How to Install a DC to DC Charger (Renogy DC to DC Charger Review)

In this episode, we are installing a Renogy 20 amp DC to DC Charger in our Cargo Trailer Conversion! This charger will keep our battery bank charged up while we're traveling and running our refrigerator and other electronics. You can find all items used in the video in the links below. Thanks for watching and don't forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel!

Products used in this video:

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#renogy #solar #solarsystem #solarenergy #victron #victronenergy #cargotrailer #cargotrailercampers #cargotrailerconversion #trailer #rv #rvlife #camper #camperconversion #diycamper #vanlife

[rodstephens]

Nice clean job. I am planning the same for my 5th wheel. One different component I am considering is either a circuit breaker (rather than fuse fuse) in the engine bay or a contactor controlled by an upfitter switch. I am not sure I want the Anderson power connector to be 'hot' all the time. Flipping it off when I am not towing would allay this concern.

[Ober]

I had it in my mind how I would install this for our truck camper and you verified that I have it correct in my mind, thank you for posting this.

[WanderingWatsons]

Great video! Getting ready to install one for my 5th wheel. You did a great job showing the entire install (including the cable route). Thanks for the great video!

[joeychouinard]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but you can use an "add a circuit" to the ignition fuse which will run to the charger to tell it to turn on as soon as the ignition is turned on. That way you don't need to have the driving lights on for that to work. But clean setup and thanks for making this, I'm adding one of these chargers and this was helpful.

[sammorris]

Thank You Sir. Very helpful. Doing the same thing using a truck camper. Held off ordering parts after seeing your video which helped me save some money.

[mobilehomelife]

On my long todo list for my bus, great video, specs super helpful.

[nightstringers]

I use welding wire really flexible and can handle lots of juice and great insulation . EWCS 6 gauge

[geoffmolyneux]

For my trailer, i just installed a 700 watt inverter in my tow vehicle. Then I ran 120 vac 14 gauge extension cord. At the trailer coupler i put a plug. Then close to trailer batteries i got an 15 amp battery charger. Smaller wires, higher voltage, less voltage drop. Added plus, i have 120volts for camera batteries or other 120volt equipment. I tried the inverter in the engine compartment, but it was just too hot. So my inverter lives under the passenger seat now.

[gesteban]

Awesome video! Very informative and educational. I'm wondering how I can make this work for a tow-behind. Maybe have the plug/jack come out of the bumper near the 7pin connection?

[Roy-ijwq]

Very clean install. Your Renogy charger has a nice feature on it that you aren't using. The D+ wire (red one in video that goes to lights) is necessary to let the charger know that the vehicle is turned on and the alternator is working. There is a second connection point on the charger for an optional CL wire. When current is going to both D+ and CL the output is cut in half (20 amps to 10 amps). This is useful because there are times when you only need 10 amps and your alternator won't have to work as hard thus improving fuel economy and reducing heat. I have a Renogy 60 amp charger and ran two 16 ga wires from the charger to a DPDT three way toggle switch that I mounted in my dashboard. I also have separate connectors for these wires between the truck and trailer. The switch is powered through a fuse that is only active when the ignition is turned on. With this setup I can switch between 60 amps, off, and 30 amps.  

The 4 gauge wire that you ran will easily accomodate a Renogy 40 or 60 amp charger but you may need to upgrade your alternator. My truck tow package came with a 250 amp alternator that can handle 60 amps but I anticipate that I will make use of the CL feature most of the time.

[WayneTheSeine]

I assume you have since upgraded the size of your battery but in case you haven't LiTime makes an excellent battery at a reasonable cost. The LiTime 12V 100Ah Self Heating LiFePO4 Lithium Battery With 100A BMS, Low Temperature Protection is now running around $370 and uaully grab a coupon for up ro 30% off. They also have a 200Ah for $719. Keep an eye on them and you can snag some pretty good discounts. They also have a new model with lighted on/off/wake push button....the battery does have low temp charge protection but no heater. However, there is a force charge feature for emergencies. It runs around $279.00. Good video.

[nightstringers]

Thanks for the awesome video. wiring Looks AMAZING

[TheRoadTaken]

What did you call the wire loom again? I know you said it but now I can't remember when.

[LecimyzKoksem]

Hey men. I only realised there's two version of this charger 30 and 50 amp. I bought 50 amp and now I worry it will be too much for my old 1992 Ducato motorhome :/ what you think

[DonDiegoAS]

Question: what size fuse are you using in the Knukonceptz Fuse Holder? Thanks and great video.

[frederick]

I added the same one to my van. Been waiting for parts for 2 weeks now.
End of july, china was hit by a typhoon, massive flooding, earthquakes, another typhoon and their economy is collapsing like their construction disrupting the supy chain.

[fdexp]

Can you explain the small red conductor going into the renogy? Where does it go? To the camper driving lamps?

[MeTube]

can you use the battery while its charging. while the dc to dc charger is on do I need to turn off for example the fridge?

[ptcclatlptcclatl]

Question: Why go directly to the battery instead of the alternator?

[gesteban]

Follow-up question: is there any risk to replacing my lead acid battery with a lithium without using a DC-DC charger? I've confirmed that my converter and solar charge controller are compatible. Just wondering if not using a DC-DC charger can put the lithium battery or alternator at risk.