Description
My auxiliary lithium battery system has changed. About a year ago, I swapped out the Redarc Alpha 150 and installed a Roamer 160 SMART4 LiFePO4 battery. This video is the overdue update on what happened, why I switched, and what the numbers say after 12 months of real use.
I'll walk you through my complete 12V system – from the EFB starter batteries under the bonnet, to the Victron DC-DC charger, the Redarc Alpha DC-DC charger, the Renogy solar panel on the roof, the Redarc inverter out back, and the Roamer 160 sitting behind it all. Plus mobile battery banks, USB-C PD ports, and a Victron SmartShunt tying the monitoring together.
The Redarc Alpha 150 was provided to me for testing, and I want to be clear: Redarc's after-sale service was genuinely excellent. But after two replacements in 18 months on a $3,000+ battery, I started looking elsewhere. A conversation with an electrical engineer about potentially designing our own battery led me to create a detailed wish list of every feature I'd want. That list eventually pointed me to Roamer – a UK company founded by overlanders with actual electrical engineering backgrounds.
After 12 months of use across the Victorian High Country, the Pilbara, Urandangie, and NSW High Country, I ran a proper capacity test using an ATorch DL24, cross-referenced against the Victron Blue Smart Charger and the Roamer BMS app. Three independent readings all landed at effectively 160Ah – 100% of rated capacity after a year. That's exactly what good LiFePO4 chemistry should deliver.
What I like:
On/off switch to eliminate parasitic drain during storage
Bluetooth BMS with live cell voltages, cycle history, and temperatures
Active cell balancing up to 2A
Fully serviceable design (screwed lid with gasket)
Clean internal build – neat cabling, proper bus bars, metal internal frame
200A continuous discharge, 16kg, Group 31 fitment
Designed by engineers who actually use their products in the field
What to be aware of:
No Australian distributor – order direct from Roamer in the UK
Pricing is competitive once landed, but physical warranty returns mean shipping to the UK
This is not a sponsored recommendation. The battery was provided for testing. It just happens that after a year and a proper capacity test, I can't find a reason to say otherwise.
🔗 Roamer Batteries: https://roamer.com
🔗 Simpson Desert Travel Guide: https://simpsondesertguide.com.au
🔗 Alloffroad Blog: https://alloffroad.com.au/blog/product-reviews/roamer-160-auxiliary-battery-one-year-review/
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Redarc Alpha 150Ah Lithium Battery Update.
01:33 - How I got on to Roamer
03:24 - How I got on to Roamer
05:36 - My mobile battery banks
05:50 - Victron smaty shunt
06:06 - Roamer 160Ah Smart 4 LFP battery.
08:00 - Simpson Desert Guide Promo
08:36 - How have I used the Roamer battery?
09:39 - ROAMER capacity test after 11 Month
10:43 - ROAMER summary and verdict
11:55 - One more important reasons why I like Roamer