Forum Discussion
John___Angela
Sep 21, 2013Explorer
I built this power pack out of a 12 dollar Wallmart battery box and some connectors (all from Walmart).

It contains this AGM battery. An AGM battery doesn't off gas so it stays with us in our tent trailer.

It powers the Fridge/Freezer seen in this photo. It is on the left. It is NOT a cooler but a fridge/freezer that can be configured to all fridge, part fridge/freezer or all freezer. It will run this fridge for about 50 hours before needing a recharge.

If running only in fridge mode (meaning lower duty cycle for the compressor) I can run for almost indefinetly if there is good sunshine using this portable solar panel. (Longest trip was 5 days).

The battery can be recharged while I am driving by using a double ended 12 volt cigarette adapter type cord. Use a self resetting or resetable 15 amp breaker if you do this. Better yet. Make a direct heavier line to the battery with a resettable 20 to 30 amp breaker. It will fully charge in about 3 hours.
This fridge happens to be a Dometic but Engel also makes them. You are looking for a small compressor type portable fridge, usually with Dan Foss compressor.
By the way, all of this is part of this camping set up we use for shorter duration Kayak excursions. Here it is all folded up for travel. Set up time 10 to 15 minutes...shorter if its raining :)

Good luck.

It contains this AGM battery. An AGM battery doesn't off gas so it stays with us in our tent trailer.

It powers the Fridge/Freezer seen in this photo. It is on the left. It is NOT a cooler but a fridge/freezer that can be configured to all fridge, part fridge/freezer or all freezer. It will run this fridge for about 50 hours before needing a recharge.

If running only in fridge mode (meaning lower duty cycle for the compressor) I can run for almost indefinetly if there is good sunshine using this portable solar panel. (Longest trip was 5 days).

The battery can be recharged while I am driving by using a double ended 12 volt cigarette adapter type cord. Use a self resetting or resetable 15 amp breaker if you do this. Better yet. Make a direct heavier line to the battery with a resettable 20 to 30 amp breaker. It will fully charge in about 3 hours.
This fridge happens to be a Dometic but Engel also makes them. You are looking for a small compressor type portable fridge, usually with Dan Foss compressor.
By the way, all of this is part of this camping set up we use for shorter duration Kayak excursions. Here it is all folded up for travel. Set up time 10 to 15 minutes...shorter if its raining :)

Good luck.
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