Joe replied:

Bazza,

The general consensus is that the cigarette lighter sockets are woefully inadequate for running a fridge and will cause significant voltage drops as well as potentially overheating.

Dump them and fit proper sockets (Hella do a good one) to the camper trailer.

While you are at it, fit a similar socket (or two) to the back of your 4WD and run heavy gauge cable directly from the battery to power them.

Bazza replied:

Joe,
Thank you for responce. I have taken your advice, in part, and ordered plugs and sockets from Hella. ( socket part no. 4918 & lighter/din plug part no. 4952 )
The lighter/din plug is a new item from Hella which allows it to be used with it's specific matching socket or with a standard lighter socket. I think this may be the best sollution to my situation as it will still allow me to use the existing socket in my 4WD. I understand what you are saying about up-grading the 4 WD socket and wiring but up untill now it has'nt caused a problem with the opperation of the Waeco.
I thank you again for your advice.
Regards,
Bazza

Bne Lad replied:

Bazza,
Don't forget, if you connect anything to your battery direct, it needs to be fused.
The last thing you want, is your nice new heavy guage wiring rubbing metal and causing a fire. Use a suitable fuse according to the guage of the wire. Formula used is 3A per 0.5mm of wire.
I concur with the cigarette lighter outlets, they don't provide an adequate connection. The Hella plugs are very good and capable of high amp continuous running.

Cheers Mate.
Steve

brett replied:

The plug on the Waeco is fine, it should have a red bit on it which when you pull it off it will plug into the Hella style socket which as said before is far better than a lighter socket.The cable and plug that comes with the Waeco will do the job no worries, people only have trouble when they plug this into a normal cigarette lighter type socket, get bad connection and also too much voltage drop.

Bazza replied:

Thanks guys for all your advice. I have taken it all in and will act on it accordingly.
Interesting info on the Waeco plug. I have been using it for a while in the rear of the 4WD, with no problems, but did'nt notice that the plug was duel designed to fit a Hella socket and standard lighter. Good to know.

Regards,
Bazza.