Waeco on battery,solar

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 00:48

ThreadID: 39642 Views:3275 Replies:4 FollowUps:4

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Glenn WA

Hi,
I want to run my 60lt Wacoe on battery power for as long as possible. Its the first 12v fridge I've bought and am wondering what would be the best set up for keeping it cold for a max of 4-5 days away from the car.
Just bought a 115ah Trojan deep cycle battery but I dont think it will last the distance after doing the sums.
Is there any solar options that are good for this purpose?
Will those foldable solar pacs do the job?
I want to use the fridge stand-alone.
Cheers,
Glenn.

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Reply By: hl - Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 07:38

Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 07:38

The first thing you need to do is figure out whether it's going to be sunny or not.:-)
Secondly, if you start with a fully charged battery and it is going to be sunny, an 80 watt panel should do it. If you're going to the high country in winter, you can probably do away with the panel altogether (as well as the fridge).

Cheers

AnswerID: 206037

Reply By: Robin - Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 08:33

Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 08:33

Glenn

Using a small generator is the guaranteed option, and often the lowset cost.

Run the fridge off its 240v for an hour or 2 whilst charging the battery for rest of day at same time.

Robin Miller

AnswerID: 206046

Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 11:18

Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 11:18

Hi Glenn

We have tested a few options and found the 100w Bi-fold to be able to keep up with a fridge. The 80W fell behind after a few days.

Our 100W Bi-fold is very popular.

I run a Honda Eu but some parks don't allow even my quiet Honda and I have to use solar. You may need up up your amp hours to around 200 for extended stays in wet weather.

Regards Derek.

AnswerID: 206086

Follow Up By: Member - Jeff H (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006 at 00:11

Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006 at 00:11

Derek,
Would you care to offer a price on the 100w unit?(via Rig Pics is fine).Ta, Jeff.

FollowupID: 466184

Reply By: Polaris - Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 17:37

Tuesday, Nov 21, 2006 at 17:37

I have 6 x 100ah Caterpillar starting/deep cycle batteries in my motorhome aranged in three 24V banks. I use two 165W / 23V Sharp solar panels to keep them charged. I have an Engel 90L fridge and also an Evakool ED70 fridge and a bunch of interior and exterior LED lighting. Also run a TV with digital STB and DVD.

Even with weeks of cloudy weather in Far Nth Qld have NEVER needed to start the motor or hook up to power to charge the batteries. Battery voltage NEVER goes bekow 24.8V.

The Engel fridge runs 24/7 and is never turned off. The Evakool is for extra freezer storage should need arise.

Love the QUIET sound of solar - not noisy generators.

AnswerID: 206152

Follow Up By: Member - Jeff H (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006 at 00:06

Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006 at 00:06

Gees Polaris, would love to share an ale or two with you at the El Arish /Almaden/ wotall pub. Could be the beginning of a whole new galaxy of learning. I more or less stayed with you so far as TV, but the STDs (digital or otherwise), have me buggered. And as for Devout Vucking Deviants: I crosses meself I does.
Polaris, like meself he's a simple man; don't be confusin' us.

We just run a wee 123w panel to keep them STD vaccines cool: works good. Jeff H.

FollowupID: 466183

Follow Up By: Polaris - Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006 at 15:49

Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006 at 15:49

Cripes Jeff - you got me stumped on the Wotall pub - where is that?
I'm in Cairns and presently grounded because I was flying too low on my KTM 950 ADV while there was a double bubble headed in the opposite direction.
The STB (not STD) is a 12V digital Set Top Box which enables our LCD TV (analogue) to display digital pix.
You lost me with the rest - I'm a bit slow in that regard!

FollowupID: 466304