Electrical test equipment

[Dobber]

we are setting up the new trailer and i was wondering what types of test equipment do experienced AS'ers think is essential to have on board ?
thanks-in-advance.
Rob.

[cwf]

Howdy! A basic analog Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) with alligator clips for holding wires should suffice.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I would only have a "Kill-A-Watt" for checking incoming voltage and cycles. Also a "Polarity Tester" to make sure the source of power is correctly wired. Nothing else on a trailer this new.

[Bruce B]

I would suggest what is refered to as a DVOM in many circles, or a Digital-Ohm-Volt-Meter.

I use a fairly sophosticated Fluke model but you can get meters from many companies.


A/C voltage, DC voltage, low impedience resistance and a good amp meter will get 99% done.


Bruce

[markdoane]

A Fluke Model 87-V True RMS multimeter, or similar, and a plug in polarity tester is all you need.

[Jim Clark]

I have a DVOM and a couple polarity testers. I keep one of the polarity testers puged in all the time so I can just glance at it for a check now and then. I took a silver marker and colored it to match the trailer.

[HiHoAgRV]

We couldn't do without one of these...

TriMetric Battery System | Bogart Engineering

We do a fair amount of camping with no hook-ups and this is THE trick to managing battery usage

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

We couldn't do without one of these...

TriMetric Battery System | Bogart Engineering

We do a fair amount of camping with no hook-ups and this is THE trick to managing battery usage

+1 !
Bruce

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Bruce B

+1 !
Bruce

+2....and I do carry a kill-a-watt, polarity tester and a DVOM as well.

[wayneskid]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

We couldn't do without one of these...

TriMetric Battery System | Bogart Engineering

We do a fair amount of camping with no hook-ups and this is THE trick to managing battery usage

+2
Wayne

[wayneskid]

Originally Posted by Bruce B

I would suggest what is refered to as a DVOM in many circles, or a Digital-Ohm-Volt-Meter.

I use a fairly sophosticated Fluke model but you can get meters from many companies.


A/C voltage, DC voltage, low impedience resistance and a good amp meter will get 99% done.


Bruce

Fluke equipment is top notch, but not inexpensive. They call their digital meters DMMs (Digital MultiMeter). I have a Fluke 115 and like it a lot. I also have a Fluke 336 DC Clamp Meter. This meter also has DMM functions so you would be well equipped with this meter alone. No real need for a separate DMM\; I just like having the separate meters

[barts]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

We couldn't do without one of these...

TriMetric Battery System | Bogart Engineering

We do a fair amount of camping with no hook-ups and this is THE trick to managing battery usage

+4

This unit is of course permanently connected; photo attachedof our install.

In addition I carry a DVM, and a combo AC meter/polarity tester. I don't take the Kill-A-Watt, since I know what the draw is on my (minimal) AC gear.

[voremus]

Nearly everyone carries a DVM and a Fluke isn't really necessary although it is the best out there IMO. A couple things not mentioned that I find very useful are a 12vt. automotive type test light. It looks like a ball point pen or small screwdriver handle with about 18" of wire with an alligator clip on the end. There is a light inside that illuminates with voltage. This is much quicker and easier than using a DVM for simple tests. Also, a couple of wires with alligator clips on both ends (called jumpers) are always handy.

[mefly2]

Vote for the VOM and/or test light ...

[Jammer]

Hi Rob.

The only test equipment I carry on the road is a 12v test light and a cheap voltage indicator that plugs into a 120v outlet. I guess I have one of those 3-light 120v outlet testers in the shore power locker but I don't think I've ever used it.

The running, stop, tail, and turn lights, and the electric brakes, are the most important items and are the most likely to fail. A test light is the best way to troubleshoot those sorts of problems.

I've had my eye on this tester which I think would be ideal for RV work, covering both AC and DC systems:

GTC CM100 1 mA to 100 Amps AC/DC Low Current Clamp Meter : Amazon.com : Automotive

[Dobber]

that's a pretty complete list I would say.
thanks everyone for your input.
I've gotta start shopping around.

[Dobber]

<<
TriMetric Battery System | Bogart Engineering

We do a fair amount of camping with no hook-ups and this is THE trick to managing battery usage.
>>


is this a DIY install ?
seems like a real necessity. doesn't seem like it would be too
complex to set up.
thx.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Agree with above posts, 12v test light, VO/AC-DC meter etc...

In addition this little guy has been an invaluable inexpensive investment.

Bob

[wayneskid]

Originally Posted by Dobber

is this a DIY install ?
seems like a real necessity. doesn't seem like it would be too
complex to set up.
thx.

I'm a real believer in the TriMetric. Whether it is DIY depends on:

• Your skills and comfort level with working on electrical equipment
• Access to a few basic tools and some test equipment
• The location and configuration of your battery bank
• Where you plan to install the TriMetric

Some important things I learned while installing mine:

• The connection to the negative side of your battery bank must include absolutely ALL of the current sources. On my rig, there are several negative cables bonded to the outside of the battery box. This required some modifications to my original plan. I mounted the shunt on the outside of the battery box and installed a pass through stud so the connection could be made directly from the negative battery cable.
• For my rig, I opted for the 100 A shunt vs the 500 A one. Your rig may not allow for the 100A shunt.
• Bogart support is great. Each time I called I was able to talk directly to the designer, Ralph Hiesey.
• It is very useful to go to the website and download both the installation instructions and the user guide. Read these carefully and plan your installation.
• The install isn't as simple as I first imagined and the setup is a little quirky, depending on how deep you want to go into the capabilities of the TriMetric.
• The routing of the signal cable from your battery bank to the TriMetric panel can involve some "interesting" cable snaking challenges, depending you your rig and where you install the panel.

PM me if you have specific questions and I'll try to help.

Good luck,
Wayne

[idroba]

I have had a Fluke VOM for years and years, and it has been a good investment, but then I am kind of an electrical gear head.

I know it may be funny to say this, but if you are not a nut on electrical things, just go to Harbor Freight and get one of their under $10 digital VOM's. That way you have a minimal investment, and you can get readings to report here on the forums for additional help. I have found the HF VOM's are certainly accurate enough for most uses. They are not rugged but if kept reasonably carefully will do very well for the average user.

If you like nice tools though, buy a Fluke. I also like the Kill A Watt meter, but it is icing on the cake, not essential.