12v charging system -v- 240v fridge connection
Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 20:12
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Rognet
I have a friend that constantly complaing about having to jam a 240v lead in a door or a window of the vehicle whilst camped at a park etc to power the fridge.
He is contemplating mounting a caravan style 240v inlet on his vehicle.
I have strongly advised him against this for safety and legal reasons.
I have also thought about mounting a 12v power supply in his caravan, adjusting it to 13.8v and connecting it to the caravan 12v system. Then when 240v power is applied to the van and the van is connected to the vehicle via the standard towing connection the car battery will be suplied with a constant charge sufficient to run the fridge.
A small package could also be built up to plug into the tow connection when not using the caravan.
Has anyone tried this? Were there any problems with overcharging etc, maybe an intellegent battery charger would be more suitable although a lot more expensive.
Steve
Reply By: Brendon - Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 at 10:05
Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 at 10:05
240V is not to be played around with. My advice is to ensure a Licensed electrician is used to install a 240V inlet to the car. If done
well you will be perfectly safe; If done incorrectly, a fault can cause your whole car can be at 240V and fry the first person to touch it. Auto Electricians are not usually trained or qualified to fit 240V wiring.
There are now plenty of 12V systems that will allow you to run 12V to the car. A good Auto elec should be able to fit this up pretty easy. You can get relatively cheap, 2 row trailer connectors now. Setting up the right circuit, you can isolate the fridge from the car, and supply 12V from the van without the threat of a flat battery. Fridges will suck a battery dry pretty quick.
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