Monday, Oct 15, 2012 at 19:58
Luke,
When you say you want to run "a standard camper fridge", etc. off a 2nd battery, there is one thing you should be made aware of.
A "standard camper fridge" is usually a three way fridge that runs on 240 volt, LPG, or 12 volts.
BUT the 12 volt operation should only be while the vehicle is in motion, or for very short stops, otherwise you will need a lot more than a 100Ah battery.
These fridges are very hungry operating on 12 volts.
A better fridge is a 240 volt/12 volt compressor fridge which are available in an upright configuration if that is your desiire. Both Engel and Waeco have upright models and are very effective and efficient running on 12 volts from a battery of 100Ah plus and supported by a solar panel array.
If the fridge doesn't have a built-in low voltage protector, you should also consider a "stand-alone" device that can be added to the circuit to protect the battery from excessive current draw. These are available for under $30.
Forget a cheap regulator too. Only an MPPT type solar regulator will give the efficiency required to get the most out of a solar panel charging system.
The 2nd battery should also be able to be charged from the vehicle alternator and be kept separated from your starting battery by an isolator to protect the starting battery.
The best solution is a dc-dc charger with dual alternator and solar panel input.
A unit such as the Ctek D250S Dual dc-dc charger will provide everything you need in the one "box". It is a multi-stage charger that will keep your battery in optimum condition.
Unfortunately, there are no "cheap" solutions if you want a dual battery system that works effectively to maintain the auxiliary (2nd) battery in optimum condition.
Many years ago, I owned a Hi-Ace camper which had a 3 way fridge in it. I won't say the brand but it was the most useless bloody fridge I have experienced.
Bite the bullet and invest in a compressor fridge which will give you years of practical and effective cold storage for your food and liquids.
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Tuesday, Oct 16, 2012 at 08:36
Tuesday, Oct 16, 2012 at 08:36
Agree with all of Bill's points, but especially re the fridge. While I sympathise about information overload, you might find
Electricity for Camping helpful.
As Bill says, an MPPT solar controller is the way to go and they do cost more than the minimum. Avoid the second source you suggest - their "MPPT" stuff isn't MPPT.
Cheers
John | J and V
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