CSI Fridge/Freezer Mega Thread

Thanks! You running it off of a stock battery? What's the longest you've gone without starting your truck?

 

Running it off a Northstar Battery, and 2 days.

 

I've measured the power draw of the fridge to be roughly 1amp an hour.

The Yeti 400 agm will only power the fridge for about 15 hrs before needing a recharge. (I have it plugged into the bedside inverter so it will recharge when we're driving around.)

Remember, flooded and agm batteries only like to be taken to ~ 50% capacity before their life span is dramatically reduced. (example, a 40 amp hr battery will run this fridge for about 20 hrs before the battery may be damaged)

On my camping trailer I have a 230 amp/hr battery bank, so I can run the fridge for almost 4.8 days before they need a recharge. However, I also have a solar panel set up that extends that number almost indefinitely (we were out for 8 days last fall and the batteries were still at 95%).

The fridge also has a low voltage cut off so if you wire it to your starting battery, it should shut down the fridge before your starting battery is depleted to the point where you can't start your truck.

It looks like you have a 3rd Gen, so if you decide to go with an AGM starting battery (like @Unchained 5150 above), you will need to hook it up to a battery charger about once a week to keep it properly charged. (3rd Gen alternators don't put out enough volts for agm batteries)

(I've researched this stuff so much it almost makes my head spin)

Good luck with whatever you decide...


Cheers

 

Thanks a lot for the info... man you have a nice setup there! Yeah researching is KIND OF fun to get lost in. I like the idea of using the Yeti for other things around the garage/house so I'm leaning towards that or something like it and supplementing it with either drive time and/or solar.

What do you think about the new lithium packs from Goal Zero. They have a new 500x, and since it is lithium and not AGM/lead acid the usable amp hours would be 41AH (500/12)? that would get me 40 hours-ish of use from this cooler?

 

Personally, I would NOT get a lithium Goal Zero (any model). If you look at the specs, they only output 10.8 volts dc. That is below the "low voltage cutoff" of the fridge... The fridge just won't work correctly.
You could plug the fridge into the inverter on the lithium Yeti using the fridge's 120v-12v pack, but that would the defeat the efficiency and amp hour use of the battery pack.

If you're interested in lithium power sources, have a look at Dakota Lithium. Their batteries are rated at 12.8 volts and they have power packs as well.


Cheers


... Thanks for the compliment on trailer. It's a constant work in progress, but it's a blast to work on. In fact, it's matching Toyota Silver Sky Metallic now.

 

@Mike's Custom Toys

I am in for one, send me the details and monies needed.

Thank you

 

pm sent

 

Sent!

Thanks for the speedy reply!

 

In a paycheck or two I’ll probably be sending a pm as well

 

How to these compare against the ARB? They're like 1/2 of the price and seem to be 90% the same.

It's hard to pass these up when a roto molded cooler will set you back nearly the same amount. With the bed outlet, if you don't constantly open up the cooler I would imagine you could just keep everything cool when you drive and wouldn't even need to use the battery - unless you stay parked for more than a day.

My problem is that I'm currently locked down in Canada and can't pick up stuff on the USA side of the border. I don't want to deal with import duties/taxes/etc.

When the travel restrictions are lifted I may need one of these for summer trips!

 

Got mine super quick! Thanks for the awesome service. Can confirm that it looks exactly like my buddies’ Indel-B/Truckfridge branded fridges - in a good way. There’s have lasted years without issue

 

How you liking it?

 

Haven't had a chance to use it yet. Hoping to be able to get out memorial day weekend.

 

Roger. I just bought a Dometic at the same price but was curious!

 

...so why are you here?

 

Because I may buy one as a gift for my dad...

 

What size Dometic? Those things are pricey now

 

CFX40. Paid $550 for it + a slide brand new.

 

That's a good deal, but definitely could've gotten 12 quarts more with an insulation bag and slide for only a few bucks more here

 

I’ll be purchasing one for the family soon!! Excited to try this one.