So I've been thinking and realized that I would like to monitor my battery voltage. My XJ had a meter on the dash but nowadays to save $ those went the of the dodo.

To those that installed something:
- Where did you tap?
- What did you use?

 

They sell a purpose built thing for that that plugs right into the cig adapter. When I had an RV, I bought a small LED voltage display from eBay and wired it direct to the battery with an in line fuse.

 

I have swej those but that would take over the cigarette lighter. I can mount a small panel easily myself.

 

That have ones for cig adapter that also includes a USB output so you don't lose that functionality. Here is a Stand alone panel mount that looks interesting on Amazon. It is very low profile.

 

I was actually looking at that one. Tempted to run it direct to battery.

 

Id consider running it to the same wire as the cig adapter in the dash. That way it won't be on and drawing power when the ignition is off.

 

Didnt think about that. That's a great suggestion.

 

Since I have two batteries I like to monitor both. Two different solutions.

First, I've set up the Android app Torque Pro to monitor the starter battery voltage. I can choose where to monitor it, and have chosen at the TIPM (CM means command module--I've since modifed that title on Torque Pro).



The second came about when I installed a ham radio. The radio monitors input voltage, and it's tied directly to the aux battery ...



Normally both batteries read the same since the isolator ties both to the alternator, and that's what's really being read (alternator voltage). However, there are a few times here and there when the isolator separates the batteries, and this arrangement lets me know that is happening, and the status of each battery. Of course, normally before engine crank I can read the actual battery voltage on both of these (though I must have the ignition on for Torque Pro to pick up the CAN bus info).

 

And it's done! I tapped into the cigarette lighter couple inches over and it's working!

 

One thing you may consider doing is a Superchips Trail dash. You will able to monitor voltage and a lot of other things, as well as get some extra power out of the Jeep, change gear ratio and tire size if needed.

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/p...s-trail-dash-2