DC-DC battery chargers with MPPT have become one of the best charging solutions for vans, RVs, and boats. They not only save valuable space but also help you maximise the use of your available DC power sources. This is one of the main reasons Renogy and other brands are phasing out older DC-DC chargers that only offer alternator charging.
If your budget allows, the Pro IP67 model is the pick of the range—unlike the other Renogy MPPT DC-DC battery chargers, it’s dust-tight, waterproof, and features built-in Bluetooth. That said, more than 60% of our available Renogy DC-DC battery chargers include MPPT functionality, so there’s a model for almost every setup and budget.
In this guide, we compare four of these chargers:
- Renogy Core DCC50S DC-DC Battery Charger with MPPT
- Renogy Pro IP67 DC-DC Battery Charger with MPPT
- Renogy 40D1S DC-DC Battery Charger with MPPT
- Renogy Core DCC30S DC-DC Battery Charger with MPPT
How Does a DC to DC Charger with Solar Input Work?
A DC-DC charger with MPPT is a hybrid battery charger that combines a DC-DC charge controller and an MPPT solar controller in a single unit. It features a single output but dual inputs—for the alternator (via the starter battery) and for solar panels.
The main purpose of this hybrid charger is to make the most efficient use of your DC power sources in a van, RV, or boat. It can charge your leisure battery from the alternator while the engine is running and then switch to solar panels on a sunny day.
However, different DC-DC MPPT chargers use different charging logic and charging priorities. Most Renogy models prioritise solar charging over alternator charging, and they also vary in the sophistication of their charging profiles.
What is charging priority?
Charging priority refers to which power source the DC-DC MPPT charger prefers when both inputs are available:
- Alternator Priority: The charger will always favour the alternator first, even if the solar panels are producing sufficient power.
- Solar Priority: The charger will prioritise solar input over the alternator, even when the alternator is generating enough power.
Two-way vs three-way charging logic
The charging logic of a DC-DC MPPT charger describes how intelligently it manages its inputs. There are two main types:
- Two-way Charging Logic: The charger can only switch between solar and alternator charging (without hybrid mode).
- Three-way Charging Logic: This is a more advanced design that allows the charger to use solar, alternator, or both simultaneously (hybrid mode). It is generally the most effective option, as it provides a charging boost when solar input is low.
In either of these charging logics, the exact parameters and switching thresholds vary between models. However, the charger will automatically switch charging modes when one of the power inputs falls below the minimum threshold.
Renogy DC to DC Charger Comparison Table
Below is a brief breakdown of the four Renogy DC-DC MPPT chargers we mentioned earlier. Which one do you feel will be best suited to your application?
| Maximum Power Input | Maximum Charging Power | Physical Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renogy Core DCC50S | 660W | 660W @ 94% Eff. | 244 x 146 x 96 mm |
| Renogy Pro IP67 | 720W | 720W @ 94% Eff. | 178 x 122 x 38 mm |
| Renogy 40D1S | 670W | 616W @ 94% Eff. | 195 x 149 x 48 mm |
| Renogy Core DCC30S | 400W | 400W @ 94% Eff. | 244 x 146 x 77 mm |
Renogy Core DCC50S: Best Overall Balance of Price and Performance
Key Features:
- 15V–50V solar input voltage range
- 12V–16V alternator input voltage range
- 660W maximum solar input power
- 9V–16V DC output voltage range
- Solar priority with three-way charging logic
- 660W output power with 94% charging efficiency
- Robust die-cast aluminium + tough plastic build
The Renogy Core DCC50S is our top recommendation if you’re seeking a DC-DC MPPT battery charger with the best balance of price, performance, and user convenience. For one, it features intelligent three-way charging logic, ensuring your leisure battery receives power from the most appropriate source at any given time.
On the solar side, the charger supports up to 660W of PV panels with an input voltage range of 15V to 50V. It packs a true MPPT controller with 99% tracking efficiency, maximising the power harvested from your solar panels under varying conditions throughout the day.
On the other hand, the alternator input accepts 12V–16V, making the Renogy Core DCC50S Dual-In Battery Charger fully compatible with both traditional and smart alternators. The unit also has a maximum output of 660W and 94% charging efficiency, so you can expect over 600W of charging power—even at elevated ambient temperatures of up to 40°C.
