Trimetric Monitor, which is the best bang for the buck?

I went with the 2030RV surface mount and the SC2030 Solar controller. I dont know if Best offers it but you may save a few bucks buying the Trimetric, SC203, Shunt all packaged together if you plan on using solar.

The big selling point for me to use the TRIMETRIC model is it has a settable VOLTAGE ALARM feature. It is important for me to know when the batteries drop down to the 12.0VDC level (APPRX 50% Charge State) when camping off the power grid.

Roy Ken

There are better (as in more accurate) monitors than the trimetric. Some of them are cheaper (Victron). The creme de la creme is the smartgauge which is now being distributed by Balmar in North America.

http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|328|2289954|2289950&id=2388351

The smart gauge does not use a shunt.

"Because of its proprietary computer modeling and battery testing techniques, the Smartgauge™ remains accurate without need for re-synchronization"

Smart gauge has some interesting design ideas, but having only voltage and state of charge does not work for me. I bought a Victron because I need to measure how much current (i.e. battery capacity) is consumed by the power users in my camper. I also want to use amperage data to help me optimize my solar system. Proper installation of the "shunt" was easy on my camper battery setup. In addition, I bought the bluetooth dongle for the Victron, which allows me to check battery data on my phone, without going to the display.

rjxj wrote:
I went with the 2030RV surface mount and the SC2030 Solar controller. I dont know if Best offers it but you may save a few bucks buying the Trimetric, SC203, Shunt all packaged together if you plan on using solar.

Yeah, no solar, least not any time in the near future, namely because the less holes I have to make in 40 year old fiberglass, the happier I will be :).

I'm going to be flush mounting this into the side of the fridge cabinet, so that it's close to the battery bank, which will be contained in the two boxes that make up the dinette seats (which will help keep the camper weight ahead of the rear axle).

i have the 2030Rv. Everyone here talked me out of the 100a shunt. What if you later put in an inverter? Plus the 100a shunt gives you .x, where the bigger shunt only gives you x. accuracy. watching the x. numbers jump during solar charge is one thing, but I can only guess if your doing .X it would just keep changing that last digit.

After reading and more reading, I am sold on the new Balmar Smartgauge!

http://www.balmar.net/?page_id=15245

Just read this thing.

What I believe is quite simple, KEEP IT EASY. For many of us, a simple install and less buttons and no need to memorize a bible of instructions, is a darn good product.

I have no need to have an integrated current gauge for DC. I only need a current gauge for A/C--so when I'm hooked to shore power, I know when I'm reaching my limit of the pedestal.

I will be buying one of these and trying it out.

I like my Victron 700. I also have the bluetooth dongle so you can see the stats on the app on your phone. I'd certainly use it less if I had to go and scroll through a small screen... in fact I've installed the main unit away in a cupboard since I never need to look at it.

Hedge,

I think I'd prefer a state of charge monitor that is more accurate and has ZERO issues with aging batteries, COLD TEMPS, and is fully automatic. I read the manual for your unit and quickly realized exactly what Smartgauge was trying to say about additional button pushing to stay accurate. Honestly, how good is a phone gizmo if that data was wrong anyway? I'm not saying yours is inaccurate, I'm just repeating the sentiment that the Smartgauge, hands down, is MORE accurate without ANY involvement! It actually learns as its used.

The article is very convincing and appears to be approved by many others in the RV industry.

$265 vs $150 or so is really not a big deal.

tmartin,

I think you mean smartgauge not scangauge.