INCREASE DC-DC CHARGER OUTPUT IN TWO EASY WAYS | @4xoverland​

During the Troopy build I discovered a shortcoming in current delivery from my DC-DC chargers. Here is how I solved it.

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4xOverland is the world's first global 4WD adventure off-road motoring channel. Established in 1996, it is hosted by well-known 4x4 writer, explorer and filmmaker, Andrew St Pierre White. AKA: ASPW.

[mvcollerjhb]

Andrew, when I changed from Lead Acid to LiFeP04, as I was fitting the Victron DC2DC charger I realized the issue of it draining the vehicle battery in the Patrol could be drained as you described in the above video.
So, instead of removing the National Luna solenoid, I left it in the engine bay and connected the DC2DC charger to the solenoid, totally isolating the DC2DC charger from the vehicle battery when the ignition is not turned on.
To me that was just the easiest way to solve the charger on when it should not be charging the auxiliary battery.
It has been working faultlessly like this for nearly two years now. Keep well and keep these tips

[overlandingwolf]

Victron DC to DC chargers are thermally regulated - Meaning if you can assist the cooling effect of the fins on the rear you can increase the amperage charge to the leisure battery quite significantly. (i believe its 30a at 40 degC, so the cooler you get them the more output they generate)

A ducted 12v PC fan uses less than 1.5 amps of power but could increase the output of the Victron charger by as much as 7.5a or more.
take a look at adding a PC fan to the Relay switch for the charger and see how this could get you far more power to your battery meaning you run the engine less.

Enjoy

[abogoni]

im totally subscribing to these workshops - ive learnt most of what i know about overlanding from watching andrews videos 🤠

[ryan]

This is like how I have mine setup and it's the best. If engine is on then relay is triggered and charger starts. As soon as trigger is turned off the chargers turns off. No pausing to check voltage. Just pumps 35A in constant

[Yonoi]

Been saying this for years with no clear answer, I've always forced myself to find an original vehicle ignition trigger to connect the DC DC to. We'll done Andrew love your work and professionalism 😎👌

[donleamon]

I’ve had the Victron DC-DC sitting on my shelf in the shop for over a year to put in my FWC that is now LiPo. This triggering relay is good to know.

[ThePyleDriver]

Interesting. I have a slightly different approach - I use an ignition triggered relay to cut / supply power to the Victron. When the engine is off it's power connection to the start batteries is cut. The charger operates in automatic mode without issues and there is zero parasitic draw.

[Michael_Mears]

This was one of the best parts of the workshop, having completed it yesterday. Very good as an intro to doing your own dc circuits.

[overlandgcc]

We use Renogy dcdc chargers and like most modern dcdc chargers, redarc, ctek, victron etc have a ignition trigger, we just fuse tap the cigarette light fuse, or windscreen wiper motor.

[ndafarachaitezvi]

Awesome.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[NK-dlnc]

This is basic stuff. Good that you have highlighted it. I can't believe that people have so little understanding of how charging systems function. I use a manual isolators so charging the chassis batteries is combined with total isolation of the house batteries. Simple and effective for me.

[bluntobject]

I noticed this with my simple isolator switch setup. Super frustrating as it would also connect when I had solar on the second battery and drain the start when at camp. As the solar would have high enough voltage to connect.

[jaysuds]

Very interesting that they set the voltage as low as 12.5v (without the relay). If the second battery is fairly discharged, the starter battery will only be getting charged at around the mid to high(ish) 12v region, which won't sufficiently charge the starter battery and could have potential for not enough power to start the vehicle.

I've found with mine (high output alternator, 75 series) that when I come to idle the starter battery voltage drops down to easily 12.5v in which the DCDC chargers engine shutdown detection kicks in and disconnects the DCDC charger. A bit annoying but on long runs it's okay. I might purchase this relay! Good explanation 👍

[danielsleeper]

Nice to know that my cheap dcdc charger is better that those fancy victrons, never had this problem, ATGNI, cheers

[bwarrior]

Hi Andrew, I'm about to embark on a unimog motorhome build and your videos have helped a lot thanks. I have one question that I can't seem to get an answer to. Why in today's day and age do we need to run any 12v/24 systems? Why don't we see just 220V systems running via our 12v/220v inverter? Why have 12v fridges that are 3 x the price? Are we waiting for industry to catch on e.g. Arb to make 220V compressors as an example?

[theshepard]

Seems like a good idea to get to know your vehicle! This could work an extra safety precaution for the DC DC charger/alternator though it seems.

[tarmanptyltd.]

This was very insightfull and I learned something new today. Any ideas at which outlets this relay will be available in South Africa? I love your content

[AZTLANSOLDIER]

I highly suggest Ctek, 250 and Smartpass. They seemed to be overlooked these days but are more sophisticated than people realize. They take care of many problems other dc to DC charger systems have.

[johnallen]

sounds like an awsome relay
- really inovative engineering

[alifuatyuvali]

Wouldn't it be easier to do a fuse tap to a circuit that's only on when ignition is on to power the relay?