single battery with Hybrid type running fridge?

HI Chris- I certainly hope so coz I just got a Century marine series to replace our old Trojan marine series. The Troj did well for the last 5 years despite some abuse.Its main purpose was to run the 57L engel. I'm hoping the new battery lives up to its predecessor. doc.

Hi,

one battery only means there's always a chance that you run out of juice for starting.
Added solar would definitely be safer.

If you go that way, then for good battery health you should boost charge it to 14.4V for 1~2 hours, after every night (presuming the fridge and lights draw around 20Ah overnight).

So this is basically a three stage charging routine when you first let the alternator charge it for 15~30 minutes in the morning, followed by solar e.g.

If it's a perfectly sunny day you can skip the alternator session in the morning.
Recommended solar panel size is 80~100W, and a good MPPT solar regulator.
Look for a solar regulator which has been software optimised to perform proper multistage charging, and which doesn't get confused by any concurrent loads.
Battery temperature sensor is definitely a bonus and can be achieved by mounting the sensor directly to the battery terminal (lug type).
There's more information in our profile.

cheers, Peter

I think it would depend on the size of the battery and how long you intend on running the fridge for. Things like the driving lights and winch would be run with the engine on so hence charging the battery at the same time.

Getting the biggest hybrid battery - N70 or bigger and well insulated fridge, ie kept in the shade, extra insulation, and only opening the fridge minimal times, I think would see a fairly good run with using a single battery especially if for 1 night and a drive during the day.

I'm on my second hybrid battery - first was a Allrounder (lasted 3 years) and current one is a marine starter which is a hybrid. They're designed for running boat sensors, lights etc with the engine off so I can't see why it can't run a fridge overnight.

It is not "safe" to run a fridge, or any other heavy draining devices off a single vehicle battery, no matter what type or size it is.

At the very least, ensure you have a low voltage cut-out device either built into the fridge, or included as a separate component.

In a remote area there could be nothing worse than hearing nothing but a minor "click" when trying to turn your vehicle engine over to start it.

The "safe" way is to incorporate a dual battery system in one of a number of various combinations, most of which would include an AGM style auxiliary battery to run your accessories. (This is the total solution and reason for a dual battery system.

Not only do you protect the starting battery from accidental discharge, but you also have a "spare" battery that can be used as the starting battery in an emergency situation.