12 volt fridges on pajero accessory sockets

[twc]

Hi all
Im new to this site having just upgarded to a 2000 model nk 3.5ltr pajero.
We have in the past taken a 12v/240v/gas fridge away on camping trips but never ran it on 12v due to no power outlets in previous vehicles. I notice that this pajero has 2, 1 up front, 1 down back.
My question to you all ---- are these power outlets good enough/strong enough to handle the power requirement of a 12v fridge???. The hand book does not give much of an indication except to specify a 120watt maximum.Ive heard horror stories of plugs etc burning/melting.!

[Big_Waity]

Do you know the current draw of the fridge? I imagine that if the fridge is happy to run off 12v(it should be as it is designed to be) then it should be fine. 120w is a fair bit in a car's system. Note that most of your fuses are like 15-35w, so they aren't expected to draw that much. I reckon running off the plug at the back should be fine. If you are really worried, keep an eye on it for the first few hours. Another thing to think about of course is that if you are running your fridge all day, you may get a batt flattery...

[StevenB]

max draw on the cig sockets will be 10amp (most auto fuses are between 2.5amp and 25amp).

engel/waeco's draw around 2 - 5 amps(no sure what a 3way would draw). this sort of draw would be ok constantly on the plug and wiring. You will need to check if the socket switches off with the accessory or if it is constant 12v.

I would wire in a new plug, with heavier cable to the battery (add a relay in if you want it to switch off with the acc.), will handel higher current and should avoid any voltage drop. Then if you get a 2nd battery it is easy to swap it over.

[eddy76]

I wired in a new plug for fridge straight from second battery however if we have been camping for a few days I will give second battery a break and use factory point with no dramas at all.

cheers eddy

[Hooter231]

:truck: I first used the factory plug in the rear of my Pajero but once i put in a seconded battery in I run a heaver wire in so that the new plug (second one) has constant power off the second battery for runing my waeco & lights at night

[pickle]

Hi all
Im new to this site having just upgarded to a 2000 model nk 3.5ltr pajero.

Most fridges (Engel and Waeco) will run fine off standard 12 volt outlets in the Pajero. But keep in mind these outlets have fusable links and more so the rear panel is a pain to get too to fix them. Advisable not to exceed 5 amps if possible. I would be more worried about having a 2000 model NK :o or is it an NL ...or maybe a NM?
Dave

[steveandviv]

OK. The NM has Three out-lets. The normal cig in the front, one in the lift up centre console and one in the back. The two in the front are rated at 2 amps and good for charging the phone, etc. They are fused together. The back out-let is seperatley fused and rated at 10amps. The three way gas fridge is rated at 8amps (Aprox). When you run your three way off this outlet then it will get really hot. Do your self a favour and run a new 8mm loom from your second battery and use a (what are they called) 12volt accessory plug. The one where you twist off the *red* cover to the normal 12volt plugs and it leaves the better connected 12 volt plug. Simply I find they run too hot. Waeco etc compressor types run Ok off the back outlet but I have measured a 1 volt power loss under load. NOT just tested with a multi meter but at the plug when the fridge started up. The loss is due to poor wire size.

[steveandviv]

Most fridges (Engel and Waeco) will run fine off standard 12 volt outlets in the Pajero. But keep in mind these outlets have fusable links and more so the rear panel is a pain to get too to fix them. Advisable not to exceed 5 amps if possible. I would be more worried about having a 2000 model NK :o or is it an NL ...or maybe a NM?
Dave

Mate. The fuse for the NM back outlet in in the bonnet in the left hand fuse box. The fuses for the front cig outlet are in the drvers side fuse aray under the side mirroe adjustment pannel. The manual gives you the fuse position.

[pickle]

Mate. The fuse for the NM back outlet in in the bonnet in the left hand fuse box. The fuses for the front cig outlet are in the drvers side fuse aray under the side mirroe adjustment pannel. The manual gives you the fuse position.

