A few questions on camping fridges, what are your thoughts
- Donkey
- Monster Truck
- Posts: 5132
- Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:33 am
- Town: Johannesburg
- Vehicle: 2002 3.0KZ-TE 4x4, Eazyawn RTT, Snorkel, NudgeM Bumper, 38mm Ball Joint Spacers, 35" Maxxis Bighorns, Dastek Unichip, 60 ltr Snomaster fridge/freezer, 40mm body lift, Mikem front/rear with extended shackles, Bilsteins shox rear
- Real Name: Tumelo Thebe aka Baas John
- Club VHF Licence: X122
A few questions on camping fridges, what are your thoughts
Im currently running the 60 ltr S/S Snomaster in my truck and very happy with the product and service I get from Snomaster (is my next fridge/freezer a Snomaster? Of course)
1. being 220/12v, if truck is parked in the garage, I normally keep it plugged in the mains, running 24 hrs (only recently I connected a switch on the 12v side to disconnect the 12v side manually) - leaving the fridge running from the battery continuously not only dischages the battery to unsafe levels but this was I damaged my battery, hence the switch. What are your thoughts?
2. When frozen mother's milk cans warm up (when fridge is off), they create small water droplets which collect at the bottom, when cleaning the fridge or the truck I would normally wipe the inside dry, is this something to worry about or am I being paranoid , can this water cause any harm?
3. Since I damaged my Deltec, on our last trip to Lesotho this past Easter (boys trip with lots of drinking), I used a normal cranking battery to run the fridge, capacity was 50 Ah, and I was pleasantly surprized at how well this set-up worked (coupled to a DC/DC charger of 12A), in fact I was amazed. Is it worth it to buy another Deltec or buy a 90 Ah normal battery, which is cheaper? only the fridge and one LED module runs from the second battery.
1. being 220/12v, if truck is parked in the garage, I normally keep it plugged in the mains, running 24 hrs (only recently I connected a switch on the 12v side to disconnect the 12v side manually) - leaving the fridge running from the battery continuously not only dischages the battery to unsafe levels but this was I damaged my battery, hence the switch. What are your thoughts?
2. When frozen mother's milk cans warm up (when fridge is off), they create small water droplets which collect at the bottom, when cleaning the fridge or the truck I would normally wipe the inside dry, is this something to worry about or am I being paranoid , can this water cause any harm?
3. Since I damaged my Deltec, on our last trip to Lesotho this past Easter (boys trip with lots of drinking), I used a normal cranking battery to run the fridge, capacity was 50 Ah, and I was pleasantly surprized at how well this set-up worked (coupled to a DC/DC charger of 12A), in fact I was amazed. Is it worth it to buy another Deltec or buy a 90 Ah normal battery, which is cheaper? only the fridge and one LED module runs from the second battery.
Tumelo Maketekete
Donkey, simple and often misunderstood.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, but we grow old because we stop playing!
2002 - 3.0KZ-TE Toyota Hilux (Letebele)
1994 - 1.6i Gl Toyota Corolla (Platkar)
1990 - Gli TwinCam 16v (ZuluBoy)
Donkey, simple and often misunderstood.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, but we grow old because we stop playing!
2002 - 3.0KZ-TE Toyota Hilux (Letebele)
1994 - 1.6i Gl Toyota Corolla (Platkar)
1990 - Gli TwinCam 16v (ZuluBoy)
- FJCruiser-ZN
- LR 4WD Rear Locker
- Posts: 458
- Joined: Wed May 19, 2010 9:52 pm
- Town: Durban
- Vehicle: FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4x4
- Real Name: Tony
- Club VHF Licence: X224
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
Hi Tumelo
I've got two stainless steel 50l N/L's, I usually run one as a freezer and the other as a fridge. With the N/L's you can plug both the 12v and 220v supplies in together, and the unit will automatically switch to 220v if present.
As far as the condensation is concerned, if your freezer has a plastic lining like mine, the water droplets shouldn't cause any damage until cleaned. However if its steel inside, rust may start forming.
