Victron Battery Monitors or Others - Why Do I need One?

[Yoda]

Yoda I went back and found some better photos from my install.

Neil
Thanks Looks like you planed things well. Very neat job. You also read my mind on using the larger Blue See circuit box. On my to get list.
I see you used some heavy duty buss bars. May I ask where you got them?

Thanks again
Keith

[ncitro]

Yoda The big one I repurposed from my Magnum inverter install. I think it is a Blue Sea. The smaller ones are this:

Blue Sea Systems Common 150A 10-Gang BusBar with Cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091VHLW4...ing=UTF8&psc=1

I had two of the disconnect switches leftover too, that's why they are different physical sizes. The benefit to wiring the inverter to it's own disconnect was I didn't need the bus bars to carry all that current, just the fuse holder and disconnect.

[Guest]

Yoda Keith,

To answer your original question, IMHO yes you need a good quality monitor. I have the BMV712 and it is precise in its tracking of my single lithium battery system, so I'm satisfied. But since I installed this unit, Victron came out with the smart shunt where in my case I would have purchased over the BMV712. The smart shunt uses blue tooth and will interface with a phone app. There are other options of course where there are full panel options like on Howard's Cadillac system.
My system is a Chevy which works for my needs.

Jim

[howson]

Yoda Keith,

To answer your original question, IMHO yes you need a good quality monitor. I have the BMV712 and it is precise in its tracking of my single lithium battery system, so I'm satisfied. But since I installed this unit, Victron came out with the smart shunt where in my case I would have purchased over the BMV712. The smart shunt uses blue tooth and will interface with a phone app. There are other options of course where there are full panel options like on Howard's Cadillac system.
My system is a Chevy which works for my needs.

Jim

It's not quite a "Cadillac" system (you need to look at the setups on the Facebook group!). Definitely in the "Lariat" class, though. If I had a 5vr with a big 'ol basement I'd think about a "King Ranch" or "Platinum" setup.

I'm sure you're not missing the Ford references...lol...

[Yoda]

Well to let folks know I have a 712 coming - it going in my Model T set upoff to my corner now.
Keith

[Guest]

Well to let folks know I have a 712 coming - it going in my Model T set upoff to my corner now.
Keith

Keith,

You will love the BMV712. You can also integrate that into a battery protect and other nice gadgets. I have no regrets but since I never look at the gauge, the smart shunt would have saved me a few bucks.

I'm adding in my dual solar panels which will put me into Hudson Hornet range.

Jim

[Country Campers]

Being as I only have a $15 battery meter and a cheapo wet battery I may not even make the "Little Rascal scooter" model. But alas when I grow up I hope to have a full blown solar array that would power 2 or 3 RV's at one time , probably will need a bigger roof for that.

Brian

[mpking]

Just for completeness, Here's a video Will Prowse did on the SmartShunt (Basically a BMV712 without the remote display)

I'm buying the SmartShunt myself. (I don't need / want to install the remote display in the camper if I can pop it up on the phone)

[howson]

This thread is fantastic--moved to Reference Material section.

[Beachcamper]

I wish there was somewhere to take my RV to get new lithium batteries, monitor, inverter and charge controller installed by someone other than ME.

[Country Campers]

I wish there was somewhere to take my RV to get new lithium batteries, monitor, inverter and charge controller installed by someone other than ME.

There are Solar installers around that would do the job. If you are in Florida look up howson , Arizona you can find TucsonJim . Being the "off" season these guys should have lots of time to do your project.

Brian

[TucsonJim]

There are Solar installers around that would do the job. If you are in Florida look up howson , Arizona you can find TucsonJim . Being the "off" season these guys should have lots of time to do your project.

Brian

Gotta find me first.....

[mpking]

I wish there was somewhere to take my RV to get new lithium batteries, monitor, inverter and charge controller installed by someone other than ME.

Like Country Campers said, there are people the world over that do this professionally.

Here's one, but I have no idea if it's in your neck of the woods:
https://www.fsi-solutions.com/

(I found them Via Keeping Your Daydream, who said they found them by calling BattleBorn Batteries and asking for a recommendation for an installer)

[Beachcamper]

There are Solar installers around that would do the job. If you are in Florida look up howson , Arizona you can find TucsonJim . Being the "off" season these guys should have lots of time to do your project.

Brian

I am on a remote island in southern Florida for the winter. It’s not easy to get anyone down here and if you do, it’s a lot of money for trip charges. But I will send howson a message see where he is and get an idea of costs.

[ncitro]

I am on a remote island in southern Florida for the winter. It’s not easy to get anyone down here and if you do, it’s a lot of money for trip charges. But I will send howson a message see where he is and get an idea of costs.

It's a long drive in the salt and snow but come on up to Chicago and we can knock it out in a weekend lol.