Volt meter recommendation?

[chriscowles]

Can someone please recommend a voltmeter to surface mount inside the trailer, possibly with an alarm? It will be relatively close to the batteries and connected with 6 ga wire, so readings should be accurate.

I'm not interested paying $150 for a Blue Sea Systems version and Chinese sources (i.e., direct shipped) aren't an option due to timing. Otherwise, I welcome suggestions.

A cheap weatherproof version I can mount on the external battery box might be interesting, too, but the reliable interior mount job is a must.

I've seen mention of different installations in this forum but can't seem to find any when searching.

Thanks

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[Ford Idaho]

Something like this for outside?

12V 24V LED Digital Display Voltmeter Voltage Meter Panel Marine ATV Boat Car | eBay

I would think a boat dealer would carry something in the parts/show room

[Todouble]

Can't help with meter but You shouldn't need a heavy wire like #6 to power it. There's no real load or amp draw from the display. Goodluck

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

Something like this for outside?

Yes, those look good. I like the price. I'm not concerned with delivery time on the outside meter because I don't need it before I leave.

Thanks



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[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Todouble

Can't help with meter but You shouldn't need a heavy wire like #6 to power it.

Not so much to "power" it but I'm led to believe the readings can be off if the wire is too small. It's only a couple of feet and I'm probably moving my converter to the location where the meter will be, so that justifies the heavy wire.



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[f5moab]

Originally Posted by Todouble

Can't help with meter but You shouldn't need a heavy wire like #6 to power it. There's no real load or amp draw from the display. Goodluck

^^^^
My Trimetric came with approx. 16 gauge (might even by 18) wire to monitor volts/amps/etc.

[itat]

Saw this on eBay. Don't know anything about it though.
Blue Mini Digital DC 5 0V 30V LED Voltmeter Voltage Volt Panel Meter Gauge | eBay

[Todouble]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

Not so much to "power" it but I'm led to believe the readings can be off if the wire is too small. It's only a couple of feet and I'm probably moving my converter to the location where the meter will be, so that justifies the heavy wire.



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Never heard of that. You will have voltage drop with long runs of wire but if you say only a couple of feet your wasting your money for nothing on larger wire. Jmo

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Todouble

Never heard of that. You will have voltage drop with long runs of wire but if you say only a couple of feet your wasting your money for nothing on larger wire. Jmo

OK. Yes, it's just on the other side of the front wall of the trailer, right behind the batteries. I'll postpone buying the heavier stuff until I buy/move the converter/charger, if that ever happens.

This just got delivered. I need the USB and 12v power port in the place I'm locating it. I'll use an appropriate gauge wire for the ~10A max it will carry. This table tells me that 18ga should be good. Having 16 ga on hand, I'll use that.

I don't know how accurate the VM is but it will serve reasonably for now. I'd like to get one with an alarm (and proven accuracy) but don't want to pay a lot.

Thanks

Edit: fixed hyperlink

[Ford Idaho]

The link you just posted (this) gives a 404 error code.

[fonzie]

This should be it.....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MODXVO8

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

The link you just posted (this) gives a 404 error code.

That's weird. I pasted it directly from the browser address bar. I think I fixed it but, if not, this is it:

Wire Gauge Amps Ratings for 12 volt Automotive Systems

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by fonzie

This should be it...

I think the wire gauge table was the one that was broken.

[fonzie]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

I think the wire gauge table was the one that was broken.

No wire table was OK, it is " This" just got delivered" that did not work....

[camaraderie]

Chris...16 gauge is PLENTY for a voltmeter. You are only going to look for approximate voltages anyway since voltmeters can not show you the state of charge of an in use system. What it will tell you:
1. State of charge when you arrive ate the trailer. Assuming battery cut off was engaged.
2. Visual indication that your converter is working and at what stage of charging it is presently at. (Bulk, absorbtion or float)
3. That your batteries are or are not flat if 12V is not working.

If you want anything more...like knowing when your batteries are full or how many amp hours they are down, or state of charge during use, when they are 50% down & need a charge....you need a real battery monitor not a volt meter. See Trimetric or Victron. $150 buck range.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

See Trimetric or Victron. $150 buck range.

Ouch

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

If you want anything more...like knowing when your batteries are full or how many amp hours they are down, or state of charge during use, when they are 50% down & need a charge....you need a real battery monitor not a volt meter. See Trimetric or Victron. $150 buck range.

OK. Looked at those. They seem oriented toward serious solar stuff with major dependence on/investment in batteries. I'm only dry camping for 3-4 days at a time, max, with a generator available to recharge.

So, having only primitive tools, how do I decide I can shut off the generator when dry camping?

[camaraderie]

How many batteries do you have, what size and what size is your converter in amps??
Assuming your converter provides amps equivilent to 20% of your battery bank amp hour rating ( i.e. 40 amps for 200amp hour battery bank) ... AND you never let the voltmeter drop below 12.0V IN USE... then you should be able to get to 90% charge in around 3 hours of charger time on the generator. Getting to 100% will take HOURS more and you can do that when you plug in back at home IF you are limiting yourself to 3-4 days of boondocking with nightly or daily runs of the genny for at least 3 hours. If you have a long drive home and the TT alternator charges your batts as well...then you could be charge when you get home to 100%.
To check...disconnect negative battery wire for 24 hours...then reconnect and read your voltmeter. It should read 12.6 without being plugged in to anything for 24 hours.
If not...charge it up. Under charging is a big killer of batteries just as discharging below 50% (12.2V...static reading not in use).
If you boondock a lot...the Victron will pay for itself in genny gas and maintenance and in replacement batteries that have been murdered. Otherwise...muddle through with the voltmeter...and keep the water up and don't run the batts down too far and always charge to 100% at the end of every short trip.

Most people think their batteries can power things longer than they can and don't realize the amps being used. If you don't boondock much...like me now...you don't need monitor for the occasional short stay. But if your batteries die early...you probably should consider one.

[RPAspey]

From what i understand you're only dry camping a handful of times a year. If so, then all you need is this. I used one for years. Simple and cheap ($15). Accurate too. Get it at most auto stores.

[MartyQ]

I installed something like this.... $10
Digital LCD Voltmeter Ammeter Panel Amp Volt Meter AC 80 300V 100A Dual Display | eBay
Many availble on e-Bay.