The Best RV Battery Monitor

The best RV battery monitor is an important device for your camper, boat, car, mobile home or recreational vehicle because it works by checking and showing your battery status.

This system can measure the energy amount that is flowing in and out of your RV battery all the time. It can show important measurements, which are vital in calculating the state of charge of the battery.

It can also show its state of discharge that we need to know so that we can be informed of such essential metrics.

The battery meter gauge is useful in measuring the current amount that each appliance is using. All you need to do is to turn the equipment on, and then see how its current value is changing.

The battery monitoring system (BMS) can measure or calculate the energy amount flowing in/out of the batteries.

The BMS is such a useful tool for the RV that you should not miss. It also shows the percentage of the overall battery capacity there is left as well as the amount of time remaining before fully charging or draining.

There are also some systems that let you set an alarm to turn on/off equipment when some conditions are met. *Functions/features may vary from one model to another.

For help in choosing the best monitor for your battery, we have prepared a thorough guide to use as a reference.

Best RV Battery Monitors

1. Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor

If you’re looking for a 12 volt battery monitor for RV, you might want to take a look at the Victron battery monitor. It is with the solid and tough features and functions that make it a great pick among vehicle owners that want a heavy-duty performing monitor for their batteries.

The Victron Energy battery monitor is also an efficient choice because it comes with a 24V battery balancer. It can surely save you some money other than spending on it separately. In addition, the model comes with a Bluetooth technology, allowing you to check on your batteries using your device like an android or Apple.

You can also make use of such technology on your macbooks, tablets and smartphones. This flexibility and innovation makes it a top of the line choice for camper owners that want a more convenient RV battery monitor.

More so, this unit is easy to program. You can make use of the quick install menu along with the detailed setup menu that has scrolling texts, letting you change or modify the settings.

You’ll also like that this device because it is easy to install. This model is included with a separate front bezel, allowing you to choose a round or square display for the settings. You can do a rear mounting for its securing rings or a front installation using the screws included.

It is for you if you don’t want to go through the hard process of installing the battery monitor. I’d also like to commend this product because it can offers display options like current, voltage and ampere-hours consumed.

The RV battery monitor comes with a fuel gauge as well as a time-to-go display indicator. Both of these add to the ease of use of the unit that you might not be able to find in other options on the market.

The BMV-712 also comes with an additional input that can be programmed in order to check and track the voltage of a second battery, midpoint voltage or battery temperature.

2. Bayite DC 6.5-100V 0-100A Energy Meter

Are you shopping around for a good energy meter? You might have bumped into the Bayite energy meter when reading RV battery monitor reviews. It is one of the most popular picks among camper or recreational vehicle owners because it has the basic features that make it straightforward to use.

The Bayite energy meter is with an LCD display, which can show the direct current voltage and other settings. The energy meter also works as a 4-in-1 device that works as a voltmeter, ammeter, multimeter and power energy meter. Choosing it, you will be able to maximize the value of your money because you don’t need to buy separate meters for every measurement to get.

It also has a nice feature of storing energy data when the device is powered off, making it more convenient to use. More so, it can be reset to zero, adding to its functional performance.

This device also comes with a blue backlight that you can control manually, too. In addition, this unit comes with an overload alarm function. It also boasts its feature of the power and backlight flashing if the power is higher than the capacity is.

This unit also has a large screen for displaying current, voltage, energy and active power at the same time, making it more functional than other choices on the market are.

The RV battery gauge is also heavy-duty and durable to keep up with the tough demands of a mobile environment. It is with the quality materials that make it durable to last through the years.

This model is also easy to operate and even beginners in using such a device will not have a hard time in becoming familiar with the operation of the unit.

3. AiLi Battery Monitor

Another recommended battery monitor that you must not miss when figuring out what to choose is the AiLi Battery Monitor. This device is functional and intuitive, yet it is straightforward to use. You can have peace of mind that you won’t have a hard time using it.

It is a multifunctional device, which works as an ammeter, voltmeter and current meter. With it, you don’t have to buy them separately. It can track the battery status and metrics you need to know without buying additional devices to do so.

