Now need help with 12V fridge problem please

Hi there. Sounds like a dead short in the 12 v wiring. Had the same thing a while back. The only solution I know is to systematically test the circuit. In my case, everthing tested OK right through to the fridge itself, and the fault was in the 12 v heating element within the fridge (about $200 to have replaced).
It depends how handy you are as to whether it is a DYI job. There may be a 12 v plug and socket somewhere inside the van, and near the fridge. If so, unplug that, and try again: if you still have say 12.5V or better at the socket, then it is probably in the lead to the fridge, or in the fridge itself. If it does not make a difference (ie if the socket does not give you a 12V or better reading) then the short is probably between the drawbar connector and the kitchen of the van.
Does this help?

Matt,

Not much to go on but......

14v open circuit at the plug seems ok.

Is the c/b only clicking when trailer is plugged into the car?

The noise is the c/b open circuiting. To protect the downstream wiring.

I suspect you have a short circuit when plugged in. And most probably active(+ve) and neutral (-ve) are maybe reversed on the trailer end.

Or you have a s/c to earth(trailer) body of the positive wire.

Hope this is some help.

Garth

Hi Matt, it sounds like to me that you are using to small a cable size wiring to carry the necessary current load to operate the fridge. This will cause the circuit breaker to cut in & out because there is not enough current to fully connect it. The heating coil in 3 way fridges usually draw a lot of current ( some up to 10 amps) & because it is situated in the trailer I assume it is some distance from the supply battery.
I would suggest you use a minimum cable size of 6mm rated for 25 amps to supply the necessary load current. Hope this helps explain your possible problem. Cheers.

Caz,
How did you get on at trailavan in Toowoomba.
Sharon

Matt,
I am an electrician and believe that you have a short circuit in either the wiring to the fridge or in the fridge element. I had the same problem and it turned out to be the positive wire to he element had shorted to the element housing close to the actual element . It was caused by the thousands ok kilometers of corrogations travelled over in the van over the years. It was a relatively simple job of re-insulating the lead and suporting it so the same thing wouldn't happen again. I had to take the fridge out to get at the element though.
Cheers,
Al-one