Keeping fridge cool
- Thread starter Francisr20
- Start date
Solar yes!
Dual Battery - Not required
A good deep cycle AGM battery around 95 AH yes - I have a Northstar Group 27
ARB makes a wiring harness that is easy to install. Yes you can DIY or make it easy and order this.
My setup:
100 watt Renogy Suitcase
Northstar Group 27 Battery
ARB Wiring Harness modified with an SAE connector for a better connection. Some folks prefer Anderson plugs
No Dual Battery setup. The fridge will cut out and not kill my battery but I also have an Anti-Gravity Jumpbox.
There are other threads on this topic. Read the topics on fridges and also folks that have asked about dual battery setups.
Dual Battery - Not required
A good deep cycle AGM battery around 95 AH yes - I have a Northstar Group 27
ARB makes a wiring harness that is easy to install. Yes you can DIY or make it easy and order this.
My setup:
100 watt Renogy Suitcase
Northstar Group 27 Battery
ARB Wiring Harness modified with an SAE connector for a better connection. Some folks prefer Anderson plugs
No Dual Battery setup. The fridge will cut out and not kill my battery but I also have an Anti-Gravity Jumpbox.
There are other threads on this topic. Read the topics on fridges and also folks that have asked about dual battery setups.
Last edited:
Enthusiast III
I hate to be the one who says "it depends" but there are a number of factors to consider. We have an ARB 50qt - over the winter we were down in Anza Borrego with nighttime temps around 35F and the compressor never kicked-on, so minimal battery drain. Last summer we were in Southern Oregon during the heatwave and the compressor ran a lot during the night, but never tripped the low-battery cut-off on the ARB. Also, if you are not staying in one place more than a day, the battery will likely get charged enough when you drive. But if you have a single battery and stay in place, then solar is a good option - we have Renogy 100 watt and that has worked out well we stay for a few days.
Off-Road Ranger I
- 2,865
- First Name
- Donald
- Last Name
- Diehl
- Member #
-
0745
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- WRPN 506
Yup, it depends.. we have a very simple dual battery system and the 2nd battery is for back-up only. Together they are about 100 amp hours. I also use a 120 watt solar panel. We have a fridge/freezer, camera battery charger, phones, laptop and water pump. That set up seems to be plenty enough to park somewhere for a very long time. In the event the 1st battery should drain or go bad we have the 2nd battery as back-up , just in case.
Influencer II
Like others have said it depends on your circumstances. We have a second battery to power the fridge and it worked well camping overnight in the heat of Morocco but isn’t enough to camp for a long weekend in the U.K. I guess it depends on all sorts of other things like, how often you open it and the draw of the fridge? My next step is to look at solar for those long weekends in one place.
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
I just recently switched to a solar setup and have been pleased. Prior to that I was running it off of my single AGM vehicle battery and never had any issues like that either. ARB 50L with transit cover. Keep items in the fridge and the battery monitor to a suitable level for your vehicle.
I will say the solar is awesome. I'm using a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 with Renogy 100w roof mounted panel and it's been more than adequate...and I can charge cameras, drones, phones, fans, etc... I've also got a Goal Zero briefcase for when I'm base camped and need some shade from the sun.
I will say the solar is awesome. I'm using a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 with Renogy 100w roof mounted panel and it's been more than adequate...and I can charge cameras, drones, phones, fans, etc... I've also got a Goal Zero briefcase for when I'm base camped and need some shade from the sun.
