Did a 5-day trip on the Rubicon trail a couple of weeks ago and when I got home and was unpacking the frig I noticed that the plastic on the DC power connector for the frig-end of the cord appeared to have gotten so hot that it deformed:
A magnifying glass also revealed that the metal contact was discolored from the heat. Since this is never a good sign and I didn't want the thing failing on a future trip, I opted to replace it. At first I thought I would just source a new connector, but a quick search here provided another thread (https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-outdoor-gear/50372-plug-arb-engel-norcold.html) where several others had unsuccessfully tried to source just the plug. So I opted for a whole new cord. The new cord came with a new style of connector where the contacts appear to be much beefier than my original:
Let me also take this opportunity to say how problematic I find the cigarette lighter-style connectors for powering anything long term like a refrigerator. I've had repeated failures of this type of connector, even when I've purchased good-quality ones from my local marine supply store. So several years ago I ditched the lighter-style connector and instead use Anderson Powerpoles. These are also very popular with the ham-radio crowd:
These connectors can handle plenty of current (up to 45a), have flat springs that keep the faces of the contacts positively engaged with each other, and are real convenient for any of your 12v power needs.
A magnifying glass also revealed that the metal contact was discolored from the heat. Since this is never a good sign and I didn't want the thing failing on a future trip, I opted to replace it. At first I thought I would just source a new connector, but a quick search here provided another thread (https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-outdoor-gear/50372-plug-arb-engel-norcold.html) where several others had unsuccessfully tried to source just the plug. So I opted for a whole new cord. The new cord came with a new style of connector where the contacts appear to be much beefier than my original:
Let me also take this opportunity to say how problematic I find the cigarette lighter-style connectors for powering anything long term like a refrigerator. I've had repeated failures of this type of connector, even when I've purchased good-quality ones from my local marine supply store. So several years ago I ditched the lighter-style connector and instead use Anderson Powerpoles. These are also very popular with the ham-radio crowd:
These connectors can handle plenty of current (up to 45a), have flat springs that keep the faces of the contacts positively engaged with each other, and are real convenient for any of your 12v power needs.
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