12V Socket for Fridges: clever ones?

[articulate]

So, is it safe to assume that the outlet for the fridge is still going to be an issue?

Yes. :sombrero:










But I think it was you who suggested turning that sucker vertical. I'm going to do that next time I feel like crawling in there. In the mean time, though, I've installed a tighter cable clip thingy, which is already improved the situation.

 

[Bogo]

Go to http://www.digikey.com/ and search for "cigarette locking". Any orders under $25 are charged $5 handling. I've never used the ones they have so I don't know anything about them. I have thought of getting them for the Micro RV project. I've just ordered 10s of thousands or dollars of various electronic parts from them over the years.

I have a 4 way splitter, but it really isn't the best. I want to be able to switch outlets on and off separately without having to pull the plugs.

 

[teotwaki]

I used this weatherproof outlet from Wal Mart for the under the hood connection to my second battery. The flip lid has a dense foam that keeps out water and dust.

I installed two outlets in the back that are wired to two 30 amp breakers and the second battery. The factory outlet is modified for constant power. The new outlets have had shrink wrap placed on the spade lugs just in case....

I bought the house brand outlets at West Marine because you can get three on a bezel cheaper than you can buy three individually. Disassembly is a cinch. Picture with the happy Engel Fridge plugged in

 

[Corey]

I am using a Bluesea fusebox incab, and two Radio Shack outlets in the rear to power my fridge.

http://www.yotatech.com/50513787-post131.html

 

[Signcutter21]

That looks great Corey. It looks like it comes from the factory like that. The write up will be very useful. I'm going to add a second 12v socket with heavier gauge on my Liberty. The info was much appreciated.

Was the socket easy to remove from the bracket piece (the large square piece)?

thanks
Mike

 

[Corey]

Thanks Mike.
Yes, Wayne had done his FJ Cruiser so when he helped on mine, it went pretty smooth.

That square piece pops right out.

 

[NothingClever]

Another pricey but high-performance solution from the moto world.

http://www.powerletproducts.com/shop-by-product/power-cables/PWRCBL

 

[01tundra]

I just added a power outlet for my freezer, bought an outlet from radio shack and ran a dedicated 10 Ga. hot wire from the main battery back. I put a 25 amp in-line blade fuse at the battery for short protection, since the freezer plug has it's own 10 amp fuse. Had to fab up a custom bracket to mount it.

 

[Carlyle]

Last week I went ahead and hard wired my Engel 45 I use as a freezer in. After reading this post I figured it was cheaper to buy an extra cord rather than risk having it bounce out and have my steaks and shrimp spoil. Cheaper than some of the cool looking plug ins being sold too.

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

Mark, as you have a wood box type storage and unless you are using the side compartments for other stuff, this would be a good spot to flush mount the plug(s). I used the same cheapy (2.99) Wal-Mart plug with the spring top (water resistant) under the hood for my Helton shower plug in. Also, used a cheapy one that looks similar to the one you already (with a plastic plug lid) have and cut a hole in the side compartment that is flush with the back doors on my 73. With the larger barn door (with spare tire on it) closed it will not let the plug bounce out. Also, easy access to unplug and see the green light to make sure all is well with the food inside the fridge. I wired it to 24V so my batteries (24V NATO compliant) get used continuously rather than just 12V on one. I found that this works quite well for me.

Surprisingly, why are these plugs (especially the quality ones - read non-Chinese) so hard to find and so expensive when you do find them? OZ has some of the koolest gear, now why don't we get gear like that with as large a market that we have?

 

[THATSALEXUS?]

Sorry, stepping into the middle of your thread and not reading all of the post's, but these are awsome and extremely reliable for a multitude of applications (from a few to hundreds of amps):http://www.andersonpower.com/products/multipole-connectors.html


For a multi port, power port I have installed hundreds of these and like them alot (the one on the right):http://www.able2products.com/Update/14_0553.htm


Worried about it coming loose, this another awsome option:http://www.neutrik.com/us/en/industry/203_1970434001/PowerCon%c2%ae_group.aspx

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

Sorry, stepping into the middle of your thread and not reading all of the post's, but these are awsome and extremely reliable for a multitude of applications (from a few to hundreds of amps):http://www.andersonpower.com/products/multipole-connectors.html


For a multi port, power port I have installed hundreds of these and like them alot (the one on the right):http://www.able2products.com/Update/14_0553.htm


Worried about it coming loose, this another awsome option:http://www.neutrik.com/us/en/industry/203_1970434001/PowerCon%c2%ae_group.aspx

Those are kool plugs! Probably hard to find but a great price on the ones that do show it. Thanks for sharing!

 

[THATSALEXUS?]

I almost always have the 3 position power ports in stock. They are really easy to get on the interweb for way lower pricing.

In the states, you can get the Anderson plugs from Interstate battery pretty easily but the Neutrik's might be a little more work to get. Sweet connectors though.

 

[02TahoeMD]

I just hard wired my Edgestar into my system, I cut the 12V cig power cord that came with it and spliced it into a GM alternator clip. The clip is strong and will ONLY unplug when you do it by hand.

 

[grahamfitter]

I just hard wired my Edgestar into my system, I cut the 12V cig power cord that came with it and spliced it into a GM alternator clip. The clip is strong and will ONLY unplug when you do it by hand.

Now that's food for thought.

Somewhat off-topic:

If you open the cover you'll see that the fan for the condenser is on the right (hinge side vent) and the fan for the AC converter is on the left (catch side vent). I think its a wise idea to keep the hinge side vent wide open so my fridge will be on the left side of the trunk where the display is visible. If I can't deal with the lid hinging towards the interior of the vehicle I'll work out how switch the hinges round.

Yours has a black lid? Curious, mine is grey.

Cheers,
Graham