Fridge Wiring in Tray

[jabiru18]

Hi All,

Got a wiring question.

I tried for weeks to get my Ute into the ARB dealer to fit the Dual Battery Setup, it hasnt been done and we are heading of on a Xmas Road trip tomorrow.

I have a 7 pin Trailer plug wired into the 12v main battery, is it possible for me to use that to power the fridge?

I am thinking of putting a female 7 pin trailer plug on the fridge lead and plugging in?

Will that work?

[Gipsy]

Can't see why that wouldn't work, as long as the wire and fuse will support the fridge draw. Don't leave it connected for too long on the cranking battery. Another solution, if you have the 2nd battery waiting for arb to fit, use it in the tub connected directly to the fridge, only this battery of course won't be charged but at least your cranking battery won't go flat. Use it when not driving and use the 7 pin when driving.

[Critter350]

I’m not so sure. How many amps does your fridge pull? Quick google of 7 core cable tells me each core is good for 5A, (brands will vary) I think most fridges will draw more than this. Does your fridge have a fuse protecting it? Cable needs to be rated more than the fuse. Also volt drop could be an issue. Good info here: http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/socket.htm


Cheers
Crit

[Critter350]

For what it’s worth, a 5m length of #8 B&S, ring terminal on the battery, couple of spades plug onto the legs of a blade fuse (no holder required) back to your fridge.


Cheers
Crit

[Gipsy]

My auxiliary power to the 7pin comes straight off the cranking battery via fuse and 25 amp twinflex lead, this is sufficient to supply my caravan fridge on the road, just remember to disconnect when stationary, or you can buy a reed switch which disconnects the fridge when the vehicle is stationary. Otherwise tap into the auxiliary power in the vehicle so it is disconnected when the engine isn't running.

[HK1837]

I just finished fitting an Engel 38L into the back of my 2011 literally 15min ago. I just pulled some 8mm (5.9sqmm) twin double insulated through the chassis rail and pops out under the driver's door in an oval slot on the inside. All I did was fed some yellow/red/green tongue (flooring joiner) through the slot and it popped out the back, pulled the twin through with it. Just tied the cable to the existing lines from there up to the battery. Fed the other end up behind the tail-light into the rear corner of the tub. Spiral wrapped and taped it where it exited the chassis at both ends and where it goes up and over the tub behind the tail-light.

Engel 38L draws about 2.7A, fitted a 30A fuse at the battery and put an Engel socket in a hole through the tubliner just above the factory tie-down. Fridge has a 10A fuse on it.

I connected it to my 2nd battery under the bonnet, but if connected to the starting battery you can use a 10.5V cutout on the fridge supply. Take a jumpstarter with you though just in case.

[jabiru18]

Thanks for the info, on the 7 pin it says pin 2 is aux. I don’t think there is a fuse on this lead from battery to 7 pin. How do I tell what amp the lead is?

Think I may have left this too late

[HK1837]

There should be a fuse, if not put one on it. Wire should be at the battery, in-line fuse costs about $15 and will take 10min and two crimplugs.

[jabiru18]

Thanks hk1837 I just went to my local auto elec and he said not enough power from my 7 pin.

He’s given me cable and inline fuse so all I need To do is run it to the tray. Will get me out of trouble.

The pressure of Christmas......

[HK1837]

The run I described is easy, look inside the rail on passenger side under driver’s door. Tongue out of flooring works a treat. Push it through the slot towards the back and pull the cable through. Takes 5min. Few cable ties up the front to the battery and done. Just have to get it up into the tray.

[jabiru18]

Did the run, into the tray was easy as cab chassis. Plugged fridge in this morning and headed off on our holiday with a fridge full of tucker

I was a bit concerned with using starter battery with the fridge.

How long can I safely run the fridge when vehicle off? Temp outside about 30c....

Manual says 4.5 amp ..60 Watts

I’ve got a heavy duty battery.

What’s optimal temperature to set the fridge?

[HK1837]

What fridge? Some you can set to cutout at selectable 10.5 or 11.5V.

[martynvella]

too many variables to answer that anywhere near close. Is it an auto? I woudnt be running it much longer than over night and that would be after a days driving. I would be investing in a cheap lithium jump starter.