Community Forums

Dougjpr · 12-26-2017, 09:24 AM

On our 2005 DS, for the coach batteries, all we have is the Intellitec battery disconnect switch in the front overhead, which will also show coach battery voltage. Has anyone with a similar set up added a battery monitor? If so, any particular brand?

Reason I ask is that when I took all my batteries out for winter storage I found that they(coach batteries) were discharged (checked specific gravity with hydrometer and every cell showed in red, meaning discharged). We don’t do any camping without shore power, only times without shore power are when coach is in driveway for cleaning or prep for a trip. Coach batteries ( 4 - 6V Interstate GC-2) we’re new in April(when we took delivery from Newmar dealer). Turned out that converter was not charging properly. Purchased a new converter and set up a charging station in garage along with an inverter to discharge batteries. Was able to get batteries back into the green on the hydrometer, so hopefully I have avoided premature replacement of the batteries, and would like to have a better idea of the condition of the batteries in the future.

Thanks

C.Martin · 12-26-2017, 01:28 PM

We have a digi-level panel...one page shows the three tank levels...the other page shows chassis voltage and House Voltage... At a glance...I can look at the two voltages and see if they are in charge...and tied together.

Our Magnum remote shows charge state...for our MS2812 Inverter/converter.

I added a battery monitor kit to see the house batteries state of charge...and measure amps going in/out.

Adding solar gives me a 30 day history from the solar charge controller, so I can see how the bank was charged each day.

I have a number of ways to see what's going on with the House batteries...and one voltage readout for the chassis.

Dougjpr · 12-26-2017, 02:23 PM

Thanks for reply

Can’t remember whose inverter we have, but we have an IOTA charger.

Don’t have any Magnum components for any of the electrical.

Whose battery monitor did you install?

Thanks

Scottybdivin · 12-26-2017, 04:49 PM

If you don't have Magnum components, look at the Trmetric BMK by Bogart Eng. I had everything Magnum so I installed a Magnum BMK because it was just "plug and play".

C.Martin · 12-26-2017, 04:58 PM

We used the ME-BMK...

If not for a Magnum...the Trimetric or a Victron battery monitor will work.

I believe the Trimetric has a lead to be able to read the chassis voltage too.

Dougjpr · 12-26-2017, 05:54 PM

Thanks for info.

The Magnum looked like a simple add on if you have the other Magnum components but since I don’t they won’t work.

Have seen the Trimetric and the Victron on line.

Anyone used or have any experience with the Xantrex Linklite?

Sbrownstein · 12-26-2017, 05:58 PM

I installed a Trimetric and highly recommend it. In fact, I don't know why they don't come standard with an RV. Unit reads both house and chassis battery voltage as well as continually displays discharge and state of charge for the house bank. Many settable options.

"007" · 12-27-2017, 02:48 AM

The meter in over head cabinet only reads the house batteries if converter is not charging and will read the charging voltage from converter if charging.
You can place a meter on the chassis battery if you want.
Your small inverter is for the TV and some outlets up front for TV and tape or DVD 110 supply voltage.
This link will give wiring and fuse info with the BIRD System wiring so the system will keep all your batteries fully charged, if your coach in plugged into at least 110 volts during the winter months in Canada. You just need to monitor the water levels of your house batteries.
All inverter/converter info is in QT's # 3.

okcnewbie · 12-27-2017, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sbrownstein

I installed a Trimetric and highly recommend it. In fact, I don't know why they don't come standard with an RV......

Good thing they don't all have them. If all the MH's had one of these at least half of the battery threads on the forum would go away.

Seriously, why would anyone want to know how the alternator, converter, inverter, lights, furnace, solar, etc. affect the batteries.

OP. If you get the Trimetric you won't be disappointed. (except that it isn't standard equipment)

Sbrownstein · 12-27-2017, 08:06 AM

okcnewbie You are basically right. However you still need to be able to interpret the results. Fact is, if most people looked closely at their LED displays and understood that the top light is not "full" but "charging," a lot of these posts would go away since they would know to have someone look at it when the light goes out with the engine running, the generator running or shore power connected.

okcnewbie · 12-27-2017, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sbrownstein

okcnewbie You are basically right. However you still need to be able to interpret the results. Fact is, if most people looked closely at their LED displays and understood that the top light is not "full" but "charging," a lot of these posts would go away since they would know to have someone look at it when the light goes out with the engine running, the generator running or shore power connected.

LED'S are a very crude troubleshooting aid perhaps. All MH's should have a shunt/meter IMO.