Wiring an ammeter guage

[big_fletch]

I would use an ammeter on my auxillary circuits ie fridge, camp lights etc this will give you a clear idea of when your battery is going flat.
for example if you have a 90 amp/hour battery (battery will be flat in 1 hour if drawing 90 amps) and your ammeter shows 9 amps your battery should last 10 hours. IMO that would be a better use for an ammeter in your patrol, and get it done by a professional. noting bugs me more than backyard electrics

Big Fletch am I safe in saying that you have Redone your fair share of someones dodgy electrics in your time.

I would use an ammeter on my auxillary circuits ie fridge, camp lights etc this will give you a clear idea of when your battery is going flat.
for example if you have a 90 amp/hour battery (battery will be flat in 1 hour if drawing 90 amps) and your ammeter shows 9 amps your battery should last 10 hours. IMO that would be a better use for an ammeter in your patrol, and get it done by a professional. noting bugs me more than backyard electrics

Big Fletch am I safe in saying that you have Redone your fair share of someones dodgy electrics in your time.

I agree that an ammeter can be used in this way if wired correctly and all fused, with fridge or camp lights ect, as this is not a very high current draw application (all up maybe 30 amps). I do a lot of work on orchard machinery (tractors, cherry pickers, old farm trucks), wiring brand new trucks, stationary motors and normal cars and 4wds.. There is nothing worse than dodgy, unfused backyard wiring.. I see a lot of people using 240v 3phase household wiring in there vehicles which is also not the correct cable for 12-24v application.. A lot of old machines use ammeters and we actually completely remove them as they always end up causing problems with burning wires..

Some people will have a different opinions and ways of doing wiring on their own cars, and I'm not saying they are all doing It wrong and don't have a crack yourself at it. I'm saying If your not 100% sure on what your wiring even just drop in for advice from your local Auto-Elec who can steer you in the right direction.
I'm not a fan of ammeters at all in my honest opinion, but if Aquarium51 realli would like one I advise that it is fitted by a qualified Auto-Electrician and fully fused as you said Ben-e-boy.. I Also think it would be better inside the vehicle to keep the dust and water out of it as will definitely cause problems if exposed to the elements for an extended period

[Aquarian51]

Thanks big_fletch, ET and all other posters. I have already fitted a voltmeter. After my Alternator karked on my Pilbara trip last year and the battery finally died in the middle of nowhere I figured I'd fit the ammeter to keep a good eye on things. I'll try and get a refund for the guage.

Thanks again guys, cheers. Len