Installing DC Voltmeter

I'm not so sure.... I have multiple voltmeters in my motor home and they do not always agree.. here is why.

Charging ... the closer to the converter the higher the voltage

Discharging: The closer to the battery the higher the voltage.

The only 100% Sure place is at the batteries.

That said. The length of the leads to the meter likely will not matter so long as the wire is thicker than a human hair. That meter draws flea power. (on the order of less than 0.1 amp)

You can connect to any 12v source but there may be slight voltage drop. Doesn't matter as long as you are aware of it.

I use a free Harbor Freight multimeter with the probes cut off and then hardwired.

The truest reading will be direct from the battery(s)
A good reading will be from the battery input to your 12v distribution center, or the output of the converter (under the fridge ?)
Any other place could vari, as it is getting farther from the batteries.

I have one volt meter on a good 40 amp circuit that runs my entertainment center, and it sometimes reads a bit lower than another volt meter at my 12v distribution center, but only when sat TV, or other device is on.

I hate connecting stuff directly to the batteries, except to a terminal block very near the batteries

My previous TT had a cigar ligher socket just inside th door for charging cell phones etc. I used a digital meter that just plugged into that socket. Otherwise hook up near the monitor panel. Volt meters do consume current. Some more than others.

can you read voltage from there ... yes

will it be an accurate reading of the batteries ... IDK

because i don't know what draws might be on that circuit besides the fridge

or how much voltage drop is on that circuit

yes..its better than nothing

DD716TED wrote:
Would this work to provide system DC voltage when camping on battery power

Yes, virtually anywhere you tap 12v is fine.

I found a four digit dc volt meter on ebay for about 10 dollars. I ran a set or wires directly from the batteries to the meter. I mounted the meter just inside the door with all my main switches etc.