Victron Orion DC-DC Isolated Charger B2B Installation

To improve our winter vanlife, as our solar is almost useless right now, we have added an additional B2B charger. This video shows the fitting of the DC-DC charger, why we chose this model and how best to install it.
Link to the Charger amzn.to/40e3q49
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[@TomTom-gd7vc]

the only person who sheds light on isolated and non-isolated

[@FarqueKnowsWhere]

Thank you John for the isolated and non isolated explanation, I emailed Victron and they told me to check with my local dealer for my needs, they could’ve easily explained it as you have..

[@outbackeddie]

You gave the best explanation of isolated vs. non-isolated that I have heard so far. Now I get it. Thank you and happy travels.

[@panz3r696]

I've watched tons of these videos looking for a b2b set up and this one was the first I completely understood. Amazing job, thanks mate 👍

[@johnmandy]

Glad it helped!

[@martinlawes1]

me too ....

[@Luzeon]

I installed one in my friends vw camper van yesterday, literally,so him being the end user I shared this video to him. Thank you for this video!

[@jchancalifornia]

Thank you for the explanation between isolated and non-isolated.

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

Educational as always, and thank you for emphasising the need to appropriately fuse/breaker the positive terminals at each of the system (vehicle and house/leisure) batteries - I’ve seen more than a few dubious van installs where the person responsible genuinely can’t understand why they need more than just the one fuse/breaker in the whole system; and then try to justify their stance by asking if I know how much they cost - my normal response is “less than repairs to your van when it catches fire!” Fully agree with your stance on Victron kit; not cheap, but quality rarely is. Stay safe.

[@johnmandy]

Breakers & fuses cost nothing really, they’re just not attractive, and most people go for a nice looking electrical system these days. 👍🏻😁

[@G-ra-ha-m]

@@johnmandy Agreed, breakers also have a very convenient benefit: you can use them as switches to isolate systems during installation and testing.

[@Tangotop]

Well explained difference between the isolated and non isolated versions. Great video as usual.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@Wayne-cp8rs]

Hi John I hope your keeping well in these tough times. I’m looking at upgrading my setup to one 100amp lithium battery and one of these. Only use the van every other weekend really. You’ve answered all the questions that I had in my mind as you usually do. I can always rely on you and Mandy to help me out with your videos. Thanks for everything you do and Keep up the good work mate.

[@linz_in_NZ]

Definitely another item on my wish list for the van. 🙃🚐👍

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

A good old original gadget video 👍 you can never have too much power 👍😀🐾

[@johnmandy]

Power to the people 😁👍🏻

[@docteurpeinture]

Hello, it's so difficult to find a video complet in French like yours ! so very thanks for your video, i try to do it now ;)

[@beemawootton7947]

As a result, we are now also following your guys. Cheers from NZ

[@helmutoil]

Hi John and Mandy, Love what you do and watching your posts. Me and my wife have a Motorhome and plan to do the same trips/ adventures once we are allowed out of this mess. However in the mean time I can offer my help. I run my own business which is a Laser Cutting Company. So my offer is if you need anything like brackets, plates from any metal or plastic, I will manufacture these for free and delivery to any PO address you need. Hope that helps Regards Barry

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Barry, I’ll keep you in mind for future projects 👍🏻😁

[@damiendavies786]

Thanks John for another educational vlog, always appreciate them . Stay safe you three

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Damien 😎👍🏻

[@johndornan215]

Hi John, You can connect 2 of the Victron DC-DC chargers as I have 2 fitted and it works fantastic, I have the Peugeot Boxer 175. I used 35mm cable to a positive and negative bus bar and fed the 2 chargers from there and they both come on at the same time.

[@johnmandy]

Great setup 👍🏻😁

[@JeepTJay6]

13:43 EXACTLY what I’ve been wondering about. I have AGMs at the moment but would like to switch to lighter lithium in the future without disrupting my entire setup. Thanks for posting this. Really helpful. 👍

[@kevinjepp7037]

Hi great video very helpful The one area i could not find info on anywhere was my original Sargeant split charger which I had hoped to isolate. In your video you have left yours still working without apparently any problems. This has given me confidence to stop worrying about mine and leave it alone. Thanks

[@stevescott6634]

Thanks John and Mandy for sharing 👍

[@johnboland8024]

Well done, I installed one of these just before crimbo, Ive got a polinovel 200ah battery, and had researched this for a long time online as to how it fits with my system and split charge etc etc before fitting, and I can say your video is the best around online for this piece of equpment. Cheers

[@jaminavan4061]

Thanks John. We bought one of these for our conversion. You made sense of this for me and I'm not fitting it 😂

[@johnmandy]

😁👍🏻

[@eddvanlife7396]

B2Bs and Euro 6 juicy regenarative alternators are just great. Thanx John.

