The Renogy 2-in-1 Battery Charger: 3 Year Review
When it comes to van life electronics, the best systems are set-and-forget. After living on the road for almost 3 years now, I’d like to share my experience with the Renogy 2-in-1 Battery Charger. It’s been an absolute dream in my Hiace as well as other builds, simplifying the power setup and keeping everything running smoothly.
Why I Chose the Renogy 2-in-1
When I found this product while researching my very first comversion, it just made sense to me that all my incoming power should run through the same device. As an MPPT and DC-DC charger, The Renogy 2-in-1 does exactly that. Whether I’m parked up at the beach for a few days or making my way to a new spot, this unit takes care of charging my leisure battery without needing me to give it a second thought.
“I love that the solar charger is an MPPT, not just a solar charge controller. “
Not all solar charge controllers are made equal. Infact they are split into two distinct categories. MPPT’s (Maximum Power Point Tracking) and PWM’s (Pulse Width Modulator). Standard PWM solar charge controllers which are much cheaper, simply take the raw, unmodulated power coming in through the solar panel and convert it into consistent power which is more “paletable” for your battery. MPPT’s (Maximum Power Point Tracking) do the same thing in a much more active and efficient way. As the name suggests, Maximum Power Point Tracking actively tracks the maximum amount of power that can safely be put into a battery at any given moment to achieve the most efficient charge possible. As a result they are said to be up to 30% more efficient then PWM’s.
Set-And-Forget
What really sealed the deal for me is its ability to self-reboot. A lot of pricier, more complex chargers need manual input on customizable charge profiles during install and require manual intervention if the system shuts down. Not the Renogy 2-in-1. It’s reliable, straightforward, and ideal for van builders who want less hassle. Once your cables are safely connected it’s simply a matter of inputting the type of battery you’re using (Lithium, Lead Acid, ect.) and it starts charginf your system
Installation: Simple and Smart
I’ve got to say, installing this unit was a breeze compared to other setups I’ve seen. The Renogy 2-in-1 combines your alternator and solar charging into one device, which means fewer components to install and fewer headaches overall. Instead of wiring up two separate devices, you connect everything to this one hub, and you’re good to go. An added bonus? The Renogy charger doesn’t just protect your starter battery from draining—it also keeps it topped up. When your leisure battery is full, any extra solar power trickles into your starter battery, so it’s always ready to go. That’s one less thing to worry about on the road.
One Quirk to Be Aware Of
Like all products, the Renogy 2-in-1 isn’t without its quirks. Its total amperage capacity is split evenly between the solar and alternator inputs. For example, with a 30A charger, each input is limited to 15A max. While this might not be an issue for some, if you’re relying on a high-output alternator, it could be worth upgrading to the 50A model (like I did).
Alternatively, you can add a shut-off switch between your solar panel and the charger. When no solar input is detected, the device channels its full capacity to the alternator. It’s a simple tweak that’s worth considering.
Why I Recommend It
After months on the road, I can confidently say the Renogy 2-in-1 is one of the best investments I’ve made for my van build. It’s dependable, easy to install, and keeps both my leisure and starter batteries charged without any fuss. That’s why I’m happy to share it with you—and yes, these are affiliate links, but only because I genuinely think this product is worth it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building your van’s electrical system and want something reliable and simple, the Renogy 2-in-1 is a solid choice. It’s saved me time, money, and stress, and I think it could do the same for you.
Got questions about van builds or gear? Drop them in the comments or join my Facebook group where we’re building a community of DIY van builders. And if you’re looking for more tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel for in-depth guides and walkthroughs.
