think about it: under-bonnet gear cops heat and water, but most of the smart tech is better off somewhere dry, like in your canopy drawer system or under the front seat.
So, Why Didn’t REDARC Make Just One Do-It-All Unit?
It’s a fair question. Why not just put the R features in the waterproof unit? Well REDARC gave a pretty fair answer: waterproofing something with advanced comms and internal monitoring adds serious cost — and not every build needs all the bells and whistles.
An under-bonnet install is usually for simpler setups. Canopy builds, on the other hand, often include inverters, fridges, air compressors, and lighting systems — which benefit from a more intelligent charger.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Setup Type | Recommended Unit |
|---|---|
| Under bonnet (engine bay) | BCDC Alpha (25A or 50A) |
| Canopy, tray, camper trailer | BCDC Alpha R (50A) |
| Want monitoring, don’t need RedVision? | Alpha + optional Smart Battery Monitor |
| High-end touring build with TVMS screen | Alpha R |
Final Thoughts: Fit the Charger to the Job
This isn’t a case of one being better than the other — it’s about matching the charger to the install location and how smart you want the system to be.
- If you just want rock-solid charging and don’t care about tracking every watt, the Alpha is a killer option, especially for under-bonnet installs.
- If you’re building a full-blown tourer with a canopy full of gear and you want to manage and monitor everything from your phone or a RedVision screen, the Alpha R is the one.
REDARC’s move here is smart — they’re not forcing everyone to pay for features they don’t need. They’ve given people choice, and in the world of 12V gear, that’s a bloody good thing.
