Finally joined the fridge/freezer club! Costway 54qt
- Thread starter PolarExpress
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Pathfinder I
90w enerwatt solar panel with MC4 plugs.(a must have because they are sealed with an o-ring and they are outside)
The DIY battery box is an old military 50cal ammo box,i bought fuses,sockets usb and 12v and solar port and wires and connectors,solar charge controler,i watched a video few years ago from youtube for how to make a solar generator and i started from there.All parts was found on local store and amazon.
Also installed an AC port on the jeep to have direct power,in the garage,camping sites ect...really good addition.
The jeep is an old 2007 jku so all these DIY stuff is a practice for when i get a Van [emoji16]
Enthusiast III
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Enthusiast III
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What do you use to plug your Jeep into the power? I’ve got a KL and was thinking of something like this on mine as well.
Pathfinder I
Took the fridge for a 3 days fishing trip,run for 3 entire days on solar,really good and really happy with this set-up.
Member III
Thanks for the post! Have been wanting a fridge/freezer also but didn't want to spend almost a thousand for one. Ordered the Costs at and it will be here next week. Question, do you have issues with condensation?
Pathfinder I
Not yet...but i guess i can have some if its really hot outside.If a good question btw,i will keep an eye on that.
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Wouldn't the manufactures info cover the question on condensation and how to prevent it ? That may be why a lot of people put their ref. in an insulated blanket devise. I would also think that since it is a compressor type ref. the condensation would be taken care of with an evaporator system just like your house no frost ref's. at home. Is there Anyone out there in OB that can give us some knowable advise on this subject.
Influencer I
Really digging this set-up. Kinda giving me ideas for what I want to do. Just picked up a 50QT ARB fridge/freezer and need to get it wired up for use in my 18 JK
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That looks like a female plug in on your jeep, is it. My camp trailer has a male plug on it for an extension ????
Off-Road Ranger I
My buddy's just died after only a few months, but he contacted Costway and within 12 hrs they offered a full refund or replacement. He had it mounted in a custom box in the bed of his Taco. Mine gets bounced around daily on trails and transferred quite a bit, nice to know the customer service is strong, i'm known for killing things.
Pathfinder I
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Your inside plug is a 12v female or 110v female. Where is your inverter or are you running directly off the solar ? I ask a lot of dumb questions because I am dumb about this sort of thing. I have the 100 w solar panels, charger and batteries. I don't have the inverter yet but I am told I can run from the charger directly to a battery then from battery to 12v ref. Is that correct ?
You can run it as you have suggested: Solar->charge controller->battery->fridge. Just make sure you charge controller for your solar system has the right type of setting for the type of batteries you are using. It is more efficient to keep the system 12V anyway. If you are using the vehicle's starting batteries make sure to set the fridge cut off voltage high enough to keep you from draining your battery. It is also a good idea to have one of the small lithium jump start batteries. I keep one made by Noco in my truck/jeep.
My experience with my 100W panel is my battery would be topped off by noon on a sunny day after running my ARB fridge all night. This is with 80+ degree days and 60 degree nights.
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Thank you, I will follow your advise closely. Experience speaks loudly.
Enthusiast II
So just a few notes on the Costway. Was out for a week, on 24/7 used the car batt, as we were on the trails every day and it worked as advertised. Condensation will build as you use the fridge and it freezes to the sides just like the old fridges. Overall very happy with the unit. Any questions ?
Member III
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Glad to know that. I just don't want condensation to find a way out of the ref and into the rig. As long as it stays inside the box condensation doesn't bother me. The amount does have something to do with how often you open the ref. That is why with children or beer drinkers I carry an ice cooler. Beverages take up to much room in the ref and Ice keeps them much colder for a couple of days.
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Yes, what size ref did you purchase and do you think large ref's have as much or less than a smaller unit. I'm guessing but I think people who have the 52-54 qt. units or larger might have more condensation because they put their drinks in them and open them more often.
Member III
I bought the 54 quart and just got back from 3 day camping trip I at Texas/Oklahoma border and fridge did great. Only froze a little along walls but not a lot of build up. No outside condensation. Very quiet!! Would like to get solar panels at some point in future like the suitcase panels. Does anyone know what wattage would be needed?
