How to know how much battery is left while camping?

[protons]

I have the AUX battery + switches and bed outlet. Would like to use the power for various things like air compressor and while out camping, like charging electronics, setting up an occasional hotspot while working, a cooler, whatever.

Is there a way I can tell how much charge is left so I don’t kill the battery(ies)? Does the car have to be in ACC mode to use them? Very novice to this. (As a backup, I do have a 1750A 12V Noco boost to jump start)

Thank you!

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[RedBearon]

Hey Bret!

The aux switches are great for wiring purposes and can be programmed via the infotainment center to be powered by battery (always on when the switch is on) or by ignition only (they will shut off when the truck shuts off and turn back on when you start it up again.)

The easiest way to keep an eye on the battery with existing equipment is to turn the truck on and use the EVIC or infotainment center to check the battery level.
Just FYI it will show a higher voltage while the truck is running because the alternator charges at around 14v or higher.
Once you shut it off (and go back into ACC or Run without pressing the brake) you'll be able to see the battery voltage level.

The aux battery however isn't a supplemental battery meant for this purpose.
It's really just for the auto start/stop functionality to work, though they don't disconnect so you will use both to power electronics when the engine is off so it does provide a small amp hour increase.

Also, you're correct about the bed outlet. The truck must be in ACC or Run or Running to function.
If the engine isn't running, the truck will auto shut-off after 30 minutes.
You can start it again by getting in and going to run again, but have to do that every 30 minutes to have the inverter running.

Your best bet for small electronics is running 12v to wherever you want an outlet. That way you can have it always hot while needed. The AC port works.. just is a bit of a pain (and extra drain by going dc to ac to dc to charge electronics).

For an air compressor, I'd suggest only running that with the engine on unless it's a really weak one.
They usually pull a lot of amps and can drain a battery pretty quickly.
These factory batteries aren't known for their longevity and aren't meant to be used more than 20% or so of their capacity.

Hope that helps!

 

[chorky]

Its really not a good idea to expect the vehicle battery to power anything substantial and still start the next day. If you dont want to do a house aux battery system consider looking into a jackery, goal zero, bluetti or the like.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The easiest way to keep an eye on the battery with existing equipment is to turn the truck on and use the EVIC or infotainment center to check the battery level.
Just FYI it will show a higher voltage while the truck is running because the alternator charges at around 14v or higher.
Once you shut it off (and go back into ACC or Run without pressing the brake) you'll be able to see the battery voltage level.

That's a horrible way, sorry. Best way is to install a volt meter like you can buy on Amazon for a few bucks and use that to track voltage.
"Turning the truck on" - to me, means starting the engine. That right away takes power from the batteries, leaving you with less.
Even just pressing the big button without applying the brake pedal to put it in ACC or RUN mode without starting the engine draws from the batteries. Every time you do that, you draw the batteries down some.
Install a volt meter instead. There are several types, shapes and sizes made for tracking voltage on vehicles.

The cluster isn't going to be really accurate as just turning it on is a drain on the batteries.
Plus - doing that every so often means less power later to start the truck.

But it's already been said just above the very best way to do it............

These people know batteries - they make the best selling drones in the world -get the package with the solar panel.

 

[RedBearon]

"Turning the truck on" - to me, means starting the engine. That right away takes power from the batteries, leaving you with less.

I can see how that can be confusing to some people, sorry.
I was using "on" to reference ACC or Run mode.
You don't actually need to start the truck's engine to reference the volt meter on one of the screens.
Also, I agree, this is less ideal than installing something aftermarket, but my suggestion was based on the use of "existing equipment."
There are plenty of aftermarket solutions that do a great job of monitoring the battery voltage and can be installed somewhere remote allowing easier viewing.

 

[Readyt]

That's a horrible way, sorry. Best way is to install a volt meter like you can buy on Amazon for a few bucks and use that to track voltage.
"Turning the truck on" - to me, means starting the engine. That right away takes power from the batteries, leaving you with less.
Even just pressing the big button without applying the brake pedal to put it in ACC or RUN mode without starting the engine draws from the batteries. Every time you do that, you draw the batteries down some.
Install a volt meter instead. There are several types, shapes and sizes made for tracking voltage on vehicles.

The cluster isn't going to be really accurate as just turning it on is a drain on the batteries.
Plus - doing that every so often means less power later to start the truck.

But it's already been said just above the very best way to do it............

These people know batteries - they make the best selling drones in the world -get the package with the solar panel.

Bill,
Read a link where you wired your bed and it included a voltmeter and an Anderson plug if I remember. Cant seem to find the link. I want to review it and order what I need to wire mine.
Thanks

 

[jebiruph]

Here's a link to my simple dual battery monitor using 1 volt meter and a dpdt switch. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/ess-dual-battery-management.60034/post-2266434
Open the hood and get both battery voltages (aux battery has to be disconnected).

 

[Gatorized]

Here's a link to my simple dual battery monitor using 1 volt meter and a dpdt switch. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/ess-dual-battery-management.60034/post-2266434
Open the hood and get both battery voltages (aux battery has to be disconnected).

Looking at your aux battery monitor solutions, I’m wondering if you can use the spdt switch between the crank battery and N1 and keep the ground common for both, so you do not have to separate the grounds to get the volt reading for each battery…
my other question is - can the PCR be activated remotely to allow the separation of the batteries - im assuming this would allow the gauge cluster to display the aux voltage as it does during a start/stop event, but also to allow a separate gauge to give the crank battery voltage at the same time…

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