RV FEATURE

This Victron SmartShunt can be installed into just about any existing battery system in minutes . It uses Bluetooth to transmit the reading to your smart device using the VictronConnect app so you don ’ t have to wire in a remote display .

Once set-up and synchronised to your battery , it will accurately measure charging amps in and usage apps out in real time . You can see how many amp hours you ’ ve consumed as well as an approximate time remaining in your battery . You can set limits of discharge to help prevent overdischarging . The shunt can handle up to 500A , well within the requirements of most caravanners .

Using a charger to approximate the SOC of a battery .

If you believe you have an issue with the indicated SOC of your batteries , there is an easy way to get a rough idea using your 240V battery charger or your solar controller .

The vast majority of chargers fitted to caravans will be multi-stage chargers , usually with three or five stages . In basic terms , each stage of the charge cycle has different voltage and amps output designed to safely recharge the battery . The stages we are interested in are Bulk , Absorption and Float .

If you turn on your battery charger , or if the sun comes out to initiate charging on your solar controller , it will be in one of these modes . Bulk indicates the battery ’ s SOC is below about 80-90 per cent . Absorption indicates the battery is over 90 per cent and is nearing full charge . Float means the battery is fully charged .

If your battery charger does not start to charge the batteries at all , it could be an indication that your battery is completely flat .

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