Realizing that the only way to get my wife to even attempt to go camping in the curiser is if a Fridge was accessible. Not knowing how much I would use it, I went with a lower cost fridge. I figured that if I use it a lot, I can always upgrade to a Luna in the future. I decided to go with the FP430 - EdgeStar 43 Quart 12V DC Portable Fridge/Freezer on sale from Compact Appliance.
Initially, I was planning on using the fridge without a second battery. However, after reading how “inefficient” the cheap Edgestar frides are, I decided to look into what it would take for a second battery. I looked at IBS, BlueSea, and other companies. IBS was cool, but at over $300, it was almost as much as my fridge! So, I found a Chinese knock off of the IBS system called “T-Max”. It appears to have all of the features of the IBS, but at 1/3 the cost, and it’s available on Amazon![/COLOR]
T-Max was mounted next the the HI/Low Shifter on the Center Console.
Next on the list was a battery tray and battery. Slee had the best option for the tray. A custom made tray that fits the 100 series perfectly. Finally, I needed a deep cycle battery. It had to be a group 34 battery since I did not have much vertical clearance. Once again, I researched and found that Amazon had the best price on the Optima 34 Deep Cycle Battery (FYI.. If you care about the battery warranty, don’t purchase it through Amazon since they don’t honor it. For me, the price savings was well worth the risk!).
Optima Battery
Slee Tray and Battery Install
The only thing missing was a slide for the Fridge. Edgestar does not make slides, so after looking around I decided to make my own. Lowes had all of the parts, including 24’’ slides. I spent about $80 in parts from Lowes, including all of the aluminum to make the frame to hold the slides. It look me about a day to make the slide since I don’t have very many power tools and didn’t really have any plans. I just made everything up as I went along. To attach the tray to the Cruiser, I used some U Bolts and slid some Cammel back tubing around the bends of the U Bolt. This made a perfect fit to attach to the 3rd row seat attachment points.
Over the course of about 4 evening nights, I put everything together. I used 1 Guage battery wire from Amazon to connect both batteries. I mounted the T-Max Isolator onto the Slee battery tray.
I think it turned out pretty good. Eventually, I will replace the wood with metal, but for now it works OK.
Secured down ready to go off-roading!
Next weekend will be a good test. I'm heading out the Anza Borrego to do some camping!
So after adding all of the expenses up, I have about $750 into this project. The dual battery setup will be very useful for my HF Ham radio operations as well.
Initially, I was planning on using the fridge without a second battery. However, after reading how “inefficient” the cheap Edgestar frides are, I decided to look into what it would take for a second battery. I looked at IBS, BlueSea, and other companies. IBS was cool, but at over $300, it was almost as much as my fridge! So, I found a Chinese knock off of the IBS system called “T-Max”. It appears to have all of the features of the IBS, but at 1/3 the cost, and it’s available on Amazon![/COLOR]
T-Max was mounted next the the HI/Low Shifter on the Center Console.
Next on the list was a battery tray and battery. Slee had the best option for the tray. A custom made tray that fits the 100 series perfectly. Finally, I needed a deep cycle battery. It had to be a group 34 battery since I did not have much vertical clearance. Once again, I researched and found that Amazon had the best price on the Optima 34 Deep Cycle Battery (FYI.. If you care about the battery warranty, don’t purchase it through Amazon since they don’t honor it. For me, the price savings was well worth the risk!).
Optima Battery
Slee Tray and Battery Install
The only thing missing was a slide for the Fridge. Edgestar does not make slides, so after looking around I decided to make my own. Lowes had all of the parts, including 24’’ slides. I spent about $80 in parts from Lowes, including all of the aluminum to make the frame to hold the slides. It look me about a day to make the slide since I don’t have very many power tools and didn’t really have any plans. I just made everything up as I went along. To attach the tray to the Cruiser, I used some U Bolts and slid some Cammel back tubing around the bends of the U Bolt. This made a perfect fit to attach to the 3rd row seat attachment points.
Over the course of about 4 evening nights, I put everything together. I used 1 Guage battery wire from Amazon to connect both batteries. I mounted the T-Max Isolator onto the Slee battery tray.
I think it turned out pretty good. Eventually, I will replace the wood with metal, but for now it works OK.
Secured down ready to go off-roading!
Next weekend will be a good test. I'm heading out the Anza Borrego to do some camping!
So after adding all of the expenses up, I have about $750 into this project. The dual battery setup will be very useful for my HF Ham radio operations as well.
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