G'day all

Just wanted to know what size wire you use for connecting the 3 way 90 ltr fridge when you travel to run on 12 volt

the caravan place where we've got the van from had it connected in the 7 pin plug

but that's not cutting it 

now i want to run a new cable with Anderson plugs

Cheers John

Thanks Bob

03_troopy wrote:

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6 B&S or or 13.5mmsq fits nicely into a 50A anderson plug and will negligible voltage drop at the currents drawn.

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 Ditto

Hi John,

              I would be interested in knowing the outcome of  your wiring for the 3way fridge? My old van (which I disposed of last month) had wiring to an anderson plug. The wiring on my tow vehicle from the dual battery to the anderson plug on the tow bar is battery cable so haven't got a problem with voltage loss there, but now I'm not sure as to the wire size from the anderson plug on the van to the fridge.

              I'm picking up my new (well new to me) van in a week or two and it just has the fridge wired to the 7pin flat plug. As like others, I just don't believe this cuts it and am going to get an anderson plug fitted to the van. Wont do it myself, but just want to make sure that whoever I do get to do it, does actually know what he is doing.

              In addition to that, because my new van is a pop top, I don't really want to go putting solar panels on the roof so think I will go for one of those portable panels that you just pull out when you need to recharge the house battery.

             As I said, would like to know how you finished up with  yours.

Thanks

Kw

KW hi

Our 17 foot 6 inch pop top has fixed solar panel on the roof, we have been thinking of increasing this to 2. We have no problems in raising the top.

The panels are very light, I doubt that over the length of the van you would notice the added weight.

My lady most times push the roof up while I am out side doing other things. She will stand on the step we have at the door to raise herself up as she is a little short to get the right leavage. The other end she gets on the bed to push it up.

Easy as. Ralph.

Hi Ralph,

               Thanks heaps for that response. What size solar panel did  you have on your roof ? I was actually talking to the local solar people up this way (there aren't a big choice out here) and he was quoting about $450 - $600 for fit a quality 140watt panel to the roof. He says he has fitted heaps of them but have heard of bad things about solar panels being fitted to pop tops ie strength of roof not supporting panels properly etc etc. Does that sound kinda average price ??? I know you do get what you pay for.  

               Thats why I was thinking about a portable one, I can't afford to make any mistakes.  Your coments would be appreciated.

Thanks

keith

Batteries that are in constant use need to be constantly topped up as you call it..

Its not just a case of "Ohhh look the batteries are getting down I will put the solar panel out for a little while".

If I was setting up a van for solar and starting from scratch the least I would put on is 200w..

Remember the installation cost is the same regardless if it is 80w or 200w.. (This 200w panel weighs 14kgs) that is also the seller I buy all of my panels from..

I would be connecting a 20amp controller regulator and no less than a 1000w Pure sine wave inverter..

that way when ever there is light around to be harvested your panel will be doing it for you..

KW hi

First off I have 140 watt panel, 120 amp gel battery mainly used for the led lights, water pump and at times the radio. Our 3 way frig via Anderson plug to the car, glass when freedom camping and 240 when its there.

But my strong advice is to listen to Bob my van come with what I have and we find it works on this size van but if and when I replace the van I will have bigger. Ralph.