FWC wrote:
Money is only one factor out of several. In terms of functionality the order is:
Victron BMV-712 > Victron Smart Shunt > AiLi > Voltmeter > dummy lights > nothing.
In terms of cost, it is exactly the opposite.
If you are truly budget limited then pick what ever fits your budget.
However, for most of us with $20K - 500K campers, $100 is in the noise and having a better idea how things are working is probably worth the cost. Particularly with lead acid batteries who boondock, it is important to know that your batteries are actually getting fully charged, which a meter with history will tell you.
Battery type is also a factor, meaning LFP accuracy should warrant a meter of the highest reputation…I’ve found via LFP load testing that the battery’s built-in SOC meter was very inaccurate as per SOC and ‘total amps consumed’ (actually, more of a marketing gimmick - maybe I got a one-off??) whereas, after several 200a/hr load test found the Victron BMV-12 nearly spot on with only a minuscule and insignificant error amount…I’d rate this to be quite exceptional…
3 tons