Furthermore, this charger is designed for 12V leisure batteries, with an operating voltage range of 9V–16V. It also supports both wired and wireless remote monitoring via its RS485 port. But you’ll need the optional Renogy Bluetooth Module (to pair the charger with your smartphone/tablet) or the ONE Core smart monitor.
Renogy Pro IP67: Best Waterproof DC-DC Charger with Built-In Bluetooth
Key Features:
- 15V–50V solar input voltage
- 9V–32V alternator input voltage
- 720W maximum solar input power
- 9V–32V DC output voltage range
- Solar priority with three-way charging logic
- 720W output power with 94% charging efficiency
- Tough metal case housing with IP67 ingress protection
Overall, the Renogy Pro IP67 is currently the most advanced DC-DC battery charger with MPPT from Renogy. It starts with a compact, rugged all-metal construction and an IP67-rated hermetically sealed enclosure. This allows you to mount the unit in exposed areas subject to dust, moisture, and water sprays without concern for damage.
As a hybrid battery charger, the unit uses a three-way charging logic with solar priority. It performs slightly better than the DCC50S in this regard, as you can connect larger solar arrays of up to 720W. The solar input voltage range remains 15V–50V, and the MPPT tracking efficiency at 99%.
The charger also offers a wider alternator input voltage range of 9V–32V, making it compatible with standard 12V vans, RVs, and boats, as well as larger 24V motorhomes.
As for the performance, the Renogy Pro IP67 MPPT DC-DC charger delivers up to 720W of output power at 94% efficiency. This means you can expect over 670W of actual charging power, provided your solar setup, alternator, or hybrid input mode can supply sufficient juice.
Furthermore, the charger features built-in Bluetooth connectivity for seamless pairing with your phone, tablet, or Renogy ONE Core without requiring extra accessories. There are also RV-C ports if you wish to integrate it into Renogy’s REGO smart ecosystem.
Renogy 40D1S: Best Budget DC-DC Charger with MPPT
Key Features:
- 12V–30V solar input voltage
- 11.2V–24V alternator input voltage
- 670W maximum solar input power
- 7V–16V DC output voltage range
- Alternator priority with two-way charging logic
- 616W output power with 93% charging efficiency
- Tough metal case housing with IP31 ingress protection
The Renogy 40D1S is an excellent choice if you have a limited budget but still want a DC-DC battery charger with MPPT functionality. It serves as a more basic version of the Pro IP67, without the premium features and higher specifications.
In operation, this charger uses a two-way charging logic (alternator or solar) and does not support hybrid mode. It prioritises alternator charging by default, though you can reconfigure it to solar priority using the built-in control button.
The alternator input voltage range is 11.2V–24V, so it is suitable only for 12V caravans, campervans, RVs, or boats. It works with both traditional and smart alternators, as long as they do not exceed the 670W input limit.
The solar input of the charger is also limited to 670W with a voltage range of 12V–30V. Then, it still uses true MPPT technology, offering up to 99% tracking efficiency for strong power generation even in cloudy conditions.
However, the Renogy 40D1S MPPT DC-DC Charger has a conversion rate of 92% and a charging efficiency of 93%. This translates to approximately 573W of actual charging power when your solar setup or alternator can sustain the required input.
It is also worth noting that this charger does not include any communication protocols—no Bluetooth, RS485, or RV-C. As a result, you cannot pair it with your phone, tablet, or Renogy ONE Core for remote monitoring and configuration.
Renogy Core DCC30S: Best Affordable Three-Way Charger for Smaller Setups
Key Features:
- 15V–30V solar input voltage range
- 12V–16V alternator input voltage range
- 400W maximum solar input power
- 9V–16V DC output voltage range
- Solar priority with three-way charging logic
- 400W output power with 94% charging efficiency
- Constructed from die-cast aluminium and durable plastic
The Renogy Core DCC30S is the base version of the DCC50S we mentioned earlier. It’s a more affordable alternative while providing significantly more capabilities than the basic 40D1S model above.
In operation, this charger uses a three-way charging logic that delivers power to your leisure battery from solar panels, the alternator, or both simultaneously. However, it prioritises solar charging while supporting PV panels with a maximum input power of 400W and an input voltage range of 15–30V.