In addition, this product is versatile that it can be used in caravans, boats, cars and motorhomes. It is also ideal for recreational vehicles and other types of automobiles. More so, you’ll love to know that the top-rated battery monitor is also offered at an affordable price. So if you’re a bargain hunter, you might want to take a second look at it.

The RV power monitor also works by reading your battery bank like a fuel gauge. With it, you can check the status of the battery in one simple step. It is convenient that we can rely on such function that streamlines the process for us.

I would also like to recommend the battery monitor because of the combined functions into one device. That said you could rest assured you can get info that leads to a better use of the battery.

Choosing the device, you don’t just use an efficient but also prevent battery failure. Without even saying, you will also be able to enhance battery life with the battery gauge. More so, you can rely on the gauge for checking on things like discharge and charge current, remaining battery capacity, charge state and voltage.

This model also has a charging status indicator, which can display the info you need without any difficulty.

In addition, I would like to note that the AiLi Battery Monitor is versatile for different applications. It is ideal for e-bikes, portable equipments, cleaning machines, balance cars, ups and instruments, among others.

4. MICTUNING DC 6.5-100V 0-100A Multimeter

Add a little bit more fun and ease in your daily commute or camping with the Mictuning battery meter. Functionalities, durability and affordability are the top priority in scrutinizing such product. Look closer and decide yourself if this model reach expectations.

The Mictuning DC multimeter is suitable for everyday operation of batteries and solar system. It is dependable in measuring voltage, power, current and energy of nearly all electrical devices with a maximum power rating of 100A. That is why it is baptized as 4-in-1 multimeter.

How is the experience in using it? The good product specs and reviews testify that this model with working voltage of 6.5-100V/DC performs well. It provides 1.0 grade high precision regarding the status of the machine through its wide reading screen. And that is happening while the multimeter is consuming power on a 0.2W thrifty manner.

Aside from the basics, the Mictuning DC multimeter carries more value added functionalities. Users will appreciate that it has voltage alarm, data storage, energy reset, backlight control and option for gauging range. These facts make it perfect for some mechanical devices such as for RV batteries and voltage regulators.

The voltage alarm of this model is no ordinary alarm. It can be set and will rule the backlight as well as the voltage value to flash if the testing voltage exceeds the factory alarm value of 6-90V. Meanwhile, the automatic data storage is also designed for much convenience. It can be reset and can save the last testing information if ever the power turned off suddenly.

Users will further be delighted because Mictuning DC multimeter is constructed intentionally with bigger digital screen. Its 51x30mm LCD screen is faithfully eye-friendly which allows clear and easy perusal of data. All present in the screen are the pressing buttons for the testing figures.

To make shoppers happier, aside from a DC Digital Multimeter, the package included a 100A/75mV Current Shunt for bonus. Other brands require you to separately purchase for one while it comes for free with the Mictuning DC multimeter.

Also, there is a one-year warranty offer by Mictuning and a lifetime no fee technical service support for customers.

5. DROK 12V Lead-acid Battery Cap Temp Volt Monitor

Battery meter comes in different types, brands and prices. All are meant to gauge the power status of a battery or solar system. But the iconic Drok battery meter is usually on the shortlist of clients because of its simplicity, efficiency and a little surprise in it.

Drok battery meter is a practical choice. Why? It is because it’s a single device that is compatible to varieties of batteries and instruments with maximum power rating of 10-100V (12v/24V/36V/48V/60V/72V and 96V). It caters 12 volt lead-acid based battery by default but it is also applicable to cells that are lithium, lithium iron, Ni MH, phosphate based.

This multifunction battery meter gives a good performance on measuring and forecasting battery voltage and capacity. Not just it can give you precise monitoring data when it is installed in your car, it is also ready to use in different devices.

This meter is tested to fit on instruments such as on power bank, portable device, robot, medical device, self-balance car, electric motorcycle and golf cart.

What is unique and special about Drok battery meter is not just it can gauge the power supply and working condition of the battery but it can also accurately measure and show the temperature in Celsius.

