Trimetric Install With an Enclosed Underbelly?

I don't think there is any significant difference between Vicron and Trimetric. Cost of Vicron BMV 600S is $165 and Trimetric 2025RV $169 probably less for the 2020.

I recommend the 2025RV because it can monitor a second battery or solar source. Even if you don't have that now it could be a useful future feature. Twisted pairs is optional depending upon your installation.

How about running the wire in AC vents, walls, ceiling or on the roof?

Hi,

Victron does a Peukert Calculation. Trimetric does not. Victron is cheaper than Trimetric. Both of them require you to enter a value for capacity. That is a moving target so it is a "best guess" situation. Both of them drift (but the Victron drifts less). A smart Gauge would be better than either but I've not been able to source a North American supplier.

I don't like either of them. I prefer a simple volt meter and LOTS of battery bank.

Matt_Colie wrote:
Canuck,

The Victron only uses RJ47 station cable. That can be hard to put through small holes unless you have the tool to put the ends on. I am not sure why Piano thinks it is a better instrument.

Matt

Doesn't need to be next to your OEM "monitors". You can remove a sheet or two of the under-belly if you have to, but (probably) will be a pain when I look at all those sheet metal screws in the frame. When you remove it, there will be (should be) holes in the metal cross-members here and there.

Victron looks nicer, less obtrusive. Cheaper too.

Anything is better than taking off some of the underbelly, which is a huge PITA.

You can use a length of garden hose as a conduit or get some other conduit and lash that along under the underbelly then go up through any hole available (eg, punch out any sealer where some wires go now), or drill your own holes as PT said.

Each rig is unique in opportunities to get down through the floor. EG ours has a gap in the underbelly between water tanks where the spare tire hanger is.

The Trimetric monitor display is very bright, and the light is "in your face" so be careful where you mount/aim it.

Moved from technology corner

Pianottuna - If someone wants accurate knowledge of the charge state of their batteries and how much is being drawn by the equipment in the RV and wants to monitor recharging then a Trimetric or similar digital device is needed. These should be standard equipment in all RV's but they are not.

It needs to be shielded or twisted pair wire and I used 18ga alarm wire from Home Depot which has a foil wrap. The heavier gauge makes it easier to feed without damaging the wires though 24ga would work electrically just as well.

I ran the wires from the battery compartment behind a furnace and through an overhead cabinet to the panel area where my other meters are located. For a section of the run inside a cabinet I put the wires inside small diameter PVC pipe which was easier than cutting a piece of angled trim strip and mounting it inside the cabinet.

Length is not critical for the wiring run so you can go with the easiest routing and not the shortest one if that helps.

Canuck,

The cable between the monitor and the battery/shunt can be very small. I prefer to run what is called 2 shielded pair (a cable with 2 pairs of conductors and each pair is individually shielded) but I have also used a single run of telephone station (4 conductor any tiny) with reasonable results. As your trailer does not have an engine to add electronic noise, probably any four wire unshielded cable will do. You can actually bury it in the molding or edging of the interior panels.

The Victron only uses RJ47 station cable. That can be hard to put through small holes unless you have the tool to put the ends on. I am not sure why Piano thinks it is a better instrument. They both give you the desired information.

I happen to like these things alot, but we only got to install a few of each before the depression killed our company. But I did put one in my coach/office/tool crib.

Matt

Hi,

Holes may need to be drilled.

I suggest you consider the Victron gauge. It is cheaper and better than the trimetric.

Why do you think you need such an item?