The Victron Orion-Tr Smart and Sterling Power B2B are the two most popular DC-DC chargers in the UK market. Both solve the same problem — charging a leisure battery from a vehicle alternator, especially with modern smart alternators — but they take different approaches. This guide compares the two head-to-head to help you choose the right one for your installation.
At a Glance
| Feature | Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30 | Sterling Power B2B 1260 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum charge current | 30A | 60A |
| Input voltage range | 9-16V | 11-15.5V |
| Efficiency | ~94% | ~90-92% |
| Bluetooth | Yes (built-in) | No |
| App configuration | VictronConnect (iOS, Android, desktop) | Dip switches on unit |
| IP rating | IP43 | IP21 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 186 x 108 x 63 | 200 x 105 x 70 |
| Weight | 1.1 kg | 1.3 kg |
| Parallel operation | Yes (up to 3 units = 90A) | Limited (not officially supported) |
| Battery types supported | AGM, Gel, Flooded, LiFePO4, Custom | AGM, Gel, Flooded, Lithium, Custom |
| Charge algorithm | Adaptive multi-stage (bulk/absorption/float/storage) | Multi-stage with temperature compensation |
| Typical UK price | £150-180 | £170-220 |
Charging Performance
Amperage and Output
The most obvious difference is output current. The Sterling B2B 1260 delivers 60A from a single unit, double the Victron's 30A. For large battery banks (200Ah+ lithium), this means significantly faster charging. See our charge time reference guide for detailed calculations.
However, the Victron Orion-Tr Smart supports parallel operation of up to three units, giving you 60A (two units) or 90A (three units). Two Victron units in parallel match the Sterling's 60A output. The trade-off is cost: two Victrons at approximately £320-360 vs one Sterling at £170-220.
Victron also offers the newer Orion XS 12/12-50 which delivers 50A from a single IP65-rated unit with CAN bus connectivity — closing much of the amperage gap.
Charge Profiles
Both chargers use multi-stage charge algorithms suitable for all common leisure battery types. The Victron allows full customisation of charge voltages and timings through the app. The Sterling uses dip switches to select from preset profiles, with limited fine-tuning available.
For lithium (LiFePO4) batteries, both chargers work well. The Victron's app-based configuration makes it easier to set exact charge voltages if your battery manufacturer specifies non-standard values.
Connectivity and Monitoring
This is where Victron pulls ahead significantly. The Orion-Tr Smart includes built-in Bluetooth and the VictronConnect app for real-time monitoring, charge parameter adjustment, 30-day history, and firmware updates. VE.Smart Networking links it with a Victron SmartShunt for voltage-compensated charging, and coordinates with a Victron MPPT solar charger automatically.
The Sterling B2B has no Bluetooth, no app, and no remote monitoring. Configuration is via dip switches. For some, this simplicity is a feature, but for troubleshooting you are limited to a multimeter.
Installation and Wiring
Mounting and Wiring
Both units must be mounted inside the vehicle in a dry location — neither the Victron IP43 nor the Sterling IP21 is suitable for exposed engine bay mounting. For engine bay installation, consider the Victron Orion XS (IP65).
| Charger | Cable Size (under 2m) | Cable Size (2-4m) | Fuse Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victron Orion-Tr Smart 30A | 6mm² | 10mm² | 40A both sides |
| Sterling B2B 1260 (60A) | 16mm² | 25mm² | 80A both sides |
The Sterling's higher amperage means thicker, heavier, and more expensive cables. For a typical van conversion where the leisure battery is 3-4 metres from the starter battery, the wiring cost difference can be £40-60 in cable and fuses alone.
Engine Detection
The Victron offers voltage sensing (configurable thresholds via app) or a remote on/off wire to the ignition. The Sterling uses a D+ connection from the alternator or an ignition feed wire. The D+ connection requires locating the alternator signal wire, which can be tricky on modern vehicles.
Reliability and Warranty
Sterling Power is a UK-based manufacturer with over 20 years of experience in B2B chargers, widely used by professional van converters and boat builders. Victron Energy (Netherlands) is the dominant global brand in off-grid power and has rapidly become the most popular DC-DC charger choice in UK van conversions. Both brands have good reliability records. Victron offers a 5-year warranty; Sterling provides 2 years.
Ecosystem and Future-Proofing
If you are building a Victron-based system, the Orion-Tr Smart integrates seamlessly via VE.Smart Networking with SmartSolar MPPT, SmartShunt, and Smart Battery Sense for coordinated charging and accurate battery data. The Orion XS goes further with CAN bus connectivity to GX devices and VRM remote monitoring.
Sterling products work well standalone but do not integrate with the Victron ecosystem. If your MPPT, battery monitor, and inverter are all Victron, adding a Sterling charger creates a gap in monitoring and coordination.
Price Comparison
| Configuration | Total Charger Cost (approx.) | Total Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1x Victron Orion-Tr Smart 30A | £150-180 | 30A |
| 2x Victron Orion-Tr Smart 30A (parallel) | £300-360 | 60A |
| 1x Victron Orion XS 50A | £260-310 | 50A |
| 1x Sterling B2B 1260 | £170-220 | 60A |
For 30A charging, the Victron Orion-Tr Smart is the cheaper option with vastly better connectivity. For 60A from a single unit, the Sterling is cheaper than two parallel Victrons. The Orion XS at 50A sits in between and offers the best feature set.
Our Recommendation
Choose the Victron Orion-Tr Smart if you want Bluetooth monitoring, are building a Victron ecosystem, and 30A is sufficient for your battery bank (100-150Ah). Choose the Sterling B2B 1260 if you need 60A from a single unit, don't need app monitoring, and prefer a simple set-and-forget installation. Consider the Victron Orion XS if you want 50A with IP65 rating, CAN bus, and full GX/VRM integration.
For most UK van conversions with a Victron-based system and a 100-200Ah lithium battery bank, the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 30A is the best all-round choice. It charges fast enough for typical driving patterns, integrates perfectly with the rest of the system, and costs less than the alternatives. If you need more power or GX integration, the Orion XS is the natural upgrade.
