The Best RV Battery Monitors for Following Your Battery Life

Locating the perfect RV power & electrical supplies isn’t always an easy thing. Companies have been pumping out these products in mass numbers, which makes finding the right products like an RV battery monitor tiresome.

In fact, searching for the best RV battery monitor has made many rig owners rather frustrated. I intend to help out by guiding you through the entire process. I’ll walk you through various crucial topics, including determining factors, how to use/install RV battery monitors, and their benefits.

This information will make finding the right battery monitor simple. You’ll have all the necessary resources to make a smart decision about what’s the perfect one. There’s no reason this buying process needs to end with anything other than a smile on your face.

14 Best Battery Monitor for RV Reviews

I’ll even include 14 reviews of battery monitors known for providing excellent results, each of which will ensure you know what to look for during your search. These following reviews should offer a better idea of what’s available.

1. Bayite DC 6.5-100V 0-100A Battery Monitor

Bayite’s DC 6.5-100V 0-100A Battery Monitor happens to be a trendy pick among camper and RV owners. Its popularity comes from its simple design and basic features. Sometimes, choosing a simplistic product is the right way to go with these devices.

This model’s LCD display was a feature that caught my eye. It can show several vital info pieces needed for keeping your rig’s batteries in good condition, such as current, voltage, power and energy.

You also have to like this product’s overall versatility. It’s considered a 4-in-1 device, which means it can function as a power energy meter, ammeter, multimeter and voltmeter. As a result, this RV monitoring system will ensure you won’t have to buy these meters separately.

This outcome might not seem like a big deal now, but it sure saves a rig owner a lot of hassle. Its storing energy data feature is another aspect capable of making things easier. As you see, this feature will make sure the device stores the data even when powered off.

I was intrigued by this product’s heavy-duty design, as well. This construction will ensure the device can deal with the RVing lifestyle of bumps and rough terrain. Its high-quality materials should make sure you aren’t buying a replacement anytime soon.

The product’s easy using process is another key highlight. Multiple first-time users found it simple to operate based on their reviews. Its included instruction manual is a source of praise among these buyers as well.

2. DROK 0-100V Digital Battery Monitor

If you’re looking for a practical option, DROK’s 0-100V Digital Battery Monitor needs to be on your shortlist. It earned this status by working with several instruments and battery types with a max power rating of 10-100V.

Most buyers find it works best with lead-acid batteries, but it has shown effective results with Ni MH, phosphate-based, lithium-ion, and lithium batteries. It shouldn’t be too much of a problem forecasting and measuring the capacity or voltage of these battery types.

As for the agreeable instruments, this battery monitor is capable of functioning with portable devices, robots, electric motorcycles, golf carts, and similar appliances. It ends up offering practicality that many other models can’t seem to match.

You’ll also benefit from its impressive protective shell, which has waterproof and dustproof qualities. These aspects will ensure the device can withstand any dangerous situation and remain usable for many years.

The protective shell isn’t too bulky or heavy, either. Therefore, it makes the install process a lot less of a hassle due to its maneuverability. It’s an aspect that further ensures this model will be user-friendly rather than a product you end up cursing at.

I was impressed by this product’s several other convenient features. For instance, the on/off switch is a favorite among buyers because it isn’t available on older models. It means you don’t have to cut the wire connection when turning it off.

Another one of these convenient features would be its ability to measure battery temperature in Celsius. This aspect will ensure you always have a handle on whether there’s an overheating issue. It’s a small little addition that could make a huge difference in the long run.

3. INNOVA 3721 Battery Monitor System

Buyers looking for an easy-to-use model should look into the INNOVA 3721 Battery Monitor System. This option doesn’t require much setup and can plug right into your rig’s 12v outlet to track the battery’s status.

You’ll receive data about the battery’s charge status and voltage on its LCD display. This info will be easy to read with the helpful bar and color-coded LED lights. It makes for a convenient and useful option to have during an RV trip.

