Operating a 12 volt fridge-advice sought.(just bought myself an Engel)

Chris

Firstly do the same as at home. Don't open unless necessary and close asap.

You are right, a fuse is handy. I have a whole bunch of different fuses I carry in the console. At least two for every type accessory used in the car. And then another group covering the standard engine ones.

Next get one of these Battery low voltage monitor would help. It switches the power to the fridge off if the battery voltage at the fridge gets too low. That way the fridge will not flatten the battery/s. Next in this line is to look at a separate battery (under the bonnet) that can be used for fridge and camping stuff. And if necessary be brought on line to assist with starting if main battery goes kaput or flat.

Phil

Hi Chris,

There is not really much you need to know upfront. You will learn the best setting for your fridge to maintain a suitable temperature.

Perhaps one word of caution is the circuit you plug the fridge into.
The cirarette socket in your average vehicle will take the current load, but is not the best for good contact between plug and socket when travelling. You also want to ensure you don't inadvertently flatten your starting battey.
The best solution therefore, is an auxiliary battery supply.

An ideal 12 volt supply will consist of:-
1. An auxiliary battery to run the fridge for a prolonged period of time. An AGM style is best to protect against spills, etc.
2. The ability to maintain a charge on that battery via the vehicle alternator and external means such as a 240v/12v charger and/or solar panel.
3. An isolator to keep the starting battery and auxiliary battery separated so the starting battery wont be drained.
4. Heavy duty cable if mounting the second battery in the rear of a vehicle.

One other point is that the Engel (a great fridge by the way) does not have a low voltage cutout device (battery protector) and an external one should be considered to protect whatever battery you are plugging the fridge into, from being discharged to the point of complete exhaustion. (Flat)

What I did with my fridge cable was to replace the plug with a hella socket which allows connection to a standard cigarette socket, or a much better merit style socket which is "standard" on most good battery boxes available.

I also changed the standard plug and socket on the Battery Protector device to the hella/merit type which ensures a good connection.

Hella Style plug and socket

The best battery box on the market

Another option is the Blue Apple Thumper which is a 75Ah battery pack enclosed in a waterproof box with all plugs, voltage display and an in-car charge kit included.

This is available from The Home of 12 Volt.
Unfortunately the web site was down at the time of posting this reply so I couldn't provide a direct link.
Home of 12 Volt

Thanks Phil.

Looking into those aspects you mention.I am going to buy a 'Posbox' (made in Marybough QLD)-I saw one at battery shop,comes with cable etc to connect to car battery-to charge battery in box,but can the box can be in back of ute or anywhere,and taken out and carried around camp to wherever.

Have not found an on line site selling these 'Posboxes' they are $279 from battery shop-the look very useful.

Cheers Chris

darter what r posboxes.my electrican made up a portable electrical clipsal box works a treat.from the second battery the cable runs under the carpet to the back of the wagon(2007 patrol) which keeps the 80 litre cold when we stop we can take the fridge out this were the box works he made works he made the lead from battery 2 metres longer to start i asked him to make 10 metre extension lead the box has one cigy connection and 3 din plugs i can run my fridge and lights from the box 14 metres away from the car thats including the lead that came the fridge its works great with us as we camp at boolumba creek