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Topic: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer (Read 335 times) previous topic - next topic
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Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
I'm going to get one and would like to know if this blue circled area safe?

Too close to water tank?

I am leaning towards keeping it simple and getting the Balmar Bluetooth and maybe add a physical gauge later.


2021 Mid Bath
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #1 –
You can get access to that area by removing the stove, or by removing the drawer, or by opening the lower compartment and removing the sides/back of the compartment.  You can also look into that area from the velcro door beneath the sink that allows access to the water pump.  At least those are the options in my 2003 MB.

You should have plenty of room.  I added an 120v outlet in that area, fed from an inverter, and found plenty of space. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #2 –
I find the battery monitor is likely the instrument in the rig I check the most frequently. Sure you want to have to get on hands and knees every time you check it? Ours is mounted at eye level in its own little box, so as not to have to cut a hole in any cabinet. The umbilical is just a long thin cable that can be routed easily. All connections are at the shunt, usually in the battery compartment.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #3 –
Hi Ted,

When I had AM Solar do my upgrade, I had them place the Victron BMV Smart monitor below my dinette seat near my Lithium batteries. Generally because the monitor has Bluetooth to my smartphone.

Out of the way, no cutting holes in my LD cabinets and avoids the clutter of an added gauge. If I want to take a peek at the monitor, I know where to find it.

Your chosen location is similar to where I had the quick disconnect for my Wave 6 placed for my RB.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #4 –
In a MB, isn't the water tank back there?
George & Jo Ann
2017 MB
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #6 –
In addition to the water tank, be aware there is some wiring and propane tubing behind the paneling.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #7 –
I assume your batteries are on that side, ours are on the opposite side by the entry door. The cable from the shunt is small and very easy to hide.  I drilled a vent hole in the area you are looking at just watch your hole saw because there isn't a ton of room in that space, the water tank would be easy to hit. I kind of like having the readout at eye level or above.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #8 –

I like the battery monitor to be placed where it can be easily seen and looked at frequently.
Bluetooth doesn't cut it, having to find my cellphone, open it, and then start the app up, just isn't convenient or likely to looked at often.

A Victron BMV-712  monitor may fit in the position shown, open the door below the refrigerator and remove the drawer for access to the area. You can easily then measure the clearance. In the Mid-Baths, I usually mounted the battery monitor in the padded side of the kitchen cabinet.
I have seen the monitors mounted, in Mid-Baths on the right side of the refrigerator, in a small box

If you don't want to drill a 2" diameter hole in the cabinet, Renogy has a surface-mounted readout.
Renogy 500A Battery Monitor, High and Low Voltage Programmable Alarm,...

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #9 –
We installed a Balmar SG200 + Bluetooth in the exact location you're proposing. 

Here is a link to our post detailing the install.  Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor

The Bluetooth monitor works fine for us.  When I don't have my smartphone in hand, which is most of the time, I don't mind having to kneel to interact with the mounted display.

Jim
Jim & Sue
Formerly owned: 2011 27' MB, Sidra
 
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #10 –

Use a Victron Energy Smart Shunt and you smart phone, or a C-Tek-40-149 CTX Battery Sense and your smart phone.
Amazon.com: CTEK (40-149) CTX Battery Sense - Smart Battery Monitoring on...
ctek+monitor&qid=1654694575&sprefix=ctek+monitor%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-2
The only wires are in your battery compartment and no holes to cut.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #11 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
I'm going to get one and would like to know if this blue circled area safe?


I have one in that location. It is a pain in the rear to read.

When I get to my laptop, I'll post a pic.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #12 –
Quote from: rodneyhelfrich  - 
Use a Victron Energy Smart Shunt and you smart phone, or a C-Tek-40-149 CTX Battery Sense and your smart phone.
Amazon.com: CTEK (40-149) CTX Battery Sense - Smart Battery Monitoring on...
ctek+monitor&qid=1654694575&sprefix=ctek+monitor%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-2
The only wires are in your battery compartment and no holes to cut.

Make sure to order the longer cable for it you may need the extra length. That way you wont be forced to install where you either cant read it at a.glance or inside a.cabinet....usually amazon shows the extra long cable at the bottom of the page which reads " others bought these items too" or something to that effect...
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2017 Casita Spirit Deluxe
2016 Twin King 24ft
2017 Casita Independence Dlx
2004 Midbath 26.5
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #13 –
Hi Rodney;  That C-TEK monitor is just a voltmeter. Those of us that have solar panels and a controller; the controller usually has a voltmeter display built in that does the same as the C-TEK.  Specifically for lead acid batteries it can, at best, approximate your battery condition.
    The Victron can all be wired at the battery and read by Bluetooth.  SmartShunt - Victron Energy
   To really know how many usable amp hours remain in your battery you need a (smart) shunt that is inline with your battery's ground terminal, and can remember how much power has gone in and out of your battery. Particularly LiF batteries don't change voltage much during their charged and discharged states (except at the end of their useful state, by then it is too late to manage, and needs charging right away).   I've got a Balmar meter where the pre 2001's had a round analog temperature meter in the meter panel.  (OK, well it's not wired in yet, but soon!)  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Battery monitor gauge placement in a 27 footer
Reply #14 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Rodney;  That C-TEK monitor is just a voltmeter. Those of us that have solar panels and a controller; the controller usually has a voltmeter display built in that does the same as the C-TEK.  Specifically for lead acid batteries it can, at best, approximate your battery condition.
    The Victron can all be wired at the battery and read by Bluetooth.  SmartShunt - Victron Energy
   To really know how many usable amp hours remain in your battery you need a (smart) shunt that is inline with your battery's ground terminal, and can remember how much power has gone in and out of your battery. Particularly LiF batteries don't change voltage much during their charged and discharged states (except at the end of their useful state, by then it is too late to manage, and needs charging right away).   I've got a Balmar meter where the pre 2001's had a round analog temperature meter in the meter panel.  (OK, well it's not wired in yet, but soon!)  RonB

I'm going back and forth between the Victron and the Balmar Bluetooth units.
Can't make up my mind.
2021 Mid Bath