fridge/freezer what do i need?

Submitted: Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 16:14

ThreadID: 46777 Views:3738 Replies:3 FollowUps:4

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pecker

my son and myself have ordered new model engel fridges.1xmt80f,which is the fridge or freezer,and 1xmt80f-c combination fridge freezer.we have purchased a honda 20i portable generator for power.
the units will be used mainly at the campsite location.stays from 2-7 days.
during transportation we will plug into the battery power of our car enroute.

.- what size wiring is required to run the fridges off the vehicle battery, running from engine bay to the rear?.
do i need an in line fuse?.
how many hours do the fridges run per day (cyclic powered).
if the fridges pull a max power of 4.5 amp,how much power will they pull over 24hrs.i realize it will vary giving climate and how many times it is opened.
what size battery will be required,to run both fridges?.

we would like to run the generator maybe twice a day to recharge the battery if possible.
i was made aware that we will need a battery charger.as the honda gennie puts out 7amps per hr it would be running most of the daywhich we don't want.
so what size charger is required to do the job?.
I would be very grateful for someone to reply to my questions and would like to thank you in advance for your help.
this site is of excellent value and would to thank all members for their time and effort.

ken casey

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Reply By: Crackles - Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 17:58

Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 17:58

Gaday Ken. As I understand it you are running 2 big fridges in the back of the one car. In this case I'd fit a 20 amp auto reset circuit breaker as near to the battery as possible then run a pair of 12mm cables to the 2 rear power outlets. Ideally the battery would be 100 amp hour +, either a deep cycle wet cell or preferably an AGM so that it recharges quicker on the genny. Power usage will vary imensely but around 50 to 60 amps per day (both fridges) wouldn't be too far off the mark for 30 degree days. When running the genny turn the thermosts up so that fridges are cooled down more thus using less battery power later.
Can't help you with the charger.
Cheers Craig..............

AnswerID: 247481

Follow Up By: pecker - Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 19:11

Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 19:11

crackles, i gave you a bum steer.the fridges are actually going in two seperate vehicles.thank you for your input.

FollowupID: 508323

Follow Up By: pecker - Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 19:19

Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 19:19

crackles, what size wire do you think would be appropriate to run one fridge in one vehicle.6mm twin straight from battery source,with auto reset circuit breaker!!!

FollowupID: 508326

Follow Up By: Crackles - Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 19:34

Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 19:34

6mm wire but use a waterproof inline 15 amp spade fuse holder to protect it instead. Many use 4mm wire but to minimise volt drop the 6mm will be better. A 100 ah battery normally runs a single fridge for about 2 to 3 days so you could go a little smaller if you want or charge with the genny less often. Always better not to deep discharge anyway.
Cheers Craig...........

FollowupID: 508333

Reply By: Member - lyndon K (SA) - Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 18:37

Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 18:37

Hi Ken
Agree with the above, make sure you get a AGM battery(or two),as large as you can. The wet cells just won't take the quick charge you are looking for,either from your charger or the car alternator whilst driving.
I think you will use up to 100amps/day.
Good luck. Lyndon

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AnswerID: 247493

Follow Up By: pecker - Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 19:23

Sunday, Jun 17, 2007 at 19:23

Lyndon,thanks for your reply.What size battery charger would you recommend to run off the generator.We only want to run the generator in the morning and again in the afternoon,possibly for only a couple hour stints.

FollowupID: 508327