Victron Orion DC-DC Isolated Charger B2B Installation

[@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..

[@TomTom-gd7vc]

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

[@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 ....

[@jchancalifornia]

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

[@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!

[@Tangotop]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@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 ;)

[@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.

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@beemawootton7947]

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

[@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. 👍

[@eddvanlife7396]

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

[@johnmandy]

😁👍🏻

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@linz_in_NZ]

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

[@damiendavies786]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Damien 😎👍🏻

[@markwhitehead64]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@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

[@denisscott1134]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@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.

[@ianofsjkartwork]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@anthb3377]

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

[@stevescott6634]

Thanks John and Mandy for sharing 👍

[@richardstubbs6484]

excellent video thanks. I worry about possibly overloading the alternator , will the Orion prevent this ? with any old alternator ? No need for a temperature sensor on the alternator ?

[@mikemcguire8914]

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

[@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]

😁👍🏻

[@oliverdurkin-cinematograph2693]

Thank you. Best video on this I’ve found. Thanks for taking the time.

[@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

[@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

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

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

[@johnmandy]

Power to the people 😁👍🏻

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@blossomwithwillow3104]

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

[@johnmandy]

👍🏻😁 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!

[@HappySoulTraveler]

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

[@KevinFoulds]

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

[@RAL2010]

Thanks for the informative video! I could not find the circuit breakers that you mentioned (0:40) on the motor home page of your website.

[@johnmandy]

I’m updating that as the seller I used no longer sells them. Please check back in a few days 👍🏻

[@RAL2010]

@@johnmandy Thanks!

[@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.

[@DarrylHunt70]

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

[@johnmandy]

It does need some airflow for cooling 👍🏻

[@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 👍🏻😎

[@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 🤷🏼‍♂️👍🏻😁

[@korsion]

Excellent video, well explained. 👍

[@robinbanks183]

More Excellent advice John , take care both.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@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 😁👍🏻

[@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

[@alisterleith]

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

[@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 😁👍🏻

[@daveha6638]

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

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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]

🤣🤣

[@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% 👍🏻

[@BradHaines1963]

Brilliant mate. Answered all my questions. Thanks.

[@Alpikerawlings]

Ta for clearing that up about the 2 chargers 👍

[@johnmandy]

Any time 👍🏻😁

[@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 👍🏻

[@MichaelWebMason]

Thanks John, really appreciate the video.

[@johnbateman3244]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks

[@platvis379]

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

[@pauledwardbradshawesq7149]

Hi John and Mandy. You are the man who knows everything. We are planning to do a tour of the Cheshire ring canals in our van after lockdown. Do you have any experience in using the British waterway toilets and water stations with a water way key. I can’t find any details on the web.

[@johnmandy]

It’s not something we’ve done, but we know people with waterways access and they have no problems at all 👍🏻

[@pauledwardbradshawesq7149]

I knew you would know. Thank you very much just been for a walk on Werneth Low where you did your drone Vlog. I live in Romiley so spend many a hour up there. Keep safe to you both and Cooper 👍🏻

[@johnmandy]

Nice👍🏻 it’s been years since I was over that way.

[@waynedean3663]

Fantastic video how do you stop your battery been over charged by the charger please

[@johnmandy]

This B2B is fully automated and delivers the right charge the batteries need. For full info watch the video on your KZbin channel, follow the link in our bio. 👍🏻

[@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!!

[@fabiolahaole]

Thank you very Much for your contribution!!! I have a doubt, your input cable from your main battery are of 16mm and your output cable also? It seems thinner...??? Thank very much! Best regards!

[@johnmandy]

That’s explained in the video 👍🏻

[@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 😁🤣

[@martinmedium]

Hi, such a useful video and sorry if you've already answered this somewhere - I did look! At 11.10 mins you show a state of charge page on your app showing loads of useful info such as current and power output. I can't find this anywhere on Victron Connect!! Could you please give me a nudge in the right direction...

[@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.

[@Followmyleash]

Hi John & Mandy, Thank you for sharing and detail information for the connection and config! I have the same setup but for the 12 | 24 | 15 (car-victron-(battleborn 100)- goalzero 1000). In your set up how can the victron knows to not over withdraw from the car battery?

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@ProjectCamper]

I was thinking of changing my sterling B2B to the victron just for the app and connect with my mppt and bmv victron products,

[@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 👌🏻

[@Dan-LS]

Be careful with those circuit breakers if it's not a very high quality one.. I found out They can get hot or trip at different Amp. There is videos of it...

[@johnmandy]

I’ve warned people about this for months now 👍🏻

[@overlandme]

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

[@henddel]

Thanks for the video! Very well explained. I have the same Victron Orion but for some reason, all I get it's something between 8 to 11 Ah when I start the engine. What could be the reason? The Orion is 7 meters away from the starter battery. Could that be the reason why it only gives 8 to 11 Ah? Thanks!

[@Andrefourie1964]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@JOHNNY-pr9kv]

great video!Can you connect it in a 12volt 180watt socket in the trunk and charge a 12volt batterie and a 12v fridge buck there, at the same time???