[@johnmandy]

😁👍🏻

[@garyhall9459]

Great video. Hope you are all keeping well and staying warm and well feed. Hope Coop is ok and getting acclimatised to the cold weather. 👍

[@johnmandy]

Life goes on, we’re all well thanks 👍🏻😁

[@KevinFoulds]

This is perfect for what I have been looking for as I want to add a lithium battery to my hymer. Thanks.

[@ThePyleDriver]

I have one in my Jeep install and love it - reliable 30A at 12V whenever the engine is running. Thanks for the review!

[@travelcampervansandmore]

Thank you for the tutorial. I have done some research about the problem of leisure batteries not charging properly while driving. I will only talk about the Fiat Ducato engines. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any point raised but this is what I understand so far. The need of a DC/DC booster is to compensate the lack of charging of the leisure battery when the engine is fitted with a smart alternator. Prior to 2020 model year, engines didn't have a smart alternator so lack of charging wasn't an issue. From September 2019, when the 2020 new engine line-up was introduced, engines 140hp ECO Pack and upwards now need a DC/DC booster of at least 30A to charge the leisure battery while driving. The 120hp and standard 140hp engines do not have a smart alternator (confirmation needed) and therefore there is no need to fit a DC/DC booster on Fiat Ducato motorhomes fitted with any of these two engines. Some MH converters don't fit a booster and some do but quite often not one powerful enough.

[@johnmandy]

Basically everyone with every engine should install a B2B charger to charge their leisure batteries.

[@UrbanVanlife]

One of the best things we fitted to our van . Although with us not starting the van up for a week and it being super cold I tried the in app boost for allowing the leisure battery’s to give me a jump start . Sadly Nop it didn’t work and heck if I know why not

[@johnmandy]

I think you’ve got a different product, this b2b doesn’t jump start, it simply wouldn’t allow enough power through to start an engine

[@richiebainbridge2608]

It makes me laugh at the thumbs down numbers ! What’s to dislike it’s good solid information and you don’t have to follow it if you are not interested ! I personally will not be fitting a B to B because I don’t have the need but I still enjoyed the video . Richie.

[@johnmandy]

It takes all sorts to make the world go round, I guess some really need that gratification of being different and pressing thumbs down gets them off in a way we’ll never know 🤷🏼‍♂️👍🏻😁

[@blossomwithwillow3104]

You make things look so easy. I'm like huh..hubby's drinking it all in. Stay sane guys. 🙏

[@johnmandy]

👍🏻😁 thanks

[@andreelliott6161]

Nice one john very useful information I got a sergeant ec 328 with x2 100ah batteries , 1000w inverter with a 95w Solar panel new batteries are needed looks like the B2B charger will be added to the shopping list stay safe you guys 🌈😊

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@markwhitehead64]

Hi John and Mandy really enjoyed your video really looking forward to seeing your next video keep safe 😷👍🏻

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@mikemcguire8914]

Thanks for good explanation of device, and info video on installation.

[@davidmeadowcroft7626]

Hi John. Really good and detailed video here on the subject of double charging. Need to watch a couple of times to fully absorb but this is such a strength and we are all grateful for you taking time to explain. Cheers Mal and Dave in Stoke

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@megkennedy8888]

Hi hope you are well we have a swift challenger 620 se i dont understand this but i just love watching your videos enjoy Mandy's cooking she makes everything look so easy keep safe from portadown meg xx

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Meg 👍🏻😁

[@anthb3377]

Just getting my head around leisure batteries this video really helped thanks!

[@roseroelofse2651]

Hi John. Thank you very much for the best explanation about the difference between isolated and non-isolated b2b charger. Great learning from you.....thank you!

[@johnmandy]

You’re welcome 👍🏻😁

[@LoveUrLife365]

Well done! Very good explanation between isolated and non isolated for vehicle type! Thank you for sharing!

[@denisscott1134]

Hi John and Mandy 👍 just saying thanks for sharing this video and information 👍 keep safe and say well ✅ sue and den 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@syncrosimon]

I have 2 x Renogy 50A with built in mppt, it also has Bluetooth with a plug in, it has the advantage of charging the starter batteries when it detects the leisure batteries are full. In the UK 100 amps is great.

