Best DC to DC Charger Reviews and Guide
Introduction
When purchasing any type of battery charger, you will very certainly come across an AC to DC adapter. This means that most battery chargers will need AC power to charge your DC battery. However, if you are in an RC or on a boat, you will only be able to access DC power to charge your batteries. In this scenario, using something like the best DC to DC charger on this list can be a wonderful alternative because they provide the following benefits:
Input Voltage:
Even though DC-to-DC chargers allow you to charge your DC batteries using DC current as the input, you must ensure that the voltage of your DC power supply matches the voltage permitted by your DC charger.
This is because, while some DC to-DC chargers may accept 12 or 24 volts as input, others may accept 120-volt or even 240-volt DC current.
Maximum Current:
DC-to-DC chargers must be powerful enough to handle high charging speeds in addition to being compatible with your DC current power supply. Simply checking the maximum current rating of your charger will assure this. You should expect substantially higher charging speeds if you use a DC-to-DC charger with a maximum current rating of up to 50 amps rather than one with charging speeds of up to 25 amps or similar.
Supported Battery Types:
Check the battery types supported by your DC to DC charger to ensure that it will work with the batteries of your choice. Fortunately, almost all DC to DC chargers contain a list of supported battery types, which can include AGM, gel, lead acid, Li-ion, calcium, and other sorts of batteries. Any DC-to-DC charger that supports various types is likely to be highly versatile and useful.
Your recreational vehicle’s battery system is a key component of its power hub. If you’re looking for the greatest DC to AC charger, this page will provide some crucial facts about every smart alternator on the market. The best DC to AC chargers will ensure that your battery is fully charged and maintained for an extended amount of time while operating your vehicle. This is the DC charger’s major function.
Despite the fact that they are only chargers, most DC to-DC chargers on the market offer more than these characteristics. As a result, all of the top DC to DC chargers on this list have key elements and factors listed next to them. You may also discover a comprehensive “Buying Guide” and some useful FAQs for the finest DC to DC chargers to help you choose the best one.
Best DC to DC Charger 2023
Renogy DC to DC On-Board Charger
Tecmate Optimate DC-DC Battery Charger
Renogy DC On-Board MPPT Charger
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-Volt 30 amp 360-Watt DC-DC Charger, Non-Isolated (Bluetooth)
KISAE Technology DMT1250 Abso DC-DC Charger
Enerdrive DC to DC chargers
REDARC Electronics Dual DC Battery Charger
Renogy On-Board DC to DC Charger
Renogy is a popular mainstream brand of batteries and battery chargers that are often quite practical due to the incorporated features, such as the DC to DC charger seen below.
The Renogy DC to DC charger is ranked first on this list because it is an excellent little and compact alternative for most people.
Given the form factor and size of this charger, it can accept an input voltage of up to 120 volts.
And, for the price, a maximum current of up to 20 amps is to be expected.
Thankfully, this DC-to-DC charger does not disappoint in terms of battery compatibility, since it can charge AGM, flooded, gel, and lithium-ion batteries.
Renogy also offers a convenient one-year guarantee with this DC-to-DC charger for further durability.
Tecmate Optimate DC-DC Battery ChargerTecmate is one of the newer and smaller companies of battery-related accessories on the market, hence most of its goods are reasonably priced.
The Tecmate Optimate TM-500 is the most affordable option on this list, making it a good choice for individuals on a tight budget.
For the price, this charger supports an input voltage of 240 volts, which is far more than others.
This does, however, imply that it only uses a maximum current draw of up to 2 amps, which may not be ideal for quick charging.
Thankfully, Tecmate did not skimp on battery compatibility, as this DC-to-DC charger will charge AGM, gel, STD, starter, and deep cycle batteries. Tecmate even offers a two-year warranty with this DC-to-DC charger, which is fairly impressive given the price.
Renogy DC On-Board MPPT ChargerIn this list, we have another DC-to-DC charger option from Renogy that is much more premium than the previous one because it is designed for heavy-duty use.
