Advice for Tech-UnSavvy/Newbie on Multimeter for Aliner Scout

[FoldingFlats]

Looking for recommendations on multimeters for Aliner for a tech-un-savvy (somewhat)-new owner...(i.e. please speak in small words and include photos of your set-up

(2013 Aliner Scout)

Thank you!!

 

[Anthony Hitchings]

just about anything is all you need for an ALiner. I buy Sperry brand very affordable, used, off ebay, on account of I trust it more than a no-name thing. Or just buy one from Harbor Freight (I have one of those too).

The open it up, find the 10 Amp fuse (or whatever) , and order a small box of the same fuses from the WWW. BEcasue at some point you will blow a fuse. The Sperry meters come with one spare inside the case.

Sperry DM-350A Digital Multimeter In EUC Works Great | eBay

<p>In excellent condition and fully functional. See photos for best description. </p>

www.ebay.com

 

[FoldingFlats]

Thank you, Anthony! I've seen that brand mentioned here a few times, so appreciate the up-vote/recommendation for it.

Honestly (and here's just how 'tech-unsavvy' I am...) that's not what I thought I was asking about...but do recognize I'd probably want one of those, too. LOL What I actually meant to be asking about was a 'battery meter'. I'd like to be able to see how much battery life I have left but, also, my current usage, if something like that exists...(hence, why I thought they were called 'multimeters'...there's some method to my madness... I also have a small, portable solar panel set-up that would be nice to integrate into the 'monitoring' scheme. I just (clearly) have absolutely no idea where to start and what the best device would be for monitoring both of these. Apologies for the serious ignorance, here.... I excel in other areas of RVLife

(Should this be a new thread, since I'm asking about a different device....?)

 

[Anthony Hitchings]

if you mean lead-acid batteries - a marine style of battery meter - is just a voltmeter with some red-green bars and the usual tick marks etc. There are charts availale of battery charge vs at-rest voltage that you can use with your multimeter of voltmeter.

 

[FoldingFlats]

Thanks...but I'm looking for something that installs inside the camper (set into a cabinet wall) and can be monitored, in real time, with a digital readout. Am I still not asking about the right thing?...

I appreciate your patience with the newbie, here....

 

[SteveP]

Sorry, no pics. I use the https://www.renogy.com/500a-battery-monitor-with-shunt/. It's a mid-range product that I chose due to the reasonable price, all the data needed is on the basic screen, and the longer cable which gives you more flexibility on where to mount the meter itself.

The hardest part of the installation is deciding where to mount the shunt. It should be protected from the weather but all of the negative side of the of the system goes through the shunt, with only the shunt connected to the negative post of the battery.

There are cheaper, simpler alternatives, such as a simple volt meter. If you choose the Renogy you should get plenty of installation and user advise on the portal.

 

[FoldingFlats]

Thanks, Steve! That's definitely looking more like what I meant I'll look into that one, for sure, but also welcome additional input from the portal on other alternatives (options are always nice for comparison).

At a quick glance, it looks large-ish. Curious where you installed it on your camper....

 

[SteveP]

The meter itself is less than 2"x4" and can be recessed. I have it installed in the end of a cabinet by the door so that I can check it from outside, with the top down.

 

[S4nsc]

I use this, https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/smart-battery-shunt for mine. Don’t have to worry about a separate screen. It connects Bluetooth to your phone.

Same with Renogy, but Victron also makes a wide assortment of other monitoring devices and they can all integrate together.

 

[MEGEDH]

I use this, https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/smart-battery-shunt for mine. Don’t have to worry about a separate screen. It connects Bluetooth to your phone.

Same with Renogy, but Victron also makes a wide assortment of other monitoring devices and they can all integrate together.

I also use the Victron smart shunt and have been very happy with the accuracy and performance.

 

[Sjm9911]

I find that if you camp enough you can judge thr power consumtion, but I dont usally camp without electrical hooks ups anymore. How much energy does the monitor use? I would think if you needed to regulate voltage so carefully, eliminating stuff that needs voltage would be key? So, leds for everything? But with a solar set up you can maybe toggle the monitor on and off? Or is it separately powered?

 

[SteveP]

I use this, https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/smart-battery-shunt for mine. Don’t have to worry about a separate screen. It connects Bluetooth to your phone.

Same with Renogy, but Victron also makes a wide assortment of other monitoring devices and they can all integrate together.

If I had been aware of that when I installed mine I probably would have chosen it. The only Victron units I knew about were the BMVs which were prohibitively priced, for me at least.

 

[theseus]

The Renogy monitor is still half the price of the Victron Smart Shunt. Other than the ability to use your phone or have a display you mount, there is not much difference in information that they give. I used the Renogy because of the price, and I am happy with it. If I had built a Victron system, I would have gone for the Victron shunt because it has the ability to interface with other Victron parts. Who doesn't love more information?

 

[Musictom]

I've had great success with this model the past two seasons:



It's $45, but if you want one that only measures up to 100 amps, you can save $10.

 

[FoldingFlats]

I find that if you camp enough you can judge thr power consumtion, but I dont usally camp without electrical hooks ups anymore. How much energy does the monitor use? I would think if you needed to regulate voltage so carefully, eliminating stuff that needs voltage would be key? So, leds for everything? But with a solar set up you can maybe toggle the monitor on and off? Or is it separately powered?

Good point... How much energy do these monitors consume, you suppose?

These are all great points to think about and I really appreciate the suggestions and things to think about. I've only ever been plugged in to "Shore Power", since I've owned the Aliner (first RV owned, ever), but hope to be more mobile and off-grid, as I get more comfortable with learning it's capabilities (and mine). I'm completely ignorant about - and haven't even used - the solar panel set-up, yet, so have no clue how much that will provide for me. Being on "Shore Power", I've gotten pretty cushy with amenities so would like to start getting a sense of what things draw and how I will want to pare down - and on what - to go off-grid, more, here and there. This is all great food for thought for me, as I start to get a handle on what I'll need to be more in-the-know, power-wise...keep it coming!

 

[PointyCamper]

This is in our Aliner. Got it in eBay a while back.
Nice because it is opposite the door.
(i did not do the install. DH did)

 

[LilRed]

Without all the bells and cost, I put a quick BT monitor on mine. Voltage only, but since I have a LA deep cycle and not Lithium the voltage gives a good assessment of power left. But admit, most of my trips have hookup, at minimum a standard 20 outlet to keep power up. My solar is only 160w, but tops it up just fine and has its own voltage meter too.

Battery Monitor ANCEL BM300 Bluetooth Voltmeter, Automotive Battery Voltage Charging Cranking System Test with Alarm for All 12 Volts Solar Power Systems/RVs/Motorcycles/Boats/Cars/Trucks https://a.co/d/2HcVpB0

 

[TimAZ]

Without all the bells and cost, I put a quick BT monitor on mine. Voltage only, but since I have a LA deep cycle and not Lithium the voltage gives a good assessment of power left.

The cost of a Coulometer — a device that tracks the actual power in/out of the battery — is now so low it makes sense for every camper to have one in the battery circuit. Spend the $20 (Amazon # B08Y61CNLK) and stop guessing.

 

[Econ]

Like @Sjm9911 I'm into simple. Spend a little quality time with a voltmeter.
DW has an old, heavy electrical use CPAP as the camper CPAP. Mine is a 130 AH LA battery. There is a voltmeter from amazon right under the radio by the door. It's easier on my old knees. Open the door and before you walk up the stairs check the voltmeter if i'm concerned.
Usually I hook the solar panel up before leaving for the day then generator if it didn't charge enough.