brulaz - that's the thread I was looking for. Thank you.
Almot & MrWizard - that's the info I was looking for as well. Thanks!
We have no large loads such as MW, toaster, etc. In fact, we don't have any 120VAC loads at all and we don't bring an inverter to run any (unless the genny is running). The largest 12VDC load would be the power awning going in or out and the next is the water pump. Everything else is low and slow.
I assume one of the true meters would give me more (and more accurate?) battery details but it seems as though the less expensive (and cheaper) ones will do just fine as I really want to be able to look at the meter and make the decision of "do I need to run the genny or not".
Sorry if I'm a pain with all my posts and questions. We've just dealt with crappy batteries for too many years on too many campers and we're now in a position to outfit our new rig with some of the right tools to make camping just that more fun and I want to have a plan forward so I can get it right and not waste money by purchasing the "wrong" item.
I've got one of these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-120V-100A-Voltage-Current-AH-Meter-Battery-Charge-Discharge-Bidirectional-/170483294165?hash=item27b1989fd5:g:gWUAAOSwyQtVz1vp on order.
Thanks all!
