Your batteries would be joined in parallel so the % reading should be correct .

You could also wire in a voltage meter to keep an eye on your voltage our van has a prostar 30 amp solar regulator and show battery voltage 12 volt amps coming in and going out from solar most people run wires through cupboards to hide wires or use square conduit with a small profile 

Cheers

Hi jeepnudger 

It is not possible to tell the capacity of the batteries by just having a volt meter. The voltage goes up and down as the current is put in and taken out, so just looking at that does not give the full picture, particularly if you have big power items. 

As mentioned Victron make a meter which counts the power going in and going out and will give an accurate battery capacity. It does need to be set up correctly initially but is a good unit. There are a couple of different models in the BMV700 series so look at which one suits what you want. https://www.victronenergy.com.au/battery-monitors

Jaahn

jeepnudger wrote:

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We have A Starcraft Jayco Van 2016 model. There is a panel in van where you switch battery power on, turn water pump on , shows water levels in tanks and has digital % read out of battery. What I am not sure is this read out coming from across batteries  (  i have dual batteries  ) and would you say it is accurate. or should i set up some other meter connected across batteries .  The wiring in any van is not possible to trace.  I find techies corner so valuable in being able to unscramble what seems like a stupid question to some but absolutely great in getting advice. 

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 It gives you a general idea.  Not precise. A volt meter does the same. 

I bought one of these for about $30. Only a volt meter but very convenient. You just connect it to the battery terminals. Connects to your mobile. Solar seems to take a bit to understand. So your not on your own. I have also attached a little ready reckoner that might help.

laurieoz wrote:

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Monica W wrote:

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Victron are not accurate enough on small loads because the shunt is to great a capacity at 500A
Average person will never be able to set them correctly and continually adjust for battery degredation.
Victron is overpriced and over rated
Simple coulomb counter with Max 120A shunt
These are good and can be found on AliExpress or similar for around $50
www.ebay.com.au/itm/THUNDER-BATTERY-MONITOR-DISPLAY-12V-TDR17012/324231150152

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 This link is $205 not $50- is it the wrong link or did you put the wrong price

Laurie

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 Suggest you reread the post and comprehend what it says.

I would very much appreciate the link to the $50 alternative. Thank you for your help in this matter.