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Subject Topic: Motorhome wiring question Post Reply Post New Topic
Persondjtinbox
13/8/2018 at 7:08pm
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Hi, I am more used to boats and have our first Compass Calypso motorhome now. I am currently unhappy with the fridge performance. I have serviced the 3 way fridge and it is working fine but I have decided to change it for the compressor type. My question is this, where does the power come from for the 12v side of the fridge? It only works on 12v when the van is running so I suspect the alternator feed. I want to use this 12v cable to charge a new battery just for the fridge but am wondering if this is ok or not?


PersonJames Watt
13/8/2018 at 7:53pm
 Location: Costa Del West Sussex
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Hello djtinbox.

There is a good reason why 12 volts is only available when the engine is running.

The fridge takes a fair current of 12 volts, and will flatten a 12 volt battery rather quickly.

Might be best if you stick with the 3 way, use 12 volts whilst driving and gas when on site, unless you have a 240 volt AC EHU.

If you intend travelling with food in the fridge, use 240 volt whilst at home overnight to get it cool.

Hope it makes sense.

Regards James

-------------
In the beginning there was darkness.
Then I bought a tent.
I'm not destitute, I'm just poor.


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Personnavver
13/8/2018 at 8:12pm
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When on 12 volt from the alternator a less powerful heating element is used so performance will be reduced.

On 240 volt it is better but gas is best of all for cooling power.

240volt is normally adequate but might struggle in some of the exceptionally hot weather we have had recently.


PersonCapt Lightning
13/8/2018 at 8:38pm
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Compressor fridges use considerably less current than absorption ones, so many people find they can run them from the leisure battery for several days. If you are not going to be stopped for more than a day or two without a charging source (EHU or Solar power), then a good leisure battery should suffice without adding another.

I'm a bit surprised at the poor performance of your fridge - maybe it is low on refrigerant. On 12V, 240V or gas, my Dometic 3-way fridge works a treat. Are you sure that a compressor fridge would be that much better?

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


Personsaxo1
13/8/2018 at 9:08pm
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caravan Club info,
Running on 12 volts
The 12V operation is for ‘on the road’ use and will only operate when the towing vehicle engine is running, but it is not a ‘second best’. Cooling in this mode is just as good as it is on gas or mains.
Dometic say the quickest and most efficient is on mains voltage.
I have never found any difference between 230V and gas providing the mains voltage is at 230V,if the voltage drops then gas is better.
My compressor fridge on 12 volt was the most efficient by far.
saxo1


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Persondjtinbox
14/8/2018 at 1:56pm
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Thats great folks, I have lived with three way fridges for years on boats and know their functions however i am going to try one of the compressor fridges out in the van.

I would like to know where the 12v non permanent feed (Live when engine is on) to the current fridge comes from? Is it directly from the alternator or does it pass through the existing leisure battery/zig system?


PersonJames Watt
14/8/2018 at 6:06pm
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There is a relay that is energised when the alternator is operating. This is to prevent the car battery from becoming discharged when using equipment requiring 12 volts.

In caravans there is often a battery called a "Habitation Battery". This can be charged during a journey.

Regards James

-------------
In the beginning there was darkness.
Then I bought a tent.
I'm not destitute, I'm just poor.


Person664DaveS
14/8/2018 at 7:02pm
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We have hired motorhomes in Australia,they had very efficient 12v compressor fridges (Waeco I think).
The van had a liesure battery,a solar panel as well as mains hookup. There was a charge controller adjacent to the battery to ensure the battery was kept healthy.
The hire company reckoned you could do one or two days on the battery,without a hookup or running the engine.
This would depend on amount of use of waterpump lights etc!
As we were there in summer, the solar panel worked well!
Of course if space permits you could fit two leisure batteries in parallel plus good sized solar panel.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


PersonMotorhammer
14/8/2018 at 10:15pm
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You should be able to find 2 relays near the vehicle battery. One of them is for the Zig/split charging system and the other for the fridge.
Hope it helps



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