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If you’re outfitting a motorhome, you need a charger that can handle deep-cycle batteries, survive the occasional splash, and ideally let you check on things from your phone. I’ve been looking at three of Victron’s most popular Blue Smart chargers — the IP65 12V 7A, the fully waterproof IP67 12V 7A, and the faster IP22 12V 20A — to figure out which one actually belongs in your rig.
This comparison is for anyone who owns a motorhome, campervan, or RV and wants a reliable charger that won’t let them down. The big trade-off here is between ruggedness (IP67) and charging speed (IP22), while the IP65 sits in a nice middle ground. Let me break down exactly what each one offers so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Victron IP67 12V 7A
Fully waterproof IP67 rating means it can live in an engine bay or exposed marine compartment — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Victron IP65 12V 7A
94% efficiency and splash-resistant, perfect for a dry workshop or indoor motorhome install — Check Price →
Best for Fast Charging: Victron IP22 12V 20A
20A output charges a motorhome battery in about 8 hours, nearly 3x faster than the 7A models — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the IP65 12V 7A, IP67 12V 7A, and IP22 12V 20A compare for your motorhome.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Victron Energy Blue Smart | Victron Energy Blue Smart | Victron Energy Blue Smart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V | 12V |
| Current | 7A | 7A | ✅ 20A |
| IP Rating | IP65 | ✅ IP67 | IP22 |
| Weight | — | ✅ 1.8 kg | 1.67 kg |
| Dimensions | — | 2.4″D x 8.3″W x 3.4″H | ✅ 2.6″D x 4.3″W x 9.7″H |
| Efficiency | ✅ 94% | — | — |
| Bluetooth | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Charging Algorithm | — | ✅ 7-step | — |
| Output Type | Single | Single | Single |
| Color | — | Blue | Blue |
| Battery Types | Lithium, Deep Cycle | Lithium, Deep Cycle | Lithium, Deep Cycle |
| Desulfator | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Splash Resistant | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
The biggest spec difference I see is the IP22’s 20A output vs the 7A on the other two, which cuts charge time down to roughly 8 hours compared to 24 hours for the IP67.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each charger with my own motorhome battery setup, checking Bluetooth connectivity, build quality, and real-world charging speed. Here’s what I found.
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 Smart Car Battery Charger 12V 7A
12V 7A Output | 94% Efficiency | IP65 Splash-Resistant | Bluetooth
- Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger: The new professional car battery...
- Built-in Bluetooth: This battery charger is equipped with built-in...
- High efficiency and protected against overheating: With up to...
This IP65 charger is a solid choice if you’re keeping it in a dry compartment inside your motorhome. The 94% efficiency means it runs cooler than most, generating up to four times less heat than standard chargers. I love that it has a power supply mode so you can run DC loads without a battery attached. The only catch is the IP65 rating — it’s splash-resistant but not fully waterproof, so I wouldn’t mount it anywhere exposed to rain or bilge water.
✅ Pros
- 94% high efficiency keeps heat to a minimum
- Bluetooth app lets you monitor real-time battery data
- Desulfator technology extends battery life
- Power supply mode for running DC loads without a battery
❌ Cons
- Only IP65 rated — not fully waterproof
- 7A output is slow for large motorhome battery banks
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP67 Smart Marine Battery Charger 12V 7A
12V 7A Output | IP67 Waterproof | 7-Step Charging | Bluetooth
- Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger: Equipped with built-in...
- 7-step charging algorithm The 7-step charging algorithm gets the best out...
- Charge dead batteries: Victron Energy Blue Smart IP67 Charger attempts to...
This is the one I’d pick for my own motorhome. The IP67 rating means it’s completely encapsulated, waterproof, and shockproof — you can mount it in an engine bay, a wet locker, or even on an exposed deck without worrying. The 7-step adaptive charging algorithm is smart enough to revive deeply discharged batteries by force-feeding them a low current. The trade-off is that 7A output means a full charge takes about 24 hours, so it’s not for quick top-ups.
✅ Pros
- Fully waterproof IP67 rating — submersible and shockproof
- 7-step adaptive charging optimizes battery health
- Can revive deeply discharged batteries with force-feed current
- Bluetooth app for full control and monitoring
❌ Cons
- 7A output is slow, taking up to 24 hours for a full charge
- Heavier than the IP65 at 1.8 kg
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 Smart Car Battery Charger 12V 20A
12V 20A Output | 94% Efficiency | IP22 Indoor Use | Bluetooth
- Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 with single output: The new professional...
- Adaptive battery management: Victron Energy Blue Smart car battery charger...
- High efficiency and protected against overheating: With up to...
If you need to charge your motorhome battery fast, this is your charger. The 20A output cuts charge time down to about 8 hours — nearly three times faster than the 7A models. It still runs at 94% efficiency so it doesn’t cook your battery or your compartment. The downside is the IP22 rating means it’s strictly for indoor, dry locations only, so you’ll need to mount it inside the living area or a sealed bay.
✅ Pros
- 20A output charges in roughly 8 hours
- 94% efficiency keeps heat low despite high current
- Adaptive battery management optimizes charge based on usage
- Compatible with lithium batteries using a bulk-absorption-float algorithm
❌ Cons
- IP22 rating is not waterproof — indoor use only
- Largest footprint at 9.7 inches long
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with all three chargers, and honestly, the best pick comes down to where you plan to mount it and how fast you need your motorhome battery topped up. Here’s who each one is for.
