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: diamond(bendigo) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 20:57
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 20:57
gday rognet
i cant see there being any problem fitting a 240 volt plug on the van if you get an electrition to do it that way its done legally and save a hell of a lot of trouble
back by popular demand
:-)
AnswerID:
37728
Reply By: craig - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 21:17
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 21:17
I can't see the problem either with putting a 240 volt socket on the car or van .
I used to work for a company called TRAKKA in
sydney and we fitted 240v sockets to many
troopy and VW campers no problem, as long as there done by sombody that knows what they are
doing.
AnswerID:
37730
Reply By: GOB member vic - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 21:20
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 21:20
rognet
i did 1 a while ago as you described 240 v and installed a safety swich /circuit breaker combination inside..it is the same as a caravan and had 2 double power outlets in the back of a troopie
steveimagine a 03 gu 4.2tdin the picture
as i am having trouble sizing the picture
AnswerID:
37731
Reply By: Member - Toonfish - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 22:49
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 22:49
if it has the earth system like the trakka's why not do it?1999 NISSAN NAVARA DUALCAB
DIESEL 3.2 & SPRINGY CARLTON TOY
2 awestruck kids (dads driving!)
AnswerID:
37746
Reply By: Member - Stephen (Broken Hill) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 23:29
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 23:29
If I leave the 'fridge in the 4by (and not travelling around to top up battery) I find that leaving the vehicle hooked up to one of those "maintenance" type battery chargers is just the trick.
It supplies enough curry to keep the 'fridge going and keep the battery topped up.
Salud
Stephen J.
AnswerID:
37759
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.
AnswerID:
37902