Anderson Plug Kits – How to Choose

Anderson Plug Kits – Built Properly, Built In-House

When it comes to powering the rear of your vehicle for caravan charging, fridge supply or ESC systems, not all Anderson kits are created equal.

At HS Auto Parts, we build our kits in-house using workshop-grade components — the same standard we install in our own customers’ vehicles at HS Motors & Auto Electrics.

Whether you’re running a smart alternator Ranger, a Toyota with temperature compensation,
or need a dedicated ESC feed — we’ve got the right solution.

HS Custom Auto Parts

HS Auto Parts – Your One-Stop Shop for Rear Power Solutions

🔧 Why You Need an Anderson Plug Kit

When setting up a 4WD for towing a caravan, camper, or trailer, there’s more to it than just a towbar and plug. Modern vehicles and caravans require reliable power delivery — whether that’s charging batteries, running fridges, or powering Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

That’s where using a HS Custom Anderson plug Kit comes in.

⚡ What an Anderson Kit Actually Does

  • Provides high-current power from your vehicle to your trailer or caravan
  • Charges your auxiliary battery while driving
  • Powers fridges, lighting, and accessories
  • Can supply power to ESC systems if required

🤯 Why It Gets Confusing (and Why Kits Matter)

Not all setups are the same — and this is where people get caught out.

Key Variables:

Ignition vs Constant Power

  • Do you need the circuit to turn off with the vehicle?
  • Modern smart alternators often require ignition-triggered relays

Cable Size (6 B&S vs 8 B&S)

  • 6 B&S = better for longer runs & higher current (caravans)
  • 8 B&S = suitable for lighter-duty setups

Grey vs Red Anderson Plugs

  • Grey = standard auxiliary power (charging, fridge)
  • Red = commonly used for ESC systems (prevents incorrect connection)

ESC Integration

  • Some trailers run ESC through the 12-pin plug
  • Others require a dedicated Anderson plug

Vehicle Type

  • Older vehicles = simpler wiring
  • Modern vehicles = smart alternators, CANBUS, voltage drop issues

🔌 6B&S Anderson Charging Kits

Heavy-duty, high-efficiency rear charging for caravan and trailer batteries.

Available in:

  • 7 metre kits
  • 6 metre kits

Features:

  • Genuine Tycab 6B&S cable
  • 100A true ignition-controlled isolator relay
  • Genuine 50A Anderson plug
  • MIDI fuse protection system
  • Pre-wired and professionally assembled

These kits use a true ignition trigger, not a voltage-sensitive system — making them ideal for modern vehicles with smart or variable-voltage alternators.

If you want reliability and proper battery separation, this is the premium option.

🔋 8B&S Anderson Charging Kits

A cost-effective but still heavy-duty option for rear power supply.

Available in:

  • 7 metre kits
  • 6 metre kits

Features:

  • Genuine Tycab 8B&S cable
  • 100A true ignition-controlled isolator relay
  • Genuine 50A Anderson plug
  • Proper fuse protection

Again, these are built with a true ignition-controlled relay, making them suitable for smart alternator vehicles where voltage-sensitive isolators are not ideal.

Shop 8B&S

⚡ REDARC SBI12 Anderson Kits (Voltage Sensitive)

The REDARC SBI12 is a voltage-sensitive isolator, meaning it engages based on system voltage rather than ignition input.

These are ideal for:

  • Standard alternator vehicles
  • Temperature-compensating alternators
  • Many Toyota models

They are a simple, reliable solution where a voltage-based system is appropriate.

⚠️ Not recommended for many modern smart alternator vehicles unless voltage behaviour suits the application.

🚨 AL-KO ESC Anderson Power Runs

We also supply dedicated ESC (Electronic Stability Control) Anderson runs for caravans fitted with AL-KO ESC systems.

Available options include:

These kits provide the required direct battery feed to the rear of the vehicle to correctly power ESC systems as per manufacturer requirements.

🔌 Constant Power Anderson Runs

We also supply dedicated constant power Anderson runs for applications requiring a permanent 12V feed from the vehicle battery to the rear of the vehicle.

These runs provide direct battery supply and remain live at all times (no ignition switching or isolator included).

Available options include:

These constant feed systems are ideal for caravans fitted with BCDC chargers or setups where the charging control and battery management is handled inside the caravan itself.

Mini Anderson Adaptors

Why Buy From HS Auto Parts?

Real Workshop Insight 

  •  Built in-house by qualified auto electricians
  •  Genuine Tycab Australian-made cable
  •  Proper fuse protection – no shortcuts
  •  True ignition control options available
  •  Voltage-sensitive options available where appropriate
  •  Designed for real-world installation flexibility
  •  Not mass-packaged – assembled properly

We don’t just sell these — we install them daily.

One Stop Rear Power Solutions

Whether you need:

  • Caravan battery charging
  • ESC supply
  • Fridge power
  • Auxiliary battery feed
  • Red or Grey Anderson setups
  • Smart alternator compatibility
  • Traditional alternator compatibility

HS Auto Parts has the correct kit .

Anderson Plugs - Still Totally Lost?

If you’ve made it this far and you’re thinking:

“Hang on… do I need ignition switched, voltage sensitive, constant feed, 6B&S, 8B&S…
what is my alternator even doing?”

You’re not alone.

There are a lot of options when it comes to Anderson runs — and they all exist for a reason.

 

We offer a range of Anderson Plug Kits:

  • True ignition-switched solenoid kits
  • Voltage-sensitive (SBI12) isolator kits
  • Constant feed Anderson runs
  • 6B&S twin cable
  • 8B&S twin cable
  • ESC feeds into 12-pin systems
  • Red plug, grey plug and different configurations

 

And the right Anderson Plug Kit for you depends on:

  • What alternator your vehicle has
  • Whether it’s smart or standard
  • What you’re powering
  • Whether your caravan has a BCDC
  • How you want the system to behave

It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation — and that’s why there are multiple versions.

Choosing the right setup is important. Choosing the wrong one can mean poor charging, unnecessary components, or a system that doesn’t behave the way you expected.

 

Still Totally Lost?

That’s what we’re here for.

If you’re unsure which run suits your vehicle or van, give us a call.

We can help you work out:

  • What type of alternator you have
  • Whether you need ignition switching
  • If voltage-sensitive will suit
  • Whether constant feed is the better option
  • Which cable size is appropriate
  • How to integrate ESC or 12-pin systems
Every setup is a little different — and that’s perfectly normal.
A quick chat can save a lot of guesswork.
You don’t need to be an auto electrician.
That’s our job.

 

Give us a call on (03) 9879 1412

and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Catch ya next time when we lift the hoist and dive deeper Under the Bonnet.

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