For convenience of users, it is also designed with a switch for on and off command, which is lacking in other types of batteries. In addition, Drok ensures that the battery meter is constructed with durable materials to ensure its rigidness. You can easily notice the sturdy cover at the back of the battery meter to protect it from damage. Its overall surface is water and dust resistant, too.

Meanwhile, its LCD screen is clear and shows flickering text font for data pop-out, which are made bigger and highlighted with neon green hue. In that sense, the information in it is readable even in the low light ambience.

6. Utipower Multifunctional 12V LCD Battery Capacity Monitor Gauge

A nice battery and engine must also be reciprocated with a fine battery-gauging device for safety and support. If you are looking for a quite affordable but high-performing battery meter, you might have to hear about the Utipower Multifunctional 12V LCD Battery Capacity Monitor Gauge.

The main bragging point of this Utipower voltmeter is its accuracy in determining the battery meter and voltage meter of a device. This 12 V lead acid meter has a maximum working current of 5mA and can be easily change between two models. For that reason, it becomes suitable for daily operations in a motorcycle, cars and golf cart.

In terms of safety use, Utipower created this Battery Capacity Monitor Gauge with a reverse polarity protection. Hence, it is safe from being damaged if ever the power supply fluctuates. It sounds economical because it can provide longevity in the life of your voltmeter and battery.

Like other many brands of voltmeter that innovate their products into a more convenient and safe usage, this Utipower is a competitive one. Users will appreciate that it can withstand unfavorable working conditions such as rainy days because it is waterproof.

Meanwhile, the overall structure of this model is also made modest yet durable. The Battery Capacity Monitor Gauge has a size of 61.3×33.3×13.5xmm and a weight of 18.7g, which makes it light, weighted. Therefore, you can expect that it is easy to set-up and also portable.

It is also worth mentioning that this Utipower monitoring meter provides an LCD monitoring screen. It is an advantage, too, that the said LCD display has a Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC Screen Protector.

Such kind of material saves the battery meter from scratch and water. Plus, the fonts indicating the voltage capacity and its percentage are programmed to be in bigger size for easier perusal.

7. Waterwitch Waterproof 12V DC Voltmeter Color LED Digital Display

Another battery meter model that might worth your time to check is the Waterwitch Voltmeter. It comes with a reasonable price, safety features and multiple functions.

Waterwitch best describe this voltmeter as a universal model. Most likely because it suits perfectly to many DC 12V vehicles such as on motorbikes, boat, RV car, Yacht, SUV, Travel trailer, ATV, campers and caravans.

The primary function of the said voltmeter is it allows the user to track properly the battery voltage. It religiously reports the state of the battery particularly during in full charged and discharged state. It can effortlessly facilitate power-rating range between 5V to 30V.

How it works? The Waterwitch Voltmeter simply helps the user to monitor well the voltage of the storage battery to avoid disarray caused by battery malfunctions due to inaccurate gauge of voltage and capacity. The mid indicator sends a signal if the voltage exceeds 15V especially for DC 12V and 30V for DC 24V batteries.

Further, the protective features are another top priority in choosing a good kind of Voltmeter. Now Waterwitch incorporated some interesting safety components for this voltmeter model. It is equipped with materials that are High Grade Flame Retardant so it can withstand heat. In addition, it has a polarity reverse protection and IP65 waterproof surface, which makes it perfect for daily use in any working condition.

To add more peace-of-mind to the clients, Waterwitch voltmeter is both CE and Rohs Certified. It only justify that it passed the high quality standards and tagged as environment friendly.

There are no worries, too, in setting it up because it is slender in size and easy to install in the applicable instrument. It has a 1-1/8” mounting holes and a fine nylon to keep the voltmeter in the right place. Two small wires are also included in the package for the installation.

Why You Should Trust Us

Trust SmartRVing.net if you want balanced and honest reviews of good recreational vehicle products like battery monitors. With us, you can rest assured that you’d get ideas and insights on how to pick the right product based on the features and functions you deemed useful.

