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

dieseltruckdriv
Explorer II
Jul 25, 2018
Dredging up an older thread, I ended up buying the Victron BMV700. I like Bluetooth stuff, but don't need it while in the 5er. Ulitmately I used much scientific input, research on the subject,and testimonials to decide. Actually it came down to asking the DW which one she would rather look at, and she chose. ;) Installation was very simple, easier than my last 5er, and I also added a couple group 31 AGMs, but haven't tested them out yet.
Cydog15
Explorer
Jun 10, 2018
hedge wrote:
Cydog15 wrote:
Somebody please tell me how blue tooth works when I walk past the end of my awning and get out of range. It this just for sitting in my recliner drinking a beer and counting flowers on the wall? It don't bother me at all but why do I want to look at a phone app 10 feet from the monitor and how is that helpful, seriously.

You seem to have some axe to grind about bluetooth for some reason, maybe you don't find it useful but many do.

Bluetooth range is much more than 10 feet, I can use around the entire campsite. I can also attach while in the house with my RV parked outside.

I researched both before I purchased and am satisfied that I made the right choice.

I guess I don't have an axe to grind with Bluetooth, I just can't find it helpful in the campsite when it's right there to look at. Now if I go 4 wheeling, fishing, hunting, or leave the rig for an extended period, it makes sense and granted I have a hot spot or or some way to get internet most places I go or store and more in the last few years than ever. Yes, there are a few dead spots out there, I get it.
hedge
Explorer
Jun 08, 2018
Cydog15 wrote:
Somebody please tell me how blue tooth works when I walk past the end of my awning and get out of range. It this just for sitting in my recliner drinking a beer and counting flowers on the wall? It don't bother me at all but why do I want to look at a phone app 10 feet from the monitor and how is that helpful, seriously.

You seem to have some axe to grind about bluetooth for some reason, maybe you don't find it useful but many do.

Bluetooth range is much more than 10 feet, I can use around the entire campsite. I can also attach while in the house with my RV parked outside.

I researched both before I purchased and am satisfied that I made the right choice.
red31
Explorer
Jun 08, 2018
Cydog15, my ole phone could talk to my CC (detached garage wall) from my kitchen window, it was more than 10'. Displaying the history after being away for some time confirmed it was working and if it hit 14.4v daily or not. The history is not available from the front screen. With newer phone I need to go to the back door and step just outside to talk to the CC, still over 10'. I find it useful but understand you may not esp if you limit it to 10' or not interested in any of the other features.
Cydog15
Explorer
Jun 08, 2018
Do your own thinking. These cats are salesmen. I'd listen to guys like bestconverter that will actually talk to you. And that ability to equalize is cool.
Cydog15
Explorer
Jun 08, 2018
Somebody please tell me how blue tooth works when I walk past the end of my awning and get out of range. It this just for sitting in my recliner drinking a beer and counting flowers on the wall? It don't bother me at all but why do I want to look at a phone app 10 feet from the monitor and how is that helpful, seriously.
hedge
Explorer
Jun 07, 2018
Here is a screenshot from the Victron app. I don't have a Victron controller but I believe you can use the same app with their newer controllers.

I don't think it was mentioned yet but another advantage of the Victron is the wiring harness it comes with to wire up the shunt, it's completely idiot proof and plug and play.
time2roll
Nomad
Jun 07, 2018
Yes batteries may not be fully 100% charged while in use but if I see 14.6 at some point I know I am good to go for a day or two. Time at 14.6 depends on start voltage allowing for 2 hours while in use or 5 minutes in storage. I am not concerned about total depth of discharge or counting amp/hrs.
Cydog15
Explorer
Jun 07, 2018
time2roll wrote:
Cydog15 wrote:
I find it funny how there is always about 4-5 of the same people that camp like Daniel Boone making decisions for folks that want simple battery monitoring or solar charging. Same with solar panels. Nobody else will post because they will get attacked and ridiculed like there is only the one option. Most ironic is the they seem to be vendors and get cuts of the recommendations it appears.
Not sure what that means but here is my monitor for the 4x GC2 and solar:

I like that. You must be in boosting. That seems high for normal use unless it's just that time to give them hell for a few hours ha
time2roll
Nomad
Jun 07, 2018
Cydog15 wrote:
I find it funny how there is always about 4-5 of the same people that camp like Daniel Boone making decisions for folks that want simple battery monitoring or solar charging. Same with solar panels. Nobody else will post because they will get attacked and ridiculed like there is only the one option. Most ironic is the they seem to be vendors and get cuts of the recommendations it appears.
Not sure what that means but here is my monitor for the 4x GC2 and solar:

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