Isolated or non isolated that’s the question

[Robojeeper53]

Looking at Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart DC to DC Charger, there are isolated and non isolated modules? I wanting to use to charge two AGM batteries in camper using truck alternator charging while driving. What is difference or which is suitable for basic charging and not allow main truck battery to discharge if not running? Thanks for any input​

 

[Jon R]

Isolated or non-isolated refers to whether the negative terminals of the input and output side of the charger are isolated from each other. Other than that the two units function the same, and either would be suitable for the type of charging you describe.

What you would be isolating from each other if you use an isolated charger (and don’t otherwise connect the grounds) is the ground system of the truck and the ground system of the camper. Almost everyone connects their truck ground to their camper or trailer ground. The isolated version is used more heavily in marine systems where you want to isolate your motor ground from the ground for the non-engine-starting portion of the boat’s electrical power system.

I use a 12/12-30 Orion isolated charger but currently have the grounds tied to make it non-isolated. While the Orion Tr Smart 30 amp chargers work very well, they generate quite a bit of heat, limiting the locations where they can be installed. You should take a look at the nee Orion XS 50 amp charger. Its output settings allow you to reduce the output to 30 amps if you need to limit it for wire or alternator size reasons. It’s about $100 more, but is said to generate far less heat and is physically smaller than the 30 amp units.

 

[trexoffroad]

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Trying to plan out the connection between my truck and camper and not sure what the best route is. Camper is a 2023 Hawk. Previous owner installed a Powerwerx connector to connect to truck. But I’m not sure how it’s supposed to connect. Directly to the battery? Or through a DC to DC charger?

 

[pods8]

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Trying to plan out the connection between my truck and camper and not sure what the best route is. Camper is a 2023 Hawk. Previous owner installed a Powerwerx connector to connect to truck. But I’m not sure how it’s supposed to connect. Directly to the battery? Or through a DC to DC charger?

Figure out what’s on the camper side already for starters.

My preference is truck side just to battery and a DC-DC charger in the camper near the camper battery.

 

[Jon R]

If you have lead-acid batteries in the camper, you can go old-school and connect to the truck via a battery isolator, which should already be in the camper. A DC to DC charger, while not required, will provide better control of charging and potentially allow you to use a somewhat smaller wire gage to the truck.

If you have lithium (LiFePO4) batteries, you will want to install a DC to DC charger or you won’t be able to easily use the full battery capacity. If your camper already has lithium batteries it probably already has a DC to DC charger.