I was also quite pleased with the product’s pivoting ability. This feature ensures you can find the right angle to view each piece of data. You’ll never find yourself squinting trying to read this display with these pivoting abilities.

The product’s low price is another huge selling point. It becomes an economical way to ensure your batteries’ lifespan extends as long as possible. Due to this, this monitor ends up saving you money in the short-term and long-term by making battery replacements less frequent.

Most buyers are more than happy with the product’s using process as well. It can’t get much easier than this monitor system when it comes to this aspect. Honestly, I don’t see how anyone would mess this up, given its high level of simplicity.

The included manual being easy-to-read doesn’t hurt its case, either. You’d be shocked by how unreadable most of the RV battery monitor system manuals are. Thankfully, INNOVA took their time and put effort into making their directions simple.

I was a fan of the product’s compact design, too, which made it much easier to maneuver. Some models tend to be a little bulkier than a buyer would expect. But this option has a slim design, which makes using the product trouble-free.

4. Renogy 500A Battery Monitor

Renogy’s ‎500A Battery Monitor made our list by being one of the more accurate battery capacity monitor systems available. After all, its shunt-type design offers an accuracy margin of 1% to ensure impressive and reliable performance. I haven’t had a single issue with its results since installing this device inside my rig.

I can only imagine most RVers will feel the same when using this model. Its exceptional versatility will ensure many rig owners can benefit from its usage. Renogy actually built this device to be compatible with almost every battery type, ranging from lead acid to lithium-ion.

In other words, it won’t have difficulty working as a deep cycle battery monitor and a lithium battery monitoring system. This flexibility makes the product a rather hard one to beat when comparing its practicality with other models.

Buyers will also find the product’s large LCD display screen to be a delightful addition. I found it effortless to read with my terrible eyesight. So I’m sure anyone else won’t have trouble seeing all the provided info about a battery’s voltage, current, capacity, and power consumption.

Meanwhile, I wouldn’t suggest overlooking the device’s overall design. It’s a bit more compact than I expected when first installing it. Due to this, the monitor became much easier to use and more convenient than most other available models.

The safety precautions were another obvious highlight for me. There’s an embedded alarm to alert users whenever their battery gets over-discharged. Therefore, it does an excellent job ensuring power units remain in good condition for a long time.

But I did find the included manual to be a little lacking. So anyone who isn’t familiar with wiring a shunt-type battery monitor may have trouble installing this option. Thankfully, my prior experience with these devices made the process a breeze.

5. TN TONNY 12V Battery Tester

Finding a better bargain than our next option, TN TONNY’s 12V Battery Tester, would be difficult. It earns this distinction by combining a low price tag with a solid list of appealing features. As a result, it needs to be at the top of any bargain buyers’ consideration list.

An excellent example of its solid features is its compact size. This design makes it practical and convenient to place inside a rig. I couldn’t believe how little space it took up when setting it up within my camper cabin.

I was also thrilled with the convenience of this RV power monitoring system for batteries. For instance, its swivel head makes reading the display much easier. It’s just a simple matter of adjusting the device until it fits a user’s preferences.

The display is quite simplified to encourage easy usage, as well. For example, it shows a battery’s measured voltage on a straightforward bar graph. I can’t imagine anyone having much trouble deciphering the displayed information.

Of course, none of this convenience or affordability matters without solid results. But I’m happy to report that this model exceeded my expectations. It offered precise readings of my battery’s health without any hassles. Honestly, I was pretty impressed, considering my prior experiences with similar-priced models.

Buyers shouldn’t be too distraught to see it comes with a 1-year warranty, either. It’ll offer them some protection against any issues. More importantly, it seems the manufacturer honors this policy without being overly difficult to contact.

I do have one complaint with this RV battery monitor, though. Plugging it into my dashboard’s cigarette lighter required more finesse than expected. Users must be careful about pushing too hard, or the model could get damaged.

6. Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor

One of the most advanced models available would have to be Victron’s BMV-712 Battery Monitor. This RV battery meter comes with built-in Bluetooth communication, which has become a massive hit with customers.

