Wiring plug for ARB fridge

[spressomon]

I use the plug shown sans the red adapter most of the time; the Euro/Hella style is a solid connection but having said that I haven't had issue with the red cap when using in an American/cigarette style receptacle. I have both the Euro/Hella style receptacles and the American/cigarette style receptacles between my vehicles.

For the absolute best positive retention from the plug and receptacle convert your most frequently used (and most important...like a fridge) to the Euro/Hella style and know you can always, by just snapping the red cap onto the plug as shown, quickly convert to cigarette style if you have to.

FWIW I do still use, mainly out of laziness to pull the interior panels in my LC and convert to Euro/Hella receptacles, the very same Marinco you are using. Over time the rubber ring that makes it a snug fit/locking type connection seems to come off and disappear; other than that they work fine.

Once you use the Euro/Hella plug and receptacle you'll want them all over your rigs for your more demanding power connection applications: They're that good!

 

[TrickyT]

I'll echo what a few others have said about the "cigaret lighter" style plugs. They're basically crap, even the better brands like Marinco. I had the Marinco that was running my ARB fridge melt on me a couple of years ago during Cruise Moab. The fuse didn't even blow. But there was so much voltage drop across the connector (causing high temps) that it overheated and internal parts deformed to the point that it failed.

I second Jacket's endorsement of Anderson Powerpoles. I use them for my ham radio, laptop PC power, other accessories, and now the ARB fridge too. (The ham radio draws 20A when transmitting, so they can deliver all the power your ARB needs - which is much less than 20A.) Haven't had any problems since I switched. Note that they are a precision connector and if you install your own, you need to pay attention to the crimps. You can't just use a regular pair of pliers because you'll distort the barrel of the connector and it won't fit into the housing properly. If you are really careful you can use a non-specific crimp tool, but for quality connections you need a crimp tool with a die that is specific for Powerpoles. I bought one for $50 or so, but you may be able to borrow one locally since they are very popular with the ham radio crowd.

Not saying this is the only way to go, but if you have several accessories it's good to standardize on the connector you use. Standardization is the _only_ thing that the cigaret lighter-style connectors have going for them. Otherwise there are much better choices.

 

[Wheelingnoob]

Interesting you are having those problems with your ARB fridge. When I got mine last year I was on out way to a 2 week trip. I loaded the fridge at 4WP were I got it and set the temp to -7c (20f). The fridge was loaded with warm pop and water bottles, 3 hours later I herd a funny hiss from the back of the truck and started looking for puncture. The only puncture was a frozen pop can. I had frozen all the pops and 3 water bottles. I now run my fridge at -1c (31f).

I can turn it on when its 80f out side and put in warm drinks with in 2 hours there ice cold, this is not on a full load ether.

I have been very impressed with the performance of mine in the year I have had it.

I have my 12V outlet in the back with a 8gage wire from a aux battery 10 amp fuse.

 

[spressomon]

spressomon,
That's interesting. IIRC, the plug you're showing is very nearly the same visually as the one that came with my Edgestar. If that red ring is supposed to help with it staying in US-style 12 volt receptacles, that's why I went with a Marinco right off the bat. The darn thing would not stay in. Didn't throw it away....

Off course, maybe it was because it was a cheap knockoff of the spendy BMW-version ones? I did take a look at pricing and they aren't cheap. On the other hand, reliable power is worth every penny.

So I'm guessing using the proper receptacle results in a positive lock? Maybe I just need the right locking receptacle to use with it?

FWIW:

So after my post above I ordered a couple of the plugs from the eBay link I provided in my ^^^ post and although from 3' away the look identical to the more expensive version on the Powerlet link they are indeed NOT the same. The eBay version feels less substantial (like cheap plastic can), the red adapter doesn't thread onto the base with the precision the Powerlet version does and the quality of the metal contacts is sub par in comparison.

So sometimes we do get what we pay for . Live and learn (again!).

 

[greentruck]

Interesting. Good to know that I can expect better performance with the real deal if I go that way.

One reason for keeping a plug that works in the standard 12 volt light socket-style receptacle is that it makes it easy to move the fridge to another vehicle.

On the other hand, I could see getting some extra Anderson parts, fashion up a pigtail and make an adapter. That way you could convert the fridge power cord to an Anderson, but also plug in an adapter to it that would have the standard 12 volt light socket plug on it.

 

[Cobound]

Well, after turning it down to 27*F, loaded about 25% or more, I've held a comfy drinking temperature in it. I cooled it down in the house and then tossed it in the Jeep, it's been plugged in now for about 40 hours and all is good. I even started the Jeep this morning after letting it sit and it had a strong start...so I'm hopeful the Red Top will hold for my upcoming venture before I'll need to upgrade to a Yellow Top or other deep cycle. I have a small battery tray, so I'll be limited. I don't want to dedicate a second battery at this time either, since it won't be dedicated for this vehicle daily. I'll plug the fridge into my garage and load it up w/ beer when I'm not traveling

I didn't use the ARB straps, I don't have room for much back there and thought only one strap on each end would be necessary. I used a 2" strap bar and back plated the bolt under my floor, tossed a 1 inch strap through it and it is pretty tight. I'll get it out and test it tonight, see how it holds up to vibs and movement since I didn't mount for each corner of the handle.

I'm hoping those straps work and stay tight. Again, I don't have room for a ratchet strap to get in there, and it would tear up my tailgate if I did.

I have another strap set up to the side of this one for mounting my Coleman Steel Belted cooler, this will hold some of my staples or dry goods. Be nice to keep them from getting crushed or trying to shove them in my limited space in the trailer.

Coming together,

B

 

[1911]

But another plug/receptacle option you may want to consider is the Euro style/Hella 12V receptacle.
...

Here for the plug shown below: NEW 12V Cigarette Plug for Hella/Merit Auto/RV/4WD/Boat | eBay

Here for Powerlet accessories: Shop by Category - Powerlet Products
(or typically also found at BMW motorcycle dealerships). Edit: I see Powerlet now carries the plug shown below.

+1 on the Hella socket. Bought them from a Triumph motorcycle dealer. Here is one installed in my Tuffy console:

 

[Cobound]

2,500 mile round trip, 10 days, no socket problems.

Love this thing!

B

 

[PabloCruise]

I got my stuff here

Chassis Mount for 2 Powerpoles Sets (4 conductors) - $8.99

x2, I like PowerWerx