Orion XS and Euro6d alternator experiences

Some practical experiences with the Orion XS settings after I installed it on my Euro6d classed campervan


So the problem with Euro5/6 campers is the old system with a relay connecting leisure and starter batteries for charging does not work, because the Euro6 often thinks it does not need to charge as the starter battery over 75%. And it only keeps it at 75%, because it needs space for the regenerative breaking.

After installing the Smartshunt, I have literally seen current flow back from the full Leisure battery to the starter battery. Meaning the latter was again too full, so the alternator refused to charge even more stubbornly.

Euro5/6 cars with regenerative breaking must have a DC/DC solution like the Orion or competitors. It is simply not a choice, and I am a little pissed at a top brand like Westfalia that they did not add one from factory. It cost 3 batteries for me to discover.


Anyway, when you do fit the Orion XS, best to not rely on motor detection. Due to the smarts of the alternator it is also rather unreliable. It is quite common for the alternator to sit at 12.3~12.5 V even when touring happily on the highway. Mostly 12.5, but I have seen 12.3.

I was lucky that the D+ wire was present and hooked it into the remote connector, but even then I had to change the low-bat detection to 12.2V for turn off and 12.4V to turn back on.

This is a little low for comfort, but at least I had the D+, so I know the motor is actually running. If you have to rely on motor detection, I would keep the voltages higher but then you may want to use the headlights as a “charge-switch”. You see, whenever you turn-on the headlights (not merely the DRL daylight running lights) the car pre-emptively also starts charging. So basically, of you want to be certain of charge, turn on your headlights.

And also, get one of those cigaret-lighter volt meters. It is very informative to see how terribly counter intuitive a Euro6 car is with its voltages.


Otherwise, I am quite happy with the Orion XS. I do not have a lot of experiences with these devices, so maybe they are all good, but its a tiny device, does not get hot, I could configure what I needed to configure