A bare-bones, low-cost alternator charger for a lithium house battery in an RV or van. Spend more for smart-alternator details, monitoring or a solar input.
Amazon $155.99The LiTime 12V 40A DC-DC Charger is the better charge controller overall, rated 3.5 to 2.4. The LiTime 12V 40A DC-DC Charger leads on value. The Redarc BCDC Classic 40 (BCDC1240D) wins on features. The LiTime 12V 40A DC-DC Charger costs $429.63 less ($155.99 vs $585.62).
For overlanders who want a tough, potted charger that can live in the engine bay and take solar too. Buyers mounting inside the cabin can get similar charging for much less.
Amazon $585.62Prices were last checked October 22, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the LiTime 12V 40A DC-DC Charger for value ($3.90 per amp of charge current vs $14.64 per amp of charge current).
- Choose the Redarc BCDC Classic 40 (BCDC1240D) for features (lithium profile, smart-alternator support; no Bluetooth vs lithium profile; no Bluetooth).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every DC-DC charge controller; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | LiTime 12V 40A DC-DC Charger | Redarc BCDC Classic 40 (BCDC1240D) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.4/5 |
| Value 35% | 92 $3.90 per amp of charge current | 0 $14.64 per amp of charge current |
| Features 25% | 35 lithium profile; no Bluetooth | 45 lithium profile, smart-alternator support; no Bluetooth |
| Efficiency 20% | 50 efficiency not published (neutral score used) | 50 efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| LiTime 12V 40A DC-DC Charger | Redarc BCDC Classic 40 (BCDC1240D) | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Type | DC-DC charger | DC-DC charger with MPPT solar input |
| Charge current | 40 A | 40 A |
| Battery voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Lithium profile | Yes | Yes |
| Custom profile | No | No |
| Temperature sensor | No | No |
| Standby draw | - | 8 mA |
| Inputs | ||
| Max PV voltage (Voc) | - | 32 V |
| DC input range | - | 9 to 32 V |
| Isolated | Yes | - |
| Smart alternator | - | Yes |
| Ignition sensing | - | Yes |
| Monitoring and build | ||
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Display | No | No |
| Load output | No | No |
| Cooling | - | passive (fan-free) |
| Dimensions | - | 6.5 x 4.75 x 1.47 in |
| Weight | - | 2.2 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
