Battery monitoring question

[Sensfan]

Our 2012 RT 190 Ranger has a 12 volt outlet installed in the upper rear cabinet
on the passenger side for the TV and DVD player. Can this outlet be used to monitor our two 6 volt AGMs?

[booster]

Originally Posted by Sensfan

Our 2012 RT 190 Ranger has a 12 volt outlet installed in the upper rear cabinet
on the passenger side for the TV and DVD player. Can this outlet be used to monitor our two 6 volt AGMs?

It should be connected to the coach batteries and will go on and off with the "battery" switch on the control panel, so you would be able to read the coach battery voltage there, but not state of charge (accurately) or current draw.


The only way to really monitor the state of charge and currents is with a shunt based battery monitor like a Victron or Trimetric. IMO, all RVs should have them so you can know what is going on and how much capacity you have at any given time.

[Sensfan]

Originally Posted by booster

It should be connected to the coach batteries and will go on and off with the "battery" switch on the control panel, so you would be able to read the coach battery voltage there, but not state of charge (accurately) or current draw.

The only way to really monitor the state of charge and currents is with a shunt based battery monitor like a Victron or Trimetric. IMO, all RVs should have them so you can know what is going on and how much capacity you have at any given time.

Thanks Booster, you coached me on this subject a few years ago, however I did not followup with an install. Mobilife Kitchener will be putting in my preferred monitor this fall. As far as Roadtrek 190s are concerned, are there any mention-worthy pros or cons re Victron and Trimetric?

[booster]

Originally Posted by Sensfan

Thanks Booster, you coached me on this subject a few years ago, however I did not followup with an install. Mobilife Kitchener will be putting in my preferred monitor this fall. As far as Roadtrek 190s are concerned, are there any mention-worthy pros or cons re Victron and Trimetric?

Both are very good monitors. I prefer the Trimetric as it seemed to be easier to monitor all the stuff I wanted to get to more easily than a Victron would be, but others think the Victron is easier. Neither is a bad choice IMO.

[Sensfan]

Thanks again for the feedback ... and enjoy your Fourth of July 2023.

[Jim86301]

You might look at a PowerMon from Thornwave Labs. I used this battery monitor for several years and it has worked great!
Jim