It’s a popular feature because it allows a user to monitor their rig’s batteries using smartphones, laptops, tablets, or other devices. Due to this, the use of this battery monitor becomes much more user-friendly.

The product’s user-friendliness only increases with its other features, such as its easy programming process. It features an easy-to-use install menu to ensure the task goes off without a hitch. I couldn’t tell you how much more manageable this aspect made my life when using the device.

Every buyer should adore this product’s large digital display as well. This display will keep rig owners up-to-date on various data, such as current, voltage, amp-hours consumed, charge, and several other useful measurements.

This 12-volt battery meter even comes with an additional input, which can be used to keep track of a second battery’s voltage, temperature, or midpoint voltage. It’s a fully equipped monitor ready to ensure your rig’s batteries are always in top shape.

Customers are also more than pleased with this Victron battery monitor’s install process. It seems everything is straightforward and doesn’t require any tricky steps or tasks. My experience with the device only confirmed these beliefs as I had no issues getting it set up.

This install is helped by the inclusion of multiple additional features like a securing ring, screws, and every other needed accessory. Victron Energy made it a point to ensure their buyers would be capable of doing the install by themselves without any professional help.

7. AiLi RV Battery Monitor

This AiLi Battery Monitor is among the most versatile options on our entire list. It gains this status through its ability to work with various battery types, such as lithium, lead-acid, lithium iron phosphate, and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Users will also get a little more versatility when it comes to the situations where it’ll work outside your rig. For instance, this RV power monitor can function with either mobile or portable equipment like cleaning machines, balance cars, e-bikes, and much more.

In these situations, this monitor will ensure a user can use their battery more effectively. It’ll end up making sure these batteries function much longer and reduce the risk of potential issues. You’ll be able to evaluate a battery’s charge state, remaining battery capacity, voltage, and current with a single glance.

Customers are thrilled with the product’s display as well. It ensures the info provided by this device is readable from a distance. This benefit comes from its green backlight, which makes reading the data much more manageable.

The product’s memory function will offer more convenience than accustomed to from these devices. It is designed to store the latest testing data when its system shuts down. This aspect ensures no data becomes lost when a power failure occurs.

You’ll also find the install process hassle-free. AiLi put a lot of thought into this product’s design to ensure an easy setup, which is always a nice touch. Many buyers found the company’s hard work paid off and noted how easy the installation was in their reviews.

The device’s overall design is another plus, as it is made with RVing in mind. There shouldn’t be any problem dealing with all the rough conditions, which come with traveling. You should expect this device to remain usable for more than a few years.

8. DROK DC 0-300V Battery Monitor

DROK’s DC 0-300V Battery Monitor comes with many features capable of making your life more comfortable on the road. An excellent example would be its ability to provide reliable measurements, which have a sizable impact on your batteries’ effectiveness.

These measurements include percentage/AH of remaining capacity, DC voltage, DC positive/negative power, DC positive/negative bidirectional current, and a few others. Each of them will have an irreplaceable impact on extending your batteries’ longevity.

I was also intrigued by this product’s easy mounting process. You shouldn’t have trouble wiring this product up inside your rig, as the entire setup doesn’t require much thought. It’s a simple exercise of following the well-laid-out directions located in the manual.

The device’s alarming function is another appealing trait. It’ll sound an alarm and flash whenever the real voltage is lower or higher than the preset alarming voltage. Moreover, this feature activates when the device’s remaining battery capacity is low.

You should also love this device’s vast amount of versatility. It can work with various battery types, lead-acid, lithium iron phosphate, lithium polymer, and several other batteries. In these situations, there shouldn’t be any issues tracking and keeping up-to-date with your battery’s performance.

Its versatility extends to the number of roles it can serve as well. This device can be used as an effective digital voltmeter, power meter, DC amp meter, and a battery capacity monitor. It has no trouble proving the necessary measurements in any of these roles.

The device’s LCD display stands out from its rivals, too. It’s fitted with a backlight, which can be turned on or off based on your needs. As for its readability, it excels in this area, with it being bright and readable in any situation. People don’t even have trouble reading it under direct sunlight.

