Renogy 12V 40A DC to DC or Victron Energy Orion XS 12 12 50A DC-DC

[T6_MOF]

Hi All,

Currently trying to take advantage of some Black Friday deals and get my leisure battery system set up...

My question is - Is the Victron unit worth the extra cash over the Renogy?

Renogy w/bluetooth adaptor £139.99
Victron Orion XS around £250-£270 dependant on deals available.

My plan is to use a Fogstar 105a battery and turn down the charging amps to suit, I think Fogstar recommend around 30a from what I've read on here.

I also won't be planning on using any solar. Looking for quite a simple setup - 12v Fridge (most likely THQ one), 12v spots 4 or 6, 2kW diesel heater will be used occasionally too. Potentially some charging of my phone etc too when I'm in the back. Unlikely to be parked up for more than 1 night at a time.

All opinions are welcome... and happy to consider other units too!

Cheers.

 

[TallPaul_S]

I've not used the renogy DC-DC chargers, but from my experience of using a renogy shunt Vs a Victron shunt, the renogy stuff 'does the job' but not a lot more, the Victron kit is a lot more customisable, more features etc.

The app is much more basic, too.

If you're happy with something a bit simpler and with less possibilities for extra features or customisation, the renogy is probably good enough.

The Victron is also more efficient than the renogy which means less heat.

 

[JumpShip]

Watching all these type threads with interest as I'm looking to upgrade my old and very basic 12v system .
Fogstar 105 is on my list

 

[T6_MOF]

I've not used the renogy DC-DC chargers, but from my experience of using a renogy shunt Vs a Victron shunt, the renogy stuff 'does the job' but not a lot more, the Victron kit is a lot more customisable, more features etc.

The app is much more basic, too.

If you're happy with something a bit simpler and with less possibilities for extra features or customisation, the renogy is probably good enough.

The Victron is also more efficient than the renogy which means less heat.

I'm definitely swaying more towards the Victron unit at this stage. After reading for hours on the forum about them I feel like they're worth the extra cash, especially with how many vans are using their kit on here alone.

Not seen many reviews on here regarding the Renogy 40A unit - is this because they're a new release?

 

[Rioja John]

I fitted a Victron 50ah dc to dc charger a couple of months ago and had a few problems which in the end was not Victrons fault, it only charged on low amps when asking for 50 amps, it continually shut down with low voltage problems and engine shutdown problems.
Anyway I eventually sorted it all out and the problems were a faulty earth wire to bodywork, I refitted the earth in a different place and the Victron is charging my 200 ah of lithium brilliantly.

 

[JOG]

Had our year old caravan in for its first service recently. Chatting to the “senior technician” (all tattoos and metalwork) who was a very enthusiastic chap and struck me as knowing what he was talking about….

The subject of the crappy factory installed charger came up. I asked why they didn’t fit Victron. Oooh, his eyes lit up! “Cost!” was the only reason he could think of.

I mentioned that I might upgrade and he gave sound advice: firstly, wait until the warranty runs out on the component. (Yes, all the different components have separate warranty periods!) No matter how often it fails before then, he will replace the existing under warranty. Secondly, after warranty he will advise on which Victron to buy but don’t buy it through the dealer or suffer the markup. He will fit it for the cost of labour alone. Thirdly, have it fitted during a service and reduce the labour cost! Lastly, keep the original and swap it back when selling or trading-in the caravan so I take the Victron to the next van (or flog it!)

Long story short, Victron seems to be the most respected in the trade and on here.

 

[T6_MOF]

Had our year old caravan in for its first service recently. Chatting to the “senior technician” (all tattoos and metalwork) who was a very enthusiastic chap and struck me as knowing what he was talking about….

The subject of the crappy factory installed charger came up. I asked why they didn’t fit Victron. Oooh, his eyes lit up! “Cost!” was the only reason he could think of.

I mentioned that I might upgrade and he gave sound advice: firstly, wait until the warranty runs out on the component. (Yes, all the different components have separate warranty periods!) No matter how often it fails before then, he will replace the existing under warranty. Secondly, after warranty he will advise on which Victron to buy but don’t buy it through the dealer or suffer the markup. He will fit it for the cost of labour alone. Thirdly, have it fitted during a service and reduce the labour cost! Lastly, keep the original and swap it back when selling or trading-in the caravan so I take the Victron to the next van (or flog it!)

Long story short, Victron seems to be the most respected in the trade and on here.

Thanks @JOG. I think you may have solidified my decision there not to cheap out