We installed a Renogy 500A Battery Monitor with DC Shunt to keep track of the capacity of the 12 Volt Battery Bank in our van. 
The Renogy Battery Monitor is one of the most popular choices when it comes to monitoring RV and camper van electricall bank capacity. All of the most useful battery metrics are displayed on the large backlit LCD screen.
Now we can confidently say that our batteries are charged as well as know how much power is being consumed at any time.
Keep reading to see how we go about…
Installing a Renogy 500A 12V Battery Monitor With Shunt In Our Ram ProMaster Conversion Van
See this project completed in 30 seconds. Shorts Reel Video. Scroll Down 👇👇👇
The purpose of a 12v battery monitor is to display the system’s current voltage and current usage. They work by monitoring the flow of current in and out of the system. We wanted to know more about the always-changing power levels to maintain the long-term life expectancy of our batteries.
But which model do we need?
Choosing The Right 12 V Battery Monitor For RV Or Van Conversion
We considered the following options.
Victron Battery Monitor
Victron has several battery monitors to choose from with the most commonly used model being the BMV-700. Featuring all the essential features the BMV-700 would be a good choice. Victron is a premium at a premium price, I aspire to have victron products in a future build.
Bluetooth Battery Monitor
This low-cost Bluetooth would make checking the system with a phone easy. You can monitor load and voltages as well as log detailed historical data for troubleshooting purposes. One drawback is that you can only view the data on a compatible device. Not convenient.
AiLi Battery Monitor
This option from Aili is one of the cheapest options featuring a shunt-style Current Sampler. The only downside and the reason we didn’t use this one is the monitor cable is only 2 meters long, limiting the possible mounting locations.
The Best 12 Volt Battery Voltage Monitor For Camper Van Conversion And RV Use
Our Choice – The Renogy 500A Battery Monitor With Shunt
After considering price, functionality and features, we ultimately decided to go with the Renogy Monitor.
Renogy 500A Battery Monitor On Amazon
Design Thinking
Some ideas we thought about before, during, and after installing our Renogy 500A Battery Monitor
LCD Interface Screen Mounting Location
I would ideally like to install the LCD interface screen as part of our Light and Power Control Panel. The problem is though, we have since regretted this mounting location with our gasoline parking heater controller due to how easy it is for the kids to “accidentally” turn it on. To keep the interface away from curious kids I have chosen to mount it up high.
Mounting Plate
The flange around the LCD Screen is very thin. This means the cut for the mounting hole will need to be very precise. To limit the stress of cutting the hole too large and messing up a wall panel, It would be great if it came with some kind of Mounting Plate. This would allow for a larger tolerance making installation of the LCD interface a little easier.
The Shunt
We have a space in our Battery Bank Enclosure. The hunt will be screwed to a piece of wood that will be secured in the enclosure holding the shunt in place.
Renogy Battery Monitor Wiring Diagram
Now For The Fun Part – Installing the Renogy 500A Battery Monitor In Our Ram ProMaster Van
Renogy Battery Monitor Install – Video
Is The Renogy 500A Battery Monitor Good For Vanlife?
A good 12v battery monitor like the Renogy 500A model we installed is one of the best ways to observe the real time capacity of an RV or van conversion electric system. Showing amps in and out helps you to see how your system performs as well as giving insight into how to conserve energy usage.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you installed or are you planning to install one of these in your van or RV? Have some knowledge to share? Drop a comment in the box 👇👇
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As always, thank you for taking the time to visit Weekender Van Life. And remember, always take the road less traveled!
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