Victron Energy® Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A Isolated DC-DC charger

Information
Description
Technical Specs

Charge your deep cycle Dakota Lithium batteries using the alternator in your van, boat, or RV’s engine.

Description

Charge your deep cycle Dakota Lithium batteries using the alternator in your van, boat, or RV’s engine. The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger is a professional DC to DC adaptive 3-stage charger with built-in Bluetooth. For use in dual battery systems in vehicles or on boats where the alternator and the starter battery are used to charge the service battery (aka house or deep cycle battery). The unit can be monitored and programmed via Bluetooth and can be remotely controlled via a remote on/off switch. The Orion Tr-Smart charger can be used in 12V systems and is suitable for both lead acid and lithium batteries. This model charges at a rate of 18 amp an hour and unlimited multiple units can be connected in parallel to increase output power. Suitable for below freezing to extreme temperatures up to 55°C with a full rated output up to 40°C. Datasheet available here. Please note: this is recommended for any application where you are charging a Dakota Lithium battery off of the alternator in an engine since it greatly increases the lifespan of both the alternator and the battery.

Technical Specifications

  • Uses Your Alternator to Charge Deep Cycle Batteries: We highly recommend you use a LiFePO4 compatible charger. 48v chargers for lead acid batteries may work, but will decrease performance and lifespan of the battery.
  • Charger rating: 14.4 volts, 18.0 amps
  • Temperature rating: Suitable for below freezing (-5C ) to extreme temperatures up to 55°C with a full rated output up to 40°C.
  • Smart Bluetooth communication: Can be monitored and programmed via Bluetooth and can be remotely controlled via a remote on/off switch
  • How fast will my battery charge?: Charges at a rate of 18 amps. To determine your charging speed take the amp hour rating of your battery and divide by 18. For example, a 12v 50 amp hour battery (Ah) would charge in <3 hours.
  • Increase Performance & Safety: Lithium batteries can charge 5X faster than lead acid batteries. This can stress an alternator. This charger will protect an alternator from wear and tear that may result from charging lithium batteries. Recommended for any application where you are charging lithium batteries from an engine alternator.

$199.00

Add to cart
Payment methods
Go to Victron Energy® Phoenix 12V 1200VA Inverter Victron Energy® Phoenix 12V 1200VA Inverter

Include Victron Energy® Phoenix 12V 1200VA Inverter (+$363.00)

Go to Victron Energy® Smart Shunt 500A/50mV Bluetooth Battery Monitor Victron Energy® Smart Shunt 500A/50mV Bluetooth Battery Monitor

Include Victron Energy® Smart Shunt 500A/50mV Bluetooth Battery Monitor (+$131.00)

Additional information

Shipping
  • Shipping policy

    At Dakota Lithium, our goal is to provide transparent and reliable shipping information for our customers. Orders are processed within 24-48 hours upon receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Orders placed after 5 pm will be processed the next business day. Batteries ship FedEx and will arrive in 5-7 days to most of the US. For shipping quotes to countries outside the United States and Canada, please contact us at sales@dakotalithium.com.

  • Shipping Costs

    Shipping costs for Dakota Lithium batteries are calculated per battery due to their classification as hazardous materials (hazmat), ensuring safe and compliant handling and transportation. Shipping costs to Alaska and Hawaii may be higher due to federal law that requires that batteries ship Air Freight and have Hazmat protection. If you need to return a battery, a 10% restocking fee will apply. For details on our return policy, refunds, order edits, and exchanges, please visit our returns page. In case of lost or damaged orders, contact our support team for assistance. Orders may take longer to arrive due to variables outside of our control. We will communicate any potential delays and provide timeline estimates to keep you informed. After placing an order, you will receive a shipment confirmation email with tracking information. For any issues with lost packages, please contact support@dakotalithium.com for assistance. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for choosing Dakota Lithium.

FAQ
  • Twice the Power?

    Yes! Here at Dakota Lithium we build all of our batteries with lithium iron phosphate technology which has many distinct advantages over traditional batteries. Including 60% less weight, a charging speed that is up to 5X faster, and a significantly longer lifespan (5-10 years longer on average). One of the most noticeable advantages however is the flat voltage curve. Unlike a lead acid battery where the voltage drops as you use the battery a Dakota Lithium battery has a steady voltage for 99% of the battery’s charge. That means you get all the power down to the last drop and double the usable power of traditional batteries.

  • Are Lithium Batteries Safe?

    Dakota Lithium batteries are 100% safe & reliable. Our signature chemistry, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), does not contain rare earth elements (like Cobalt) or heavy metals, is non-toxic, including no lead or acid, is non-corrosive, does not off gas, requires no watering or maintenance, can be placed in any orientation, and unlike other lithium batteries will not explode or catch fire. In addition, each Dakota Lithium battery is protected from over heating, over charging, and short circuiting, by a battery management system (BMS) microchip that also extends the lifespan and is contained in a rugged, waterproof case (although enough water can conduct electricity between the terminals, so don’t submerse the battery). For best performance & reliability we recommend using a LiFePO4 charger.    

  • How do I charge a lithium battery?

    Dakota Lithium LiFePO4 batteries perform best when charged by a LiFePO4-compatible battery charger. LiFePO4 batteries require a different charging profile and voltage requirements compared to traditional battery chargers. Chargers designed for different chemistries may work, but they may not charge a Dakota Lithium battery to full capacity. It’s important to select a charger that has a LiFePO4-compatible constant-current constant-voltage (CC/CV) charging profile, provides the correct charging voltage for your battery, does not exceed the charge current (amp) for the battery, and has a charge indicator LED to let you know when the battery is fully charged. You can find more information on How to Charge Dakota Lithium and LiFePO4 batteries on our website. If you need help finding a compatible charger for your Dakota Lithium battery, or if you want to check your current charger compatibility, please reach out to our support team.

