Battery for Engel

[Ghilli_camper]

I'm new to this forum . Can someone give the typical set up for using a freezer or refrigerator and supplying power while you are out fishing ,etc . Don't want to run the battery down in the middle of nowhere . The freezer is typically stock with food for 4 for 3-4 days worth of food.

 

[Corey]

These ARB/Engel type of fridges will usually go about three to four days before your battery will not turn the starter over.
I have gotten about four days without starting the rig during that time, and that was pushing it.

You can install a solar setup to keep your batteries charged, that is what I did.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28712

Just field tested it last week while on vacation, and in partial sun it was putting out 16.66 volts, and 18.5 with more sun on it.

 

[Superu]

Battery drain will vary significantly depending on whether you keep things frozen or merely refrigerated.

You'll need to consider the size of the fridge/freezer when selecting the battery size. My Engel MT45 will easily run off the Optima Yellow Top D34 in my National Luna PPP for a day and a half to two days on freeze before it needs topping off. I'll be replacing it with a much larger battery next season that should more than double the timeframe.

If you are planning on a single battery setup rather than a dual installation or external PPP, you may want to consider a battery jump pack as a backup in case you run the battery lower than you expected.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I use a COSTCO Kirkland acid battery, for my trailer engel and with a solar panel, I never have trouble

I don't use the jeep battery for anything 'cept the jeep

:costumed-smiley-007:safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO

 

[roscoFJ73]

I use a 100 amp deep cycle. It can run a Waeco 50 for about 4 days or an 80 for 2 1/2 days.
Deep cycles have thick plates and are more suitable for small steady draw of power.
The cranking batteries are ok for a while but the fridge will kill them with regular use.

 

[Ghilli_camper]

Corey , i like the ideal of solar and ideal of using a battery pack . What about theft prevention ?

 

[Corey]

I put the solar panel away each night in my rig when I was camped.
You never know who may tip toe through your camp at night in search of a freebie.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Another vote for solar. No need for an extra battery if you have available sunshine and there is no need to start and recharge your battery daily. The sun will take care of you.