Voltmeter recommendations anyone?

luvmytab · July 2017

I like the idea that some of you do with the cig plug-in style inside the trailer, cheap, but (I am 63 and done with completely accurate and spreadsheets..... i mean "I am done"...give me simple.
Currently using my sons fancy digital and last weekend spent the whole time checking on my new golf cart batteries voltage.....to the point my significant other told me he no longer wanted me to announce the readings.....way too much info for him, cluttering his mind.
Any of you find an inexpensive one you can recommend?

rkj__ · July 2017

Hmm, that's a good idea. I will likely be doing some dry camping in the fall, and will need to try and monitor battery levels. I just added this product to my Amazon wish list.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00CDJM9GY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3DM8CX2I8U94X&coliid=I2FN4J0ZHOKKS6

Reviews seem decent.

pthomas745 · July 2017

I have this one...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EVWDU0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Spruce1 · July 2017

I use the same one as pthomas745. Meets my needs which are very minimal.

ScottG · July 2017

I use the Innova as well. Just be aware it's made for testing automobile batteries and alternators--when you use it in your camper under varying loads, the voltage will jump around and the indicator lights will twinkle like a Christmas tree as they jump between green and red and yellow. That's normal and does not indicate a bad battery.

Of course I still carry my "fancy digital" multimeter in the event I have to do some more serious troubleshooting (usually on my buddy's camper...) :-)

Ratkity · July 2017

I guess I'm lucky. My truck has alternator voltage output as well as transmission temp on an info screen - no idiot lights/gauges. Love the transmission temp info! Not sure if that was part of the towing package option.

luvmytab · July 2017

i don't like the idea of the cig lighter...afraid it will check my car battery instead of my t@b..... i like digital ..anyone have any luck with a digital voltmeter for $15 or under. I boutght a multimeter at wally world for $25 and it is not reading plus don't think i need anything with all those other readings. Suggestions???? this is quite a subject with multiple answers it seems!!! thanks in advance

pthomas745 · July 2017

I have a multi-meter, too. I use the Innova in the Tab in one of the 12v ports, with all the usual caveats and warnings and hand waving about realizing these readings may not be "perfect" until a battery settles down a bit after being used. (I've never seen my Innova differ much from test to test..)

I can't see how being plugged into the Tab's 12v would read my car battery and not the Tab's......

The multi meter may be a little confusing at first, but it should work. I have an inexpensive one and the only thing I know how to do with it is read my state of charge! Search around on You Tube for your multimeter brand and I bet you can find a video that will help.

SweetlyHome · July 2017

All the following assumes you have a battery charge line installed in your TV.

Once you connect your TV the T@B and TV battery are fundamentally connected in parallel. The 12V reading in the T@B is a sort of average of the efforts of both batteries. Play around disconnecting from the TV, using your T@B battery cut off switch, and running the TV engine to get the feel for it.

I always hook up the T@B to the TV with the T@B battery cutoff switch off. I do my turn signal, brake, running lights etc check and assure there is 12v in the T@B. I then know all seven pins of the connector are connected.

Marceline · July 2017

ScottG said:

I use the Innova as well. Just be aware it's made for testing automobile batteries and alternators--when you use it in your camper under varying loads, the voltage will jump around and the indicator lights will twinkle like a Christmas tree as they jump between green and red and yellow. That's normal and does not indicate a bad battery.

Of course I still carry my "fancy digital" multimeter in the event I have to do some more serious troubleshooting (usually on my buddy's camper...) :-)

I use the Innova too. I'm always disconnected from my TV when I use it and I turn off the refrigerator, unplug any 12v accessories, and turn off any lights so there is as little draw as possible when I'm checking the voltage.

pthomas745 · July 2017

@SweetlyHome thanks for that explanation, I never thought of it like that. Like @Marceline , I usually always use it while detached from the TV. But, now you have given me something else to play with.....

Photomom · July 2017

While we're talking voltmeters, I recommend this too along with an adapter so you can plug it into a 30a outlet. If you have power problems at your campsite you can quickly tell if the problem is with the pedestal, and hopefully convince the campground owner to do something about it. https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Products-12-4058-Power-Monitor/dp/B000BRFTH6/ref=pd_ybh_a_18?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=B0G2YR7KT62S2ZNWPEWQ

Voltmeter recommendations anyone?

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