Running my 60ltr Waeco off my Power Outlet in rear of Prado

Submitted: Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 17:24

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Nomads

Hi. I am planning to run my Waeco 60ltr Portable Fridge/Freezer by hooking up to the Power Outlet of my 2005 Prado. I would do this whilst travelling. On stopping at Camp I would hook the 'Fridge' up to a 120AH AGM battery which would be powered by my Portable Solar Unit. The Battery would be stored in rear of vehicle also.
I need to know if the original wiring to my Power Outlet would be adequate to keep the Fridge charged up whilst on the move. What would be the thickness of the wiring. I am told that 10mm in the minumum and 25mm squared welding cable is the best.
I want to avoid the cost of installing an dual battery management system.
If the original wiring is not thick enough what would it cost, roughly, to rewire with 25mm cable to the Power Outlet.

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Reply By: Nomads - Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 17:39

Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 17:39

Hi once again. In response to my First questions, I have just discovered that Waeco also supply a Fridge Power Kit. (Coolpower RAPS 12R-U2). Waeco more or less say that if the Fridge Power Kit is plugged in to the rear Power Outlet this regulates power from the Starting Battery to the Fridge whilst on the move.
I am thinking that this may avoid replacing the original cable to the Power Outlet.
Your replies and advice please.

AnswerID: 208345

Reply By: Alloy c/t - Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 17:54

Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 17:54

8mm sq is sufficient , + and - from battery to rear of vehicle ,be aware the fridge will use 40 to 50 amps per 24hrs on average[ ambient/setting /openings ect ect all variables ] ,120amp AGM =2 days without detrimental damage to the batt ,how big a solar panel do you have ??

AnswerID: 208347

Reply By: Member - David A (QLD) - Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 18:07

Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 18:07

I would have thought that the RAPS unit was designed to replace both the original socket and the original "thin" wiring as they may be too "light" to effectively handle the load.

Quote from waeco www. "....which are often inadequate to properly run fridges due to thin wiring and associated voltage drops"

Apparently the current drawn by a 12v fridge is sufficient to melt some of the lighter duty "cigarette type" plugs and sockets (or so I've heard). I had a hella type socket fitted to both the vehicle (while travelling) and the CT (at camp). This stype of socket provides better contact, especially over rough terrain (again, so I've been told). The waeco comes bith both types of plug ("cigarette" and "hella")

Regards
David

AnswerID: 208349

Reply By: jondg - Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 20:56

Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 20:56

hi there,

I too have a prado/waeco/raps (and no 2nd battery set up)

The system works well, but to effectively charge the raps when on the move, you'll need to run thicker cable from your battery to the cargo area. waeco sell a suitable cable. i've heard stories of burnt out original power outlets.

hope that helps

jon

AnswerID: 208393

Reply By: porl - Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 22:59

Sunday, Dec 03, 2006 at 22:59

2000 Prado (wiring hasn't changed with models i believe) with 35L waeco. Took a couple years but finally, as forecast numerous times on this forum, and during a camping trip, the rear power supply stopped supplying power to my waeco. warm beer. It was probably fine for a trip to coles, just not extended or even short term travelling. Wire is just too thin.

I put in a dedicated cable direct from battery to rear socket (cut hole and silasticed it up in grommet below rear bumper) with fuse, wonderful. But in retrospect i'd put it in from the inside. Cost, about $30 after trip to Jaycar for cable and blade fuse and holder, and i spent about $40 on 24v socket system. Then only need to be concerned with charging battery each day, though when stopped i have it and another fridge on stand alone systems.

AnswerID: 208431

Reply By: Muddy doe (SA) - Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 00:18

Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 00:18

Another issue with using the original power socket in the cargo area is that it is wired to the ignition and will be unpowered while the ignition is off.

I know you talked about using another battery while camped but it is still an inconvenience not having the fridge running while you are in the supermarket or similar short stops.

I went the full dual battery setup and totally don't regret spending the cash. Just plug in the fridge at start of trip and don't worry about swithing stuff over all the time. Only concern is keeping the battery tooped up when it is real hot or we are stopped for a few days and now i have a Honda 1Kva genny to lookafter that.

Probably best thing you can do is run the Weaco cable kit from the main vehicle battery dow to the cargo area and wire it so that power is always available. Then just be mindful of leaving fridge running on that plug. Using the Weaco Coolpower pack as a regulator is a good idea too.

Also for peace of mind make sure the low voltage cutout on your fridge is set. If you leave the fridge running on your vehicle battery (ie: forgot to switch it over to your spare battery) then the cutout will protect your main battery from being flattened.

Cheers
Muddy

AnswerID: 208434

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 09:34

Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 09:34

Nomand,

With a 120a/h AGM battery in your possession already, all you need is an in-car charging kit to keep it charged while driving. You can run your fridge off it at the same time.

Home Of 12 Volt" have In-car charging kits of 10, 20 & 30 amps and come with all cable and fittings required.
This would be an excellent accessory for you to maintain a charge in your battery when the engine is running and is a "cheap" alternative to a dual battery system.

Have a look under Accessories on their Web site.

Bill

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AnswerID: 208461

Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 09:37

Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 09:37

Oops,

Sorry about misspelling your screen name Nomads.

Bill

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Follow Up By: Nomads - Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 10:21

Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 10:21

Sandman. What you have put forward has got me interested. Went to 'Home of 12 Volt' website and saw the 3 types of In Car Chargers.
Is it that simple....Just plug in the Charger in the rear Power Outlet of my Prado. Hook it on to the AGM battery and then connect the 60ltr Waeco to same.
So then the fridge runs OK whilst travelling and I arrive at the Campsite with a fully charged AGM.
I would probably have to upgrade the Wiring in the Prado?
Have you got this set up in your rig, Sandman? What amp. charger would I need?
I am interested to hear from anyone out there about this set up.
I would like to know if there are any pitfalls, if any, and all the technicalities.

FollowupID: 468444

Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 18:41

Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 18:41

Nomads,

Yes, I have this setup in my vehicle.

But, no it's not quite as simple as plugging in to the rear power outlet in your Prado.

The in-car charging kit "replaces" in effect, your existing wiring& outlets.

The charging kit consists of two boxes, one which is installed in the engine bay and connected to the positive and negative battery posts.
The supplied heavy duty twin cored cable is run back to the rear cabin area and terminates at a second box containing a 50 amp Anderson connector. Then you connect your battery to this outlet.

The only difference between your situation and mine, is that I also have an auxiliary battery and therefore in my case, the "engine bay" box is connected to the auxiliary battery instead of the primary (starting) battery.
Otherwise, no difference.

Two of my friends have these in-car charging units, in place of an auxiliary battery system and have no problems whatsoever. In their case, they have 60A/h Thumper portable battery systems, while I have a 75 a/h Thumper.
These portable battery systems are in effect, very little different to your AGM battery, except the Thumpers provide a compact solution with two or three 12 volt connectors to plug the fridge and perhaps a light into and a battery monitor.

Like you, I also have a solar cell which simply plugs into any of the connectors while I'm camped to put "something" back in.

For your 120A/h battery the 20 amp or 30 amp units would be the best solution.
You could put the battery inside a battery box if you wish. This box would also provide one or more 12 volt connectors and perhaps a battery monitor.

And yes, you can run the fridge, whilst charging the battery at the same time, so you will arrive at your destination with a fully charged battery.

The kit comes complete with installation instructions which most handy persons could do themselves.

If you need more info, give the guys at "Home Of 12 Volt" a ring. They really know their stuff and will dispatch the goods to wherever you live.

Bill

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