Solar cable plug-in for the now-unused fridge vent

[kevinm]

I'm planning to install a Truckfridge and want to be able to power it using a solar panel that I plug into an exterior outlet. Has anyone installed the plugs in a plate on the now-available fridge vent, and if so, would you mind sharing the parts that you used? I'd of course like to keep the plug shielded from moisture and dirt but allow it to quick uncover so I can plug in the panel. Thanks!

- K

[fxr]

I installed an exit fan behind the vent - the Truckfridge needs very good air circulation over the compressor and condenser. There's eff-all room behind there with a TF65 - and a fan pulling air into the space from the old internal 'vent' is useful too. Buy quiet computer ones and you can't hear them.

Do you ever use 'City Water'? If not, that's the ideal place for an external solar connector.
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Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[shagginwagon83]

https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Electop-Weatherproof-Universal-Flush-Mountable/dp/B07WCMX24L
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[valvecovergasket]

[shagginwagon83]

Actually here is a higher quality one (I think?)
https://www.zampsolar.com/solar-port

Also an option -
https://www.vanagonlife.com/vanagonshop/vents

_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[valvecovergasket]

I put two of the VL rear vents on our van and the GW city water replacement outlet box, all go to the aux batt with fuses so you could hook solar to any of them but we usually use the vents for lighting.

The GW box is probably the least work as you don't have to run wires to kind of an odd spot (up into the vent)
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MegaSquirt resource - SpitfireEFI.com

gone, but not forgotten: '83 tdi westy - swap thread

[dieseltdi]

I ordered one from GoWesty for my Vanagon project. Looks just like one of the other utility covers. I already have a hole as I had installed an exhaust fan for the OG domestic fridge, don’t need it for the new Truckfridge. Hayden

[fxr]

[dieseltdi]

I have the T49. I haven't heard any talk about requiring another fan with them. T65 must be much bigger and requires more cooling. I suppose, I could connect it up but.....

[svig]

Here's what I recently did. Since I'd already converted the city water to external hose pump, and didn't want to cut the van to add a 4th box, I moved forward with using the unused already (poorly) covered up flue vent.

* Bought new GW flue vent block off plate: https://www.gowesty.com/product/made-in-usa/20990/aluminum-block-off-plate-for-flue-vent-
* Bought two pack of SAE bulkhead connectors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081QXNPYP (mounted one inside for when I just put the portable panel in the front window instead of outside)
* Bought Victron SmartSolar controller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NQQRPD
* I couldn't find a bulkhead connection that came out 90 degrees to allow for connecting without vent cover removal. so I drilled out flue vent cover screw holes slightly. Off angle, so that I could slightly unscrew the 3 screws that hold on the cover, then just twist and remove the cover to access the port without having to back all the screws all the way out and lose them.
* Overall, it works well and still looks stock as the flue cover is still on when not in use. Keeping the cover on also prevents people with messing with the port. (maybe)

Some pics:

Cheers

[ALIKA T3]

Smart idea!
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Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
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