Suffice to say I've asked myself 'WHY BOTHER ' connecting 12 V direct from vehicle battery and alternator to an absorption fridge. I've sought an opinion from a very respected caravanning book author and electrical engineer, but that could take time as he is travelling overseas. Sorry for being so persistent on this but I would like to settle the BBQ arguments. My query therefore is can or will REDARC provide a (100%) guaranteed safe direct connection (independent of BCDCLV) configuration and wiring diagram specifically for a RANGER PX2 of a continuous load in the range 20A to 30A - that they are prepared to Warrant. They say if I "blow up" my Ranger electrical system it is at my own risk and my only recourse would be to either REDARC who recommended the installation, OR, the auto-electrician(or workshop such as ARB), many of whom dont have a full understanding of how smart charging works on different types of vehicles eg what might be OK in a Toyota might not be OK in a Ford. So I (and many others) are left with Ford saying they wont in any way authorise a direct battery connection. The fact though is that these fridges work quite well as an esky providing the freezer has iced up well overnight. When the power is "relayed" off when the engine stops for say 10 minutes, the whole cooling cycle stops and has to restart. To note is that fridge coil wont work if it doesn't get voltage and current with operating ranges, for example when stopping at a roadhouse, as these fridges require sufficient power to be applied for an hour or so continuously to get the "fridge cooling cycling process" working. Certainly their auto electricians are not allowed to install such a supply - at least not at my Dealer. And is apparently quite complex in this regard and never designed with a 25A continuous draw imposed into the body connected circuits - there is a risk of messing with this sensitivity and causing unexpected or unknown effects apparently - so Ford are very non-committal when discussing the issue. The smart charging system works on BODY earth to positive voltage and current differentials apparently. NOT discussed in sufficient detail because I only found out later was that any such installation must have the negative wire connected to an approved BODY EARTHing point. But that I would need to check with Ford. Instead the REDARC expert said I could try direct connection to the starter battery providing a heavy duty relay and wiring was installed all the way back to the fridge to prevent voltage drop etc. On top of that I run an Engel off the Aux battery and this draws a few Amps often for lengthy periods of time as it gets hot in the back of the ute canopy. Previous advice from REDARC expert was NOT to connect to the BCDCLV Aux battery to the 3 way fridge as the BCDC charging algorithm would not keep up sufficient charge as the three way fridges can draw more than 10-15A as high as 25A continuous or more as they are only a "dumb" on/off heating coil, not thermostat regulated in any way. I have a BCDC25 Amp - LV in the back of my 2006 Ford Ranger XLT - it has worked very well for 18 months - used for things like Engel and CPAP and lighting - but my 3 way fridge. Hi, I made an enquiry on this issue last year, REDARC kindly and professionally replied by telephone BUT I continue to have "BBQ arguments" with some people who(advised by auto electricians) say a direct supply from starter battery to three way fridge(eg Dometic) can be done (on a PX2 Ranger with smart charging system) and others who say No !įord wont comment only to say the impact of aftermarket equipment accessorised or powered through an Anderson is not covered by warranty ie connect a 3 way fridge at your own risk and void of warranty
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