Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 09:13
""I don't understand why you believe you need to parallel both batteries together to run the fridge. Apart from changing from one battery to the other as one drains down, you would get the same elapsed running time""
Sand Man-> An excellent reason for running a fridge from 'both' batteries is you only discharge 'both' batteries very lightly, and then recharging is very fast and far more efficient.
I'm sure you will also find the 'elapsed time' will be actually increased, due to the much higher battery capacity, because you will find the (quality) AGM battery will partly 'regenerate' itself during the fridge off cycle due to it's chemical make-up, this can be verified by my own AGM battery system still being 12.7v first thing in the morning after running a fridge and lights during the night.
By using only (1) battery it will cause this battery to be discharged much deeper, and yes most probably to the point of the "low voltage disconnect device" disconnecting the fridge from the battery, and when this happens while your away from the vehicle and therefore don't notice, then you will definitely have warm beer and an upset
cook too.
If there is no 'low voltage disconnect device' then the single battery will be fully discharged beyond the point of being useful, if fridge is not changed over to the other battery at the correct time and the original battery recharged again.
If charged by solar it would not be a problem :-)
Mainey . . .
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