[robmir]

Originally Posted by dmc

maybe I'll post a little tech here while I have a chance.

I realize this is NOT the reason you put a dual battery setup in your truck but you just never know when you may have to use it. One of the reasons I went with the National Luna over the Hellroaring or others was the monitor. Just a little more peace of mind. I had a 5.5 hour ferry ride the other day and I had only driven about 5 miles the day previous so the fridge was starting to take it's toll on the second optima. During the ferry ride I chose my truck over the overcroweded deck. I watched a few movies, charged my laptop (my inverter requires the key in the on position) and my phone. the fridge also cycled a dozen times or so.

As the night went on I watched both batteries deplete but not to critical stage. regardless as the ferry approached the dock, i reached down, push the button to join the two batteries and started the truck. the monitor took any stress off of being the gringo stuck on the boat.
dmc

Gee, now you understand why people should not make fun of me because I managed to install 3 deep cycle batteries under my hood and make the best of them

Following your drift about the refrigerator when my first 60 qts Engel give up after 15 years of service I replaced it with a 45 qts which I sold only after 1 trip. I choosed again the 60 Qts Engel over the taller 45 qts because it was hard to reach for food in the bottom, which make me keep it's cover too much time open, cycling more often it's compressor. Just a tip if you are looking to purchase one.

Looks like adding a solar panel is not such a bad idea as to top up the batteries during the day.