My Renogy DC-DC charger failed! | Van Life | Solo Female Traveler

Two months into full-time van life I discovered an electrical issue with the Renogy DC to DC charger. I smelled something burning while using it - that’s never a good sign. After pulling everything out of the garage I noticed that the positive lug from the van battery was discolored. Also, not a good sign.
I decided to have some of the singed wire cut off and the lug replaced by an RV technician. After $100 and a couple hours spent waiting for the repair, I could still smell something burning when the charger was on. The charger is my primary source for recharging my 580 Ah battery bank. To say that I was bummed, was an understatement.
I wanted to replace the charger with the new Victron 50 amp charger. But the logistics of getting one shipped to me while 1,850 miles away from my home base seemed like a huge pain in the a$$. So, I replaced the old charger with the same brand and model and upgraded the 4 AWG wire with marine grade.
And the installation didn't go as planned, but what does, right?!?
Parts and Tools List (contains Amazon affiliate links)
-Renogy 12v 60 amp DC to DC Charger: amzn.to/3SC0TjC
-25 ft Ancor Marine Grade 4 AWG wire: amzn.to/4fBMQEf
-Hydraulic Wire Crimper: www.harborfrei...
-4-6 gauge battery cable lugs: www.oreillyaut...

[@michellecawleyyoga]

Has anyone else experienced a similar problem with their DC to DC charger?

[@ADKOverlandNY]

Hi Michelle! I am in the process of doing a conversion on my 2021 Chevy Express 2500 and I bought the Renogy 50a MPPT / DC-DC charge controller. I've got everything hooked up EXCEPT the DC-DC wire. I ran a 4ga wire from front to back, it has the terminals and heat shrink tubing, but I just haven't gotten around to making the final connections. I guess I'm just making sure everything else is working properly before doing this. I did buy a 60a circuit breaker to install between the van battery and the MPPT. Awesome job by the way! Stay safe!

[@michellecawleyyoga]

Hi there! Oh you did a combo of the MPPT and DC-DC. I hope it works well for you. We did separate MPPT (Victron) and DC-DC (Renogy). We installed the unit back in November but didn't really start using it until I started traveling full-time. I've only been on the road for 2.5 months and I use the DC-DC all of the time (when it's working). I'm going to upgrade to the new Victron XS 50 amp once I return to my home base. Good luck with the rest of your build!

[@freeeagle851]

Hey hi, I'm about to head off into Vanlife myself soon and just found your channel, I was thinking how lucky I am to be able to get by with just a Bluetti and 200 watts of solar for now I guess, from what I could see it's making my life sooooo much easier. new subbie here.🦅

[@michellecawleyyoga]

Hi! Congrats, I'm excited for your upcoming van life adventures! 🙌 I went with an all electric build and I'm testing its limitations. My plan is to add more solar on the roof and to get some ground deployed solar panels to help replenish my batteries. I've certainly seen the Bluetti setup in other groups but never investigated it. I hope it works well for you! Safe travels!!! And thanks for subscribing ❤️

[@freeeagle851]

@@michellecawleyyoga Thanks, I'll be heading out of the northeast heading to the southwest (never been) in a few months probably, looking foward to checking out your next vid. maybe pick up a few pointers.🚐🦅