Renogy’s DC charger is one of the top solutions on this list for people seeking something built for heavy demanding use.
This charger, like most other DC-to-DC chargers on the market, uses a 12-volt current as its input.
However, unlike other DC-to-DC chargers, this one has a substantially larger maximum current draw for faster charging.
Another advantage of this DC-to-DC charger is that it is compatible with gel, AGM, and lithium-ion batteries.
And, like the last Renogy charger, this one comes with a one-year warranty, which is reasonable given the price.
It is employed in dual battery components in boats and automobiles when the alternator and low start battery both charge the service battery.
This battery can be monitored through Bluetooth.
It can be remotely controlled by utilizing an off and an on switch.
This can be used in either 24V or 12V systems.
It is suitable for both lithium and lead-acid batteries. We have devices with power ratings of up to 400W.
To increase power output, you can link an unlimited number of units in parallel.
It includes screw terminals for convenient installation without the use of a specific tool.
It has a 30A, 12V, and 360W rating.
Victron is a global leader in off-grid power for residential, business, and recreational use.
This is one of the new DC-to-DC battery chargers that the alternator system giants have just delivered to the Australian market.
We like this system since it has a range of 10A, 20A, and 30A, depending on the user’s application.
We adore the Victron power charger for a variety of reasons. They are reasonably priced.
This battery pack is available in both non-isolated and isolated forms.
The component includes a Bluetooth module.
However, to keep the price low, this one does not include the solar regulator.
You won’t be able to tell if you have the appropriate solar regulator for your panels.
Such DC chargers are reasonably priced.
KISAE Technology DMT1250 Abso Charger Kisae Technology is another high-end brand of DC to DC chargers that is well worth the extra cost because most of its offerings are quite powerful and useful for a wide range of applications.
The Kisae Technology DMT1250 charger is without a doubt the finest performing and most adaptable option on this list.
Unlike the other DC-to-DC chargers listed here, this one accepts input voltages ranging from 10 to 32 volts.
Even with such a wide range of accepted input voltages, it still has an incredible maximum current draw of up to 50 amps.
Aside from numerous voltages, this charger supports a variety of battery types, including gel, flooded, AGM, and lithium-ion batteries.
Moving on to durability, the accompanying one-year warranty is to be anticipated with something as high-end as this.
The Enerdrive is one of the most capable power units for a vehicle alternator.
This type of battery charger comes in two sizes: 24Volt and 12Volt.
Campers will be the first to confess that this battery manufacturer’s ePOWER line is one of the most well-known DC-to-DC battery chargers on the market.
For a variety of reasons, we adore the Enerdrive DC alternator charger.
It is a fantastic value for money because it provides 40A for only three figures.
Such DC chargers are reasonably priced and can charge anything.
The battery system includes an MPPT solar regulator that can handle up to 500W of solar output.
The component includes an LCD display with completely programmable functionality.
This fully functional feature indicates the source of the battery charge as well as the amperage, voltage, and charger status.
The charge output can be manually adjusted up or down.
This DC charger has a temperature sensor.
Furthermore, the creators provide comprehensive and unrivaled sales support.
Experts recommend that the Enerdrive DC to DC battery chargers make life easier by providing the right breakers, wiring, and lugs for all of your DIY off-grid components.
Dual DC Battery Charger by REDARC Electronics
If you don’t have any economic constraints and want something incredibly versatile and practical, try Redarc Electronics with its DC-to-DC charger.
Another adaptable choice on this list is Redarc Electronics’ charger.
To be more exact, this DC-to-DC charger can accept input currents of 12 volts and 24 volts.
With either of these input voltages, you may achieve a respectable maximum current draw of up to 25 amps.
In terms of compatibility, this DC-to-DC charger can charge the most common battery types, including AGM, gel, lead acid, calcium, and lithium-ion batteries.
As a premium and high-end brand of DC to DC chargers, Redarc Electronics includes a two-year warranty.
Buying Guide for the Best DC to DC Chargers
Whether you have DC power in your house or travel in vehicles such as RVs or boats, chances are you utilize DC appliances rather than AC ones. Apart from any other DC appliances, you may require something like the best DC to DC chargers described above.
