Anyone run their fridge (ARB or other) off if a standard 12v lighter socket?

[cruiseroutfit]

Fwiw, high volume ARB/Engel fridge dealers will likely have an outlet load tester. Basically it lets them plug in a load coupled to a voltmeter and by pressing the load button it will simulate a fridges compressor running and allow you to see your voltage at load on the voltmeter. Some outlets will do just fine and carry 12+ volts at load, others particularly in newer vehicles will dip down below 11 volts which will error out a fridge. For all our Utah local customers, we'd be happy to test your outlets

 

[zelatore]

A quick update on my unit.
It had been working fine of the rear seat aux power outlet, but now I find it's starting to get a sloppy fit and sometimes fails to make contact. I have to regularly tweak the plug to keep the fridge running.
The solution will be a set of power poles. While I'm at it I might as well pull some 12 gauge dedicated wire. It's a short run as I'm only going to the back of the center console. That will also let me keep the socket for charging phones or whatever. BTW, we're having the same issue with other items plugged into that socket, so it's not a fridge issue but a poor socket issue.

 

[4x4junkie]

Question for you experienced fridge people. I don't have a problem with the power source. My question is w my Whynter 63 (just bought it) the display shows the temp all the time. Not huge power draw, but is there a way to shut it off? Thx

I had the same thought about my Edgestar... Until I measured the current draw. It was between 50-60mA depending on the number being displayed (compressor not running of course). Completely insignificant IMO (if the light itself bothers you, there's always electrical tape, or maybe a piece of "smoke" colored clear plastic over it to dim but not completely block it).

 

[lysol]

They draw about 3.5 - 4.5 amps when the compressor is running (and is why some cig-lighter sockets cause trouble with them), and about 0.05 - 0.1 amp when idle. Averaging it out it's probably a total draw of a little under 2 amps but is subject to variation with ambient temperature.

Thanks!! Yea, I have always just calculated the Ah draw and forgot about the surge from the compressor. I need to test mine with my meter one day.