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Cool box / Fridge help
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2022 11:00 am
by stevieweevil
Hi, I've recently purchased a bongo - loving it so far, but the cupboard where the fridge / cool box should live (with 12v hook up to leisure battery) is currently empty.
The space in the cupboard is fairly small - 30cm length, 36cm width, 51cm height.
Really struggling to find anything decent that will fit. Does anyone have any ideas?
Ideally would like it to run off 12v when on the road and 240v when at a hookup.
Re: Cool box / Fridge help
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2022 11:07 am
by g8dhe
Welcome aboard!
Its normal to just install a 12v compressor fridge running off the 12v system then if you have EHU as well then that normally includes a charger for running the 12v system and charging the LB when static and connected to EHU.
Be aware the coolboxes are NOT the way to go if your planning more than day trips! Dometic or Vitrifrigo fridges whilst much more expensive will run from the leisure battery for several days or if you have a solar panel / EHU then continuously. See places like
https://penguinfrigo.co.uk/ for maintenance and products etc.
I like the Vitrifrigo C42L
https://www.vitrifrigo.com/ww/en/c42l-e ... ing-unit_3 as you can put the compressor on a "shelf" above the rear aircon and retain maximum space for the fridge. Otherwise the C39i
https://www.vitrifrigo.com/ww/en/c39i-i ... ing-unit_3 but you loose space due to the compressor being within the box.
Re: Cool box / Fridge help
Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:38 pm
by agentdagnamit
Hi. Sorry, butting in slightly.
Will those 12v fridges run until they drain the leisure battery, or do they usually include some sort of intelligent shut down to protect it? ie switch off when leisure battery down to 50%?
Obviously not an issue if driving or hooked up to AC.
Re: Cool box / Fridge help
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 9:50 am
by g8dhe
Yes the fridges have a cut-off voltage that preserves the battery, if you look at the right spec sheets its even configurable if you wish;
https://www.secop.com/fileadmin/user_up ... 01e502.pdf
Re: Cool box / Fridge help
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 10:06 am
by agentdagnamit
Thanks Geoff. I'd never have guessed it was possible to connect my fridge to a laptop by usb!
What's a sensible cut off to avoid damaging a leisure battery (standard lead, not lithium)?
Re: Cool box / Fridge help
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 10:45 am
by g8dhe
I would leave it at the default settings unless you have special reasons to change it.