Hi all,

I am in Quartzsite AZ now and just before I left I had the generator serviced and the engine serviced (oil change and lube). Enough of that, they found that my 2 6v batteries were not taking a charge, so I now have 2 new ones. I would like to install some kind of a monitor panel where I could keep an eye on the percent of charge on these batteries and when charging them with the generator be able to monitor the charge rate. That way I could shut off the generator once they are charged up.

i would appreciate any and all  suggestions on a unit that would monitor that.

Thanks,

Roger

Here's a good article from Technomania on battery charge monitoring, with the various choices in meters explained. www.technomadia.com/2008/05/rv-battery-monitoring/

Here's another inexpensive solution: http://www.rc-electronics-usa.com/ammeters/rv-battery-monitor.html

Chip

Monitoring battery voltage is a not a particular accurate way of keeping a check on the status of your battery charge. (Almost useless especially if you are boondocking, IMO.)  Probably the least inexpensive but accurate way to do this is with a true battery monitor which keeps track of the amps going into and out of the battery.  It can then give you a percentage of charge / discharge - charging rate – discharging rate as well as voltage. Just like a fuel gauge this is a power gauge on your batteries.

(Remember, you should only discharge your batteries 50% of capacity for decent battery life and battery voltage can’t tell you that 50% point.)

One source:

http://www.bestconverter.com/TriMetric-Battery-Monitor_c_66.html

Depending on your 12 volt electrical knowledge / abilities you may have to have this installed and calibrated.  The installation is simple, but you have to do it correctly and with the proper size 12 volt cable.