Victron SmartShunt wiring

[emm-dee]

Getting ready to install a Victron SmartShunt with Bluetooth enabled display. Their instructions refer to a single or series battery setup but make no mention that I can find referring to the normal RV parallel setup with dual batteries.

I assume the install is the same as a single battery where there is a single cable from the battery negative post to the shunt and then all other negative cables/wires connect to the other side of the shunt.

That leaves the question of exactly where does the cable running from the other battery negative connect? Is it connected, along with the shunt cable, directly to the second battery?

[CHICKDOE]

most people will run a couple of jumpers between the 2 battery negative posts and the 2 battery positive posts. this makes the batteries paralleled. then one cable from one of the negative posts to the battery side of the shunt. all other negative cables go to the other side of the shunt. finally connect one positive cable to the positive terminal of the battery that does not have the negative shunt cable attached. this will balance current flow between the two batteries.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

most people will run a couple of jumpers between the 2 battery negative posts and the 2 battery positive posts. this makes the batteries paralleled. then one cable from one of the negative posts to the battery side of the shunt. all other negative cables go to the other side of the shunt. finally connect one positive cable to the positive terminal of the battery that does not have the negative shunt cable attached. this will balance current flow between the two batteries.

That’s pretty much the way I thought it should happen. Just confused because all reference material and instructions only show a single battery or a pair in series.

[itat]

I bought a Victron Smart Shunt too. Once I get all the cabling, I'm going to connect the other side of the shunt to a bus bar and then connect all the negative wires to the bus bar including the wire to the frame. Will use a bus bar on the positive side, too. Battery+ > disconnect switch > bus bar.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by itat

I bought a Victron Smart Shunt too. Once I get all the cabling, I'm going to connect the other side of the shunt to a bus bar and then connect all the negative wires to the bus bar including the wire to the frame. Will use a bus bar on the positive side, too. Battery+ > disconnect switch > bus bar.

I would really like to install buss bars but there just isn’t enough room.

[Canadian Eh]

Consider all the batteries as one and it will work fine. I couldn't find a bus bar so I made one up using carriage bolts that I cut off and pounded the square shoulder of the bolt through a round hole drilled through 1/8" thick aluminum stock.

[emm-dee]

Finally got the shunt installed but wish I had done it sooner. The only way to view the device is through a Bluetooth connection. Sounds good, but unless you are within 3-4 feet the Bluetooth will not connect. Unfortunately it’s outside the Amazon return window so I guess I’m stuck with it.

Worthless.

[CHICKDOE]

i agree the bluetooth range is not unlimited but 3-4 feet sounds pretty low. i am able to read the shunt status from our large pickup truck cab while we are towing. the shunt itself is located inside the front compartment of out fifth wheel. i can also read it when i just drive by the trailer.

i have read that they sell some type of bluetooth dongle that you can plug into the shunt that increases the range. we don't have one, just the standard shunt.

[emm-dee]

My installation has the shunt connected to the batteries under the stairs. When closed I can see where the location blocks Bluetooth signals.

[itat]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

Finally got the shunt installed but wish I had done it sooner. The only way to view the device is through a Bluetooth connection. Sounds good, but unless you are within 3-4 feet the Bluetooth will not connect. Unfortunately it’s outside the Amazon return window so I guess I’m stuck with it.

Worthless.

Victron’s manual claims the open air distance for the SmartShunt’s Bluetooth signal should be about 20 metres (65.6 ft) so you’d think inside the trailer it should reach at least 25 ft. Might want to contact Victron for advice. While it’s not “worthless” it would be “worth less” with that range. The only remote that’ll work with it is a GX device which would be over US$200.

[Canadian Eh]

Mine is mounted in the step box as well and I can pick it up from inside the house.

[emm-dee]

Mine won’t even work from the MH bedroom 10 feet away. The app disconnects and reconnects whenever I walk past the battery box.

[emm-dee]

Problem solved. I removed the unit and sold it. Installed in new owner’s 5th wheel with non-metal battery enclosure and it works great. It just doesn’t like being enclosed in a metal box.

[itat]

Thanks for the update, emm-dee. So the battery compartment under your steps is metal on all sides? That's good info to know what's interfering with the Bluetooth signal.

Canadian Eh, is your Sunseeker's battery compartment similarly all metal?

I haven't heard of any issues with installing it in the front storage area/pass through of towables but then I haven't been paying attention to this for long.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by itat

Thanks for the update, emm-dee. So the battery compartment under your steps is metal on all sides? That's good info to know what's interfering with the Bluetooth signal.

Canadian Eh, is your Sunseeker's battery compartment similarly all metal?

I haven't heard of any issues with installing it in the front storage area/pass through of towables but then I haven't been paying attention to this for long.

Yes, all metal surrounds the batteries on all six sides.

[kayakist]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

Problem solved. I removed the unit and sold it. Installed in new owner’s 5th wheel with non-metal battery enclosure and it works great. It just doesn’t like being enclosed in a metal box.

Recommend the BMV-712 full version. I passed on the SmartShunt because of the known limited bluetooth distance. My 712 is in the metal battery box under the steps and I can read the stats off of my phone a long distance from outside my motorhome. Well worth the extra cost over the SmartShunt. Happy travels!