Comparing Enerdrive's Bestselling Power Systems Kits

Article Highlights:

• Understand the "Why": Discover why Enerdrive’s pre-wired power systems are the gold standard for Australian tradies and 4WD enthusiasts.

• Model Breakdown: A detailed look at the Explorer, Traveller, Lackey, and Wanderer kits to help you choose the right fit.

• Power Capability: Differentiate between systems designed for basic 12V needs versus those capable of running high-draw AC appliances like microwaves and power tools.
  

Enerdrive has firmly established itself as a leader in this space, engineering power systems specifically for the harsh Australian climate. At Voltage Electrical Supplies, we stock Enerdrive’s most popular systems, each designed to solve a specific set of power problems. But with names like "The Lackey," "The Wanderer," and "The Explorer," it can be tricky to distinguish which one fits your rig.

In this guide, we compare Enerdrive’s bestselling power system kits to help you decide which setup will keep you powered up, no matter where the road takes you.

1. The Explorer: The Essential 12V Companion

For many 4WD owners, the goal is simple: keep the beers cold and the camp lights on. If you don't plan on running hair dryers or microwaves and simply need a robust system to manage your 12V accessories, The Explorer is your entry point.

What It Does Best:

The Explorer is designed for the "minimum viable power" user who still demands quality. It focuses purely on DC power management. It takes power from your vehicle's alternator or solar panels and ensures your auxiliary battery is charged efficiently via the Enerdrive DC2DC 40+ Charger.

Key Features:

• Effective Charging: Includes the ePOWER DC2DC 40+ Charger specifically designed for vehicle and solar inputs.

• Monitoring Options: Comes with either an ePRO Plus or Simarine battery monitor, so you never have to guess your battery levels.

• Compact Design: At just 440mm long and 7kg, it fits neatly into smaller canopy headboards.

• Pre-Wired Simplicity: Includes fused distribution for your fridge and lights, minimizing installation time.

Best For: Weekend warriors who need to run a 12V fridge, LED camping lights, and charge phones/tablets.

2. The Traveller: Powered Site Ready

Stepping up from the Explorer, The Traveller addresses a common issue for tourers: what happens when you stay at a caravan park? While solar and alternator charging are great while moving, sometimes you want to plug into 240V mains power to top up your batteries overnight.

What It Does Best:

The Traveller is essentially the Explorer system with an added ePOWER 40A AC Charger. This means you have three ways to charge your battery: solar, vehicle alternator, and mains power (wall outlet). Note that this system does not include an inverter, so it won’t run AC appliances, but it ensures your 12V system is always topped up when AC power is available.

Key Features:

• Triple Charging Inputs: Solar, Alternator, and Mains AC.

• Higher Capacity Potential: Ideal for setups with larger battery banks that might need a fast top-up from a powered site.

• Simarine Ready: Compatible with the advanced Simarine monitoring system for detailed water and power analytics.

Best For: Tourers who mix free camping with caravan park stays and want the peace of mind of AC mains charging.

3. The Lackey: The Tradie’s Workhorse

While the Explorer and Traveller are panel-mounted systems for canopies, The Lackey is a different beast entirely. Built into a rugged, powder-coated aluminium box, it is a portable power station designed for the worksite.

What It Does Best:

The Lackey is built for AC output. It features a massive 2000W AC Transfer Inverter, allowing you to run high-draw 240V tools and appliances. It is a "grab-and-go" solution—bolt it down, plug in the Anderson plugs, and you have instant site power.

Key Features:

• High-Power Inverter: The 2000W Pure Sine Wave inverter can handle power drills, grinders, or a microwave for lunch.

• Seamless Transfer: The built-in transfer switch allows you to switch between mains power and inverter power seamlessly.

• Rugged Build: The enclosed box protects components from loose tools and gear in the back of a ute.

• Versatile Mounting: Can be mounted on the floor, wall, or even the roof of a canopy.

Best For: Tradies requiring onsite power for tools, or campers who need to run a coffee machine or microwave off-grid.

4. The Wanderer: The Ultimate Power Hub

If you want it all—AC power, DC power, mains charging, and comprehensive monitoring then The Wanderer is the flagship solution. It combines the best aspects of the previous systems into one premium, pre-wired board.

What It Does Best:

The Wanderer features a Combi 1600W Inverter / 60A AC Charger. This is the key difference. Unlike The Lackey (which has a 2000W inverter but no AC charger) and The Traveller (which has an AC charger but no inverter), The Wanderer does both. It can invert 12V to 240V to run appliances and charge your batteries from a wall outlet at a rapid 60A.

Key Features:

• All-in-One Combi Unit: A 1600W Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a 60A Battery Charger in one.

• Smart Monitoring: Comes standard with the Simarine WIFI Monitoring System, allowing you to check water levels and battery status via your phone.

• Complete Protection: Includes high-quality RCBO protection for safety.

• Aesthetic Appeal: A sleek, organized layout that looks professional in any high-end canopy build.

Best For: The serious 4WD tourer who lives out of their canopy and demands home-like comforts (induction cooking, espresso machines) and rapid charging capabilities.

Summary Comparison

Feature	The Explorer	The Traveller	The Lackey	The Wanderer
Primary Use	Basic 12V Control	12V + Mains Charging	High AC Output (Tools)	Total Power Solution
DC Charging	40A DC2DC	40A DC2DC	40A DC2DC	40A DC2DC
AC Charging	No	40A AC Charger	No	60A AC Charger
Inverter (240V)	No	No	2000W Inverter	1600W Inverter
Form Factor	Open Panel	Open Panel	Enclosed Box	Open Panel
Monitor	ePRO or Simarine	ePRO or Simarine	DC40+ Screen	Simarine WIFI

Key Takeaway

Choosing the right power system depends entirely on your energy consumption habits. If you simply need to keep a fridge cold, the Explorer is sufficient. If you need to charge up at powered campsites, the Traveller is your go-to. For heavy-duty AC power onsite, choose The Lackey, and for a complete, all-in-one luxury canopy setup, The Wanderer is unrivaled.

Whether you are a tradie needing to fire up a circular saw on a remote job site or a 4WD enthusiast exploring the vast Australian outback, power is a necessity. Today, the demand is for reliable, pre-wired, and "plug-and-play" solutions that guarantee performance without the headache.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use Lithium batteries with these Enerdrive systems?

Yes, absolutely. All four systems—The Explorer, Traveller, Lackey, and Wanderer—utilize the Enerdrive ePOWER DC2DC Charger, which has specific charging profiles for Lithium (LiFePO4), AGM, Gel, and Sealed Lead Acid batteries. The Simarine and ePRO monitors can also be programmed to accurately read Lithium states of charge.

2. What is the difference between The Lackey and The Wanderer?

The main difference lies in their housing and charging capabilities. The Lackey is enclosed in a metal box and focuses on providing high AC output (2000W) for tools, but it cannot charge your battery from a wall outlet (AC mains). The Wanderer is an open panel system that has a slightly smaller inverter (1600W) but includes a powerful 60A AC charger, allowing you to charge your batteries when plugged into mains power at a caravan park.

3. Do these systems come with the battery included?

Generally, these listings are for the power management boards/boxes themselves and do not include the battery effectively. However, Voltage Electrical Supplies offers options to bundle these systems with Enerdrive B-TEC or Slimline Lithium batteries. Check the product drop-down menus on the specific product pages to add a compatible battery to your order.