Before making thorough reviews of each product, we determine the factors to look into in our research of the top picks. Once done, we search and find battery monitors that match our standards and criteria. From there, we create reviews, each with pros and cons, so that you can compare your options and buy the right one for you later.

We do hope that choosing us when comparing your choices on battery monitors will help you pick the most suitable battery monitoring system later.

What Is An RV Battery Monitor/ How Does It Work

The next question you may be having when shopping around for an RV battery monitoring system is what it is. In general, this device will tell you about the energy amp hours, which are drawn from your batter other than to the current.

The BMS work with different voltages, sometimes up to 60V. It can also gauge and measure the status of batteries that include different types like NiCad, gel cell, SLA and lead acid, among other battery types.

Just as what we mentioned earlier, these battery monitors work by gauging the status of the RV battery. With them, you can check if the batteries are draining, for instance. And using them, you will be able to extend the lifespan of your batteries because many of them also have protection features.

Types Of Battery Monitors

These battery monitors don’t require you having an RV battery voltage chart. Modern and innovative models have automatic features. In fact, some can be used using a Bluetooth technology that lets you check on the status of your battery straight from your device. With their convenience and function, it is a great investment to have in your camper, marine or recreational vehicle.

Battery monitors can come as a multimeter; others are only as a voltmeter. It varies from one model to another. Nevertheless, it works as a gauge that informs you how much battery is remaining.

You can choose the technique to monitor the status of your RV battery based on your lifestyle and preference.

For example, you can do voltage metering, which is the most basic way of monitoring a battery. Here, you need a voltmeter.

But if you would like a more accurate way of monitoring your battery, you can make use of modern battery monitors. The BMS can check the energy flow coming in and out of the shunt, telling you if the battery’s full, etc.

It can also display you the battery percentage reading, too. This monitoring system proves useful for RV owners because it keeps them informed.

Benefits Of Using A Battery Monitor

Remember that every wire touching the battery bank is wired through a shunt, and namely, they’re the engine alternator, inverter or solar applications, to name some. The best battery monitor for RV and the shunt will work together for displaying the info you need.

Such info is essential to keep you updated of what you need to know, one of the most significant benefits of having a battery monitor. By being aware of your battery’s status, you can avoid guessing and being uninformed of the battery status. Other benefits include the following.

Efficient monitoring of function

An amp hour meter lets us check on the charging equipment and find out if it’s working properly. With it, you can also become aware of the appliances or equipment consuming or wasting power. In this case, you will have the chance to turn it off. Reading this info is easy because an amp hour meter usually shows a battery calculation.

Notifications

Some kits can also be used in notifying you of any possible battery failure. Some can also record historic data that can be referred to in troubleshooting. The amp hour meter also lets you make total use of the batteries and prevents you from guessing whether there is enough power or not.

Measurement and forecast of battery voltage and capacity

Then, there is a multifunction battery meter that can also deliver a great performance on forecasting as well as measuring battery capacity and voltage. It is also versatile that you can use it in different devices, not just in monitoring data accurately when it’s installed in the RV.

The versatile ones can also be fitted and test instruments like a portable device, power bank, medical device, robot, electric motorcycle, self-balance car and golf cart, to name some.

Other features

In addition, there are models that do not only measure the battery’s status and power supply but also show the temperature.

In addition, a RV battery meter can have a switch on and off button or command. It is an added feature that makes it more convenient to use.

Clear LCD screen is another advantage of using a battery monitor. This screen can show or display the info we need at a glance. The best models are with clear and bright displays, allowing us to check information easily and quickly. The info is displayed brightly for easy reading even in a low lighting condition.

With a BMS, you can also have an idea as to when your battery will need a replacement. It is also useful in informing you if there is something wrong with any connection. With it, we can also extend the lives of our batteries, ensuring we don’t have to replace them from time to time.

More so, the battery monitor is easy to use once it is installed in our recreational vehicle or camper. Also, it can help us in determining the energy or power used and remaining and tell us how much power each equipment uses, percentage left, remaining time before full charge status and different battery readings. Some even have the capacity of starting the generator set when your RV battery falls before 50% of charge – not all models have this capacity.