I bought a 105A Deltec Freedom battery from a good friend (I'm sure you know the brother). I'm using it as my second battery without any problems yet. I believe the Deltec Freedom battery is a high cycle battery with some characteristic's of a deep cycle. They say it can be discharged to 50% without any damage.
I only run one N/L in my truck, the other one is in my off road caravan.
T
I've got two stainless steel 50l N/L's, I usually run one as a freezer and the other as a fridge. With the N/L's you can plug both the 12v and 220v supplies in together, and the unit will automatically switch to 220v if present.
As far as the condensation is concerned, if your freezer has a plastic lining like mine, the water droplets shouldn't cause any damage until cleaned. However if its steel inside, rust may start forming.
I bought a 105A Deltec Freedom battery from a good friend (I'm sure you know the brother). I'm using it as my second battery without any problems yet. I believe the Deltec Freedom battery is a high cycle battery with some characteristic's of a deep cycle. They say it can be discharged to 50% without any damage.
I only run one N/L in my truck, the other one is in my off road caravan.
T
If you don't own an FJ Cruiser you probably won't understand...
Until we meet on a dusty road someday, somewhere, keep on Cruisering....
2013 FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4x4 AT
2012 Jurgen's Xcape
Until we meet on a dusty road someday, somewhere, keep on Cruisering....
2013 FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4x4 AT
2012 Jurgen's Xcape
- MOFASA
- Monster Truck
- Posts: 3095
- Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2012 7:27 pm
- Town: Kempton Park
- Vehicle: 1998 JEEP XJ 4.0............ 4 inch lift.... more mods to follow............ Old vehicle was MOFASA
- Real Name: Johno
- Club VHF Licence: X119
- Location: Kempton Park
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
Buy 1 or 2 of these..........
They work like a charm.......
They keep Ice in solid form up to 5 days....
Work well with dryice.....
Less than HALF the price.....
Wont rust......
All round a bargain......
They work like a charm.......
They keep Ice in solid form up to 5 days....
Work well with dryice.....
Less than HALF the price.....
Wont rust......
All round a bargain......
- Attachments
-
- Coleman Xtreme Cooler.jpg
- (47.65 KiB) Downloaded 652 times
Live Life in the FAST lane....
Forget the past, Embrace the FUTURE!!!!
To 4x4 or not to 4x4 thats the question....
IT'S A JEEP ..... You wouldn't understand....
[rimg=206x128]
Forget the past, Embrace the FUTURE!!!!
To 4x4 or not to 4x4 thats the question....
IT'S A JEEP ..... You wouldn't understand....
[rimg=206x128]
- Mud Dog
- Moderator
- Posts: 29857
- Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
- Town: East London
- Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
- Real Name: Andy
- Club VHF Licence: HC103
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
Your unit should switch automatically to 220V if it's there, as Legend35-ZN says. No reason why the normal battery should not work .... just won't keep the fridge running as long before the low power protection cuts the fridge off.
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.
Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
- george
- Monster Truck
- Posts: 6565
- Joined: Wed May 23, 2007 11:16 am
- Town: Velddrif
- Vehicle: Triton 3.5l V6
- Real Name: George
- Club VHF Licence: HC107
- Location: Velddrif
- Contact:
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
On my trip I ditch the deep cycle and got a 652 90 amp battery.I think it is the one they use in a merc.The high cycle worked great for me.Especially since I dont had dc/dc but used the normal alti
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.-Saint Augustine"
- Donkey
- Monster Truck
- Posts: 5132
- Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:33 am
- Town: Johannesburg
- Vehicle: 2002 3.0KZ-TE 4x4, Eazyawn RTT, Snorkel, NudgeM Bumper, 38mm Ball Joint Spacers, 35" Maxxis Bighorns, Dastek Unichip, 60 ltr Snomaster fridge/freezer, 40mm body lift, Mikem front/rear with extended shackles, Bilsteins shox rear
- Real Name: Tumelo Thebe aka Baas John
- Club VHF Licence: X122
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
Correct, fridge does switch to 220v automatically if connected, my reasoning behind the switch on the 12v supply side, is being able to isolate fridge from battery, without having to plug/unplug the 12v supply, this way if not in use I don't drain the second battery unnessecarily and prevent damage to the battery.Mud Dog wrote:Your unit should switch automatically to 220V if it's there, as Legend35-ZN says. No reason why the normal battery should not work .... just won't keep the fridge running as long before the low power protection cuts the fridge off.
