Installing a fridge

You might be right.. I had an old Chebby where the AUX pin was always hot but the previous owner might have wired it that way.. Easy enough to test.

 

I run his dual battery setup too, it's great stuff.

 

I thought those $500.00 dollar yeti coolers kept things cold for days..

 

They can, especially if you use block ice. But they cost almost as much as a fridge.

I have a "Palm" roto-molded 65 qt. cooler that has worked out well. Paid about $175 - Haven't tested it up against a Yeti but it has held ice for 4-5 days in moderate temps. With block ice I think it could go that distance in the summer months.

 

Iv'e had a 50qt. ARB fridge/freezer in my bed under my Snugtop for years without a dual battery setup. I used to run a DieHard Platinum with it for years (4), that one died so now I'm trying out a Optima YellowTop.
My battery never ever died with the fridge on for 12 hrs+ without the truck being on, the ARB fridge does not let your battery drain too low that you can't start the truck. I've done many 3-5 day offroad trips without any issues. I think with the right fridge such as the ARB a dual battery set-up is overkill but I always carry a small portable battery charger just in case.
Not having to deal with a cooler and ice and ice melting and water in your cooler has been ridiculously awesome!

50qt. fridge I have:

ARB Portable Fridge Freezer 50 Quarts Electric Powered 12V/110V For Car, Boat, Truck, SUV, RV, Home Classic Series I (50 Quart)

https://www.amazon.com/ARB-10800472-Fridge-Freezer-Quart/dp/B002Q1INDM

I use the ARB tie down system.

$33 ARB 10900010 FRIDGE TIEDOWN KIT Ensure your fridge at all times For Use With Classic Series II

https://www.amazon.com/ARB-10900010-Fridge-Freezer-System/dp/B003CEVFV4

I modified the ARB tie down system so that i can use them them with a track tie down system that way I can tie down and lock in the fridge in many different positions.

$100 US Cargo Control L Track Tie Down System, Includes (2) 4 Foot Black Anodized Aluminum L-Track and (4) Black Single Stud O-Ring Fittings, Versatile Trailer Tie Down System for Trailers and Truck Beds

https://www.amazon.com/Powersports-...id=1495062667&sr=1-20&keywords=tie+down+rails

 

I totally know what your talking about, saving space with the fridge was a big plus especially offroading/camping with 4 people for multiple days!
I used to carry 2 50qt coolers and a small 25qt cooler before my fridge, now it's just a 50qt fridge! The ice took up too much valuable space in the cooler.

 

Your fridge make might have a similar kit or may be able to use this kit to run power. I used the Arb wiring kit with socket and ran that to the bed.

http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-FRIDGE-FREEZER-WIRING-KIT-THREADED-SOCKET-10900027-P22817.aspx

 

Good thread, I want one.
Question, how do you carry extra ice for things like adult beverages? Do you just bag it up and put it in the fridge, or carry it separately in another cooler?

Anyone have a Whynter fridge and mount while we're at it?

 

Thanks for the review. Sounds like a 12V issue or DC issue at best. Anyway, I might like a challenge, so PM'ed you about it (I'm in Oceanside)...

 

When I do need to bring ice, I bring it separately in a small cooler bag.

 

Do you have images of how/where you have these mounted in your bed?

 

Sure thing. You can see there's a lot of freedom in where you can mount this stuff in the bed sides.

 

Very nice! So the switch on the Blue Sea is basically a breaker switch? Meaning, you can disable all power through the outlet(s) by switching it off? I'm thinking that would be ideal for when I'm not using my fridge. But if I'm out for a weekend, I can have the fridge running while the truck is turned off and utilize the fridge settings to not drain the battery to where I can't start my truck. This is my thought until I can fund a dual-battery setup.

 

Correct. Also keep in mind that some fridges, like the TB51 I own, have voltage cut out protection. If the fridge senses your battery voltage is getting too low it will cut itself off until the battery/input is replenished. That may keep you from having to worry about turning it on and off. I have yet to push mine far enough where it cuts out due to low voltage to see if I can still start the truck, but I need to perform that test soon while I'm at home sometime.

 

How quiet are thes fridges? How much heat do they put out? Would one be able to tolerate sleeping in a closed cap with one of these running? Thx

 

I don't hear my SnoMaster 42 running at all sitting in the back seat.

 

Are you running your fridge on a single battery setup?

 

I have a dual battery setup.

 

Gotcha. I was hoping I'd be able to make this work off a single battery. Now I'm questioning that decision.

 

here's a thread with someone running their fridge on a single battery setup. He is using a solar panel, but this may be an option if you'd like to keep it on one. Just a thought, its a pretty good thread, I've been using it for figuring out what I want out of my setup

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/solar-panel-install.472522/