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Installing a leisure battery and fridge.

Started by Alex Van Der Cookie, April 15, 2016, 10:23:48 PM

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Alex Van Der Cookie

This has possibly been answered a thousand times and I've looked on YouTube as I'm not electrically minded at all.
My Renault Trafic currently has led lights and 12v socket that runs off the main starter battery. It also has 240v hook up option.
But I want to install a leisure battery for wild camping purposes so that I can my features (obviously) without draining the battery. Hoping for TVs/DVDs, music, lights etc...
Also, I need to install a fridge. Do I need a vent?

Thanks

kryten

If the fridge is 3 way then yes. You could use a compressor fridge which doesn't require venting.

Example:
http://www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/blog/2012/02/motorhome-manufacturers-increasingly-opt-for-12v-compressor-fridges-over-traditional-3-ways/

Another option would be a 12v coolbox.


kryten

I have heard about these but haven't used one. I saw one being demonstrated on youtube by a van dweller and if I can find the video I'll post a link.

dmchris

Didnt find any info on that starter thing regarding battery capacity. Im guessing it will fairly low, but if you dont need much between charging it perhaps it could work.

Paul:)

Hi, I would go with a leisure battery with split charger rely from your vehicle charging system just like Mike has on his van. If you haven't got a copy of his ebook yet its well worth a look as he goes in to great detail about his electrical system and basic electrical theory too. For £10 its worth every penny in my opinion :)

shinobidef

#6
I'm planning on buying a chest freezer and converting it to an efficient fridge to run off the solar - supposedly, these can produce as little as 50Wh per day. A massive difference compared to a lot of fridges I looked at that were putting out about 400Wh daily. Compressor fridges are pretty expensive but at least don't have to be level to run properly, although can be a little noisy.