Furrion 50A Charge Controller - How to monitor/

[allenrude]

As it appears that this controller has no integrated app or monitor capability, i would like to hear from others what they have added to allow for the monitoring of the charging process, batteries, etc..

[howson]

As it appears that this controller has no integrated app or monitor capability, i would like to hear from others what they have added to allow for the monitoring of the charging process, batteries, etc..

Wow--I thought the controller had at least the option of adding a bluetooth monitor, but I just read through the manual. Nope. Nothing. To see what's going on you have to be right in front of the monitor panel. Not ideal, since the controller is usually buried in the basement or passthru. Consider giving Furrion a call--perhaps there's something about the controller that's not documented in the manual or on their website. (Wouldn't be the first time.)

If you find the Furrion is a no-go and having a remote monitoring capability is a "must have", consider selling that Furrion and purchase a Victron SmartSolar MPPT and don't look back. I realize your trailer is new and that is probably a distasteful suggestion. (I wouldn't be happy, either.)

If you do go the route of getting a new MPPT, think about getting enough controller to handle any additional panels you may add to the roof in the future.

[Jlawles2]

I wonder if it can be monitored through the RV-C connection. Even though there is no mention of software.

[Paul & Deb]

I have to agree with howson, the reality is the Furrion stuff is low technology equipment compared to almost anything out there. There are plenty of reasonably priced solar controllers with monitoring capability. Maybe just ditch the Furrion and invest in something better. That's exactly what I did in my 2022 Imagine. I dumped both the Furrion solar controller and the Furrion solar panel. I went with the Victron solar controller but even Renogy has a very reasonably priced controller with Bluetooth monitoring.

Another suggestion is to add a good battery monitor, like a VE BMV-712, and you'll at least be able to see if your solar is keeping your batteries charged effectively.

[allenrude]

Thank you all for the inputs. Was hoping that I had just missed something while going thru the manuals. Not sure why anyone would want a controller thats more or less just a "black box", without any kind of monitoring capabilities. Better than nothing? Jury is out. May have just been happier with the solar prep only so i got the wires run from the roof to the front compartment and then I could have started and built from there. All I have done for the last 3 months is drill, rip out, and install things, looks like i will have to add another MPPT controller to the list of things to replace. :(

[howson]

Thank you all for the inputs. Was hoping that I had just missed something while going thru the manuals. Not sure why anyone would want a controller thats more or less just a "black box", without any kind of monitoring capabilities. Better than nothing? Jury is out. May have just been happier with the solar prep only so i got the wires run from the roof to the front compartment and then I could have started and built from there. All I have done for the last 3 months is drill, rip out, and install things, looks like i will have to add another MPPT controller to the list of things to replace. :(

I bought mine in July of 2018 and I'm still not done replacing things...hang in there.

[Bobmak]

I contacted Furrion and there is no Bluetooth option for monitoring. It's a shame GD went this route. I couldn't even find a disconnect between the panel and the controller. Very disappointed in GD. To boot all I got was one lead acid battery, heck the cheap Jayco I traded in at least had two lead acids.

[ncitro]

I contacted Furrion and there is no Bluetooth option for monitoring. It's a shame GD went this route. I couldn't even find a disconnect between the panel and the controller. Very disappointed in GD. To boot all I got was one lead acid battery, heck the cheap Jayco I traded in at least had two lead acids.

I'm not in the habit of making excuses for Grand Design, but the battery choice is left up to the dealer. I personally as well as others I know have suggested to them that they start sending them out with batteries, but they're concerned with theft, as well the trailer sitting on a dealer lot with the battery aging before it's sold.

As for the disconnect switch and Furrion gear in general, you're preaching to the choir there.

Keep in mind this is an owners group, we're all just owners like you. If you're interested in replacing the Furrion controller (I'm partial to Victron) with something that has Bluetooth, or installing a disconnect switch you've come to the right place. There's some great guides on the process.

[gtippett]

allenrude, So I have the same controller. The "newer" 2022 units now come with a Furrion voltage meter for the unit. Which is ok if you are using lead acid or agm. If you have lithium, then a voltage meter is useless.
There are a ton of options on Amazon. I have installed the GoPower meter which shows a total amps being used (incoming and outgoing) and the state of the battery in Ah. Victron and Renogy has very similar ones. You can also add in the bluetooth version of the Victron and Renogy options.

[ncitro]

allenrude, So I have the same controller. The "newer" 2022 units now come with a Furrion voltage meter for the unit. Which is ok if you are using lead acid or agm. If you have lithium, then a voltage meter is useless.
There are a ton of options on Amazon. I have installed the GoPower meter which shows a total amps being used (incoming and outgoing) and the state of the battery in Ah. Victron and Renogy has very similar ones. You can also add in the bluetooth version of the Victron and Renogy options.

Actually the newer units are shipping with an actual shunt that reads the current in and out of the batteries. There's no app control but you can set the total ah to display the state of charge.

I know the new 303RLS that WondersAwait just bought came with it, I believe his was made in January.

[WondersAwait]

Correct. My 303 has a January 22 build and shipped with the furrion shunt. It can show the battery percent (if calibrated correctly, good luck with that), Ah remaining, and current in/out. It's not as robust with details as some of the aftermarket options but it's not bad for a stock shunt/display.

[allenrude]

Happy to hear that GD is making the attempt to give some insight as to whats going on with the battery system.. Over the last couple of months i pulled the Furrion Charge Controller and replaced with the Victron Smart controller and added the Smart Shunt. Very happy with both. Good gear all around.

[Judieb68]

Does anyone know how to calibrate and change settings on the monitor? Please share if you do. Thanks

[howson]

Does anyone know how to calibrate and change settings on the monitor? Please share if you do. Thanks

This thread should help: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...r-instructions

[Tmak]

Good day. I have the 2023 22mle and have the the battery monitor which is much simpler than the xantrex mentioned. Mine came with the instructions if your interested let me know. I would like to instal my victron shunt. Does some one know where the furrion shunt is installed