Tumelo Maketekete
Donkey, simple and often misunderstood.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, but we grow old because we stop playing!
2002 - 3.0KZ-TE Toyota Hilux (Letebele)
1994 - 1.6i Gl Toyota Corolla (Platkar)
1990 - Gli TwinCam 16v (ZuluBoy)
Donkey, simple and often misunderstood.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, but we grow old because we stop playing!
2002 - 3.0KZ-TE Toyota Hilux (Letebele)
1994 - 1.6i Gl Toyota Corolla (Platkar)
1990 - Gli TwinCam 16v (ZuluBoy)
- Donkey
- Monster Truck
- Posts: 5132
- Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:33 am
- Town: Johannesburg
- Vehicle: 2002 3.0KZ-TE 4x4, Eazyawn RTT, Snorkel, NudgeM Bumper, 38mm Ball Joint Spacers, 35" Maxxis Bighorns, Dastek Unichip, 60 ltr Snomaster fridge/freezer, 40mm body lift, Mikem front/rear with extended shackles, Bilsteins shox rear
- Real Name: Tumelo Thebe aka Baas John
- Club VHF Licence: X122
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
The inner of my fridge is metal, so maybe as a solution one could use silicone where the metals meet, because that's where I noticed rust wanting to form?Legend35-ZN wrote:Hi Tumelo
I've got two stainless steel 50l N/L's, I usually run one as a freezer and the other as a fridge. With the N/L's you can plug both the 12v and 220v supplies in together, and the unit will automatically switch to 220v if present.
As far as the condensation is concerned, if your freezer has aplastic lininglike mine, the water droplets shouldn't cause any damage until cleaned. However if its steel inside, rust may start forming.
I bought a 105A Deltec Freedom battery from a good friend (I'm sure you know the brother). I'm using it as my second battery without any problems yet. I believe the Deltec Freedom battery is a high cycle battery with some characteristic's of a deep cycle. They say it can be discharged to 50% without any damage.
I only run one N/L in my truck, the other one is in my off road caravan.
T
Yea, I think I know the brother
@ Mofasa, doubt if I'll have space, besides bought the fridge already. The downside with a cooler is when overlanding, you don't always get ice, but 5 days is a long time I agree
Tumelo Maketekete
Donkey, simple and often misunderstood.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, but we grow old because we stop playing!
2002 - 3.0KZ-TE Toyota Hilux (Letebele)
1994 - 1.6i Gl Toyota Corolla (Platkar)
1990 - Gli TwinCam 16v (ZuluBoy)
Donkey, simple and often misunderstood.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, but we grow old because we stop playing!
2002 - 3.0KZ-TE Toyota Hilux (Letebele)
1994 - 1.6i Gl Toyota Corolla (Platkar)
1990 - Gli TwinCam 16v (ZuluBoy)
- FJCruiser-ZN
- LR 4WD Rear Locker
- Posts: 458
- Joined: Wed May 19, 2010 9:52 pm
- Town: Durban
- Vehicle: FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4x4
- Real Name: Tony
- Club VHF Licence: X224
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
Get yourself a small bottle of "rust converter" and treat the rust first before sealing it.Donkey wrote:The inner of my fridge is metal, so maybe as a solution one could use silicone where the metals meet, because that's where I noticed rust wanting to form?Legend35-ZN wrote:Hi Tumelo
I've got two stainless steel 50l N/L's, I usually run one as a freezer and the other as a fridge. With the N/L's you can plug both the 12v and 220v supplies in together, and the unit will automatically switch to 220v if present.
As far as the condensation is concerned, if your freezer has aplastic lininglike mine, the water droplets shouldn't cause any damage until cleaned. However if its steel inside, rust may start forming.
