Community Forums

RoadEyePie · 12-20-2020, 05:24 PM

I'm pretty sure that Fluke makes the best multimeter on the market, but it's probably overkill for the RV'er. I have 3 different multimeters (Radio Shack, Craftsman, and something else) and they're all pretty cheap. I don't like them and would like a better more reliable multimeter but don't want to pay Fluke prices. Anybody happy with their multimeter?

rgvtexan · 12-20-2020, 05:44 PM

I have 3 or 4 Flukes and my old Simson 260, and a Heath kit Fet input VOM. I use them all, there is at least one in each vehicle.

I was gifted one of these. Not a bad meter, and for the cost you won't go wrong.

https://www.harborfreight.com/11-fun...ity-61593.html

Put a drop of white paint on the selector knob, makes it much easier to see.

They also have some higher priced. It doesn't take much of a meter to check 12 and 120 volts or troubleshoot. Calibration is a different story.

atreis · 12-20-2020, 05:44 PM

What don't you like about them?

I got one of these, and have been pretty happy with it, but happiness with this sort of thing is fairly subjective:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SHLS639

Nwcid · 12-20-2020, 05:49 PM

I had to replace my old one several years ago.

like you I looked at Fluke and it is good stuff but for what I do, mostly checking voltage and resistance I did not want to spend that kind of $$$.

I had a credit at an online vender and needed to use it. I end up with a Milwaukee unit, https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...meters/2216-20

I am sure they are made by some generic company that makes several similar versions for each "company".

I had mine several years now and I have required a house, added a complete solar system to my RV and plenty of other misc projects. No complaints and it does what I need it to.

crb478 · 12-20-2020, 06:43 PM

I have had a fluke, STOLEN! Went to greenlee, like them alot. Found some southwires at Lowes in the discontinued section for under $20.00 with a live voltage tester and a plug tester. Bought 1 tried and tried it. Liked it alot for being so simple, went back and bought 3 more and put them everywhere I thought one might be handy. For the money and accuracy they are great. One lives in the RV!

Skip426 · 12-20-2020, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crb478

One lives in the RV!

Only ONE in the RV , I keep two and two 12 volt test lights , quicker to grab the second meter or light than to change a battery or bulb .

When things don't work ... my DW EXPECTS them fixed fast.

wolfgolden · 12-20-2020, 06:55 PM

The Fluke77 comes out when the fast-update analog bar might be useful (unstable voltages, bad dc power, etc), otherwise any of my digital meters, regardless of price, work fine.

crb478 · 12-20-2020, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Only ONE in the RV , I keep two and two 12 volt test lights , quicker to grab the second meter or light than to change a battery or bulb .

When things don't work ... my DW EXPECTS them fixed fast.

Only one, when I have to break the tools out they are in one of 2 places, leaves more room for other fun things.

jarwiebe · 12-20-2020, 07:00 PM

I have a UNI-T UT210D Multimeter AC/DC Amp Clamp Meter. Purchased last spring and very pleased with the meter.

RoadEyePie · 12-20-2020, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atreis

What don't you like about them?

I got one of these, and have been pretty happy with it, but happiness with this sort of thing is fairly subjective:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SHLS639

That's a good question. I'm not sure it's got a lot of functional capabilities and I'm sure it's not accurate.

Brad Wilf · 12-20-2020, 07:16 PM

My Fluke stays in my tool box, it makes me $$$. I have a cheapo from Canadian tire, it’s been a few years but $20 cad rings a bell. For the price, it’s been working for about 6-7 years. Although I’ve noticed part of the LCD screen is starting to go, I think it got some heat this summer in the pass thru, not interfering with readings. I trust it, can’t complain.

I should add, this is dedicated for trailer, not home use, that’s my Fluke. Same one linked.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ino-3320

lenny-shawna · 12-20-2020, 07:21 PM

I use Klein which was expensive but I use it often. Fluke makes a great product but how do you really quantify if it is really better. I think that's more subjective than factual.

Regardless, I would not buy a cheap one as they are too important and used often even at my sticks and bricks.

Damion · 12-20-2020, 07:48 PM

My Fluke will always be my GOTO but have cheap https://www.harborfreight.com/7-func...ter-63759.html in every vehicle, they get the job done, but no overload protection, few years ago they were giving them away for any purchase!

Fluke sits in drawer next to door of HM where I can reach it from outside!

spinroch · 12-20-2020, 08:01 PM

I am experienced in electronics and electrical work. I have Fluke meters, of course a Simpson 360 analog meter and a few others. My go-to meter in my truck and my RV is a cheap (used to be free) Harbor Freight meter. That’s all you need. If it gets damaged, you can toss it with no worries. All the fancy features, you won’t need them in the driveway. Ultimately, buy whatever you want. I use a Snap-On 12v test light for a lot of troubleshooting. It makes short work of a lot of issues.