Favorite multi-meter for RV / Solar

I have a Craftsman multi-meter. I bought it about 12 years ago for $25.
I tested it against a Fluke a friend owns. It gave the same readings as the fluke within one or two volts.
A free Harbor Freight cheapie gave about the same readings.
I'm satisfied with the Craftsman, it does the job for me.

I use the FLUKE Multimeter that I have had with me most of my working years...

I also use the SEARS Craftsman Clamp on AC/DC Ampmeter Model 82369...

Google image

This meter gets used a lot when working around the battery bank where you can read the load DC Current as well as the Battery Charge absorption currents...

Roy Ken

Thanks all. Fluke has always been at the top, but spendy. I like the look of the Uni-T. Regarding analog: I have a theory that most people (myself included) tend to put too much trust in digital, cause the numbers look so finite and official. Analogy shows more real-time if there is a sketchy connection. But then again, I started college with a slide rule...

DrewE wrote:
For most RV and household repairs/checks, you don't need anything fancy at all. A basic inexpensive analog multimeter is adequate for most things I can think of other than medium to high current measurements. It may be a bit imprecise for battery state of charge voltage checks, but that's better done by measuring specific gravity anyhow. I have a simple analog meter in my RV (in addition to some panel meters permanently installed that show the AC and DC voltages and currents).

For clamp ammeters, be aware that a fair few only measure AC current with the clamp, and that's decidedly less useful for RV use where DC currents are quite often what one wishes to measure.

My favorite/primary multimeter is a Fluke model 73 series II that I bought decades ago. It isn't the fanciest model, espeically by modern standards, but it is accurate and sturdy enough and has good protection circuitry to prevent its being damaged by operator error in most circumstances. Not all multimeters are specified as withstanding without damage 300V applied when in resistance mode, but it is...and I've demonstrated it once or twice.

I've forgotten what the subject of the seminar was but the question I asked of the speaker was why not use an analog meter for the test he was explaining? His reply was most people in the room 1. wouldn't have one or 2. know how to read it.

My Amprobe won’t read Hz from generator AC; it’s fine from inverter or shore power. Also need one that will handle amps from the chassis alternator system, at least 10amp fused. Dummy-proof switching would be good.

I have the Uni-T B4Q094 UT210E True RMS AC/DC Current Mini Clamp mostly for use at home, but it works great everywhere. It's a true multi-meter, but I use it mostly for AC and DC current readings. It was one of the few I found that would check DC amperage. It was around $30 when I bought it 3 years ago, still working great.

I keep a couple of the free HF multi-meters in the RV.

pauldub wrote:
Fluke multi-meter is my favorite but there's no such thing as a clamp on Ohmmeter. You probably mean clamp on ammeter.

yes, i blame autocorrect...:S....I meant ammeter...

For most RV and household repairs/checks, you don't need anything fancy at all. A basic inexpensive analog multimeter is adequate for most things I can think of other than medium to high current measurements. It may be a bit imprecise for battery state of charge voltage checks, but that's better done by measuring specific gravity anyhow. I have a simple analog meter in my RV (in addition to some panel meters permanently installed that show the AC and DC voltages and currents).

For clamp ammeters, be aware that a fair few only measure AC current with the clamp, and that's decidedly less useful for RV use where DC currents are quite often what one wishes to measure.

My favorite/primary multimeter is a Fluke model 73 series II that I bought decades ago. It isn't the fanciest model, espeically by modern standards, but it is accurate and sturdy enough and has good protection circuitry to prevent its being damaged by operator error in most circumstances. Not all multimeters are specified as withstanding without damage 300V applied when in resistance mode, but it is...and I've demonstrated it once or twice.

Prices range from $10 at Harbor Freight (possibly free with a coupon) to over $200 for a Fluke. I don't see any need in buying the best money can buy. The $10 meters aren't bad and work just fine. If you loose it, drop it or burn it up, you're not out that much. Doing the same with a high dollar meter will ruin your whole day for weeks!

Fluke multi-meter is my favorite but there's no such thing as a clamp on Ohmmeter. You probably mean clamp on ammeter.