Portable 12 volt Battery station for Fridge ?

okayfine · 05-10-2009, 11:04 AM

Need some ideas here. I have an Engel fridge. When I take it on my FJ, it is not a problem, but when I take it on my Honda minivan, it will drain the battery. The Honda has an aftermarket car alarm, among other things, which drains the battery faster. Any ideas on what I should do?

Dual battery system in Honda Odyssey is problematic because there is no space under the hood. I could place it inside the cabin in the cargo compartment, but I don't want to do a permanent dual battery set up there because even the sealed batteries will emit gases.

So, I was thinking that I will just take an extra battery with me just for these camping trips. Is there a device that will let me hook up the fridge to the battery when the car is off and then allow me to plug it into the car to recharge when the car is running?

**cruiserlarry** · 05-10-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

okayfine previously said:

Need some ideas here. I have an Engel fridge. When I take it on my FJ, it is not a problem, but when I take it on my Honda minivan, it will drain the battery. The Honda has an aftermarket car alarm, among other things, which drains the battery faster. Any ideas on what I should do?

Dual battery system in Honda Odyssey is problematic because there is no space under the hood. I could place it inside the cabin in the cargo compartment, but I don't want to do a permanent dual battery set up there because even the sealed batteries will emit gases.

So, I was thinking that I will just take an extra battery with me just for these camping trips. Is there a device that will let me hook up the fridge to the battery when the car is off and then allow me to plug it into the car to recharge when the car is running?

Pick up an Optima Yellow Top or (even better) an Odyssey battery to keep in the Honda when you use the fridge. Both work as deep cycle batteries, and can be recharged after they drain down. Either should last a while, and you could bring a charger for motel stops. Just run the fridge off the car 'til you arrive at your spot, and run the fridge to a cooler temp than you'll need. Then hook it up to the loose battery and turn down the temp - you should be good for 2-3 days if the fridge stays in the shade. And if you take the Honda for an errand, plug it back in to save the reserve...

**vhram** · 05-10-2009, 11:23 AM

Ive got a optima blue top I use in other vehicles and do what larry said and bring a battery charger

okayfine · 05-10-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

vhram previously said:

Ive got a optima blue top I use in other vehicles and do what larry said and bring a battery charger

Thanks for your replies.

Vhram, does your charger plug into the cars electrical system or the ac outlet ?

Also do I need to place the battery in a sealed battery box ?

Thanks

**vhram** · 05-10-2009, 12:04 PM

Ive got a brunton 25 watt solar charger and a reg battery charger that plugs in at the hotel outlet. Ive got it in a plastic box so no accidental shorts.

FJR Colorado · 05-10-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

So, I was thinking that I will just take an extra battery with me just for these camping trips. Is there a device that will let me hook up the fridge to the battery when the car is off and then allow me to plug it into the car to recharge when the car is running?

You should consider getting one of those 12V battery jumper units. I have one that can jump a vehicle quite well and also provides an LED light that can burn for hours, an air-compressor that ain't half bad and a 12V outlet.

You can charge it off the alternator when driving with a simple adapter cord off your cigarette plug.

fj6high · 05-10-2009, 06:32 PM

Wall Mart or a Marine boating center have a battery carrier box and it has some port plugs and other connecters and a breaker. It has a sturdy carry handle so it makes thing easier to tote and store the battery.

**cruiserlarry** · 05-10-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

okayfine previously said:

Thanks for your replies.

Vhram, does your charger plug into the cars electrical system or the ac outlet ?

Also do I need to place the battery in a sealed battery box ?

Thanks

The battery charger is to plug into a building outlet - some chargers will not work properly on a low wattage inverter such as the one in the Toyota. Also, vehicles that have AC inverters built in usually do not work with the key off. So, use the charger at the motel or rest stop. Sealed batteries do not emit gasses unless severely overcharged, and cannot leak, so there is no need to use a battery box or fear toxic fumes in the vehicle. Optima and Odyssey batteries are classified as non-hazardous for the purposes of interstate shipping, so you'll have no issue in the vehicle. Standard acid-type deep cycle batteries do emit fumes, and can be hazardous / explosive in a confined environment, as well as do serious acid damage if they spill. If you are going to use a loose battery inside a vehicle, step up and spend the dough on one that is safe for you and your family, IMO...

okayfine · 05-16-2009, 07:56 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. I decided to get an odyssey battery and make a custom case for it with handles and cigarette plugs, USB plugs, and a separate plug for charging. Thanks again.