Uploaded April 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Can you CHARGE LITHIUM BATTERIES with your ALTERNATOR? Here's how to regulate the output with a DC to DC charger and safely charge your lithium batteries while driving. Choose a topic below:
*GOING SOLAR? You DO NOT need to Start from Scratch*
Download my FREE Guide - Getting Started with RV Solar: rvwithtito.com/rv-solar-guide
Download Solar Designs and Parts Lists for 20A, 30A and 50A RVs - rvwithtito.com/downloads#rv-solar
WHY DID I GET A RENOGY DC to DC CHARGER?
I went with the basic Renogy 20A DC to DC Charger because it was the least expensive model that met my needs. I setup this deal below if you want a discount.
RENOGY DC-to-DC CHARGER MODELS
10% OFF Renogy DC-DC Charger (20/40/60A) - rvwithtito.com/renogy
WHAT OTHER DC-to-DC CHARGERS SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?
Here are some other popular DC to DC CHARGERS for RV, VAN, BOAT (Amazon Affiliate links):
Victron Orion 12/12 30A DC Charger - amzn.to/3AVvka0
Sterling Pro Batt Charger (30A) - amzn.to/2y2XGCY
Sterling ProCharge Ultra (50A) - amzn.to/2JR7l2d
*Topics*
1:06 Do you need a DC to DC charger?
1:57 Why Renogy DC to DC charger?
2:28 How do I use a DC to DC charger for lithium batteries?
3:37 Lithium battery charge curve?
4:26 How to connect a DC to DC charger?
6:07 DC to DC charger wiring diagram
7:06 Renogy DC to DC charger settings for lithium
*NOT ADDRESSED IN THE VIDEO: *
(1) WHY DID I REMOVE THE GENERATOR? Adding the DC to DC Charger meant I could remove our onboard Onan generator. The generator was simply not used anymore. See how I removed the generator here: youtu.be/oBVJ6BjwenQ. Being able to recharge our house batteries from the engine eliminated the need for a generator. Having one less engine to maintain was another benefit. I was also able to repurpose the generator space and add a new storage compartment, including my DC-DC charger and 2000W Pure Sine Inverter.
(2) WHY NOT UPGRADE YOUR ALTERNATOR? I did not want to make engine modifications. Upgrading the alternator to a higher output model is a common upgrade. The ultimate solution is to add a second alternator dedicated to charging your batteries.
(3) HOW MUCH CURRENT CAN LITHIUM BATTERIES TAKE? You should contact your battery manufacturer for guidance. I’ve heard that fifty percent of the total capacity is a good benchmark. I charge mine at a much lower amperage of 10-20 percent of my total battery capacity.
#rvwithtito #rvdiy #lithiumbatteries
This video also addresses these topics: How do you charge a lithium battery with an alternator, How do you hook up a dc dc charger, Dc to dc charger, dc to dc charger rv, renogy dc to dc, charge lithium battery with alternator, charge lithium battery from alternator, battery to battery charger lithium, Charge house battery from alternator, how to charge rv battery while driving, dc lithium battery charger, charge RV battery from alternator, lithium battery charging from alternator, charge house battery while driving.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This video may include links to merchants with affiliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Can you CHARGE LITHIUM BATTERIES with your ALTERNATOR? Here's how to regulate the output with a DC to DC charger and safely charge your lithium batteries while driving. Choose a topic below:
*GOING SOLAR? You DO NOT need to Start from Scratch*
Download my FREE Guide - Getting Started with RV Solar: rvwithtito.com/rv-solar-guide
Download Solar Designs and Parts Lists for 20A, 30A and 50A RVs - rvwithtito.com/downloads#rv-solar
WHY DID I GET A RENOGY DC to DC CHARGER?
I went with the basic Renogy 20A DC to DC Charger because it was the least expensive model that met my needs. I setup this deal below if you want a discount.
RENOGY DC-to-DC CHARGER MODELS
10% OFF Renogy DC-DC Charger (20/40/60A) - rvwithtito.com/renogy
WHAT OTHER DC-to-DC CHARGERS SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?
Here are some other popular DC to DC CHARGERS for RV, VAN, BOAT (Amazon Affiliate links):
Victron Orion 12/12 30A DC Charger - amzn.to/3AVvka0
Sterling Pro Batt Charger (30A) - amzn.to/2y2XGCY
Sterling ProCharge Ultra (50A) - amzn.to/2JR7l2d
*Topics*
1:06 Do you need a DC to DC charger?
1:57 Why Renogy DC to DC charger?
2:28 How do I use a DC to DC charger for lithium batteries?
3:37 Lithium battery charge curve?
4:26 How to connect a DC to DC charger?
6:07 DC to DC charger wiring diagram
7:06 Renogy DC to DC charger settings for lithium
*NOT ADDRESSED IN THE VIDEO: *
(1) WHY DID I REMOVE THE GENERATOR? Adding the DC to DC Charger meant I could remove our onboard Onan generator. The generator was simply not used anymore. See how I removed the generator here: youtu.be/oBVJ6BjwenQ. Being able to recharge our house batteries from the engine eliminated the need for a generator. Having one less engine to maintain was another benefit. I was also able to repurpose the generator space and add a new storage compartment, including my DC-DC charger and 2000W Pure Sine Inverter.
(2) WHY NOT UPGRADE YOUR ALTERNATOR? I did not want to make engine modifications. Upgrading the alternator to a higher output model is a common upgrade. The ultimate solution is to add a second alternator dedicated to charging your batteries.
(3) HOW MUCH CURRENT CAN LITHIUM BATTERIES TAKE? You should contact your battery manufacturer for guidance. I’ve heard that fifty percent of the total capacity is a good benchmark. I charge mine at a much lower amperage of 10-20 percent of my total battery capacity.
#rvwithtito #rvdiy #lithiumbatteries
This video also addresses these topics: How do you charge a lithium battery with an alternator, How do you hook up a dc dc charger, Dc to dc charger, dc to dc charger rv, renogy dc to dc, charge lithium battery with alternator, charge lithium battery from alternator, battery to battery charger lithium, Charge house battery from alternator, how to charge rv battery while driving, dc lithium battery charger, charge RV battery from alternator, lithium battery charging from alternator, charge house battery while driving.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This video may include links to merchants with affiliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