9. MICTUNING DC 6.5-100V 0-100A RV MultiMeter

Anyone looking to buy the top-rated battery monitor for RV would need to consider MICTUNING’s DC 6.5-100V 0-100A RV MultiMeter. This model offers everything a person could want in one of these devices.

An excellent example is the reliable results it provides in measuring power, current, voltage, and energy. It can offer these findings for almost all electrical devices, featuring a max power rating of 100A. Hence, its status is a 4-in-1 multimeter.

Customers will love this product’s voltage alarm. This feature can be set and makes sure the display’s backlight and voltage value flash when the testing voltage goes over the preset limit. It’s an effective way to ensure the device is always used properly and doesn’t fail.

The device’s low power usage is another aspect worth stating. It’s a central feature because it’ll make sure the device doesn’t use or consume too much power. This power can be used for more essential tools on your rig.

You should love this product coming with an included 100A/75mV current shunt. Most brands will make you buy shunts separately, but MICTUNING did us a solid. It’s a nice touch and removes one hassle from this process.

MICTUNING’s client service is given a lot of praise among other buyers. It seems their employees take pride in helping buyers figure out how to set up these products. Honestly, this type of approval isn’t something you often come across when doing product research, but it turns out to be a useful feature in many cases

Aside from these features, it has several we’ve discussed at length in prior reviews. These features include a large LCD display, automatic data storage, a low price, and compact design. Each of these aspects only confirms this model as a high-quality option.

10. MNJ MOTOR DC Multifunction Battery Monitor Meter

The MNJ MOTOR DC Multifunction Battery Monitor Meter is a comprehensive option, with its nine measurement functions: voltage, power, impedance, current, capacity, SOC, energy consumption, inter resistance, and running time.

Each of these functions will work together to provide unmatched results. In fact, you aren’t going to find another model that can compete with this amount of data. It’s everything a rig owner might need to stay on top of their battery’s overall status.

But don’t think the benefits stop with these nine functions. This model also comes with an easy install process that doesn’t require any screws. It features a push-on terminal design instead, which makes it a much easier task for everyone involved.

Customers will be happy to know this model comes with everything needed for this easy install: battery meter, shunt, wires, and instruction manual. These additions are a nice touch and ensure you don’t need to do any more shopping.

After the install is complete, you can then count on it to offer accurate measurements. This accuracy comes from its high precision chip control that maintains useful and stable function. It even has an impressive margin rate of only 1%.

This effectiveness can work in many situations. Buyers have reported it being a useful device in cars, trucks, RVs, industrial assembly lines, and solar systems. I always feel a bit more comfortable with products that shown reliability in multiple scenarios rather than one.

I was thrilled with this product’s LCD HD display, too, which offers 360-degree viewing. It comes with a backlight to ensure clear visibility in every situation. You’ll never have to struggle when needing those always critical measurement readings.

11. Ancel BM300 Bluetooth Battery Monitor

Ancel’s BM300 Bluetooth Battery Monitor is another solid choice for anyone wanting a 12V BMS device. This particular one will accurately measure charging status, voltage, cranking, and trip recording.

Users can track these measurements using an app on their handheld devices, including smartphones and tablets. This fantastic benefit is made possible through the device’s usage of Bluetooth communication and real-time notifications.

It will also provide these measurements without using much power from your rig’s battery. As a result, more energy will be available for other devices and appliances on your RV. Its presence will make things much more relaxed when going on new adventures.

The product’s compact and lightweight design will make sure not to take up much room inside your rig. As every rig owner knows, space is limited onboard RVs and even the tiniest device can make a huge difference in storage space.

Customers should love this product’s reverse-polarity protection and usage of fireproof materials. These two aspects will ensure nothing bad happens when using the device. You can sleep safe and sound, knowing that this product won’t malfunction and cause issues.

I should mention that the product’s compatible with all 12V battery types, including GEL, AGM flat plate, AGM, and regular flooded batteries. This aspect means it shouldn’t have issues working in several vehicles ranging from boats to RVs.

