ARB fridge plug in adapter?

[gratefulbuses]

I'm dragging my feet on installing my AUX system in my 85 Westy, and would like to still be able to use my new ARB 50qt. fridge and my 100aH battery!

The ARB fridge comes with a 110 plug and cig. lighter plug.

Just wondering if I can safely use these cheapy 16 gauge wire alligator clips (on my AUX battery), and simply plug in the fridge using the cig. outlet from it? Or, should I incorporate an inline fuse somewhere? Or, make a better temporary usage connection with larger gauge wiring/alligator clips/inline fuse/and cig lighter outlet?

Or, better yet, can I ground the negative side of the AUX battery, hook up battery up to my inverter, and then just plug the fridge into the inverter?

Any help or ideas would be much appreciated? I don't want to blow up my new fridge!

Thanks!

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85 Westy

[kamzcab86]

If you don't plan to use the fridge in other vehicles, none of the above: Make note of the + and - wires, cut the 12V plug off, and wire direct to the battery via a 15A fuse (inline fuse, or Blue Seas-type of fuse panel). This is the route I took.

I don't trust alligator clamps in a moving vehicle. If I were planning to use the fridge in other vehicles, I'd cut the clamps off the adapter and, again, connect the wires direct to the battery (I think there's a fuse inside the 12V plug).

You definitely don't want to use an inverter... quite inefficient use of power.
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~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子

[PDXWesty]

If you just want a temporary set up, you can use the cable above and just set the battery next to the fridge. TEMPORARY ONLY. Fully charge the battery before you leave and see how long it lasts. worth a shot.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[gratefulbuses]

[gratefulbuses]

[PDXWesty]

[kamzcab86]

[Phishman068]

The ARB is very sensitive to voltage and current- if you don't provide a solid enough connection at the battery using these alligator clips it won't work.

I've had some real delightful experiences with this finickyness before I figured out that it needs good, strong connections.
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569774
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[gratefulbuses]

OK, Thanks for the info/feedback! This is motivating me to focus on finishing up my whole AUX system now, a larger puzzle of course.

However, Let's finish the subject matter for the peace of mind here.

I drew up two options, both involve having to make a direct connection wire with a cigerette outlet to plug the ARB fridge into. Those ARB power cords are $28 a piece, so I'd rather not butcher them up, and use them how they were intended.
If option #1 will work, this would allow me to have more of a portable system for my other vehicles too!

Will both options work? Are they correct circuits? Are they safe for the ARB fridge?

Thanks for all the help!

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85 Westy

[shagginwagon83]

So I too thought about using the fridge in another vehicle. Ideally, both options would work.

Option 1 is what I have. I have the wiring coming from underneath the stock fridge, and tied the socket around the passenger seat belt. Randomly when it gets hit - it will drop connection. I have to twist the male 12v adapter inside the female socket. This is super annoying. Maybe it was a cheap outlet - but I typically do research and buy quality parts. Where would you put this said socket at? Cause I didn't mount mine yet.

Option 2 is best option. I plan on doing this - just investing in another 12v cable in case I do want to take it portable.
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[dhaavers]

If keeping the ARB "ciggy plug", seriously consider a larger gauge connector from the battery.

FWIW: My choice for our new Dometic 12v fridge...about 14AWG, much better than most...(!!!) :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074CT5CSN/ref=o...8&psc=

Add a couple good solid ring connectors, well crimped, will bolt right to your battery & be good
for years & years...



- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[gratefulbuses]

Thanks for the link Dave! I was going to piece one together, but that's a great deal on a single outlet!

I am now thinking about a splitter adapter (two cigerette lighter outlets) to run a fan or charge my phone too! But, I can't find one that isn't better than 16 awg!? Considering that the ARB fridge power cords are 16 awg., wouldn't 16 awg. be sufficient enough for the full connection to the battery? Of course, I know that the Battery ground should be 4 awg.

Shagginwagon83, this is just a temporary or a portable solution to running my ARB fridge. So, I don't know where the wires are going just yet.

Thanks!
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85 Westy

[dhaavers]

FWIW, I have 2 of those connectors parallel wired to my aux battery, 1 for the fridge,
other for charging phones, iPad, USB fan, etc, etc... Works great!

- Dave

PS: 30A spec on that plug seems generous, but certainly good for at least 15A anyway...
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>