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volt/amp gauge

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Old May 16, 2011 | 04:02 PM
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jonsk
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volt/amp gauge

Looking to put a gauge in to monitor the batteries. ANy suggestions which one to use and maybe where to mount ?
Thanks
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 06:20 PM
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mwsF250
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
My go to voltmeters:
DATEL DC Voltmeters
Extremely accurate, durable, small enough to mount just about anywhere. The LCD versions draw so little current (<2 mA) they can be left on all the time.
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 06:43 PM
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Do you really need it permanently? I had problems with alternator lately and found the dash gauge lying badly, so I used old cellphone plug and wired my multimeter to it.
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 06:58 PM
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Well right now i have no guage at all from the factoryjust oil presure, tranny temp, engine temp, and fule gauge. And before i drove to florida i had one of my batteries crap out with no warning. Also with my slide in camper if i dont remember to unplug it from the truck it draws from my truck batteries. I need to get a battery seperator installed for that eventually but for the time being i just wanted something a bit more simple. I was also looking at the obd meters but not sure i want to spend that kind of dough..
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 07:05 PM
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If you use factory wiring for charging the camper, it disconnects with ignition off.
You can always buy those plug in battery meters with LEDs on them, but they show only rough idea.
Than no meter would help you on sudden battery failure. For such test you need load tester. For $19 it is a good thing to have.

 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 07:17 PM
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kajtek1, with the lance camper i have the wiring harness goes directly to the battery with an inline fuse, as per the manual, so it does draw all the time. so far this is one of the gauges i am looking at..

http://www.scangauge.com/products/
 
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