The product’s price isn’t a sore spot, either. It should fall right in line with what any realistic budget outlines is acceptable. You’ll have a hard time finding other options capable of equaling these fantastic features and its affordable price.

12. Proshopping Battery Capacity Voltage Monitor

Rig owners looking for a simple, effective option should take a gander at Proshopping’s Battery Capacity Voltage Monitor. This model features a basic design and the lowest price tag on our entire list.

But it would be best if you didn’t rule this model out based on its basic design. It still has many features worth getting excited about, such as its alarm function. This feature will cause the product’s screened display to flash and alert the user whenever their battery capacity’s lower than 20%.

I was also impressed with the product’s wide voltage input range, DC 12V-84V. This aspect makes a possible fit for a long list of battery types: lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery, storage battery, water battery, lithium battery, and several others.

As you can imagine, this level of compatibility makes it a suitable option for many different applications. You can use this product as an RV, club car, motorcycle, truck, or marine battery monitor. It’s an efficient and useful device to have around your rig.

The product’s 3-in-1 design can provide these applications measurements of battery capacity and real-time voltage. Each of these findings will be located on an LCD digital display, equipped with a PVC waterproof screen for durability purposes.

Buyers will find themselves loving this device’s plug and play construction, as well. This design ensures the product won’t cause any install issues. In fact, many buyers were shocked by how easy this model was to set up compared with other choices.

Another exciting aspect is this model being available in three color schemes. It gives them a bit of style, which you can choose based on your preferences. Honestly, does it ever hurt to provide buyers a few choices regarding color?

13. BUNKER INDUST 12V Battery Monitor

If you want a 12-volt battery monitor for RV, the BUNKER INDUST 12V Battery Monitor would be a solid choice. This model comes with several features, which are capable of making a rig owner’s life much easier.

An excellent example would be its ability to monitor four 12v batteries at once. This benefit is made possible by its free app, which is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Therefore, users can follow their batteries’ performance on tablets, smartphones, laptops, or similar appliances.

The data coming into these devices will be quite extensive as well. Your new battery monitor will collect information about your battery’s charge, voltage, cranking power, and other vital details. It should make it much simpler to keep the rig’s batteries in stellar shape.

I was also quite impressed with this product’s ultra-low power consumption. This will ensure its usage won’t drain your available power, which is always good. It’ll allow additional energy for more essential devices and appliances onboard your rig.

You shouldn’t sleep on this product’s ability to store data for 35 days, either. This aspect ensures data will remain intact regardless of whether the device’s in sync or not. It’s another way this product continues to showcase its high levels of convenience.

Its ability to alert your phone when an abnormal condition or error occurs is another appealing trait. As a result, you’ll never be caught off guard again by something going wrong with your RV’s batteries.

This RV battery voltage monitor’s price also won’t make anyone run anyway. It’s an affordable way to ensure you can keep track of any issues occurring with rig’s batteries. What more could a motorhome owner want in one of these products?

14. TURN RAISE RV LED Voltmeter

If you’re only looking for a rig battery voltage monitor, TURN RAISE’s RV LED Voltmeter would be a suitable choice. This model will accurately keep track of your battery’s voltage and measurements will be located on its digital display.

You can expect this voltmeter to ensure your rig’s safety by keeping you apprised of what’s going with the battery’s voltage. But it isn’t the only useful aspect provided by this capable device. Buyers can also benefit from its being suitable to work with any 12v or 24v systems.

These systems will include cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, boats, and ATVs. Installing the device into these systems won’t be much trouble, either. This model is known for having an easy-to-follow install process, which beginners won’t even have problems doing.

The product’s panel comes pre-wired to make sure this process is more straightforward. I don’t envision how anyone could have too much difficulty figuring it out, considering these features. Plus, I didn’t even mention that it comes with four stainless steel screws.

Rig owners should find the product’s short circuit protection appealing as well. This feature will make sure no short-circuiting issues occur when using the device. It’s an effective way to extend the lifespan of this product to longer than a buyer might expect.

