If you love to travel and explore new destinations with your van or 4 by 4, then you probably know how important it is to have a constant power supply. After all, how else are you going to keep food fresh in the fridge, power up the heating system, or light up the truck when you finally reach that awesome camping spot late in the evening?

Of course, you could always opt for solar power or perhaps even the car's alternator. But you know what else would be a great option? Yep, a DC-DC battery charger!

If you thought the English shifted to the language of the Aztecs there for a moment, no one will blame you! A lot of travel enthusiasts and overlanders are still not familiar with the concept of DC to DC chargers.

Lucky for you, you will know all you need to once you are finished reading this post. So buckle up and let's dive straight into it!

But first…

AC vs DC: The Difference

AC/DC are terms you will often come across when talking about charge and electricity.

What Is AC?

AC is short for alternating current. This is a current that changes direction and magnitude from time to time. The power coming from the grid and into your home is usually alternating current.

What Is DC?

DC is short for direct current and refers to a charge that flows in one direction. The current in your car sockets is usually direct current.

Now that we know the difference between AC and DC, let's move on to the main question.

What Is a DC to DC Charger?

To understand the DC-DC battery charger, let's get acquainted with a critical component in your vehicle—the alternator. Its work is to create electricity, which then charges your car battery.

The alternator is designed to know how much charge is in the car battery and how much charge the alternator needs to put out. On the other hand, the alternator will know nothing of the conversion you've done in your vehicle to make it more off-road and camper-friendly.

In comes the DC to DC charger. So why do you need one?

Picture this! There is all likelihood that the battery you have in your vehicle is a lead-acid type of battery, and the alternator is designed to charge such a type of battery. That said, there is a need for a different type of profile to charge the battery pack you have going in the back of your camper truck or van. Think of the DC-DC battery charger as a brain to your car's alternator, telling it not just the type of battery but also the requirements needed to charge it.

How the DC-DC battery charger works

The DC-DC battery charger uses a three-step process:

1. Bulk: The DC-DC battery charger takes the current from your vehicle's alternator and charges your secondary battery almost to the max.

2. Absorption: The power level will then even out, ensuring that the secondary battery isn't overcharged and damaged.

3. Float: This is the final step and takes place when the battery has reached its full charge.

How to Use the DC-DC Battery Charger With Solar

Using a DC to DC charger is one way to run your electrical appliances whenever you are off grid. Solar is another option. But here's the interesting part: you could use the DC-DC battery charger in conjunction with the solar system to ensure your secondary batteries are fully charged.

Sometimes the solar system may not be enough to power all your appliances. While you will not connect these two systems, and with the power from the two systems handled differently, you can charge the auxiliary batteries by using the DC-DC charger and a separate solar charge controller and still reach your power targets.

DC-DC Battery Charger and Lithium Batteries

You are probably wondering whether the DC to DC charger is a good choice when it comes to lithium batteries, and the answer is a resounding yes! Not only will the battery charger quickly and efficiently charge your lithium battery, but it can potentially prolong its life as well.

I'd go as far as to say that you should never try charging your lithium battery directly from the alternator. Why? Because the lithium battery will try and absorb all the power available, creating an extra load on the alternator, thus causing damage to the alternator.

Since the DC-DC battery charge will regulate the power input to the lithium battery, it will help prevent it from overheating and damage.

Benefits of Having the DC-DC Battery Charger

Now that you have a clear understanding of what a DC-DC battery charger does, let's take a look at why you may need one installed.

1. Smart Alternators

A lot of modern cars have alternators built to keep the charge to a minimum. While this prolongs battery life, it also means that it could be a challenge to charge a second battery. With a DC-DC battery charger, you can isolate the main battery from the alternator, thus solving the issue.

2. Boosting the Main Battery

Another great benefit of installing the DC-DC battery charger is that you can now boost the main battery charge. Thanks to its ability to convert low amperage to high amperage, you can fully charge your main battery in as short a time as one day.

3. Use Without Solar

You could end up having a bad day when it comes to traveling in areas with little sunshine if they only rely on their solar system. With the DC to DC charger, you can top up the secondary battery easily and efficiently without having to worry about the sun allowing you to power up your gadgets when off-grid.

4. Works With Different Battery Types

Another reason why getting a DC-DC battery charger is a good idea is that you can use it with different battery types. You don't have to worry about getting a new charger with each type of battery. Owing to its ability to adjust the power, it also ensures that the battery is safe from damage.

Our Recommended List of DC-DC Battery Chargers

So you might be wondering, which is the best DC to DC charger for me? To help you make that choice, here's a list of some of our best battery chargers.

Bluetti D40 DC-DC Battery Charger

The Bluetti D40 battery charger is simple to install plug-and-play charger. It is compatible with the Bluetti AC200L power station and can run all the 12V appliances you may need when outdoors. Not to mention it will work perfectly with any lead-acid, Calcium, and AGM battery.

The D40 has a 12V/30A 400W output. Whether you plan on drawing power from the solar system, the AC200L power station, or even if you plan on using the starter battery, the D40 offers an uninterrupted power supply.

Bluetti Charger 1

If you are searching for an alternator charger that is not just efficient but is super fast, the Bluetti Charger 1 might be just what you are looking for. With a 560W power delivery, you can enjoy up to 6x faster charging speeds compared to regular battery chargers. To put things into perspective, you can charge a 1KW power station in 2.5 hours.

Speaking of, the Bluetti Charger 1 is compatible with all Bluetti power stations. With a voltage range of 27 - 56V, you can use it to run your high-wattage appliances with ease. Its advanced safety feature and smart protection mean you can safely run your appliances.

Speaking of power stations, the Bluetti AC180 proves to be a great choice when outdoors. It offers an 1800 AC output and up to 2700 watts. You charge all of your devices simultaneously thanks to the 11 output ports.

Final Thoughts

From charging the auxiliary battery giving you ample power to run your appliances off-grid to boosting the charge in the main battery, it is not hard to see why a DC to DC battery charger could be an indispensable piece of equipment to add to your travel gear list. You can finally push the boundaries of your adventure and reach further. Experience a world filled with beauty and magic, one that is often hidden away from our daily lives yet gives us a sense of freedom and perspective with the Bluetti list of DC-DC battery chargers.