multimeter purchase
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12483
Printed Date: 25 Jun 2025 at 12:51pm
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Topic: multimeter purchase
Posted By: ColoradoPK
Subject: multimeter purchase
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2018 at 8:54pm
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Good evening-looking for advice on a multimeter to keep with us for camping. We are new to camping and will be picking up our first Rpod this coming weekend. We plan to be hooked up to shore power as we travel back home, but I wanted to have a multimeter just in case? Any suggestions for a particular brand or model? I've never purchased one before and reading all the reviews have only confused me more. Thanks. ------------- PK Colorado |
Replies:
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2018 at 9:23pm
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Almost anything will do for what you'd need one for in an RPod. Klein are widely considered top of the line, for not too much to just about as much as you want to spend. Lowes has a good brand for around $75 Southwire, maybe. Walmart has them for $10 to $25. All of these are available on Amazon, etc. You should also get a $10 to $15 non-contact voltage tester. (See the long-running thread here about what you always need to test when you hook up at a campground.) TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: ColoradoPK
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2018 at 10:18pm
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Thanks so much! ------------- PK Colorado |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 7:02am
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"auto ranging" is a good feature to have since you will use it on 12v and 120v, 1 less setting to worry about..
------------- |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 8:09am
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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. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 9:08am
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As TT mentioned, almost any inexpensive DVM will work well for what you need on an R-pod. Even if it was off by 1/10 volt (which none of them are any more), it wouldn't make a big difference in what you're looking for. Also as mentioned, having a non-contact voltage sensor (NCV) is a big plus. You can get a separate sensor for not too much, or you can spend a few dollars to get NCV built-in. A third thing is a current sensing clamp. You can get meters now that can sense both AC and DC current with a clamp. This is very handy, as in the old days you would have to "open up" the circuit to sense current. With this, all you have to do is find a wire and clamp around it. I have two meters. A Fluke, which I got for my business, and I love it very much. For the R-pod, I got a Klein CL800, which is auto-ranging, has NCV, as well as a current clamp. Kind of an all in one tool. I think I got it at Home Depot for a little over $100. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 9:16am
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+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.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 10:22am
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Fluke is a good brand too. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: onesojourner
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 1:26pm
| 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. |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 1:49pm
Not all of them retain calibration well though. I trust the better brands to maintain calibration more than the cheap meters. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 2:27pm
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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.
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 3:44pm
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That is why I waited until the Southwire meter was at a price point that was acceptable. It looks to be a good quality meter, much less expensive than a Fluke meter but much higher quality than ones like the GB described above.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 4:52pm
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What is the goal for the voltmeter?
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: ColoradoPK
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 4:58pm
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I figured it would be a good idea to have to keep
Track of battery power? ------------- PK Colorado |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 5:04pm
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My stuff is all Fluke. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 6:20pm
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Fluke and Klein are really nice tools. When I worked in the elevator industry, all the company meters were Fluke and had to regularly calibrated to comply with ISO requirements ... and they were almost never out of adjustment. The Flukes are workhorses. But they ain't cheap. For the simple stuff on a Pod, and if you're not a technician or engineer who appreciates the subtle differences and capabilities of a really good meter, pretty much any decent quality multi-meter will work. I used to have an analog meter that I used for my boat. It was all I ever needed, but unfortunately I lost it in one of several moves. For the lay person, the simpler the better. For us there is nothing worse than opening your brand new multi-meter from Amazon, reading the English translation of the original instructions written in Mong, translated to Laotian, then to Chinese, thence to English and realizing that you don't have a clue what they're talking about, much less how to work the darn thing. So for those of us who are not technophiles, follow the KISS rule. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2018 at 9:57pm
Fluke is what I meant but couldn't think of when I said Klein was top of the line. Honestly, though, unless you're a pro who's going to use the heck out of it, for a Pod you can do pretty well with a $10 meter. You can obviously spend more and get more features that you might or might no use. That said, I like tools and generally spend more on themthan I probably ought to. Sometimes maybe I grow into them. Sometimes the amortization schedule on my fancy screwdriver is about $60 per screw driven. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2018 at 10:23am
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Fluke actually has some reasonably priced meters. They're not $10, but you can get a good one for around $100. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: ZuBrew
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2018 at 3:37pm
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ColoradoPK, Do you know how to use a multimeter? I only ask because I'd hate to see you get hurt. Here are some links that may help. If you have questions, feel free to ask. I have Fluke, Simpson, Heathkit and some cheap ones. All work but some have better features/quality than others. Good luck. https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+use+a+multimeter&rlz=1C1ASUT_enUS665US666&oq=How+to+use+a+Multimeter&aqs=chrome.0.0l6.9569j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 - https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+use+a+multimeter&rlz=1C1ASUT_enUS665US666&oq=How+to+use+a+Multimeter&aqs=chrome.0.0l6.9569j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 and http:////learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter/all - http:////learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter/all
------------- 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 4X4 2018 R-Pod 189 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A |
Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2018 at 5:14pm
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My two cents. Ask a friend to show you how to use a meter. Next buy one with a rubber cover, you will drop it at least once. Mine is a digital Fluke 73III with 3 dig. Beckman HD100s , 2 Simpson analog, one cheap dig throw away, as backups. I have never had to test anything over 30 amps. Again, ask a friend or any electrical, electronic tech. to help you out. If you are in Charleston, give me a hoot. Good luck ------------- Happy Traveling, Tom 2017 172pod 2011 F150 STX |
Posted By: ColoradoPK
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2018 at 6:24pm
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I have some basic info but truly appreciate the videos. I'm willing to learn, for sure. ------------- PK Colorado |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2018 at 8:02pm
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I have a digital Fluke and analog Simpson meters but neither go with me camping. For your tool kit to take in your Pod just go get a cheap Harbor Freight meter. It will tell your voltage or if you have a short just fine plus if you goof up and fry it you won't cry! All you need is a BASIC meter, nothing fancy. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: crw8sr
Date Posted: 19 Dec 2018 at 10:23pm
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Harbor Freight currently has a 7 Function Digital Multimeter Item#63604 for $5.99. Often times the same one is free! ------------- Chuck & Lyn Izzy, Morkie. RIP Zoe Joy & Gracie, Yorkie 2018 R Pod 190 2019 Traverse In moments of adversity;when life's a total wreck, I think of those worse off than me and really feel like heck. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2018 at 8:22am
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That one is good for basic use. However, if one wants to check amperage use, it is useless. Harbor Freight also has a clamp multimeter, but in reality, one that can do DC amperage isn't any less expensive than the Southwire one I got at Lowe's.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |