What is a DC to DC Charger? And how does it work?

Today we have a James Withams from Rayne Automotive, to explain what a DC to DC battery charger is, and how it works!
We have a CTEK and a Victron Orion to explain in full detail, and we will help you decide which one is right for your application.

If this is your first time on the channel, please make sure to check out our 'How To' playlist, and our 'Podcast' where we have over 150 videos to help you build your dream campervan.

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Time Stamps
0:00 What is a DC to DC Charger? And how does it work?
0:01 Intro montage
0:35 Introduction of James from Rayne Automotive
1:25 Charging components
2:00 What i a DC to DC charger?
2:47 What is a VSR and why cant it be used on a smart alternator?
4:24 What type of vehicle can use a DC to DC charger?
5:27 What is a CTEK charger, and how does it work?
9:50 What is Victron Orion Charger, and how does it work?
11:23 Which DC to DC charger is right for you?
12:30 Is there a price difference?
13:05 What are the stages of battery charge?
14:00 Outro

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Combe Valley Campers Ltd, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Combe Valley Campers Ltd assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Combe Valley Campers Ltd recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Combe Valley Campers Ltd, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Combe Valley Campers.

[Vanosphere]

I've been an auto electrical installer for 37 years. I love the way James explains this.

[robertsaville]

Perfect intro for a newbie who is struggling to understand what I need to do to get my leisure battery sorted ⭐️

[horsesarealwaysright]

I wish I'd found you before I bought the wrong system! Excellent tutorials🎉🎉🎉

[davidoneill]

Great video. I have the Ctek on my transit custom and was one of the best investments for the van. So simple to install.

[peterherrington]

Very impressive presentation.
Clear, concise information & very impressive kit .
Add 1 new sub

[AJBAdventures]

Great walkthrough on the install, however please make sure you install the fuses as close to the source as possible.
So for example the battery feed to the charger from your starter battery (van battery under the floor plate) needs a fuse as soon it leaves the positive terminal, as well as the ignition feed wire, fuse just after the ring terminal you installed.
Also its good practice to use conduit or plastic trunking on all cables to avoid any chaffing on sharp edges, as well as hollow grommets when running cables through factory or pre drilled holes.
I hope this helps, better to be safe than sorry

Thanks!

[garethwinstanley]

do you need a DC to DC Charger if you have a lithium 100AH battery or can i still use a split charger

[nickgood]

Best I've seen, well done chaps, thanks!

[vdubventure]

Very helpful video, I am using rayne automotive for my leisure install on my crafter conversion 🤙 just need to finish the layout form to get the ball rolling

[roostaraver]

I fitted the ctek last week after using a standard split charge and it’s instantly looking after my AGM battery better it’s charging about 14.8 now compared to the 13.8 of the previous charger so its charging the AGM to its full capacity now

[mikeclifton]

Interesting video, I used the Sterling Power BB1230 in my conversion, the later ones with the green stripe don't need an ignition switched feed so very simple installation. You don't have to have a smart alternator to use this type of charger; if you don't, ideally both batteries need to be the same type.

[TransitCustomCamper]

Great video thanks again guys. I used a CTEK in my Transit Custom Conversion, really happy with it 👍

[robmapstone]

Very informative thank you. Do you give advice as could do with some as looking to replace a split charge relay as now have a Renogy 100w Lithium battery. Would a Renogy DCC50S or 30S on a VW T5 2.5 2005 be ok. Bit worries as it mentions vsr in their video but did not think that is acceptable with a Lithium battery. Help!!😊

[lmk]

I would like to try the Victron to be used on my new Tesla Highland which has a 16v on the DC to DC convertor. To charge a 12v lithium battery to power my 800 watts sound system. I was wondering will it work and how should I tapped the remote ON from the car to the green by pass plug connector. As tesla does not have a ignition switch

[chrissyb]

Excellent and informative as ever!! I’ll be shopping for this set up soon!👍🏼👍🏼

[Supermojoe]

My transit custom has a smart alternator and the split charge relay works fine? It operates as soon as the van starts...

[ian_morg]

Great video! I have a VSR in my T5 at the moment which is constantly clicking on and off randomly. I’ve had it checked and the supplier said it’s working fine. Wiring has been checked and that’s ok and my 2x110ah leisure batteries are good too so I’ve been looking at the victron Orion 30a b2b. Great to get more info on both as I have considered the ctek as well.

[stephengreen]

Is there a more in-depth look at the capabilities and differences between the Orion and cteck? I was assuming from the video they are the same in capability but reading a few comments they are not really quite the same as in when you incorporate solar. Just to clarify as well, how does the Orion know when to take the charge from the battery without the ignition cable.

[stevemoore-vale]

Great video. I fitted the d250se last week. I wasn’t sure whether I’d got a smart alternator or not but with both small wires disconnected (I have a lead acid leisure battery) I’m getting a 14.5-14.9v permanently. It doesn’t fluctuate any more than that so I’m pretty sure I’ve got a standard alternator. All the lights that should come on do come on so as far as I’m concerned it’s working great. So easy to install too.

[JoCallow-rdgr]

Can you please explain how to correctly size these Dc to Dc chargers. they come in 20 amp 30 amp and 60 amp versions . Also alternators have different outputs. Should this be used to decide on size of charger EG i have a crafter which is fitted with a smart alternator the output in 140wmp, how do I know what size is best to optimise rapid chargeing