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No need for a second battery or DC-DC controller, you can start simple. For the LC, I have a single large power wire from the main battery routed to the rear of the cargo area connected to a blueseas panel with a disconnnect switch and cigarette lighter plugs. The fridge plugs into this. I also use this for any power needs for the kids in the back for ipads, speakers, tailgating, etc. No need for the vehicle ignition to be on to get power in the back.Every time I think I want a fridge I just add up the costs of a second battery, solar, a DC-DC controller and wiring and decide that it buys a s***ton of ice and ziploc bags. Then at some point during a trip I inevitably forget/neglect to get ice, drink luke warm beer for an evening, and start thinking about how nice a fridge would be.
I'll be keeping an eye on that fridge/battery combo, and hadn't thought of trying to justify the fridge as a 'run errands and keep stuff cold around town' device. The ones that can go below freezing would allow the CFO to buy ice cream with impunity.
The freezer isn’t just for ice cream…it shines for flash frozen things like veggies or fish… surf and turf can happen deep into a trip. My wife makes smoothies and freezes them in cubes, these are great for our 6 and 7 year old and a bonus when it’s hot. Frozen hash browns are killer as well. This thread is going to lead to a camp food discussion… I’m ready to take notes as we have a 3 week trip coming up.3. While I do love the stuff, I’m not sure I will ever camp with ice-cream as several of you mentioned. It seems too indulgent when “roughing it.” But there is a giant value in having a freezer along with you (as you suggested @CharlieS) beyond treats. A fridge or cooler will only keep an un-frozen steak edible for 5 days (if you go by the FDA suggestions). But if you have a freezer, you could keep a steak for much longer and not have to eat dehydrated bag meals by the end of the trip (not to knock the bag meals; some are delicious).
Simple, yes, but puts you at risk of a dead starting battery.Couple of quick pics showing my super simple setup. 30A fuse on positive starter battery post, single cable feeds rear bluesea plug panel, wire is routed along kick molding on driver's side. Grounded circuit at rear of vehicle.View attachment 3326559View attachment 3326560
My Dometic fridge has built in battery protection, so it will shut off before the starter battery drains to no-start status.Simple, yes, but puts you at risk of a dead starting battery.
I've killed our offroad camper battery with the only load being a 12v fridge (before we got solar panels).
Some solve this with a low voltage disconnect.
My not simple dual battery setup has a Redac bcdc that prevents my aux battery from draining my starting battery.
Good point!My Dometic fridge has built in battery protection, so it will shut off before the starter battery drains to no-start status.
I also carry a NOCO booster pack all the time, regardless of fridge or no fridge.
I do agree that a simple low-voltage disconnect would be a good idea and a good safety measure. Easy to add at the battery location in-line.
I have a Redarc BCDC in my truck camper (not the LC), definitely agree that is the way to go if you have a separate house battery, plus solar is super simple to connect as well with a BCDC.
My setup is not a totally-legit redundant overlanding setup, just providing it as an example that someone can start with if they don't want to make the plunge into full built-out cargo dual battery setup. Good to have options.