Renogy Smart 30A DC-DC MPPT Battery Charger 12V Dual Input for RVs/Vans

I rarely leave reviews and in most cases only when I am really annoyed by a product.But this unit is really great at a very resonable price!Works very well, is compact, and has many great features that only a combined dual (solar and alternator) charger can provide.For example charging my starter battery when the solar battery is full. I think I had a small parasitic drain on the van which caused the battery to be empty after a few weeks of not driving. With the renogy charger that is no longer a problem.And of course the main function to support dual charging is also great.I specifically used the smaller version (30A) to limit stress on the alternator .That is probably the only missing feature I can think of: configure the max draw from the alternator in the app. But with the 30A version that is not really a problem. And I anyway only have 400W of solar, so 30A is fine.

This bit of kit was a real find.Does all the jobs beautifully! Have removed my solar charge controller, no longer needed and this unit is way more efficient. Finds my alternator and balances charge between my lead starter and lithium domestic.It like perfect problem solving in a plug and play box. Literally genius

I wouldn’t want to travel without it. We use this unit, 30a dc-dc w/ mppt, to keep our batteries topped off while traveling. We have an inverter, which allows us to run our fridge in AC mode while driving down the highway. This unit gives us 30a from the alternator, the fridge using 25a and 5 amp charging the batteries. When we arrive at our destination the food is cold and the batteries are usually topped off. We also hook up a Renogy portable 200w panel and a 100w panel. These are connected in parallel, as this unit can’t handle more than 25v in PV mode. I run two 6awg wires to the PV input with Anderson connectors on each one for my portable panels. I usually get around 220-270w of power from this unit, which competes with my 510w of roof mounted panels until mid day. Also note, if you use this unit with panels and alternator, you will receive a max of 15a from the panels and 15a from the alternator. That’s just the way the unit works. If mine even fails, I will replace it immediately with the same unit. I’ve been using this setup for two years now and took a trip to Alaska and back, traveling almost every day. I’m very pleased!

I have run through a dozen different products from Renogy, and I think this is a my favorite. In use for several months at the time of this updated review.Most people will need the bluetooth module for configuration.Because the charging amps are configurable (In 10A increments) this is the perfect product for a boat with an outboard. I have mine set to charge at 20A, and it does a great job detecting when the outboard is running and charging my LiFE4Po bank. It also works great with solar. The way this device works and is wired saves a lot of room, wiring, and complexity on any boat/RV.One major complaint: The PV Voltage is ridiculously low. I upgraded from a 200w panel with a really low PV voltage, which worked fine, to a 300w panel with a normal 36V PV Voltage and now I have to upgrade. It's not clear if the 50A version actually has a higher rating, there is a lot of conflicting information.Two minor complaints: 1) I wish the charging amps were configurable to an exact number or at least 5 amp increments. For some small outboards on boats even 10 amps is going to be too much. 2) I wish there were a way to keep the device from turning on from incoming solar. I don't think this is a feature on any other solar charge controller, but it is annoying to have to install a breaker or switch just to keep the unit from turning on every time the sun is out.

I have it charging a little battery bank, it works and my only problem is overcharged batteries, possibly from other renogy components but it keeps things charged for now

I purchased the Renogy 30amp dc to dc charger with mppt around one year ago while completing an overlanding build. I previously used a solenoid to charge to second battery and was unable to keep to charge the battery completely regardless of the drive time or battery level. I rely on this battery for a 12volt fridge, lights, and other minor power needs while off grid for several days. I purchased this unit to complete my power needs as I finished my build. It does everything it advertises and it does it well. I have ran this unit for approximately one year with not one problem. I tend to over build my systems so I used larger than recommended wiring and I am very picky about my connections. I depend on this vehicle to take me on 3000 mile trips and get my family and me home safely and this charge controller exceeds my needs.I plan to add other Renogy products to my systems in the future such as the battery monitor and inverter. I will also use this controller and other Renogy products on new build that I am working on now.

So it does work. My alternator does charge my battery perfectly. But as for the solar MPPT portion.....not so much. I'm on day 2 of renogy support to figure out why I have optimum solar input from a 100 watt panel coming in, but the controller is not sending it to charge my 100ah lithium battery. The input of the solar is 17.65 and outgoing is 0. Seems like the controller is not doing is job or is stuck in a mode to prevent that power from passing through to the battery.**UPDATE** The charger has essentially failed completely. It will still charge both batteries via alternator power, but it will not keep them separated when the engine is off. Regardless if the D+ ignition wire is connected to a switchable on/off power source or not. To prevent parasitic draw and killing batteries, alternators, and starters, I have to physically remove the main ground wire from the charger every time. Renogy support offered no help or resolution. And every specialty shop i have reached out to for help with these issues refuses to work on eenogy products because they are garbage. Same your time, effort, and money and buy victron.

So I have had this about 2 years and there has been no issues with this and my batteries or truck. This will provide 30 amps to lithium batteries, and pulls about 40 amps from the truck to get that power. I do use the solar side with some moveable panels when I need it, and it has helped keep the truck topped off when connected. I liked it so much when I sold my last rv I removed it and installed it in my new one.

Other than a issue with a TAX invoice as in they do not supply one a major pain In Australia if you want to claim the unit as a Business expense as is what i wanted to do.The unit is by far the best one i have tested so far. It does not just charge and cut off it also supplies power to the connected devices so as not to run the battery down when the battery is full and the sun is still shinning. So if you don't need to right this off TAX wise i would recommend it. So 5 stars for the Item 1 start for the seller.