multimeter purchase

What is the goal for the voltmeter?

I would precaution about Gardner Bender (usually labeled "GB" on the front, and orange/black or just orange). They're OK meters as far as they go, but I picked up a couple of cheap GB meters when I didn't have access to my own meter, and they came apart (internal rotary switch failed) after not a long time. You can often pick up one of these GB meters for $15 or $20. I don't think they are worth that much.

DMM are pretty good now days. I have a $10 craftsman, a $50 RadioShack and $200 fluke. For most tasks they all work. I usually grab the cheapy because it is a bit lighter. I would just buy a cheap one with decent reviews and add a clamp on meter.

+1 to comments from StephenH and Glueguy. The ability to measure DC current is a big plus with battery charge/discharge management. A word of caution: If you do decide to go with a clamp on meter be sure it measures DC as well as AC current. Most of the cheaper meters only measure AC current. Also, the lower current range meters are preferable. The is no need for a 1000A meter on an Rpod. The 40A range on the above cited meters is ideal for your use. 

I purchased a Southwire 21050T Tre RMS AC/DC Clamp Meter at Lowe's recently. It not only is able to measure AC and DC voltage, it can also measure AC and DC amperage (400A) and also has a non-contact voltage sensor built-in. In addition, it comes with an adapter and a temperature probe on a cable. Previously, I only had the little free with purchase digital multimeters from Harbor Freight. This is absolutely much better. It was more expensive, but worth it since it has already helped me to see parasitic drains on 12V power that I could not measure before.