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Victron MultiPlus 12/500 or Victron Phoenix 12/500 + Blue Power Charger

Nope. It looks like it bases the state of charge on voltage, not current in/out. Also, there is this in the description:
My bad, hadn't read the description.

What would be a decent alternative to the smartshunt?
 
The MultiPlus is an inverter, charger, and transfer switch combined into one unit. This lets you connect AC power in which can be used to charge the battery and/or provide AC out. It also allows you to get AC out just from the battery. Such a unit is much simpler than buying a separate inverter, separate charger, and separate transfer switch and wiring them together. I would definitely consider the MultiPlus over the separate devices.

BTW - unrelated to that decision, do keep in mind that both the Phoenix 12/500 and the MultiPlus 12/500 are rated at 500VA, not 500W. They are both actually 430W. Just something to consider based on your actual wattage needs. The next size up is the 800VA models which are 700W.

What wire gauge and fuse would you use for the 375VA or 500VA to battery? I calculated the following. Is this correct?

For the 12/375VA
300W Continuous / .89 Inverter Efficiency / 9.3V Low Cutoff = 36A with a very short run -> 8 Gauge?
36A / .8 Fuse Headroom = 45.30 -> 50A Fuse?

For the 12/500VA
500W Continuous / .89 Inverter Efficiency / 9.3V Low Cutoff = 48A with a very short run -> 6 Gauge?
48A / .8 Fuse Headroom = 60A Fuse?

Curveball for the 500VA is that the Victron datasheet says Maximum cable cross-section 10mm² / AWG8 so I feel like I'm missing something.
 
The Multiplus 12/500 has an efficiency of 90% at 12 volts. You wouldn't want your LiFePO4 cutoff at 9.3 volts. Most of its life will be spent above 12.0 volts. I used 430 watts continuous since that's what the 12/500 is actually rated for. Even with those revised numbers, 8 gauge wire is a bit skimpy.
 
The Multiplus 12/500 has an efficiency of 90% at 12 volts. You wouldn't want your LiFePO4 cutoff at 9.3 volts. Most of its life will be spent above 12.0 volts. I used 430 watts continuous since that's what the 12/500 is actually rated for. Even with those revised numbers, 8 gauge wire is a bit skimpy.
Thanks.

So how would you calculate it? I just went by the Victron datasheet.
 
430W / 12V / 90% = 40A. 6AWG and a 50A fuse would be right.
300W / 12V / 90% = 28A. 8AWG and a 35A or 40A fuse would be right.

Remember that for LiFePO₄ batteries, 10.0V is 0% SOC. 12.0V is just under 10%. Don't let the batteries get below 12.0V. Be sure you set the inverter's LVD to 12.0V or higher.
 
430 watts / .90 efficiency / 12.0 volts = 40 amps (with rounding up)

40 amps @ 12 volts for 24" round trip distance has a voltage drop of 4.3% for 8 gauge wire.

10mm² is closer to 7 gauge than 8 gauge, but it's still sketchy.

Here is the wire gauge calculator that I use:
 
430W / 12V / 90% = 40A. 6AWG and a 50A fuse would be right.
300W / 12V / 90% = 28A. 8AWG and a 35A or 40A fuse would be right.

Remember that for LiFePO₄ batteries, 10.0V is 0% SOC. 12.0V is just under 10%. Don't let the batteries get below 12.0V. Be sure you set the inverter's LVD to 12.0V or higher.
Oh right, I didn't think about the fact that the specs aren't specifically for LiFePO. Are there other settings I need to worry about?

So if I go for the 375VA with 8 gauge wire, would an inline 40A fuse like this be appropriate?

Domilay 8 AWG Gauge Maxi Blade Fuse Holder Inline Wire 12-24V Volt Waterproof + 40A Fuse https://a.co/d/5Xycvu1

Also, are there any issues with wiring putting the battery in a box and wiring an Anderson connector through the top of the box to quick disconnect the inverter? I've been thinking I could periodically use the battery to power a small trolling motor as well so wiring an Anderson to the motor and to the inverter woukt make that easy.

Would I fuse between the battery and the Anderson connector or between the Anderson connector and the inverter, or both?

Sorry for all the questions. I have a lot of experience with electricity but not as much with low voltage systems outside automotive and sound systems. I just feel safer having someone who knows this stuff inside check my idea. Frying one wire in a lifetime is enough for me.
 
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