I didn't say fuse "mate" I said fuseable link. You are correct with the location of the fuses. Rear panel and Console 12 volt outlets have fusable links between outlet and fuses as a backup.
Dave

[aus2ra]

I ran my 60ltr engle for 6 months with no dramas off the back plug, cant see why it would be a problem for you.

[toy yoda]

for the little cost of running a higher amp wire trough ( and a higher amp socket if needed)...its worth it for peice of mind...it wont fail then will it and it will be suitable if you ever require it for a different higher amp application

[Guss]

If its just a few camp trips i agree its fine to use the back socket. But in saying that I've run higher amp wire through 2 dual battery. Peace of mind & safe.

[steveandviv]

Your all missing the point. He is talking about a *3 way* 12volt fridge and they draw 8 amps. Not the 2-3 amps that a compressor fridge does. Now we all have opinions and all that, I have both fridges and take both away and find that the heat at the rear socket is *very* hot. I wouldn't risk it again, as noted by some above. I have a sperate loom and prefer to use that - safety as noted.

Pickle. Fair enough. but your post infers to me ( and I'm sorry for miss reading) that there is a *fuse* in the rear. I am yet to see that. The fuse that I have blown is always under the bonet. If there is a fuseable link in the rear then thanks for the info. I have an NM - obviously, so that's good to know, Cheers.

[pickle]

This from the Paj Forum (http://140.99.20.180/forum/index.php)FAQ

For the NM/NP the fuse for the Sockets in the Centre Console and the Rear is a dedicated 15 amp fuse in the Engine Compartment. If you want these sockets to be permanently on, you could bypass the Relay under the dash.

For the NM/NP indash Cigarette Lighter Socket, the fuse also powers the RV meter - it is a 15 amp fuse under the Dash. The power is switched through the Ignition Switch, so it is harder to bypass.

For GenII(1991-2000, NH-NL), indash Cigarette Lighter Socket, the fuse also powers the Remote Controlled Mirrors - it is a 15 amp fuse under the Dash. The Rear Socket is fused by a 15 amp fuse under the dash

For GenI (pre 1991) indash Cigarette Lighter Socket, the fuse also powers the AirCon, Radio and Clock- it is a 15 amp fuse under the Dash.

If the car fuse is ok but there is still no power, keep in mind that all Cigarette Lighter type sockets have their own fuse to provide protection an against overheating.

And your right Steve ..we are missing the point. 3 way fridge and the amps they draw is not good for any of the power outlets.
Dave
http://140.99.20.180/forum/images/styles/silverblue/misc/progress.gif

[steve80]

I run a approx 35L finch 3 way and have had it tested while running by auto elec and it pulls a constant 5 amps to give you a comparrison to yours hope this helps in some way Cheers Steve

[beastmaster63]

i myself run a fridge in the accessory socket of a pajero, mine being a 1988 model.

firstly it would appaer that your fridge is a three way unit (gas 240/12volt) this being the case i would not recomend runing it whiles the car is in motion. these three way fridges are designed to run whilst statinary ie carravan use.

Secondly yes you can run a "car fridge" on your accessory socket in the rear of your car or of your lighter in the dash board for short periods of time only. the amp draw of a fridge is higher than the wireing installed by the factory is rated. I had to install my own socket into the boot of my vehicle useing a lighter socket and 8mm wiring with 20amp fuse at the battery. this works fine but the lighter unit is still to light.

Final solution was to gpo to WACO and get a wiring loom kit which has both wiring and sockets to allow for the correct draw of ampage for the fridge. cost was $160.00 for the unit and installed by electrition. this eliminates the chance of wires getting hot and starting car fires.

[Mauchit]

quote=beastmaster63
"firstly it would appaer that your fridge is a three way unit (gas 240/12volt) this being the case i would not recomend runing it whiles the car is in motion. these three way fridges are designed to run whilst statinary ie carravan use."

Three way fridges are safe to use in a car on the move, as long as they are powered by 12v or 240v if using an inverter, but never by gas on the move, this goes for caravans and campers as well

Mike

[steve80]

Just a quikie for comparrison I had a prado 96mdl with a standard socket in the back it was max 120w and run my 3 way on it seemed to be ok