This voltmeter comes with a dual USB charging port to further show its overall convenience. Both these ports could be used for charging devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and similar handheld devices.

As for its overall design, buyers don’t have to worry about any durability issues. This model is made with waterproof materials to ensure long-lasting results. You can even feel good about the entire device being made to be environmentally friendly.

RV Battery Monitor Buyer’s Guide

An RV battery monitoring system is capable of measuring the energy flowing in and out of your rig’s battery. These products can do more, depending on your chosen model. It may offer several valuable benefits that we’ll discuss later on in this article.

But a rig owner can only take advantage of these benefits with a functional and useful BMS. It becomes essential to know how to separate high-quality options from subpar ones. I’ll make sure you can by reviewing a few crucial factors, which will have an impact on your final choice.

These talks will clarify what a buyer should expect and look for in the best RV battery monitor system. Let’s dive into our first factor and make sure this process ends with a responsible decision.

Price

As with any appliance, the prices of these devices will differ from option to option. I’d suggest making a budget based on your specific needs as a customer. This action will narrow down your choices to a more manageable number.

It’ll make the entire buying process much more straightforward. After all, each buyer will only be choosing from options capable of meeting their specific needs. You won’t have to go through a bunch of choices which aren’t a fit for your situation.

Mounting

One of the most important decisions a buyer has to make is what type of mounting their BMS will feature. In many cases, these devices will have buttons that can program the monitor or switch modes. Some brands will offer surface mounting, and others will provide flush mounting.

You’ll also come across monitors capable of programming the BMS from its display screen. It’ll end up depending on what you figure will fit into your likings. I should also note that even the low-tier models will allow you to adjust both system voltage and max battery capacity.

Convenience

You’re going to want a battery monitoring system with an easy using process. If you don’t get a convenient model, I’m willing to bet you’ll be cursing it out shortly. It’s a much better idea to research how to use the device beforehand.

This action will ensure you don’t end up with a device incapable of being used effectively. Reading other buyers’ reviews of the product could help in this area. After all, a model with a difficult using process will have many complaints in these reviews.

A smart and capable shopper would use these bad experiences to their benefit. It’s one of the only ways to make sure your chosen option is capable of meeting your needs. Plus, it’ll save you from having to write a negative review yourself.

Included Accessories

Some RV battery monitoring systems will come with certain accessories, including things like cables and fuses. These pieces are needed for connecting the shunt and battery voltage inputs to the product’s display monitor.

You might come across models that can also take a temperature sensor input. It’s essential to keep apprised of these accessories to ensure you get a model that fits what you want in an RV BMS. Otherwise, you might be repeating this process rather shortly.

Battery Shunt

As I mentioned earlier, a battery monitor system is a device that’ll measure the energy coming from and into your battery. It’ll report its findings in real-time to ensure the best results for the person who’s using it.

You should also know that the display will show the battery’s voltage. Moreover, the monitor’s base unit will calculate the current, flowing out and in overtime. It’ll subtract or add from your battery’s capacity to showcase what percentage is left over.

A crucial part of making this whole process happen is the product’s battery shunt. The shunt will be connected directly to the negative terminal and installed near your battery. I would suggest finding out where your chosen option comes with a shunt before making a purchase.

If you don’t buy a battery monitor system with a shunt, finding one could be rather annoying. This situation is why I always advise getting a package with one. It’s a simple way to avoid any unneeded stress later on during the process.

RV Battery Monitor FAQs

Our buying guide didn’t quite cover everything about RV battery monitoring systems. But this section will make up for it by discussing all those leftover topics. These answers should provide you a much better grasp of what you’re looking for during this process.

Who is this for?

Before you can understand who this device is for, it’s vital to know how it works. An RV battery monitoring system will tell a rig owner about the energy amp-hours being drawn from your battery to the current.

You can expect BMS’s to work with various voltages; some can even handle 60V. These devices will gauge and measure the status of numerous battery types as well. A few examples of these types would gel cell, NiCad, SLA, and lead-acid.

