I am about to replace my battery with 4 6 volt batteries. (I have another post with some other questions about this)When I do this, I plan on adding a Victron battery monitor. It looks like it will be an easy install with just adding a shunt on the ground wire.My question is about how it functions. I know it will tell me pretty much everything I need to know when I am unplugged and relying on battery power. However, will it be able to tell me how much power is being consumed when I am plugged in? Is there anything useful that it will tell me, or is it only for times I am not hooked to power?Is this a decent monitor? I am open for other recommendations if you think there is a better option. However, it must be simple to install.Thanks

Hi Victron is a good name and an excellent product. There is one only that I know that is better, but it is considerably more expensive. It is called a Smartgauge.The Victron won't help with monitoring total energy use while on shore power but if wired properly may show when the battery bank is being charged and at what rate.For total energy monitoring add a watt meter, such as the one from Efergy.

I'm a fan of the Trimetric 2030RV. Not only American made but when the WIFI module comes out, you can monitor your batteries from anywhere you have internet. I think Bestconverter is behind it and part of the new Boondocker line. Clever in that I can be in Europe and see my battery SOC. From what I understand it is backward compatible with any 2030 model but not models prior to the 2030.

the Victron monitors the battery line, NOT incoming 120vacit will tell you the charging power into the batteries when you are plugged inor the power drain on the batteries when NOT plugged init will NOT tell you how much shore power your A/C , fridge ,TV , converter etc.. is usingfor that you need a 120vac watt/power meter, a scaled down digital version of the electric meter for your stick house, installed between shore cord and RV electric panel

Correct me, is the Victron blue tooth or WIFI?

Cydog15 wrote:I'm a fan of the Trimetric 2030RV. Not only American made but when the WIFI module comes out, you can monitor your batteries from anywhere you have internet. I think Bestconverter is behind it and part of the new Boondocker line. Clever in that I can be in Europe and see my battery SOC. From what I understand it is backward compatible with any 2030 model but not models prior to the 2030.I've often felt the need to be able to do that when I drop off the trailer at the state park campground, then jet off to Paris for breakfast.

Battery monitor question | Good Sam Community

Cydog15
Explorer
Jun 04, 2018
Correct me, is the Victron blue tooth or WIFI?
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 04, 2018
the Victron monitors the battery line, NOT incoming 120vac

it will tell you the charging power into the batteries when you are plugged in
or the power drain on the batteries when NOT plugged in

it will NOT tell you how much shore power your A/C , fridge ,TV , converter etc.. is using

for that you need a 120vac watt/power meter, a scaled down digital version of the electric meter for your stick house, installed between shore cord and RV electric panel
Cydog15
Explorer
Jun 04, 2018
I'm a fan of the Trimetric 2030RV. Not only American made but when the WIFI module comes out, you can monitor your batteries from anywhere you have internet. I think Bestconverter is behind it and part of the new Boondocker line. Clever in that I can be in Europe and see my battery SOC. From what I understand it is backward compatible with any 2030 model but not models prior to the 2030.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 04, 2018
Hi Victron is a good name and an excellent product. There is one only that I know that is better, but it is considerably more expensive. It is called a Smartgauge.

The Victron won't help with monitoring total energy use while on shore power but if wired properly may show when the battery bank is being charged and at what rate.

For total energy monitoring add a watt meter, such as the one from Efergy.

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