For alternator input, the hybrid charger accepts a voltage range of 12V–16V, making it compatible with both traditional and smart 12V alternators. Then, the output side supports a voltage range of 9V–16V for 12V leisure batteries.
Regardless of the charging source in use, the Renogy Core DCC30S Dual-Input charger delivers a maximum output of 400W at 94% efficiency. Thus, you can expect up to 376W of actual charging power to your leisure battery.
If you wish to monitor the charging process in real time, the charger features a built-in RS485 port. This allows you to hook up a Renogy Bluetooth Module, enabling pairing with your phone, tablet, or Renogy ONE Core.
Which Renogy DC to DC Charger Is Right for Your Van?
All these DC-DC MPPT chargers offer more features than those we’ve highlighted above. For example, Renogy has designed them to support multiple battery chemistries, including Lithium, Gel, Sealed/AGM, and Flooded Lead-Acid.
Additionally, the chargers incorporate smart charging algorithms that ensure fast, efficient, and safe charging with minimal human intervention. The Renogy DCC50S, Pro IP67, and DCC30S models provide four charging stages—Bulk, Boost, Float, and Equalization—while the basic 40D1S model supports only three stages (Bulk, Boost, and Float).
Another notable feature is that all four hybrid chargers can activate lithium batteries that have entered sleep mode. They also include built-in LED indicators and a push button for quick setup without needing a phone or tablet. However, if Bluetooth connectivity and phone-based setup are critical for your application, you will need to choose the DCC50S, Pro IP67, or DCC30S. The 40D1S does not support Bluetooth, so both real-time monitoring and remote configuration are unavailable.
The best Renogy DC-DC MPPT battery charger for your caravan, campervan, RV, or boat depends on your specific needs. You have to consider key features, such as your daily power usage, available mounting space, budget, and personal preferences. As for our consideration, we can recommend you get:
- Renogy Core DCC50S — if you want to maximise solar and alternator charging power, require remote monitoring, and have sufficient mounting space.
- Renogy Pro IP67 — if you want high charging power, have limited mounting space, need remote monitoring, and have a suitable budget.
- Renogy 40D1S — if you want to maximise solar and alternator charging on a budget, have sufficient mounting space, but don’t require remote monitoring.
- Renogy Core DCC30S — if you want to maximise solar and alternator charging on a budget, remote monitoring, and have enough mounting space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off solar charging on my Renogy DC-DC MPPT charger while driving?
No, none of the Renogy DC-DC MPPT battery chargers has an on/off switch for solar input. The basic Renogy 40D1S, however, features DC-DC priority charging. This allows it to draw power from the starter battery first when the engine is running. Once the engine is off, it automatically switches to drawing power from the solar panels.
For all other Renogy DC-DC MPPT chargers, you can only set the “Solar Low Power” shutdown feature within a 0–10A threshold. If you need the ability to turn solar charging on or off at will, you will have to install an isolation switch on the solar input cable.
Is it safe to leave the charger connected with the ignition off?
Yes. Renogy DC-DC MPPT chargers include a voltage-sensing feature that ensures they only draw power from the starter battery (alternator charging mode) when the engine is actually running. They also have a dedicated ignition signal wiring port, which provides maximum efficiency and serves as additional protection for the starter battery.
Can I mount a Renogy DC-DC MPPT battery charger in the engine bay of my van?
Yes, you can install the Renogy Pro IP67 model under the bonnet of your van or RV if space is limited in the main cabin area. This model is compact and fully hermetically sealed to protect against moisture, dust, and water ingress. It also has a wide operating temperature range (–35°C to 80°C).
How can I connect the charger to my phone?
If you have the Renogy Pro IP67, you can pair it directly with your phone or tablet using Bluetooth and the Renogy app. It has built-in Bluetooth, so no additional accessories are required. For the Renogy DCC50S and DCC30S models, though, you will need to connect a Bluetooth Module to the RS485 port. This makes the charger discoverable on the Renogy app.
Ready to upgrade your charging system? Shop the Renogy Core DCC50S DC-DC Battery Charger with MPPT at Campervan Builders today.