In the simplest terms, battery monitors will work by gauging your RV battery status. It allows an RV owner to check whether their batteries are draining. Using them is also a useful way to extend your batteries’ lifespan because many of these monitors have protection features.

This brings us back to our original question, who would need one of these devices? Well, BMS devices are essential for rig owners for a simple reason: you can’t always rely on a generator or shore power when traveling.

Due to this, rig owners will need to keep their RV batteries in good condition. These systems offer an effective way to monitor them and ensure they’re running efficiently. They’ll inform you of pivotal info like how much battery life is remaining and how much energy is being used.

You can then use this data to adjust the usage or start your generator before running out of power. In the end, these battery monitors are needed for anyone who wants to keep their batteries in stellar shape.

Advantages of using an RV battery monitor

I’m willing to guess you’ve figured out a few benefits that come from using these devices. But this section will go over these advantages in more detail. Therefore, it’ll provide a better idea of why someone would spend money on a BMS.

Effective Monitoring Ability

Let’s start with the most apparent benefit – their ability to monitor your battery’s status. These devices come equipped with an amp-hour meter, which allows us to check on the charging equipment. It’ll ensure everything is working correctly.

This amp-hour meter will also inform a rig owner about equipment or appliances wasting/consuming power. It’ll offer the chance to turn these devices off and save the remaining energy from draining.

If you’re concerned about reading this info, these monitors make it quite effortless. These amp-hour meters usually show a battery calculation for user-friendly purposes.

Notifications

Some high-quality trimetric battery monitors can notify you when any potential battery failure occurs. Other options will also record historical data, which can help during the troubleshooting process. I should mention that the amp-hour meter allows total use of the batteries as well. This meter’s ability to prevent you from any guesswork about power levels doesn’t hurt either.

Measures Both Battery Voltage and Capacity

These devices come with a battery meter, which can offer excellent results when measuring battery voltage and capacity. It’ll make sure you never have to use an RV battery voltage chart. You should love the product’s versatility, too, considering it can be used in several devices outside the RV.

The versatile options can also be tested and fit things like portable devices, medical devices, electric motorcycles, golf cars, and much more. BMS devices are clearly a useful and worthwhile product to have around your rig.

Additional Features

Every option will offer certain additional features to provoke a buyer’s interest. For instance, some high-quality models won’t only show your battery’s power supply and status but also temperature.

You might also find models with a switch off/on command or button. This feature makes using the device much more natural and convenient for users. LCD display screens or display could help make things easier as well.

The screen can show needed critical info at a single glance. In fact, the most suitable options will have bright and clear displays, which allows users to check info without difficulty. These pieces of info will be displayed brightly and make them easy to read in even a low light situation.

Top BMS devices ensure you know when your battery will need replacing as well. These products will alert a user to an issue with any connections. It’s little features and abilities like these that allow BMS devices to lengthen your batteries’ lifespans.

Easy to Install

Most battery monitors will feature natural install processes. As you might imagine, this aspect will make your life much easier when setting one up. It’s not worth spending money on a model with a complex set up, which is why you should research them beforehand.

This action should include reading those critical buyer reviews. These reviews will provide a unique insight into the install process. It would help if you also read the product description as some brands put the directions inside them.

In any case, I don’t imagine anyone who buys a top model will have issues installing it. These top brands pride themselves on making their BMS devices as user-friendly as possible. As a result, I’d suggest sticking to the brands we’ve discussed in our product review section.

How do you hook up an RV battery monitor?

Hooking up an RV battery monitor system shouldn’t be difficult. Most manufacturers make the process relatively straightforward, even with more advanced RV battery monitor Bluetooth types or solar battery monitor models.

Some options are even simple enough for newbies to get the job done. In fact, voltage-based types like TN TONNY’s ‎12V Battery Tester only require being plugged into a cigarette outlet. You couldn’t ask for a much easier installation process.

