12 volt Cool Box

[kennygee]

I have a 12 volt cool box but at the moment I haven't anywhere to plug it into. I intend putting in a Cigarette Lighter in the rear locker. Is it OK to take a feed from one the lights in the toilet compartment? Anybody this before? Ken

 

[SBS]

You cannot take the power from the lighting circuit as it will not handle the current. Run some fairly heavy duty cable (15A to reduce voltage drop) from the battery (fused at the battery). I fitted a 2 pin 12v socket in the wet locker and use an adapter for the tyre pump so I can pump up the 'van tyres.

Mike

 

[lairdAl_374474951]

Hi Kenneth.

Have you thought of getting a 230v to 12v rectifier,this way you can run your cool box via the mains,we have a cool box & run ours via this method.

Alternativley do as SBS suggests,fit a 2 pin 12v socket near to the battery compartment or wet locker.

The rectifier could cost you

 

[kennygee]

Thanks. I will take SBS's comment on board and take the supply from the battery. I have a cigarette lighter which I can use as the cool box is fitted with a cigarette lighter plug. This way I can still use it in my car if required. Ken

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Kenneth,

Even the fairly cheap and low powered 12V cool boxes consume at least 1.5 to 4A, continuously. This will be a significant long term drain on the battery and 12V systems.

Most of these unit also have a fan running, which can surprisingly annoying.

Whilst I appreciate they are more expensive, but have you considered one of the three way fuelled cool boxes. I think Coleman, electrolux and others do them. They are quiet, and they do a better job of keeping things cool.

I have one and when I'n not caravanning, I have it in the house to keep milk and other soft drinks in.

 

[RogerL]

I've just checked our "cheap as chips" Camping Gaz 28 litre electric cool box - the plate rates it at 48w, that's 4 amps.

It works fine in the car.

It works well as additional cool storage when the caravan's on EHU but it would flatten the battery too quickly to draw power from the leisure battery.