On board battery monitor
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: Non-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Same as podmods, just... not for pods
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9401
Printed Date: 04 May 2025 at 6:12am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: On board battery monitor
Posted By: Steve 911
Subject: On board battery monitor
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 1:23pm
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Hi all, I want to install an onboard battery monitor, and was just wondering what others have. Thanks ------------- Firefighter Steve (retired) 2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
Replies:
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 1:47pm
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Steve,
Mine is very simple, a three hole mount with a faceplate. Has a LED voltage readout, a cigarette lighter plug and a USB port. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 2:52pm
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Here is the one I installed. It's a very accurate volt meter
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7630 - Volt meter and TV sound bar ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: texman
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 2:56pm
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from amazon for $14. i have direct wired 12v adapter.  ------------- TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 3:39pm
That's nice and simple!! I actually made a small panel mount and push button to engage it, tied into the tank monitor supply voltage. I printed out a chart of voltages vs % of charge from online somewhere and hang it over the monitor. Push button, read voltage, know where my battery state of charge is. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: Wood River Pod
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 4:19pm
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How important is it to have a direct 12v connection to my panel? For example, I've installed three 12v USB/cigarette units, but have tied in off of two lights and the stereo. Will I get an accurate reading off my existing ports units? I've contemplated running a line off the panel to one digital voltmeter in the cabinet (179), but I don't need to create more work if I can get similar results with option pictured above. Thanks ------------- Smith's in Hailey Early 2017 179 HRE http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9134&PN=1&title=wood-river-179-mods - Wood River Mods |
Posted By: podrunner
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 4:28pm
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Does anyone know if these units that display battery voltage and are always on consume enough battery power to be a concern? ------------- 2010 R Pod 151 2017 4runner 2006 Honda Metropolitan |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 4:37pm
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A plug in style shown above would only consume during use. My panel mount is meant to be hardwired, but of course I was wise enough to put a momentary push button switch inline with the meter leads so it only uses power when I keep my finger on the button for a few seconds. And voltmeters use almost NO electricity to take measurement so no big worries about it hurting battery capacity. Their energy use is measured in milliamps. The one I purchased in June 2014 from amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UWD2J4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I made plastic panel from some nylon, and mounted the voltmeter in it, wired to the tank/battery monitor power. I had to make a small hole in the wall and screw it there, but it looks OK to me. I actually like the idea of a 12VDC accessory socket meter, I would have just bought that instead if I had found it.
------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: podrunner
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 5:42pm
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That is a great idea to include a push button switch. I purchased one of the amazon 3 hole units and I have hesitated to install it as I was not sure the effect of having the power always on to the display unit. Thanks! ------------- 2010 R Pod 151 2017 4runner 2006 Honda Metropolitan |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 6:37pm
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The most accurate measurement is made right at the battery terminals. The further away from the battery the less accurate depending on the wire size and length and the current being drawn at the point the tap is made. The length of wire from the tap point to the voltmeter is not important. That says it is best to go all the way to the battery, not any circuit from the power panel and not even the battery connections at the back of the power panel. That said the question becomes how accurate is good enough. Tapping into a lighting or other circuit is OK IF nothing on that circuit is drawing any current. That means lights/fans/radio/booster/ etc. are off. Nothing other than a voltmeter plugged into the USB or cigarette lighter sockets. It's also necessary to have the battery at "rest" for several hours before making the measurement. Rest means nothing drawing current except for the residual from the propane/CO monitor. With all that said you can get a general idea of battery condition by watching the VM connected to a branch circuit over time, but the final word on battery state of charge will have to be made at the battery after a period of rest. A reasonable compromise can be had by connecting the VM to an unused fuse on the power panel with nothing else on that circuit. Nobody said this was easy, but anything is better than the 4 LED idiot panel supplied OEM.
