Looking for a decent amp/volt meter to use around RV, I have a DVM, but looking for something for amps also. I'm trying to chase down the what's drawing down a fully charger battery in 3 days. I have 12.6V between the pos. post and the pos. lead with all the fuses I can find removed. Would the sensors be drawing that much? Thanks for any and all replies. Dan

I don't know if it is any good, or even what you want, but a Google search found this:https://www.amazon.com/Auto-ranging-Digital-Clamp-Meter/dp/B001VGND88

There are many choices for meters and places to buy one. I have a good one and also a cheap one and they both show the same numbers when comparing volts, ohms and amps. That clamping one is for checking current draw with higher values than an rv.

Lowes sells a Volt meter with clamp on DC measurements for about $80. They also sell one for $40 that will not measure DC amps. . .It is brown and black top that clips around one wire at a time, and can measure amperage in DC lines, as well as AC amps.The Co meter will almost always be on, and it draws a small amount of power all the time. I don't know if it is on a fused line, but it should be. The propane detector and CO meter in my RV consume 0.8 amps according to my very accurate E-Meter. The refrigerator total amps is 1.2 amps (including the CO and propane detector). So altogether it is about 35 amp hours a day, or what one of my 120 watt solar panels puts out. Good luck,Fred.

The Sears DC clamp on ammeter will give you the information you need.

I'm thinking of getting this one: Tenma clamp meter I have an older Fluke clamp meter but I want to keep that in the shop.

Handheld amp/volt meter | Good Sam Community

Gjac
Explorer III
Jul 07, 2016
I would disconnect the positive cable to your battery and set your HF multimeter to amps(they measure up to 10 amps) and see what your amp draw is and post it here. If it is less than 1 amp, it would look at the battery. My parasitic amp draw is .4 amps on the chassis battery and weeks will go by before I charge it or use it to go camping.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Jul 07, 2016
You can also check for current draw on a circuit using the blade fuse as a current shunt- set the voltage to millivolts and measure across the fuse- any reading means current is being drawn.
Fuses are actually fairly precise current shunts.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016
Need response from OP...
Bemota
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016
Sorry for lack of info!! 2011 keystone Cougar 326MKS FW. When standing in yard I switch batteries every 3 days, when on the road I run on both batteries. Since we got RV, we have 162 nights on the road, 16 nights dry-camp, 6540 mi. on RV. Dan
RoyB
Explorer II
Jul 07, 2016
I use the SEARS CLAMP METER that is for AC and DC AMPS up to 400AMPS I think it is... Cost around $60

Model 82369

Great meter to have around...

I haven't seen mine is awhile now so I guess I must have laid it on a tree stump at one of my camp sites and walked away from it... If someone has found it Enjoy it.... My bad for losing it...

Need to get another one I reckon...
Roy Ken
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jul 07, 2016
smkettner wrote:
Clamp-on is convenient but a battery in 3 days may have a draw less than 1 amp and I question the accuracy of a clamp-on at those low levels. Most multimeters will go 2 amps even 10 amps in series for very accurate readings.
I agree but what a pain to hook up a DVM in series vs a clampon. Also in some areas disconecting a circuit can cause some type of reset and the original condition is changed.

On the other hand I've found that the cheap Sears DC clampon gives reasonable low current readings which are more than adequate for tracking down the OPs battery drain.

I'd love to have a $300 Fluke clampon but can't justify it for my usage.
lc0338
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016
My LQ horse trailer has the dump light panel that shows battery charge, fres water level plus grey and black water levels. I bought these 2 items so I could hook it to my batteries and periodically check the voltage. I can use it in my truck as I do a lot of cell phone charging on the tow vehicle batteries

cigar adapter clip on

battery monitor
lc0338
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016
CA Traveler wrote:

I'd love to have a $300 Fluke clampon but can't justify it for my usage.

I bought this one back in February It was $124.95 back in Feb. Good reviews
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jul 07, 2016
Nice meter but apparently limited to 10A AC/DC and not a clampon.
tvman44
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016
This is a nice one Digital Clamp Meter Uni-Trend UT203, I have found it on Amazon & E_Bay both for $30.00 & free shipping. Thinking seriously about ordering one since my old unit is going bonkers. :)