Community Forums

larliebler · 03-28-2019, 10:00 AM

I'm considering adding a battery monitoring system to my coach. I can see wiring under the interior flooring going from the inverter on the passenger side to the batteries on the drivers side.

Do you use fish tape to add additional wires like you would for electrical work done in a home through the conduit?

Also, where should you connect the monitoring system to the batteries so you ensure you are reading all the draw from the batteries and not missing something?

12amNSX · 03-28-2019, 10:03 AM

You will need to install a shunt near the batteries. However, there is at least one battery monitor that has bluetooth connectivity so you don't need to run wires if you mount the unit near the shunt.

Here is an example. Read the installation instructions to see what's involved.

https://www.victronenergy.com/batter.../bmv-712-smart

larliebler · 03-28-2019, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12amNSX

You will need to install a shunt near the batteries. However, there is at least one battery monitor that has bluetooth connectivity so you don't need to run wires if you mount the unit near the shunt.

Here is an example. Read the installation instructions to see what's involved.

https://www.victronenergy.com/batter.../bmv-712-smart

I like the idea of the bluetooth connectivity, but I was also hoping to use the Magnum battery monitor system since it integrates so nicely with my existing Magnum inverter and the remote panel.

12amNSX · 03-28-2019, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larliebler

I like the idea of the bluetooth connectivity, but I was also hoping to use the Magnum battery monitor system since it integrates so nicely with my existing Magnum inverter and the remote panel.

Didn't know that piece of information so maybe someone can be more helpful with routing the wires.

Crasher · 03-28-2019, 10:35 AM

I just added the Magnum BMK to my system. The shunt and module are installed near the battery bank and A wire run right back to the inverter and plugs in with a splitter. Everything you need is in the kit. My bank is on the drivers side behind the left steer tire. I drilled a hole into the basement from the battery box and ran the included wire back to the inverter. It's almost a plug-in-play installation. I will be replacing the RC50 panel with the ARC50 for better control options.

larliebler · 03-28-2019, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

I just added the Magnum BMK to my system. The shunt and module are installed near the battery bank and A wire run right back to the inverter and plugs in with a splitter. Everything you need is in the kit. My bank is on the drivers side behind the left steer tire. I drilled a hole into the basement from the battery box and ran the included wire back to the inverter. It's almost a plug-in-play installation. I will be replacing the RC50 panel with the ARC50 for better control options.

I guess every coach is going to be different.

My battery bank and inverter are on opposite sides with a bathroom in the middle. I'm just wondering if I can use a fish tape to run the RJ11 cable under the floor between the two locations. It looks like there's already cable in a conduit from my inverter to the batteries.

Did you install the sense module and shunt in the same cargo bay that you're batteries are located in?

vito.a · 03-28-2019, 11:21 AM

I installed a Magnum ME-BMK battery monitor a few months ago. The shunt needs to install on the main battery ground cable. Two small wires run from the shunt to the BMK module, and then the RJ11 phone cord runs to the Magnum inverter.

On our coach the main battery ground was very close to the inverter, so the wiring was easy.

I've used a fish tape to run other wires and it is easier with two people. You may have to cut the end off the RJ11 cable to make it easier to pull through and then crimp a new end on once complete.

Quincy · 03-28-2019, 11:23 AM

I am amazed an almost new DP does not have some sort of battery monitoring system.

If you can not tell by looking then the fish tape might find a path for the wire, you will just have to poke it and see if it wiggles.

larliebler · 03-28-2019, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

I installed a Magnum ME-BMK battery monitor a few months ago. The shunt needs to install on the main battery ground cable. Two small wires run from the shunt to the BMK module, and then the RJ11 phone cord runs to the Magnum inverter.

On our coach the main battery ground was very close to the inverter, so the wiring was easy.

I've used a fish tape to run other wires and it is easier with two people. You may have to cut the end off the RJ11 cable to make it easier to pull through and then crimp a new end on once complete.

Thanks

vsheetz · 03-28-2019, 12:27 PM

Install a shunt at the batteries and use a Victron 712 with Bluetooth. Monitor via your smartphone. No wires to run I side the coach.

larliebler · 03-28-2019, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Install a shunt at the batteries and use a Victron 712 with Bluetooth. Monitor via your smartphone. No wires to run I side the coach.

I thought there was still some wires that you have to run inside the coach? Is it truly 100 percent wireless?

Crasher · 03-28-2019, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larliebler

Did you install the sense module and shunt in the same cargo bay that you're batteries are located in?

Yes and then just ran the communication cable to the inverter.

153stars · 03-28-2019, 11:24 PM

If fish tape is not finding its way through like in wire a chase. Harbor freight has fiberglass fish tool straight rods that screw on each other . Also if old inverter has leftover abandoned wires to its panel you could pull with one of those provided the are not in plastic armor or zip-tied. I have pulled new wire with old and just replaced the one sacrificed at same time.I have used a vacuum cleaner to suck a special ribbon " like what you tie on a balloon no crinkles" "through piping many times you tie it to what you call a mouse or piece of rag.

vsheetz · 03-29-2019, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larliebler

I thought there was still some wires that you have to run inside the coach? Is it truly 100 percent wireless?

Only wires are from the shunt to the 712 monitor. You can install the 712 monitor in or near the battery bay. Then it communicates wirelessly via bluetooth to your phone.