  • Will cold weather affect my battery?

    Your Dakota Lithium battery will discharge normally between a range of -20F and 120F (-29C to 49C). DL batteries are commonly used among ice fishers for their flashers and ice augers, so they are quite resilient and are frequently used in cold climates. In cases of extreme cold however, it is recommended that the batteries be insulated. We also do not recommend charging our batteries below freezing temperatures. If you are planning to regularly charge your battery below freezing temperatures we recommend the DL+ 12V 135Ah battery which has an internal heating element and is optimal for use in cars, trucks, RVs, off grid solar, and any application where the battery will be charged regularly in extremely cold environments (like a North Dakota winter).

  • Do You Have a Military Discount?

    Yes! Dakota Lithium support active and former members of the US or Canadian armed forces. You can use the code DakotaMilitary to get a 5% discount at checkout. If you provide verification through email, you will receive an additional 5% off, making the total discount 10%. Please indicate the branch of the military or unit where you served in the order notes. Many veterans and pilots, including one of our founders who flew F-16s, work for Dakota Lithium. We’d love to hear your story! (P.S. The discount code operates on the honor system, so please only use it if you are a veteran). If you represent a veterans’ organization interested in partnering with Dakota Lithium, you can arrange a group purchase at wholesale prices by contacting sales@dakotalithium.com. For donations, please complete the philanthropy application form available here.

  • How can I become a dealer?

    1) For wholesale & bulk orders simply buy in bulk on the website. Bulk pricing is available on the product page (see bulk pricing discount) or on the Wholesale / Custom page. 2) To become a dealer fill out the form at the bottom of our dealer page. Or contact sales@dakotalithium.com

  • Can I use this to start my car/boat engine?

    We have two battery options available for starting motors: the LTO Automotive Cranking battery and the DL+ Dual Purpose line. Both are designed for starting motors, with a 1000CCA equivalent of engine starting power for boat, car, or truck engines. The DL+ line also offers our legendary deep cycle capability in addition to engine starting power. Please note that our standard deep cycle packs do not have cranking ability and cannot be used for starting motors.

  • What Trolling Motor Battery Do You Recommend?

    Dakota Lithium is a proud sponsor of over 200+ professional athletes in the fishing industry. Here’s batteries sizes recommended by our pros depending on the size of your trolling motor: Motor Thrust / Max Amp Draw (A) @ Voltage (V) / Recommended Battery 20 lbs / 20A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 25 lbs / 25A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 30 lb / 30A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100 45 lb / 42A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100 55 lb / 50A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100 70 lb / 42A @ 24V / 24V Single or DL 54 x 2 or DL+ 60 x 2 or  DL 100 x 2 80 lb / 56A @ 24V / DL+ 60 x 2 or DL 100 x 2 or DL+ 320 x 2 101 lb / 46A @ 36V / 36V Single or DL+ 60 x 3  DL 100 x 3 or DL+ 320 x 3 112 lb / 52A @ 36V / 36V Single or DL+ 60 x 3 or DL 100 x 3 or DL+ 320 x 3 >112 lb / Up to 100A @ 36V / DL+ 60 x 3 or DL 100 x 3 or DL+ 320 x 3 For wiring multiple batteries in series we recommend Connect Ease trolling motor connection kits available on our trolling motor battery page. For a deep dive on trolling motor batteries read How to Choose A Lithium Battery for Trolling Motors

  • What battery do I need for my RV or Camper Van?

    The industry standard house battery size used in most RVs, Campers, and #VanLife builds is the DL 100Ah battery. This is a drop in replacement for AGM and most lead acid batteries. If you are charging off your engine’s alternator we recommend a Victron DC-DC smart charger. If charging off solar panels we recommend a Victron Smart Solar charge controller, or if you have a solar charge controller choose the lithium setting. A handy size chart for number of batteries needed by size of RV is available here.

Warranty
  • Dakota Lithium Warranties

    We stand behind the quality of our products: 1) 30 day money back guarantee on all orders. If you are unsatisfied for any reason with one of our batteries you can return it for a refund up to 30 days after purchase. 2) 11 year manufacturer defect warranty on all batteries. If we made a mistake building your battery we will repair or replace it. See warranty & return policy for details. 3) Lifetime technical support. Reach out to support@dakotalithium.com for help from our team of experts. 4) 1 year warranty on chargers, powerbox case, and accessories.

  • 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

    If you are unsatisfied for any reason with one of our batteries you can return it for a refund, less a 5% restocking fee, up to 30 days after shipping date.

2024/2025 Dakota Lithium Catalog

Sean Rizk

Excellent

John Y.

I am using this for charging the batteries in my trailer when I am driving. It works well.

Clyde Campbell

well made can't wait to install it in my boat

Travis Olson

Works great instructions for it are awesome and the app for it works wonderful

Stephen Walsh

Thor Gemini 23 Tr 2017

Art C.

I haven't installed the Victron DC-DC charger yet so I cannot give it a fair review at this time. I can say however, that I have four other Victron products installed and working in my RV solar system and have been completely satisfied with them.

John W.

Easy to install and use.

Will McCammon

.
Trustpilot

Be The First to Know

Get access to exclusive deals, hear about new products before anyone else, and enjoy tips, tricks, and DIY hacks from our community of experts.