How We Picked

Your battery monitoring system can measure the energy flowing in an out of the battery and do more depending on the make and model that you have chosen. It can offer you with plenty of benefits like those we have previously mentioned. However, you can only take full advantage of these things if you would be able to select an efficient and properly functioning BMS.

For this reason, it will pay off to do your homework. When shopping around for a RV battery voltage monitor or a multifunctional battery meter, you should be able to compare your options and study them well so that you can come up with a great decision. Here are some of the things to check when comparing your choices on the market now.

Price

Just like when shopping around for other appliances, systems, gears and devices, you can also narrow down your choices on the cost you’re willing to spend on this device. By determining how much you would want to spend on it, you can also save time and browse only those products that fit your budget.

Surface or flush mount

One of the things essential to check on is the type of mounting. Many are designed with buttons to program the monitor or ones to switch modes. Some manufacturers can offer you with surface mount; others, design and manufacture flush mount models.

Some monitors can also offer a way to program your battery monitoring system from the display. At the very least, you have to adjust the max battery capacity and system voltage.

Ease of use

Another thing to check when doing your homework includes convenience and ease of use. We don’t want a device that will take us forever to learn how to use it. To get started with the selection, you can refer to our reviews earlier.

Temperature sensors, cables and voltage

There are also some models that include accessories, such as fuses and cables in the package. They’re needed to connect the battery voltage inputs and the shunt to the display monitor. On the other hand, there are some models that can also take a temperature sensor input.

Battery shunt

It’s a device measuring the energy, which is flowing in/out your battery. The device works to report these things in real time.

The display unit will also show the battery voltage. And then, the monitor base unit is going to calculate the current that is flowing in and out over time. It adds or subtracts from the battery capacity remaining to find out the percentage available. The battery shunt’s installed close to the battery, and it is attached directly to the battery’s negative terminal.

When comparing your options, you might want to compare and find out if the package you’re buying includes a shunt or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the most popular battery monitor brands?

A: Searching for great battery monitors, you also have to consider the brand. On the market, there are tons of them to pick from and compare. For this reason, it might be quite overwhelming and confusing than helpful to go through all of them.

It is why we have researched online and reviewed the best products offered by reliable brands. For your reference, a few of them include Victron, Bayite, AiLi, MICTUNING, DROK, utipower and WATERWICH.

These companies have been around for quite a while, offering consumers with top of the line and durable BM systems. Choosing from any of them, you can be certain you’re dealing with a trusted brand, which has been a go-to choice by consumers worldwide for their reliability and commitment to the performance and quality of their products.

If you would like to get the best battery gauges on the market now, you can get started with the selection process from one of the featured brands.

Q: Do the monitors display battery percentage? How to turn it off ?

Our recreational vehicle is multifunctional. We can use it at home or while camping. With the battery monitoring system, you can be sure of optimal performance of your RV.

This device can keep track and inform you of the best performance of your camper battery. Using it, you can track that the batteries are in good condition and check if they need replacement, too. Using the BMS, you can check how much power is also wasted, and see what appliances are using up too much power.

All these things you can check because the battery monitor can also display the battery percentage. So if you would like to get these benefits and more, you can start comparing your options and choose from one of those we have featured earlier.

When it comes to turning it off, you can check that in the instruction manual of the BMS that you ended up buying. But for the most part, it is quite simple to do it.

Q: How to install an RV battery monitor?

A: One of the main questions we received before writing this guide is “how to install the RV battery monitor.” Again, there is no straightforward and definite answer to this question. You can try different brand types and names or choose one coming with a Bluetooth dongle. Here is a basic on how to install the device.

Prepare cable that must be 18 inches in length. This cable should run through the location of the display unit. The step needs some drilling and cutting in order for it to make through the RV.

Find the shunt, which must be close to the battery you ended up buying. Then, you can prepare the hole where the toggle switch will go through. You have to ensure that your voltmeter will fit securely in this hole.

To the plate, you can start attaching the switch and voltmeter. Then, you need to solder the wires to keep them in place.

