12v plug in fridge in truck cab

[stageracer]

I'm finally at the point in my overlanding (I hate that term) experience where i need to start learning about power and electrical systems. I've been running more like a backpacker over 30 years and have been running an E350 baja rig for quite a while now without needing aux power for things like fridges etc.

I've recently picked up a 2005 Chevy Kodiak 4x4 that I plan on putting a cabover camper upon. Envision a "poor mans" EarthRoamer. In advance of getting into the nuts and bolts of understanding and planning solar charging systems, B2B charging and energy management, I want to simply put a 12v fridge between the bucket seats in the Kodiak. There is a 12v cigarette lighter directly next to the space that would easily accommodate a fridge simply for keeping drinks and some on the road food cold while mobile. It will also make a nice center console.

So, finally getting to the long, drawn-out question, the 12v plug-in runs on what I think is a 20A fuse and wiring. Do most of the basic, non-freezer fridges out there draw more that would overload the fuse and wiring? Also, since I'm running dual batteries on the Kodiak, how would I determine how long I can run the fridge w/o running the batteries down?

Appreciate the advice from the forum as it's been a phenomenal resouce over the last 10 years on previous builds and fine tuning my rigs.

 

[john61ct]

Yes ciggie ports are a design abortion.

Andersons way to go

 

[TwinStick]

If you have an ARB Fridge/freezer:

Do yourself a favor, just do it : get yourself the Arb plug kit with fuse and 18' of 10 ga wire. The plug that came with the fridge unscrews and screws into the ARB plug. Don't cut the wire if you have extra. But don't kink it, roll it into a circle and gently zip tie it or velcro it. That way if you get a new vehicle, you still have 18'.

Do NOT rely on any 12v cigarette plug. We came within 60 seconds of having our 4RUNNER catch fire & burn to the ground at Disney. Luckily we forgot something. As soon as I opened the door I could smell plastic burning. I tried to unplug the fridge plug but the socket it was plugged into was melted. Arb power cord was not melted but VERY HOT. I finally just grabbed onto it & yanked it apart, burned my fingers pretty good. Only had drinks in the fridge, so I left it unplugged and drove to a 4WParts store the next day and bought the complete kit for $44. We got so lucky.

If not, use Anderson plugs as stated above.