Renogy 20A dc to DC report

otrfun wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:

otrfun wrote:
it would also continue to operate if the alternator fails. Having a very high amperage drain on your battery if your alternator fails, in the middle of nowhere, would not be fun.

In 50+ years of driving, I have NEVER had an alternator or voltage regulator fail. 1 maybe 2 starters.

Using, or not using any given protective device hinges on an individual's aversion to risk.

For those who want the peace-of-mind of knowing their dc to dc charger will not discharge their battery if their alternator goes off-line for any reason, a BI serves a very useful purpose.

For those who don't, it doesn't.

all the dc to dc i have seen have a trigger wire so you can put it to a switch and onlly turn it on when you need it or hook it to the altanator trigger so it only starts when the altanator is putting out a voltage.

mine is going on a KOER upfitter switch so I have to physicly turn on the switch and the engine has to be running before it will energize as for me this will just be a emergency source of power and I want to controle when it is on and off.

with this you don't need a BI as it is built in, but if all you want to do is have it so you cant drain down your starting battery and not worry about charge profile then yes a BI is the way to go, but they serve two different purposes so one isnt a replacment for the other, well except in the case of the dc to dc as it acts like it has a built in BI so you get both if you go that way...