[@sportgliderider]

Nice one John. very will explained, thanks.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Great video, very informative. Thanks for sharing

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Just a basic question. When leisure batteries need charging. With the Bat to Bat. In the dark start engine and drive off does the BTB give priority to power head lights , cab fan Demister winfscreen heater and wipers and does the charging current drop to batteries when lights on etc. Cheers from old George

[@johnmandy]

Please read the comments as this has been covered already 😁👍🏻

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

@@johnmandy ok matey will do. Cheers 👍

[@timoakes1631]

Hi John, I'm about to fit the same b2b charger and plan to run it along side the in built charger on the EBL 30 . As I understand it you have done the same but my question is how do you know the charging profile of the EBL is suitable for Lithium. All the best Tim

[@wilkerpereiradasilva9039]

Thanks John nice and informative video again ...

[@dextron16]

Hi John do you have a components list for this set up. Thanks Simon

[@johndonald5741]

Great video, clear explanation. I have a modern van but with Pb batteries and simple SCR charging set up. I would like to add a Lithium battery and the Victron B2B. Do I need to somehow disconnect my existing SCR before connecting up the B2B? Strikes me I should as if the SCR kicks in first to charge an Li battery , it will overload the alternator by drawing too much current? The Burstner 'block' you had seemed to have 'semi-intelligent' facilities, so it was OK to leave it but not so a 'standard' SCR?

[@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 👍🏻😁

[@ari.voutilainen]

Good explainer again. Thanks, John!

[@mickbalton7028]

Thanks for the simple explanation.

[@peternilsson1826]

Except for the choise of battery type; are there anything else in the settings that needs to be configured? I got a motorhome with start/stop function. Thanks for great videos. Peter

[@johnmandy]

No, just the battery type and the rest it handles itself 👍🏻

[@bonza6128]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@touringolem9657]

So, I am trying to setup a camping trailer with solar, so it will charge off the car whilst I'm driving. Any idea if I can just run cables from the socket to the battery or will I need one of these? A little out of your wheel house but don't know where else to ask. Ta!

[@johnmandy]

It’s not a tricky question, you just need to understand 12v electricity doesn’t travel well down long wires, most caravans have a 12v feed to power the fridge while towing, it’s around 10-15 amps though, due to the size of cable and distance. I’d say if you used 35mm cable and used an Anderson DC connector then you could use the b2b in the trailer to charge it’s leisure batteries. So run the pos & neg 35mm cables directly off your tow vehicle starter battery, fused with 100A mega fuse, then put the Anderson connections near your tow ball, get some decent protective conduit for running the cables at the trailer end and allow for articulation, then you can just follow the rest of my b2b install video 👍🏻

[@touringolem9657]

@@johnmandy awesome thank you!

[@mikehainsworth747]

I will give it a try. Thanks

[@irenedunne352]

in the phone app on battery setup does it have sealed battery in the drop down menu...and has it got to be 16mm cable starter to dc to dc charger or could i use 10mm cable ....thanks j&m

[@johnmandy]

It has many battery options on the setup page or you can choose your own custom settings. Cable size, length of cable and amps sent down a cable are for you to calculate for your setup.

[@johnelliott8971]

Explained very well. Thank you

[@brianmcclure8012]

Many thanks. Very informative - Brian

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@DavidLaFerney]

I’m just about to install the same device (except in non-isolated type) in a travel trailer. I want to put a switch on the B2B charger so I can easily turn it off - for example if caught in bumper to bumper traffic on a hot day. My interpretation of the manual is that all automatic functions will still be intact when the charger is on. You seem to be under the impression that they might not. Am I correct?

[@johnmandy]

The non isolated in a trailer? How will the chassis grounding work to the vehicle? If your engine is running the b2b will charge the leisure battery, makes no difference if the engine is idling or your driving along a road. It’s all in the video 👍🏻

[@DavidLaFerney]

@@johnmandy1) The truck and trailer chassis grounds are connected. 2) Alternators cool their selves by way of a fan that spins along with the alternator - so the faster it spins the better it cools. When an alternator gets fried by a dc2dc charger (which definately does happen) it's often caused by heat. So turning the charger off during long periods of idling - especially in hot weather - could save the alternator. Also if the alternator (or other part of the charging system) does fail you always want to turn off as much of the load (AC, stereos, etc) as possible when you notice an issue. It can be the difference between driving to a shop or having to be towed. Also I might add that my truck came from the factory pre-wired with accessory switches that makes it extremely easy for me to do this.

[@jimmccarron1286]

Excellent insight how to install the BtB John , I'm thinking about fitting one in my Adria but heard some folks saying Motothomes already have chargers for trickle charging leisure batteries, does that neani need to disconnect the Adria one before installing the Vitron , I'm a bit confused , can you advise please.

[@johnmandy]

If you watch the video you’ll hear me talk about the factory charger in our van👍🏻

[@jimmccarron1286]

Thanks John seen the info now sorry if a pest but one more question on the power cable from the starter battery to the BT B in side what size is the fuse at the battery end and what size is the isolater fuse unit just before the BtB sorry again if being a pest

[@kevinhughes9801]

Great video well explained thanks john

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻😁

[@AlWiedmannJr]

John, thanks. Is there a benefit to tieing that green plug into an ignition wire, so you can assure that there's no drain on vehicle battery when engine not running? I read that there may be a small parasitic drain on vehicle battery otherwise.

[@johnmandy]

In over 1.5 years of use it’s not drained the starter battery, so keep the install standard as it works best that way.

[@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.