Victory 712 connection

[pontzdav]

I would like to install a Victron 712 monitor on my FC30. My issue is that I have two 12 volt flooded cell batteries with connections to both the battery posts and the threaded studs. And there is not much room in the battery box. During this install I would also like to add a battery isolation switch. My question is, how do I get everything connected to single shunt? Do I have to get new connectors crimped onto the big wires? Do I need a big terminal strip to get everything connected? Can all this stuff fit in the battery box? Will the shunt be OK living in the battery box environment? If anyone has done this, some pictures would be great. Thanks.

[lsbrodsky]

Early in my trailer's life, I had the shunt in the battery box. I made a bus extender by hammering copper pipe flat and drilling holes in it. Worked fine until I upgraded my whole system.
Larry

[pontzdav]

I’m wondering if it would be easier to put the shunt near the 12 v distribution bar in the trailer? Anyone done it this way?

[lsbrodsky]

The problem with that in my trailer, as originally wired, is that the inverter is a separate set of direct cables to the batteries. Everything has to go through the shunt so you would have to do some rewiring that is not necessary if you install the shunt in the battery box.
Larry

[pontzdav]

Sounds like I need to buy a crimping tool, cut both the 4 gage and 6 gage negative wires in the battery box, crimp on 4 terminals and insert the shunt in the circuit. Can I put two wires on each side of the shunt on the same stud as there is only one stud on each side of the shunt?

[lsbrodsky]

Electrically that is no problem, but I cannot tell you whether the stud is big enough for your two lugs. I have found that big cable, like battery cables, are best done in a shop with a real hydraulic crimper. You do not want a mediocre job.
Larry

[pontzdav]

I’m back to planning to put the shunt next to the grounding bus in the trailer. The inverter is nearby and rewiring the negative leads would be fairly easy. Also plan to use a mechanical crimping tool being careful to get a super good crimp. If the crimps look bad or are loose I’ll take the wires to a shop as you suggested.

Long ago I removed the L shaped couch bed and put in a couple of lazy boys. The bus bars and inverter are in a little cabinet that I built between the recliners. Can mount shunt and Victron display in this cabinet.

[pontzdav]