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How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 09:49
by sternal
My portable 3way fridge has 12v option how long would it last on leisure battery ? Bearing in mind its only the fan, almost seems pointless as the campsite has a freezer that I can freeze ice packs etc.
Thoughts
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 10:00
by ghost123uk
If it is the more common type of fridge (as opposed to the rarer and much dearer "compressor" fridge) it will only last a couple of hours. They use about 8 Amps of power, which is in a similar league to leaving your headlights on.
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 10:04
by sternal
ice packs it is then
http://www.jacksons-camping.co.uk/campi ... 1700-1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
thanks
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 10:09
by ghost123uk
Tis normal to run them on gas when camping. They don't use much.
The 12 Volt operation is supposed to be wired to a relay so that it can only run when the engine is running, thus not draining the battery.
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 10:11
by sternal
I know just dont fancy using gas this weekend means changing regulator round etc ?
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 10:15
by AdrianC
sternal wrote:My portable 3way fridge has 12v option how long would it last on leisure battery ? Bearing in mind its only the fan
It isn't. There's a 12v element - often about 75w - to generate the heat that then cools the refrigerant. On mains, it uses a 240v element. On gas, it's the flame. The refrigerant circuit is the same for all three, only the heat source differs.
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 10:17
by sternal
I stand corrected...
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 10:22
by isaune
I've got an Mobicool electric coolbox as opposed to a fridge - similar to this one -
http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/mobicoo ... -230v-2483" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
We've been impressed with how long it lasts without hook-up.
Admittedly, it draws about 4 amps on full power but the beauty of it is that there is an "eco" mode which keeps things a little less cold but burns much less power - you hear it clicking on and off - it seems to be on for about 1 minute in every 10.
I've got a couple of leisure batteries working in parallel and the coolbox on eco has lasted a 48 hour trip with normal use of lights etc.
Looking at the spec of the one I have linked to I can't actually see the "eco" function so don't buy that one without checking.
Hope it helps anyway
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 11:17
by Ralf85
sternal wrote:I know just dont fancy using gas this weekend means changing regulator round etc ?
I was a bit down until I read the latest ramble. It's a cracker. Keep em coming!

Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 13:54
by ZsZ
I have a Berger 3 way coolbox (same a Tristar you can buy from Amazon, draws 6.5A). I think my leisure battery is not in the best condition (80Ah Banner Energy Bull), but with a battery protector (Conrad MW 728) it works for a bit over an hour. Maybe one and a half.
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 26 Aug 2014, 20:45
by sternal
Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
by Ralf85 » Today, 11:17
sternal wrote:
I know just dont fancy using gas this weekend means changing regulator round etc ?
I was a bit down until I read the latest ramble. It's a cracker. Keep em coming!
Im glad I cheered you up !
I understand what I mean re changing regulators over etc !

Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 27 Aug 2014, 06:59
by Ralf85
sternal wrote:Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
by Ralf85 » Today, 11:17
sternal wrote:
I know just dont fancy using gas this weekend means changing regulator round etc ?
I was a bit down until I read the latest ramble. It's a cracker. Keep em coming!
Im glad I cheered you up !
I understand what I mean re changing regulators over etc !

Are you sure? So are you going to use your 12V option instead?
All this stuff has been covered so often before. Check the archive. Thanks again. You'v been sorely missed!

Re: How long would a fridge work on 12V for ?
Posted: 27 Aug 2014, 21:02
by sternal
No to your answer !
I left th fridge at home and we are using icepacks with a nice box as the campsite has a freezer .
Any way I understood what I meant and that's all that matters !