Best Dual Battery Relay / Solenoid for Overlanding

Big plans are coming for the Land Cruiser in 2018 and this is one of the first components of the first big project. We waited on the Blue Sea ML-ACR and couldn't resist when the price dropped to $126.  If it is priced under $200 it's a good deal under $160 is great.

Here is a link to the product:


We have been planning the dual battery system and this is the first component to arrive.  These are by far the most robust and intelligent battery relays out there.  There is more to come on our land cruiser 100 series overland expedition 12 volt dual battery system in the very near future so watch out.

Check out our unboxing video!

Check out our video on how we decided to go with this relay over others on the market. We compare T-Max, Blue Sea, IBS, and CTEK options.

Here are the stats on the ML-ACR

ML-ACR Automatic Charging Relay with Manual Control - 12V DC 500A
7622

500 Amp magnetic latching (bi-stable) relay automatically combines batteries during charging and isolates batteries when discharging and when starting engine
Manual control switch provides an added level of safety allowing control with or without power, and offering LOCK OFF capability for servicing
Includes ML-Series Remote Control Contura Switch PN 2146
Automatically manages the charging of two large battery banks
Allows paralleling of battery banks for emergency starting
500 Ampere continuous rating to support high-output alternators
Magnetic Latch (ML)—ACR draws very low current (less than 40mA to monitor terminal voltage) in the "ON" or "OFF" states, and draws moderate current for very short time when changing state
Dual sensing—senses charge on both battery banks
Start Isolation (SI)—can be configured for temporary isolation of House loads from Engine circuit during engine cranking to protect sensitive electronics
Engine Isolation (EI)—can be configured for isolation of two engines while both are running to protect engine electronics and maximize alternator output
Senses charging on two battery banks
LED output to remotely indicate when batteries are combined, isolated, in voltage lockout, or in Start or Engine isolation
3/8"-16 tin-plated copper studs for maximum conductivity and corrosion resistance
7/8" (22mm) stud length accepts multiple cable terminals
Silver alloy contacts provide high reliability for switching live loads
Label recesses for circuit identification