I bought a 105A Deltec Freedom battery from a good friend (I'm sure you know the brother). I'm using it as my second battery without any problems yet. I believe the Deltec Freedom battery is a high cycle battery with some characteristic's of a deep cycle. They say it can be discharged to 50% without any damage.
I only run one N/L in my truck, the other one is in my off road caravan.
T
Yea, I think I know the brother
@ Mofasa, doubt if I'll have space, besides bought the fridge already. The downside with a cooler is when overlanding, you don't always get ice, but 5 days is a long time I agree
If you don't own an FJ Cruiser you probably won't understand...
Until we meet on a dusty road someday, somewhere, keep on Cruisering....
2013 FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4x4 AT
2012 Jurgen's Xcape
Until we meet on a dusty road someday, somewhere, keep on Cruisering....
2013 FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4x4 AT
2012 Jurgen's Xcape
-
- LR 4WD Full Lockers
- Posts: 720
- Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:00 pm
- Town: Hartbeespoort Dam
- Vehicle: 1993 80 Series Land Cruiser (3UZ-VVTi)
- Real Name: Mike
- Club VHF Licence: J91
- Location: Hartbeespoort Dam
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
When the 4x4 is parked in the garage why not connect the main battery to an intelligent battery charger? That way the cranking battery will remain in tip top condition AND once your solenoid opens (usually after 5 mins) then the 2nd battery will also get charge and thus will also remain in tip top condition. When I am not using my fridge I shut it down and put a towel under the lid so that it doesn't close, thus allowing airflow to keep it dry.
kiss kiss
- Dingo
- LR 4WD Full Lockers
- Posts: 608
- Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2009 9:39 pm
- Town: Kempton Park
- Vehicle: 95 4x4 DC Hilux, 7MG engine, EFS suspension, Home made custom off-road canopy.
- Real Name: Scott
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
I'm with Mike - when not using my fridge I turn it off. there are some little plastic gadgets from Outdoor Wharehouse that you put under the lid and it keeps the coolerbox/fridge lid slightly open for airventing.
when I know I'm gonna use my fridge I normally turn it on with the 220V the night or so before to cool down.
when I know I'm gonna use my fridge I normally turn it on with the 220V the night or so before to cool down.
- Johan Kriel
- LR 4WD Full Lockers
- Posts: 623
- Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:41 pm
- Town: Okahandja
- Vehicle: 2.5 SC 4x4
- Real Name: Johan kriel
- Location: Okahandja
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
Put the nomaster on 220V permanent at home, if it breaks than is not a train smash, and get something else for the vehicle.
Sorry, only my opinion!
Sorry, only my opinion!
Johan Kriel
Legend 50
Legend 50
- Donkey
- Monster Truck
- Posts: 5132
- Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:33 am
- Town: Johannesburg
- Vehicle: 2002 3.0KZ-TE 4x4, Eazyawn RTT, Snorkel, NudgeM Bumper, 38mm Ball Joint Spacers, 35" Maxxis Bighorns, Dastek Unichip, 60 ltr Snomaster fridge/freezer, 40mm body lift, Mikem front/rear with extended shackles, Bilsteins shox rear
- Real Name: Tumelo Thebe aka Baas John
- Club VHF Licence: X122
Re: A few questions on camping fridges, what are your though
You'll be surprised this little man is very reliableJohan Kriel wrote:Put the nomaster on 220V permanent at home, if it breaks than is not a train smash, and get something else for the vehicle.
Sorry, only my opinion!
Thanks for all the replies.
Tumelo Maketekete
Donkey, simple and often misunderstood.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, but we grow old because we stop playing!
2002 - 3.0KZ-TE Toyota Hilux (Letebele)
1994 - 1.6i Gl Toyota Corolla (Platkar)
1990 - Gli TwinCam 16v (ZuluBoy)
Donkey, simple and often misunderstood.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, but we grow old because we stop playing!
2002 - 3.0KZ-TE Toyota Hilux (Letebele)
1994 - 1.6i Gl Toyota Corolla (Platkar)
1990 - Gli TwinCam 16v (ZuluBoy)