Our 2017 Scamp came with the onboard "charge wizard" so I plan to keep the shoreline plugged in for winter storage. The larger question was how to know the charger was working. Just plugging in the trailer and walking away didn't seem the best idea. I decided to add an exterior waterproof voltmeter at the battery. I located one on the web and mounted it onto the battery box cover. (It is wired directly onto the battery, fused for safety and enough extra wire I can set the cover aside to add water and check the battery cells.) I did add a momentary contact button (switch) onto the side of the voltmeter housing so with a push of a button I can see the current reading. So now I know if the converter is delivering a charge or if not the actual voltage of the battery at rest.
I have added a volt meter for the same reasons JTST Scamper did. Ours is mounted inside on the wooden door frame.It is an illuminated gage with on/off switch and is wired directly to the battery.
There are lots of choices. Mine is an LED meter and doubles nicely as a night light. It is mounted here because the 12 VDC oultet is just around the corner allowing for easy hookup. Although I did have to remove the cooktop to get there.
Can you give the link to your mod (waterproof voltage meter). I like the idea where you can visually check the bat without unlocking the camper and going into it just to check the voltage level of the battery (or having to pull out a meter just to check the battery...
I just found this, is this what you have with a separate housing?
Here's something else... Talk about being waterproof:
The one I used is similar (or the same) but had the extra plastic housing as the round one you posted a photo of......
amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA3UZC9
Do you have a link to the meters in the water? I really like my inside meter but would like to add ont to my new battery case project as well. thanks Kenny
Here you go: Here and Here
Here's another item (not as nice as JTST_Scamper's meter) but thought I'd put it out there anyway...
Now, for those that already have a water proof meter, here's a case for it:
Nice job!
I like the housing you chose that protect the meter and the button. Here in Illinois we had 17~ below zero weather so far. Our trailer is under a carport at the back of our property and plugged in all winter. Really nice to just walk out and push the button long enough to see the converter delivering a charge at the battery. (I see 13.4 volts and the occasional 13.8 volts from the Charge Wizard modes)
As for “Nice Job”, it was your idea that got me to go in that direction… Thanks
I like-others had gauges inside, but to check them was a bother due to having to unlock the camper every time to check the voltage for any reason.
After taking the pictures, I electrically hooked up the camper for charging and read 13.5 voltage without having to go in the camper and loved it. Thanks again…
I myself am located near Paducah...
A good place to get these volt and amp meters for cheap is AliExpress.
You may have to wait 30-50 days...but the price is right.