set up 12 volt power in cub drifter
Submitted: Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 13:21
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Lord Soth
Hi,
i'm new to the caravanning scene and have started with an 87 Cub Drifter 6. I don't have a battery connected to run the 12 volt lights and fridge, but want to know if i should be able to run these from the car just by connecting up the tow plug to the back of the car, or do i need extra wiring. It's not working, so i'm assuming i do.
Cheers
Reply By: Member Al (Sunshine Coast) - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 17:55
Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 17:55
Hi Lord Soth, You will need extra wiring on and from your car. The panel to the right of your post will take you to the Topics section with lots of information. Alternatively,
click here to go directly to a helpful article.
If your van fridge is a 3-way (Gas, mains, battery) you will only be able to use it on the battery whilst the vehicle is driving hence providing power from the alternator. These fridges use too much power to operate from a battery when parked.
AnswerID:
451427
Reply By: Member - John and Val - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 20:03
Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 20:03
Hi,
The wiring through the standard trailer connector should be ok to run lights off the vehicle battery, but as Al has said, not a 3 way (12V, 240V, gas) fridge.
If your lights don't work, the "allways on" wiring may not be connected. Maybe your lights work with the vehicle switched to accessories?
The vehicle battery should be able to supply power for lights without much risk of running it down to the point where it won't start the vehicle, but for anything much more, including a compressor type of fridge, you really need a deep cycle battery mounted in the Cub, and wiring set up to charge it from the vehicle.
You may find our blog
Electricity for Camping useful.
Cheers
John | J and V
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Follow Up By: Lord Soth - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 14:26
Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 14:26
Thanks Al and
John. I'm mainly interested in running the 3 way fridge whilst travelling to a location, so doing this whilst the vehicle is running is the plan. I'll have to play with the lights to see if i can get them to work as this may be handy in the event of a blackout. Most of our camping is in tourist parks, so 12v power isn't a priority, but i'll look into battery set up, should my habits change.
Cheers
Jono
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