Fridges/coolboxes....that sort of thing.

Post by **jagsman** » 09 Aug 2007, 22:49

So, we have the mini cooler now in the van due to not having the wherewithal for the gas fridge. Long story, not changing it now. HOW and EVER, I think it is a poor and very power hungry solution (sorry, don't have technical specs to hand) and it's running off the Leisure Battery.

This is fine when the van's running BUT I think there's a co*k-up in the Leisure Battery wiring and so it's either - or possibly both - (a) NOT charging on a split charge as it's supposed to and is instead charging in parallel; or (b) drawing charge from the MAIN BATTERY once it's drained the Leisure!

I know I'll need someone of an electrical bent to look over the wiring (totally beyond me, I am a dunce!) but what I'm wondering is...

(GETS TO THE POINT AT LAST)

What mini-fridge/coolbox solutions do others have AND how do you power them AND do you unplug when you're parked up?

Cheers very muchly.

Bryan

Post by **big red bus** » 10 Aug 2007, 06:50

Hello, I have a camping gaz therrmo electric cooler. It's like a big cool box really and I have wired it into so I can switch the power source from the leisure battery and 240v and then off. Simple 3 way switch and this all works fine as long as I remember to turn switch when driving. hope this helps,cheers

Post by **Mocki** » 10 Aug 2007, 12:12

its just a fridge, treat it like one!
It shouldnt be wired to the leisure battery at all, ever!
It should be wired to the main battery, via a split charge relay, think of it as aonther leisure battery, and wire it the same......

it should only work when the engine is running, and must be fused and switchable.

Post by **jagsman** » 10 Aug 2007, 12:40

Okay Mocki...but that would mean no coldness when parked. Eff all use, surely?

As for it being "wired", I just use the 12v dc plug in cigaretter lighter type thing which the Leisure Battery has, guess I could hook it up to the main battery but, as I say, no fridge when parked so not so good....

Any thoughts?

Post by **trickydicky** » 11 Aug 2007, 03:13

Pre camper I use to use a big 12v / 240v cool box. I cooled when running with the 12v supply but made sure I set of with a bag of ice for when stationary.
One thing you could do is get (if not supplied) a 240v to 12v converter and get mains hook up either by hard wiring or a portable unit, JK do both but I reckon a decent sparky could do you one cheaper for some beer money!
Apart from that without hookup gas seems the only sensible option for when stationary short of covering the roof with solar panels and installing a wind generator

Post by **Louey** » 11 Aug 2007, 10:34

would you go back to a 12v/gas fridge? or do you not have the room

Post by **jagsman** » 11 Aug 2007, 11:43

would you go back to a 12v/gas fridge? or do you not have the room

Louey, the fridge I gave you was gas only I think but we were never happy with the idea of a gas fridge being on all night - call us paranoid but we had a bit of an issue in our old flat in Edinburgh which could have ended in disaster

due to a wonky gas fire....

Also, I don't have the cash to get hold of a new set up now as I'm completely roked and to be honest getting a bit p***ed off with my van altogether to be spending much on it at the moment...

Post by **Louey** » 11 Aug 2007, 13:20

I understand, gas can be lethal and its something I'm taking time up with to make sure I get it fitted properly and then tested.

As for money - these vans are money pits, and then they take over our lives. Still on the positive side, I have been and stayed in some wonderful places in the van - we are contemplating heading towards Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands between the 21st to the 31st Aug