When all these preparatory steps have been accomplished, install the switch and voltmeter. For quick and easy access and operation, you should keep it near the door.

The next thing to do is to start connecting your black wire to the device, and then the ground wire or white wire to the door light or porch.

You can then pop the switch plate before securing it using a wood screw. When done, you can now switch the device on and then check the amount of battery there is left in your RV.

That is it! The monitor is good to go. This time around, you don’t need to stress about draining your batteries for not having warnings to tell you they are.

Q: How to use?

A: You must be able to keep track of your battery charge to ensure the top and quality performance of your battery system. For one, it is expensive to spend on batteries from time to time. It is valuable, so we should not use it with a battery monitoring system.

The old methods of assessing the charge state don’t work with the high-end RV or marine battery systems. For this reason, we need a more sophisticated and accurate monitoring system, which is available now at a lower cost versus the battery cost. That said, it would be a wise decision to upgrade to a more efficient battery metering system.

But regarding its use, it varies from one unit to another. It is why you need to read and follow the instruction manual closely. Some models can be straightforward to use, while others can be a bit complicated. So for first time uses, you should be able to read and understand the manual for proper operation of the device.

Q: What is the warranty?

A: The warranty is not the same across all products. It varies from one manufacturer to another. Some may offer one-year warranty; others may include a longer warranty on their products.

On the other hand, other manufacturers might not offer any at all. For this reason, you should check and compare when trying to choose from a wide range of products on the market.

The warranty is important because it has to do with peace of mind and satisfaction. For example, if there is workmanship defect, you can call and ask them for help. It matters if’ you would like to rest assured that you can seek assistance or a replacement. For this reason, you must check your options well and look for the warranty stated.

Q: How to care?

A: Taking care of your camper battery monitor isn’t difficult at all. In fact, most of them do not require maintenance. Literally, though, you shouldn’t get it exposed to harsh elements like moisture, which might damage its electronics. You can care for your battery monitor by ensuring it stays dry and protected from wet surroundings.

Additionally, you might want to check out the instruction manual for any special care instructions to find. Nevertheless, caring for it is not hard, but you just have to keep it dry, protected from wetness, and used with proper handling.

Q: Where to buy?

A: In the past, buying what we needed for our recreational vehicle was a bit more challenging especially when considering where to find items, appliances, gears, accessories and other systems. But now, there are more suppliers where we can buy the things we need to equip our camper, boat, recreational vehicle, yacht, ATVs, cars and other automobiles with a battery charger, for instance.

For example, we can buy these items from RV supplies stores and electronics shops in our locality. However, the choices can be limited. It is quite understandable, though. These stores have limited spaces. They cannot display just as wide range as the products to find online like on Amazon.

It is so far the world’s most trusted marketplace where the merchants and manufacturers are display their items for sale. If you would like to get more of your spending, you might want to choose it. Amazon is also for you if you would like to get the best deals and prices. Choosing it, you can have peace of mind that you’re buying genuine products, too.

So if you would like to choose the right battery monitor for your vehicle, you might want to go to Amazon and pick from their wide selection range.

Conclusion

Finding a battery monitor can offer you with plenty of benefits. With it, you can maintain the health of your battery system because it monitors its status. Such device works to prevent its damage because it is also with protection features. Using it, you can ensure that you can extend battery life, too.

Saying this, you can also rest assured you don’t need to replace it from time to time. More so, such a device is also versatile, working as a multimeter that works as a voltage meter and amp meter, and so on, depending on the chosen model.

However, getting all these advantages and more depend on the right selection. For this reason, we do recommend that you study your options well.

Spend a little time to do your homework and compare the choices available on the market. Also, figure out what you need. Check on its features and functions, narrow your choices based on brand, budget and reviews, and finally decide on the best RV battery monitor today!

Arthur

Except when sleeping, Arthur cannot keep camping out his mind. He loves RVing that he spends most of his time in his recreational vehicle and on the road. Arthur knows that this might change once he got married to the love of his life, Amanda. But the two have no problem, as Amanda also loves camping. In fact, the both of them are excited to have kids that would also love RVing.