However, most shunt-based models are often a bit more complicated. It’s nothing too outrageous, but it starts by finding an install location near your rig’s battery. The product’s manual should provide some guidance about proper placement.

So if possible, stick to what the manufacturer recommends. You then connect the device’s shunt to the battery and install it within your selected location. Afterwards, connect the extension wire, the jumper cable, and the chassis to the shunt.

Then, follow the directions about adjusting the display screen’s settings to meet your battery’s requirements.

How accurate are battery monitors?

Most camper battery monitor systems will be quite accurate with their readings. But the accuracy can vary based on your chosen model. For instance, MNJ MOTOR’s DC Multifunction Battery Monitor Meter guarantees an accuracy margin rate of 1%.

Any device with a proven accuracy margin rate of 1% is a truly impressive option. It’s the figure that I recommend starting with when choosing any RV battery management system. Otherwise, the monitor might not offer the results a rig owner wants.

Do you need a shunt for battery monitor?

Shunts aren’t necessary for less advanced voltage-based monitors. However, these choices often provide inaccurate readings that won’t be useful. Sadly, many people get suckered into buying them because of their affordable prices.

So I’d recommend paying extra for the shunt-type models. These options ensure we always get accurate readings of our battery’s voltage and draw. For instance, Renogy’s ‎RBM500-G1 500A Battery Monitor would be a great choice.

How to install an RV battery monitor?

The task of installing an RV battery monitor doesn’t take a rocket scientist. It’s rather easy to anyone who follows the included directions. However, talking about the process in general terms is a bit tricky because these instructions will change from product to product. But if you’re looking for a basic outline of how this process goes, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare 18-inch cable: The cable must run through the display unit’s location. It’s a step that requires a bit of cutting and drilling to ensure the cable makes it through your rig.
2. Locate the shunt: This piece will need to be located near your battery. You can then prepare the hole, where the device’s toggle switch will go through. Please ensure your voltmeter is capable of fitting in the hole securely.
3. Attach the switch and voltmeter to the plate: You’ll need to solder the wires to keep these pieces in place.
4. Install voltmeter and switch: After doing all these preparatory tasks, it’s time to install the voltmeter and switch. I’d suggest keeping them near the door for easy use and access.
5. Connect your black wire to BMS device: This action should be done carefully and followed by attaching the white or ground wire to the porch/door light.
6. Pop the switch plate before securing it with a wood screw: You’ll now be able to switch the device on and examine the battery power left in your rig.

How to use an RV battery monitor?

Rig owners need an effective and functional monitoring system onboard their RVs. Using these systems have become easier and easier as technology has become more advanced. But please make sure to read the direction manual carefully because the using process will vary.

In most cases, the process will be simple, with the buttons located on its display. These buttons will control specific commands the device can follow. But some brands like to complicate this process more than necessary.

This situation is why buyers should read their manuals carefully. It’ll ensure no surprises happen during usage, which could cause problems. It’s an especially vital step for people who’ve never used battery monitoring devices before.

Any care and maintenance tips?

Keeping up maintenance and care is one of the worst things about owning devices like a battery monitoring system. However, these products don’t require much maintenance at all. It mainly consists of ensuring the model doesn’t get exposed to harsh elements, such as moisture.

As a result, keeping your BMS device in good shape consists of ensuring it remains dry and protected from wet environments. It would be wise to take a gander at your direction manual, too, where there might be a few directions regarding routine care.

Conclusion

Finding the best RV battery monitor should now be a piece of cake. It’s a simple task of using what you’ve learned and applying to the search. The right choice will then become rather evident to those who understand what they’re looking for in these devices.

However, I realize sometimes these things don’t go as we expected. A new question or concern might arise during the search, which throws everything out of whack. These situations are why we have a comment section below. Feel free to leave a post, and I’ll make sure to answer it as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!

Dane Heldt

Hi, I am Dane Heldt, a full-time RVer since 2016. I am always passionate about building and joining an RV community where people share their love for RV lives. This blog is a dream of mine, as I can finally share my experiences to help people who want to start living differently. So, feel free to reach out to me!