Motorhome Magazine Open Roads Forum: Truck Campers: Digital Volt gauge installation


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CamoKQ700

California

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Posted: 08/15/08 04:50pm

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Howdy All,
How many folks have added a voltage gauge to monitor your TC battery(s)?

I carry a Fluke multimeter and check every other day or so but would like to set up a gauge for quick reference.

I was looking at an Autometer gauge, 2 1/16" diameter. Would you have to switch it or can it be left on all the time

Thanks

Mandalay Parr

Phoenix, AZ

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Posted: 08/15/08 05:18pm

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It can be left on all the time.

Jerry Parr
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Matthew_B

The boonies near Dallas, Oregon

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Posted: 08/15/08 05:35pm

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I would take your DMM and measure the current the gauge draws. From there you can decide if it's enough to justify leaving it on or not.

GhostZero

Denver

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Posted: 08/15/08 05:39pm

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CamoKQ700 wrote:

I have installed a trimetric battery monitor in my camper and LOVE it. Bought it from Randy at Bestconverter. No affiliation, just a long time happy customer.

I *REALLY* love the trimetric. It's one of the best adds I put on the camper.

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CamoKQ700

California

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Posted: 08/15/08 06:01pm

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Ghost,
I saw the Trimetric set up. For little pop up TC like I own that is a little over the top. Looking for something simple, can mount in a corner. I really only need to know Voltage. It is the easiest gauge of battery status.

fncampn

Gardnerville, NV

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Posted: 08/15/08 07:10pm

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A simple voltage monitor can be plugged in to a 12-volt receptacle and provide a quick reading of battery voltage. However, it is not a true indicator of the actual battery state. It's close enough but is less accurate under load and when the battery charge is low.

This article may be of interest if your looking for a good all-around solution:

Battery Monitor

And once you have a good monitoring solution, you'll never know how you got along without it!

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Stim

NE Florida

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Posted: 08/15/08 07:22pm

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I just bought a regular 0-16 auto style voltmeter and installed it today in my new TC right near the power converter. The local Harbor Freight had them on sale foe $3.99 . It will let me know at a glance that the truck is charging or that the converter is charging or the battery is up. I also put in a cigarette lighter style plug for accesories if needed.

othertonka

Stockton, CA

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Posted: 08/15/08 07:46pm

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My built in Digital volt meters have a Momentary On "Push" Button that you push in to get a reading. I am not sure if a digital volt meter draws anything if they are on all of the time, but with the push button I know they are NOT drawing when I am not pushing the button. They are great to check if the Convertor or Alternator is charging the battery. Digital also gives you a more accurate reading. SO "switch" it with a push button would be my recomendation.

Othertonka
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CamoKQ700

California

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Posted: 08/15/08 09:26pm

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Thanks all. Great input. Have a wide list of options. I am keeping in mind that I have 2 12 V batteries in a small TC. Most I have seen that have factory deals are just LED switches that show you Yes or No. I was figuring a Volt gauge would be good enough