ARB Fridge Doesn't Run When Engine Is Off...Can you make the fridge run ALL the time?
 

Hi,
I have a Disco II SE (2002) and I recently bought an ARB Fridge/Freezer from ARB. I have a front and back cigarette lighter in the vehicle and the power to the fridge works when the engine is on. Is there a way to have the ARB Fridge/Freezer work when the vehicle is not running without messing with the internal wiring of the vehicle? Is there a separate battery that can be used? I'd like to have cold food/beverages after hours of sight-seeing when I come back to the vehicle on a hot day. Let me know my options. Thanks.


Matt
USA

IMHO you may wish to have a car audio shop install a second power plug at location of choice, with correct fusing. Both your existing plugs are switched by ignition. Sometimes an extra plug for some option not used can be found on the truck, but usually it is not where you want it. The ARB unit is supposed to monitor the battery and not exhaust it while you are out of the truck. Would test the run-the-battery down theory in you driveway, not on first camping trip.

Separate Wiring
 

Hi,
Thanks. I was wondering if the 12 volt cord could be attached directly to a separate cord coming off the main battery. What cord type would I need? Ideas?

Matt

Heavy gauge wire, 14 gauge, so not a lot of loss to cooler. Good fuse holder, attached at point where new wire connects to power. Fuse should be like 5 amp. Cooler is rated for drain of 1 amp or a little more amps from time to time while running. Perhaps a touch over 2 amp hours of drain. Main thing you don't want is a fried wire connection to set fire to the Disco, which will burn up in under 5 minutes.