[@johnmandy]

Our solar setup chargers our batteries once the hab batteries get to 100% 👍🏻

[@kiltedscotsman]

Thanks John, looks nice and simple as suggested, still appreciated the step by step. This upgrade will get its money worth off-grid in Scotland for surePerfect timing for me. Big Thumbs up!!

[@johnmandy]

Such a great upgrade, it’s been keep us in power for 3 weeks now, can’t wait to get back on the road & back to Scotland too 👍🏻😎

[@ianofsjkartwork]

More great advice John..........well explained and easy to follow instructions.......stay safe........thanks for sharing

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@johnkiernan4225]

A must have in our climate, and it's on my list when I have the readys. Thanks John take care 😀

[@johnmandy]

Absolutely right 👍🏻

[@Roadshome]

Been thinking about the same mod myself. Nice to have someone else test the doubling up on B2B 's. 😎

[@johnmandy]

I’ve now seen several people install 3 b2b’s and it works a treat 😁🤣

[@clearprop]

Thanks, John. Best explanation of a B2B that I've seen. Great to see proof that one B2B doesn't knock out the other, too. 🙂

[@russellmitchell8177]

Just found this Nov. 2021. Great! I have the US version of the Fiat van, so your battery install was very near like mine. Mine is a homebuilt conversion we purchased used. The starter batt. was connected direct to the leisure batt., a 217 amp hour agm! No b to b voltage upping! The solar charger was also set to just flooded lead acid style and it would never keep up. I corected that. You have given me the path to finish the job with this device. thank you very bigly. Is upping a real word? Asking for an American.

[@Andrefourie1964]

Thank you John. Well explained, like always. Big thumbs up! 💯👍

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@alisterleith]

Just installed in a Citroen Relay following your great instructions, many thanks John.

[@elwanderer7903]

Thank you so much, perfect timing I’m just about to install one in my van! I’m glad to see John has confirmed I made the right choice. Your video will come in very handy when it’s delivered at the weekend 💯 Thanks guys, I hope you’re well and settled where you are 😊

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@peterhadfield873]

No Cooper, no Mandy, no food, no scenery, I'm beginning to think I'm watching the wrong channel.... Oh, wait... I am. See you Friday! :-)

[@johnmandy]

No scenery right now to warrant 2 vlogs a week, but there’s plenty of work going on in the van for separate videos 👍🏻😁

[@RunningOffGrid]

Great video. I have the same B2B but have never dug into the settings and realised it's set up for lithium when we have AGM so I will get that sorted.

[@johnmandy]

That’s good then 😁👍🏻

[@overlandme]

Thanks mate, I'm about to install the same charger into my car and your video gave me a lot of confidence.

[@PaulBissekerBushcraft]

Thanks, this is very helpful. I am just starting with van electrics and leisure batteries. I was told not to get VSR as it's old now.

[@beemawootton7947]

I had just finsied watching your video and then you popped up on CamperVibe.. Small world.. Hope you have revovered

[@johnmandy]

Ah yes, we’ve know Em & Lou for years and travelled to 6 countries with them. They’re great fun to be around.

[@johnbateman3244]

Great information as always. Thanks for that. Take care 💙❤️👍

[@johnmandy]

Thanks

[@daveha6638]

Very good video John. Thanks sharing. Will be Handy later too uses

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@DarrylHunt70]

Excellent walk through, will have to rethink position based on the heat output you mentioned!

[@johnmandy]

It does need some airflow for cooling 👍🏻

[@korsion]

Excellent video, well explained. 👍

[@Alpikerawlings]

Ta for clearing that up about the 2 chargers 👍

[@johnmandy]

Any time 👍🏻😁

[@StigNordlander]

Hi John, thanks for the superb instruction video, I have a Bürstner RV myselfe and the video is spot on exactly what I'm about to install.

[@platvis379]

Great video thank you. I almost took my van in to get this done for a price. Will do it myself now.

[@craster_van_kippers]

Great video John I’ve already got a Sterling so I made sure I watched sober tonight. Couldn’t do with a Victron turning up. P.s firing up the heater this weekend.

[@johnmandy]

🤣🤣

[@wobby1516]

Brilliant explanation of the Victron B2B charger, just one thought how do you adjust the charge parameters of the electroblock charger to suit lithium. Wobby1

[@BradHaines1963]

Brilliant mate. Answered all my questions. Thanks.

[@mrw9513]

Absolutely brilliant, thanks John your a legend buddy. I was planning on fitting a full victron system for the solar and dc to dc too, so this is getting saved to favourites straight away. Thankyou buddy. Hope yous have a great week and Best wishes and stay safe and well to you both and your families ❤️ 💙 ❤️ 💙 ❤️

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻 enjoy your van build

[@iluliexplains]

Great video! I have 800A of Lithium in my Hymer (Aircon + various other power hungry devices) and with an upgraded alternator run 2x 70A Votronic B2Bs, no problems whatsoever. We also have no issues with 2 Votronic solar controllers, so that myth is busted too.

[@johnmandy]

Great info. Thanks 👍🏻😁 Do both solar controllers take a split from the solar panels, using a Y splitter?

[@iluliexplains]

@@johnmandy The arrangement on the roof to get maximum coverage was 2x 180w and 3x 115w so I just have the 2x180 into one controller and the other 3x115 into the other. I use the Votronic bluetooth adapter to see the current coming in from each controller and it works exactly how you would hope it would, no issues whatsoever.

[@johnmandy]

Ah I see, good setup 👍🏻

[@geffhome]

How do I know if I need to upgrade my alternator? I got similar setup to John & Mandy (but in a 2006 Renault Master based Motor Home, built in Calira ~11A, I think, and Renogy B2B & MPPT 30A)

[@lambofull]

@@geffhome You'll most likely be fine at that level. It only becomes something to pay close attention to if you want to pull silly amounts of current out.

[@keithcutts3795]

Hi John.....You mentioned if you had the room you may have gone for the 60amp b2b....I've put a 30amp Sterling unit in my Mhome just before this video but may buy a Xlwb sprinter so have the space for the 60amp....I'll have 500w Solar and 200ah Agm and be off grid mainly....Keep up the Fantastic Work

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@steveweaver3020]

Great vlog John, Victron is great kit, just wish they did a B2B for a caravan. 👍

[@johnmandy]

Start the tow vehicle with the towbar electrics connected & hey presto it’ll charge your caravan battery 👌🏻

[@robinbanks183]

More Excellent advice John , take care both.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@daveke110ck]

Nice video as usual john. I have fitted a Sterling 12/120 waterproof under the passenger footwell. This solves the space issue inside and charges my 300a/h battery bank from 50% to 90% in about an hour ☺

[@johnmandy]

That’s brilliant 👍🏻😁

[@mikehainsworth747]

I will give it a try. Thanks

[@wilkerpereiradasilva9039]

Thanks John nice and informative video again ...

[@bonza6128]

Brilliant know I don’t have to read the manual 😂great vid 👍

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@miguelvives8927]

Great, I'm going to install my booster in my van.

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Great video, very informative. Thanks for sharing

[@ari.voutilainen]

Good explainer again. Thanks, John!

[@sportgliderider]

Nice one John. very will explained, thanks.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@johnelliott8971]

Explained very well. Thank you

[@Gallivantinggriffiths]

its amazing the difference b2b charger makes... especially when you initially think that just running the car plus having solar make take a while to fill the batteries..... stay safe glen & co.

[@johnmandy]

Tech keeps getting better 👍🏻😁

[@mickbalton7028]

Thanks for the simple explanation.

[@diandmartydownes1611]

Cheers. You all safe and well. thinking I might change my mine X.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@brianmcclure8012]

Many thanks. Very informative - Brian

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@DaveGreeneramblingcarpenter]

Brilliant thanks for that, exactly everything I needed to know

[@janvalterjohansen1673]

Sure your EBL got internal charger? From the grid yes, but when driving a typical motorhome it is still your alternator doing the job between 5 and 30 A. The A’s just passing the EBL on its way to the leisure battery. Your installation show us that a parallell charging B2B is working fine. Remember to update your experience after some use. Nice video 👍

[@johnmandy]

Yes my van has a 20a b2b electronlock. 👍🏻 just like I say & demonstrate in the video.

[@janvalterjohansen1673]

@@johnmandy Thats kind of unusual. (I have not seen that solution before) But why not. My rv got the alternator charging leisure via a b2b without going via the EBL. (Carthago factory setup).

[@Nigel-nar53]

Nice one, Based on your previous B2B videos I fit a 30amp Votronic to our camper back in early spring. Guess what apart from a 200km round trip before its MOT (CT) in December its never been run! Hopefully more luck this year. I used one of those little grey trip switches & was worried it might have been the wrong thing but feel more reassured now. Cheers.... 👍

[@johnmandy]

Soon things should improve and we can travel again 👍🏻

[@Nigel-nar53]

@@johnmandy Lets hope so. 👍

[@kevinhughes9801]

Great video well explained thanks john

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@iangill3005]

As always nice and clear description and instructions. I fused my B2B both sides i/p and o/p always better safe then sorry! As with the earthing I put in a big copper bar( I did check to see how much load the bar size could take) for a negative buss bar. I find it make the whole system a lot simpler and tidier also labelling the cables or location points help. Again great vlogs from you guys!