All of these finest DC-to-DC chargers include all of their important features and options to help you choose the best DC-to-DC chargers for your needs. More importantly, make sure you read this entire buying guide for the best DC to DC chargers down below to ensure you get the proper one:
Input Voltage
The input voltage rating is the most significant thing to consider when choosing a DC-to-DC charger.
The input voltage rating of your DC to DC chargers, as the name implies, will tell you about the current-voltage that your DC to DC charger can accept for charging your batteries.
Most DC-to-DC chargers are designed to work with 12-volt or 24-volt DC currents. However, if necessary, you can also discover DC to DC chargers that can function with 120 or 240-volt DC electricity. So, before purchasing one, make certain that it supports the voltage given by your power supply.
Maximum Current
While having compliant DC-to-DC chargers is essential, you should also ensure that your DC-to-DC chargers have high charging speeds. This is especially critical when dealing with big-capacity batteries that can take a long time to fully charge. In such circumstances, you should examine your DC to DC charger’s maximum current rating, since a charger with a higher maximum current rating would provide faster-charging speeds.
When it comes to current ratings, you may find them ranging from up to 25 amps to up to 40 amps and even up to 50 amps. When compared to a current rating of only up to 25 amps, the maximum current rating of up to 50 amps will provide substantially faster-charging speeds.
Supported Battery Types
To return to the compatibility aspect of your DC-to-DC chargers, we have the supported battery type. If you’re familiar with DC batteries, you’re probably aware that there are numerous types of batteries available. This comprises AGM, gel, lead acid, lithium-ion, calcium, and a variety of other battery kinds.
As a result, even if your DC to DC charger supports the voltage of your batteries, it may still fail to function unless specifically indicated. In other words, you should also look at the list of battery types supported by your DC-to-DC charger. And any DC-to-DC chargers that support a wide range of battery types will be highly adaptable and practical for the majority of customers.
Warranty
After you’ve evaluated all of the aspects mentioned above and selected the best DC-to-DC chargers for your needs and requirements, you’ll want your DC-to-DC charger to last as long as possible. To that end, it is usually a good idea to check the warranty period of your DC to DC charger.
As you may anticipate, any DC to DC chargers with a large guarantee period will easily last for a long time. When it comes to the top DC to DC chargers listed above, the majority of them come with a one-year warranty. However, if you want something even more adaptable and practical, there are a few alternatives with up to a 5-year warranty period that can last considerably longer.
FAQs
What kind of connections do DC to DC chargers use for charging a given battery?
You’ll be relieved to discover that practically all DC to DC chargers employ alligator clips to connect your batteries to the charger. As a result, regardless of the batteries or power source you choose, you may connect your DC to DC chargers to it without trouble.
What is the use of an isolator along with a DC-to-DC charger and do you need one?
If you’re familiar with DC to DC chargers, you’ve probably heard about isolators being used with them. These isolators are designed to extend the life of your vehicle’s primary DC battery and alternator. As a result, if you are charging high-capacity batteries with your DC-to-DC chargers, you should probably acquire an isolator as well.
Can you also use DC-to-DC chargers along with solar panels to charge batteries?
While DC-to-DC chargers are designed to charge DC batteries with other DC batteries, they can also be used in conjunction with solar panels. Many DC-to-DC chargers on the market will also allow you to connect solar panels, as solar panels generate DC electricity. You can also use it to charge your DC batteries if necessary.
Conclusion
Even if you are camping in your RV or taking a long journey in your boat, you will need to charge several batteries. However, utilizing a regular battery charger on vehicles such as RVs and boats is not possible because standard battery chargers convert AC power into DC power for charging batteries. Instead of utilizing ordinary battery chargers, you will need to utilize something like the finest DC to-DC chargers listed above.
You can also learn about the key differences and characteristics of each of these DC-to-DC chargers. Not only that, but we’ve also included a full shopping guide and answers to the most often-asked questions about the best DC to DC chargers.
