Victron Battery Monitors

Victron SmartShunt and BMV Battery Monitors

A Victron battery monitor measures the current flowing into and out of your battery bank through a shunt. It turns that measurement into usable figures such as state of charge, amp-hours consumed and time remaining. Voltage alone gives only a rough guide, particularly with lithium chemistry. A shunt-based monitor shows what your caravan, RV, 4WD, boat or off-grid system is actually using and recovering. This range covers the Victron SmartShunt, BMV-700 series displays, the BMV-710H high voltage monitor and the Lynx Shunt VE.Can.

Choosing the Right Victron Battery Monitor

The main decision is how you want to view your data and how much current the shunt must handle. Each model family suits a different installation style:

• Victron SmartShunt (300A, 500A, 1000A, 2000A): A Bluetooth battery monitor with no separate display. It reads directly on your phone and can be mounted out of sight near the battery. IP65 versions suit damp or exposed locations such as engine bays, canopies and marine compartments.
• Smart BMV-712 (grey or black): Combines a panel-mounted display with Bluetooth, for owners who want an at-a-glance readout plus app access.
• BMV-702 (grey or black, non-Bluetooth): A display-based monitor for installs where wireless connectivity is not required.
• BMV-700 (grey): An entry-level display monitor for straightforward single-bank systems.
• BMV-710H Smart: A high voltage battery monitor for battery banks above typical 12V to 48V mobile systems.
• Lynx Shunt VE.Can (M8 or M10): A 1000A shunt designed to sit within a Lynx busbar distribution setup and connect to a GX device over VE.Can. M8 and M10 versions are both listed.

Size the shunt for the highest continuous current in your system, including inverter loads, with comfortable headroom. A 300A or 500A SmartShunt covers many caravan and 4WD setups. Larger inverter-based systems and marine installs often step up to 1000A or 2000A.

If you are building or upgrading a battery bank, browse our lithium batteries to pair with your monitor. Explore battery management components such as low voltage disconnects and isolators to protect the wider system.

Victron Battery Monitor FAQs

What is the difference between the Victron SmartShunt and the BMV-712?

Both are shunt-based battery monitors with Bluetooth. The SmartShunt is designed to be read from your phone, while the BMV-712 adds a panel-mounted display. Choose the BMV-712 if you want readings visible without opening an app.

Which Victron SmartShunt size do I need?

Match the rating to your maximum continuous current, not your battery capacity. Add up your inverter and DC loads, then allow headroom. The 500A SmartShunt is a popular middle ground for caravans and RVs with mid-size inverters.

Do I need the IP65 SmartShunt?

The IP65 version is worth considering where the shunt may be exposed to moisture, dust or splashing. Typical examples are boats, trucks, ute canopies and under-vehicle battery boxes.

How do I set up a SmartShunt or BMV for a lithium battery?

Lithium batteries need different charged-voltage, tail-current and Peukert settings from lead-acid. Follow our guide to programming Victron BMV and SmartShunt monitors for lithium batteries for step-by-step configuration.

Stop guessing how much power is left in your battery bank. Pick the Victron SmartShunt, BMV or Lynx Shunt that suits your system, and plan every trip, anchorage or off-grid stay with clear, real-time battery data.