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​DCDC Chargers


The alternator does not know what the second battery wants. A DC to DC charger turns whatever it gives into the charge the battery needs.

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DCDC Chargers

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Overview

DCDC Chargers Overview

About DCDC Chargers

The alternator does not know what the second battery wants. A DC to DC charger does.

An alternator is built to keep a starting battery topped up, and it does that with whatever voltage suits the vehicle, which on a modern engine is often less than a deep cycle battery needs to fill. Run the auxiliary straight off that and it sits at eighty percent forever. Run a lithium battery off it and the battery management system may refuse the charge altogether.

A DC to DC charger sits between the two. It takes the alternator's output, whatever it is, and turns it into a proper multi-stage charge at the voltage and profile the auxiliary battery actually wants. Bulk, absorption, float. AGM profile or lithium profile. The battery fills properly on the drive, which is the whole point of having it.

Some units take a solar input as well, so one charger handles the roof panel at camp and the alternator on the road, with a single profile applied regardless of source.

Size it to the alternator first. A charger rated higher than the alternator can supply will pull the starting battery down while it works. Then size it to the battery, because a big lithium bank on a small charger takes all day to fill.

Complete power systems with the charger mounted, fused and wired sit here too.

FAQs

DCDC Chargers FAQs

Why do I need a DC-DC charger instead of a VSR?

A DC-DC charger is the superior choice for modern touring because it uses multi stage charging to reach a true 100 percent state of charge. While a basic relay simply connects your batteries, it cannot boost voltage, which often leaves your auxiliary battery undercharged and shortens its service life.

Most modern vehicles also feature smart alternators that lower their output to save fuel. A standard relay often disconnects during this drop, whereas a DC-DC charger continues to pull and stabilize power to maintain a consistent charge. This technology manages the process correctly regardless of your vehicle type, helping you run your fridge and lights for longer without battery anxiety.

Compare this technology with our Voltage Sensitive Relays (VSR) to see the difference, or browse our complete Dual Battery Systems for a full setup.

Do I need a specific DC-DC charger for Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries?

You must use a DC-DC charger with a dedicated lithium profile to protect your investment. Lithium batteries require precise voltage control and constant current monitoring that older lead acid charging profiles cannot provide.

Using a charger without a lithium setting can trigger the battery management system to shut down or potentially damage the cells through improper voltage levels. A compatible charger manages the final stages of the cycle safely, avoiding the high voltage pulses used for desulfation in traditional batteries. This specialized care helps you maintain the thousands of cycles and high performance that lithium technology offers.

Find a match for your power storage in our Lithium Batteries collection.

What size DC-DC charger do I need for my dual battery system?

Selecting the correct size depends on the total capacity of your auxiliary battery bank. For a single 100Ah AGM battery, a 20A to 25A charger is usually the most balanced choice for maintaining health and performance.

If your setup includes a larger 200Ah Lithium bank or multiple batteries in parallel, a 40A or 50A charger will provide the faster recovery times needed after a long night at camp. Every battery has a maximum recommended charge current, so it is important not to exceed what your cells can safely handle. Matching the charger amperage to your battery size helps you reach a full state of charge more efficiently while driving.

Check out our AGM Deep Cycle Batteries to find your specs, or see our high capacity Lithium Batteries for modern storage options.

Can a DC-DC charger charge from solar and the alternator at the same time?

Many modern DC-DC chargers feature dual input capabilities that allow them to draw power from both the alternator and solar panels concurrently. This process, often called solar blending, enables the unit to reach its maximum rated output by combining the two energy sources.

The charger typically prioritizes solar input first to reduce the load on your vehicle alternator. If your solar panels are providing a portion of the required current, the charger will only draw the remaining amount from the engine. This efficient management is a practical way to keep your batteries topped up while traveling, especially when running high draw accessories like a large 12V fridge.

Explore our range of chargers to find a dual input model for your next trip.

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