What is the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A?
A DC-DC charger (also known as a booster or battery-to-battery charger) is a device that takes current from the engine alternator and transforms it into an optimised, multi-stage charging current for the auxiliary battery. Without one, modern lithium batteries won't fully charge from the alternator, and lead-acid auxiliary batteries stay only partially charged.
The Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A isolated solves this by delivering 18 A of constant intelligent charging, in a compact and lightweight format (1.3 kg) ideal for installations that don't need the 30 A of the larger model. It is the isolated version (also written as 12-12-18A or 12 12 18A) of the Orion-Tr Smart range from Victron Energy.
18 A or 30 A? Which Orion-Tr Smart should you choose?
The 18 A model (this product) is the right choice when:
- Your auxiliary battery capacity is ≤ 100 Ah
- You drive long routes around the islands (plenty of charging time)
- You want a more compact, more affordable unit (€185 vs €279 for the 30 A)
- Your alternator is not particularly high-output
If your installation has a 150 Ah lithium battery or larger, or if you need faster charging times, consider the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A.
Isolated or non-isolated Orion-Tr Smart? Which one do you need?
The Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A isolated (ORI121222120, this product) features galvanic isolation, meaning the input and output circuits are electrically separated. This is essential when:
- The auxiliary and starter batteries share a common ground with the chassis (typical in modern vehicles)
- Sensitive electronics are connected (compressor fridge, inverter, etc.)
- You want to avoid ground loops and stray currents in marine systems
The non-isolated version (more affordable) is only suitable when both batteries have independent grounds. For most campervan, van, motorhome and boat installations we recommend the isolated model on this page.
Applications of the Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A
- Campervan and small van conversions: charges lithium auxiliary batteries up to 100 Ah while you drive around Tenerife, Gran Canaria and the rest of the archipelago.
- Light marine use: charges the service battery on smaller boats with no electrical risk to onboard equipment.
- 4×4 and off-road vehicles: reliable power supply for auxiliary equipment.
- Hybrid solar + alternator systems: a perfect complement to Victron MPPT solar chargers.
Compatible with lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
The Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A is approved for charging LiFePO4 lithium batteries, with specific programmable charge profiles. The 18 A constant current and the ability to fine-tune absorption and float voltages via Bluetooth make it one of the safest options on the market for small-scale lithium installations in campervans and boats.
It is also fully compatible with conventional AGM, GEL and lead-acid batteries — just select the corresponding profile in VictronConnect.
Bluetooth configuration with VictronConnect
Through the free VictronConnect app (iOS and Android) you can:
- Monitor voltage, current and temperature in real time
- Switch charge profile (lithium, AGM, GEL, lead-acid)
- Turn the charger on or off remotely
- Set absorption and float voltages
- Receive alerts and view charging history
User manual for the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A
Download the official Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A user manual in PDF (ORI121222120) with installation instructions, wiring diagrams and step-by-step VictronConnect setup:
Download ORI121222120 manual (PDF)
Delivery and warranty in the Canary Islands
- 24-72 h delivery to all the islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, El Hierro)
- Shipping included, no customs duties or extra fees
- 3-year legal guarantee against manufacturing defects, managed directly from our shops in Tacoronte and La Guancha
- In-store pickup available at our physical shop in Tenerife
Frequently asked questions about the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A
What is the difference between the Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A and the 12/12-30A?
The 12/12-18A delivers 18 A continuous (220 W at 40 °C) and is more compact (1.3 kg). The 12/12-30A delivers 30 A (360 W) and is slightly larger (1.8 kg). For auxiliary batteries up to 100 Ah, the 18 A is enough; for larger batteries or shorter charge times, we recommend the 30 A.
What is the difference between the isolated and non-isolated Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A?
The isolated version (ORI121222120) has galvanic isolation between the input and output circuits, which protects sensitive electronics and prevents issues in systems where the batteries share a common ground with the chassis. The non-isolated version is cheaper and more compact, but only recommended when the grounds are independent.
Is the Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A suitable for LiFePO4 lithium batteries?
Yes, it is fully compatible. It has a preconfigured lithium charging profile and lets you adjust all parameters (absorption voltage, float voltage, current) from the VictronConnect app via Bluetooth.
How do you wire the Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A in a campervan?
It is installed between the starter battery (input) and the auxiliary service battery (output). It needs a D+ cable to detect engine start, or it can be configured to activate automatically when the alternator exceeds a certain voltage. We recommend 6–10 mm² cable depending on the run length.
Can I use the Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A as a booster in my van?
Yes — "booster" is the everyday name for this type of DC-DC charger. The Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A is exactly that: a professional Victron Orion booster with advanced Bluetooth configuration.
What is the warranty on a Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-18A bought in the Canary Islands?
3-year legal guarantee against manufacturing defects, managed directly by BateríasCanarias from our shops in Tenerife. You won't need to ship the product back to mainland Spain — we handle the entire process.
