dometic fridges

Thanks Gerry.
They have used 6mm as far as i can access,will use 8mm from there back to the battery.The switch you have used is a great idea as i think these fridges pull about 12 amps on 12 volt.

cheers Graeme.

Another option is a Redarc, which I would think would be more reliable as it senses voltage rather than movement. It will also protect the car battery from being flattened if you forget to turn it off. Pretty cheap off ebay.

Another option is a low voltage cutout, which is used in vans with batteries so you don't run them flat. http://electroparts.com.au/page.php?x=18

I read somewhere that they only pull about 5A, but maybe differnet size?? But my understanding is it's not the A that is main concern, it is the voltage drop due to small cable/long runs.

"I read somewhere that they only pull about 5A, but maybe differnet size?? But my understanding is it's not the A that is main concern, it is the voltage drop due to small cable/long runs." - the fridge that is....

Don't forget to place a fuse at each end of the cable close to each battery

Hear what you're saying ChrisE, but the FridgeSwitch is totally solid state and mine is now on its second van in around 5 years, so has been very reliable.

The only issue with using a voltage sensing device is that your battery charge has already started to reduce when it isolates - perhaps not a good idea if you've set up camp and expect to be running lights and other stuff off the van battery for the next few hours. This would be fine if the fridge was running off the car though.

Just my thoughts mate, but both systems will offer protection.

Cheers
Gerry

Hi Ray.

Should add that in my hilux i have 2 auxillary batteries 110 under the tray at the back and a 55amp in the engine bay charged through a red ark isolator.Had to put a smaller one in the engine bay after damaging the top mudgard on the gibb with a big 100 amp sitting in there.Also run two fridges in the tray with the help of a 64 watt solar panel on the roof.When we camp for more than two days i charge them when needed with a 40 amp xantrax charger hooked to a honda 1kva generator.If i keep the van hooked to the hilux via the anderson plug the battery on the van will also be charged and as this battery is only used for lights should only need charging every couple of days or so.Van fridge on gas of course.I guess trying a run with dometic on 12 volt while travelling and doing a voltage check on all three batteries will tell if the alternator can keep up.We only travel during the day so no lights to run on the car etc.Be best to get the van fridge as cold as possible before starting would also help.

Cheers Graeme.

Hi ozjohn.
Only intend doing so while travelling.

Cheers Graeme.