[@johnmandy]

Nice 👍🏻😁

[@TravelswithaPodengo]

Great Video John, thank you. I have been thinking about a B 2 B charger but I am a not very good at electrics and I wasn't sure if I could fit one along side my solar charge unit. Thank you again.

[@johnmandy]

Ah it’s an easy job, 4 wires 👍🏻😁

[@RickandHeather]

Very good tutorial, wouldn’t be worth it for people like us who don’t live in the van, solar and onboard split charge has always been enough, even if we go away long term it’s usually 1 night then drive etc so we’re usually full. Cheers tho good vid! 👍

[@johnmandy]

👍🏻

[@shaundevine8052]

Ive just come across this video Jon, and its brilliantly and simply explained thank you. Could I ask, do you know if this set up would work straight into a Bluetti AC300 / B300 to charge on the go, rather than using the 12v cigarette socket at 10a. If so it would solve my current headache of working out how best to do this to charge faster without installing a separate inverter.

[@johnmandy]

This video explains how to do that kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJO6d2hqrM9_bLMsi=BTUmN97aDdHcKJra

[@sprinterdiscovery]

A very detailed explanation John. Not many videos on the Victron Orion out there. The nice thing about this Orion, it can be used both as a charger and a power supply. I've got the 12v to 24v version which I use to supply power to my Goal Zero Yeti 1000 battery pack. It works very well. The unit does get hot when operating, so like you said, you really need good ventilation for it.

[@sidofmidd]

Awesome video m8

[@LABTESTED]

please tell me that im not the only one to be utterly lost but still watched all way through :) im trying im trying im determined to learn, have 3 diesel heaters now and have amazingly started to understand so maybe this will start to sink in too , fingers crossed and thank you for the video john, its so fascinating but so difficult to get to that understanding, i swear if you did beginners guides you would be a hit as you explain stuff so well you are easy listening but if it was beginner level i would be addicted :)

[@johnmandy]

In all honesty I’ve already got a beginners guide to wiring, it’s got 380,000 views 😎 but each task is broken down to be simple, any task can be completed once you break it down into simple steps

[@LABTESTED]

@@johnmandy then i can go back to kindergarten now happy lol ps what i love about watching all this is seeing the evolution of things , i watch you guys whenever you pop up avidly and it always fascinates me that there is no perfect van , its whats suits you at the time for your needs at that moment, i have gone from 7.45 m auto trail (first slightly daft mistake) to then T5 to then auto sleeper boxer , to then have the kids grow into adults and then now as we are waiting for new cali 6.1 ocean to arrive in summer, but all of them were best , all of them had their fantastic moments , and its made me realise quite profoundly that the van you wish for is the one that is right for you , but in 5 years time that may be completely different :) but wow what a lovely cycle to experience , we are all so blooming lucky !!

[@tommytee8387]

Great Content and explanation..Stay safe Stay Well...

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@RFT2112]

Good installation video. Are you using a BMV 712 or just the Victron app and have you considered using a Victron BMV 712?

[@FrankSluijter]

Very informative, Victron gear is fantastic 👍

[@johnmandy]

Oh yes 👌🏻😁

[@deborhamccormack9310]

So glad to see this video- I have the same charger but cannot get the blue tooth to connect. It is asking for a numerical code- but the codes has letters…… any suggestions? Thanks in advance!!

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@mos6146]

Very interesting and helpful video John. I have gone for a REDARC B2B which unfortunately doesn't have Bluetooth but.. the leisure battery it's charging does. With the REDARC it says not to use circuit breakers but midi fuses. I too was concerned about the compatibility between the onboard built-in charger and the B2B ( and the mains charger) as i did not want to overcharge the battery. Turns out the battery will not accept an overcharge and the B2B will detect charging from other sources and not continue charging also. All clever stuff and a great gadget addition ;-)

[@dougmegcarlson7596]

Brilliant! Thank you sir.

[@eric-x9x]

Great video John, the mist is finally clearing from my eyes, but I have a question. If the B2B is connected between the Starter battery and the Leisure battery, how can the phone app display the current, including the currect being supplied by your electrobloack, or have I missed soemthing?