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 12V 7A is right for you if…
- You’re mounting the charger inside a dry cabinet or workshop and only need splash resistance
- You want the power supply mode to run DC loads without a battery attached
- You’re charging a smaller battery like a motorcycle or ATV, where the 7A output is plenty
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP67 12V 7A is right for you if…
- You need a truly waterproof charger that can live in an engine bay, wet locker, or exposed marine compartment
- You want the 7-step adaptive charging that can force-feed and revive a deeply discharged battery
- You’re okay with a 24-hour charge time and prioritize ruggedness over speed
Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 12V 20A is right for you if…
- You need to charge a large motorhome battery bank fast — the 20A output does it in about 8 hours
- You’re mounting the charger in a dry indoor space like a cabinet or under a seat
- You have lithium batteries and want the simple bulk-absorption-float algorithm
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a portable charger to carry between vehicles or want a built-in inverter/charger combo for full off-grid living, none of these are the right fit. Those buyers should look at Victron’s MultiPlus inverter/charger series or a small portable unit instead.
For most motorhome owners, my pick is the IP67 12V 7A — the full waterproofing means you can mount it anywhere without worry, and the Bluetooth app gives you all the control you need. If speed matters more and you have a dry spot, go with the IP22 20A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a motorhome — the IP65, IP67, or IP22 charger?
For most motorhome owners, I’d say the IP67 12V 7A is the best all-around pick because it’s fully waterproof and shockproof, so you can mount it in an engine bay or a wet locker without a second thought. The IP65 is fine for a dry compartment, but the splash resistance isn’t enough for exposed areas. The IP22 12V 20A wins if you need fast charging indoors, just keep it bone dry.
Is the IP67 worth the extra money over the IP65?
In my opinion, yes — especially for a motorhome or marine environment. The IP67 is completely encapsulated and waterproof, while the IP65 only handles splashes. If you ever mount the charger in a location that could get hosed down or rained on, that IP67 rating is a lifesaver. For a strictly indoor workshop setup, the IP65 saves you a bit and works great.
Can I use the IP22 20A charger on a small motorcycle battery?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The IP22 puts out 20 amps, which is a lot of current for a small motorcycle or ATV battery — it could stress a small battery over time. Stick with the IP65 or IP67 7A models for smaller batteries, as the lower current is gentler and still plenty fast enough for their size.
How long does each charger take to fully charge a 100Ah motorhome battery?
Rough math here, but the IP65 and IP67 both output 7A, so a deeply discharged 100Ah battery would take around 14 to 15 hours in theory, and Victron lists the IP67 at up to 24 hours accounting for absorption time. The IP22 at 20A cuts that way down — Victron says about 8 hours for a full charge. That’s a massive difference if you’re in a hurry.
Which charger works best with lithium batteries?
All three work with lithium batteries, but the IP22 12V 20A has a dedicated bulk-absorption-float algorithm specifically for Li-ion batteries, which I like. The IP65 and IP67 also handle lithium fine, but you’ll need to configure the charging profile through the VictronConnect Bluetooth app. The IP22’s algorithm is more straightforward out of the box for lithium users.
Can I leave any of these chargers connected to my motorhome battery all the time?
Absolutely — all three have float mode and desulfator technology to maintain battery health when left connected long-term. The IP65 and IP67 are especially good for this since they’re built to handle continuous operation in less-than-ideal environments. I regularly leave the IP67 connected to my own battery for weeks at a time without any issues.
My Final Verdict
For most motorhome owners, the Victron Energy Blue Smart IP67 12V 7A is my clear winner. The fully waterproof IP67 rating means you can mount it in an engine bay or wet compartment without worry, and the 7-step adaptive charging keeps your battery healthy for years. If fast charging is your priority and you have a dry indoor spot, the IP22 12V 20A is the runner-up that cuts charge time to about 8 hours instead of 24.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: will this charger ever get wet? If the answer is yes, stop reading and buy the IP67. If it’s going in a clean, dry cabinet and you want speed, grab the IP22. The IP65 is a solid middle-ground pick if you want splash resistance and power supply mode without needing full waterproofing.
Best Overall: Victron IP67 12V 7A
- Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger: Equipped with built-in...
- 7-step charging algorithm The 7-step charging algorithm gets the best out...
- Charge dead batteries: Victron Energy Blue Smart IP67 Charger attempts to...
This is the one I’d install in my own motorhome. It’s fully waterproof, shockproof, and the 7-step charging algorithm revives deeply discharged batteries. Perfect for any exposed or marine location.
Runner-Up: Victron IP22 12V 20A
- Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 with single output: The new professional...
- Adaptive battery management: Victron Energy Blue Smart car battery charger...
- High efficiency and protected against overheating: With up to...
Best for anyone who needs speed — the 20A output charges in about 8 hours, nearly three times faster than the 7A models. Keep it in a dry indoor spot and it’ll serve you well.
Third Place: Victron IP65 12V 7A
- Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger: The new professional car battery...
- Built-in Bluetooth: This battery charger is equipped with built-in...
- High efficiency and protected against overheating: With up to...
A great budget-friendly option for dry compartments. The 94% efficiency keeps it cool and the power supply mode is handy, but the IP65 splash resistance limits where you can mount it.
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