------------- 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: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 9:31pm
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If you take the voltage measurement at the battery and the voltmeter measures 12.80 volts, then check a 12VDC power jack like the one in the overhead cabinet over the bed ( on an R-Pod 177 for example), and it measures 12.80 volts, then rest assured there's nothing wrong with taking an accurate measurement that way. This is an easy test to determine if there are any losses from wiring, my Pod had none. Voltage is the same through the camper. Likely due to being such a short run of wires from the batteries. it's true that after fully charging a battery if will have a false high float on it, and does not represent it's "resting" capacity. Wait a few hours after charging for true readings, however this can be difficult unless you are at home and a trip is not imminent. I also own an OTC 3181 130 amp load tester. It is for 12 volt automotive batteries. A simple heater wire device with a meter and a trigger, and two battery clamps, positive and negative. Connect to a fully charged battery and pull the trigger for 10 seconds, the meter should remain in the good zone. It it falls into the "not good" zone then the battery is not able to take a full charge, and is either sulfated because of loss of electrolyte over time, or it's just worn out and tired. I do this test each spring before the first trip, as long as the batteries check good, I recharge them after the test to top off before installing them in the R-Pod. Check fluid level several times a year, and top of with distilled water as necessary. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: Steve 911
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 9:47pm
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Thanks for your comments. I have a 179, and if I have a 12 volt receptacle somewhere, I haven't found it. Having one would make things a lot easier.. I guess I will have to add one.. ------------- Firefighter Steve (retired) 2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 10:01pm
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You are correct that the R-Pods do not come with any 12V outlets (unless there has been a change in the latest models). I added a triple outlet (2 12V power socket type and 1 USB charger) next to the 110V outlet at the base of the bed. I added a second 12V power socket and a USB charger outlet mounted individually near the television. I mounted a 12V digital meter next to the indicator panel. I added the 12V sockets so I can run my CPAP machine and the USB outlets so we can charge our phones.
------------- 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: Steve 911
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 11:03pm
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Thanks, I think I'm going to add a couple of 12v outlets and USB ports as well. I want to change out the 110v television, that came with my new 179, to a 12v television. I'm just not sure exactly where to tap into 12v wires. ------------- Firefighter Steve (retired) 2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 1:18pm
The one I have stays on and I think it's definitely a concern. You can easily fix it by going to Radio Shack and getting a momentary normally-open pushbutton to wire in series. |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 1:20pm
There's at least one extra fuse slot in the power panel. I used one of those to power a 12V outlet, some USB ports, and a 400W inverter, which allows us to watch the 110VAC television while running on battery. |
Posted By: Lear111
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 2:37pm
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4cfKqzVuRp
If link did not go through. Google rv voltmeter install. You tube video will show absolutely the easiest way to do it. $10 dollars from Amazon and anyone with a Phillips head screwdriver can do it. ------------- Steve Lexus GX460 R-pod 180 2017 1 black lab |
Posted By: Steve 911
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 2:56pm
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I watched that youtube video. could not be any easier.. Thanks ------------- Firefighter Steve (retired) 2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 4:48pm
I recommend you instead install a small inverter and get it wired to provide power to the TV instead. I installed a 400 watt inverter under the dinette bench where the converter is. It has an on/off switch, cost $40, and has a USB charge port also for my phone (which is 99.9% of why I have it). My LED TV is a Wal-Mart whatsit brand I bought for $60 about 4 years ago. It has a max power consumption of 22 watts. If you really want to run a DVD player too, that would use a few more watts. What I'm saying is, a regular small 120 VAC TV is better than any 12 volt TV by a long shot. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 5:57pm
Yep. There aren't nearly as many options in 12VDC TVs as there are in 110VAC TVs. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2017 at 9:38am
Our Lance has a 12v television that is great. 32" HD LED. Nicer then the Sony in our living room.. LOL ------------- |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2017 at 6:02pm
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Photo of my install on 178:
https://s5.postimg.org/epzj6qps7/20170110_112519_001.jpg ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |