12v power in for a portable fridge

[frieed]

New truck, new camper.

I have an ARB portable fridge that I'd like provide constant power while in the bed of the pickup.
No more than 5A start and 2.5A run.

Suggestions please.

thanks,

-frieed

[frieed]

good Lord, first new post and the typos in the title make me look like an idiot

[RoyBraddy]

If you want to do it professional then getting a DC SUB PANEL from BLUE SEA-AMAZON or from other marine type electrical supplier is the way to go. They come with multiple 12VDC FUSED circuits that you can hardwire to the truck or trailer 12VDC system using appropriate sized AWG cables..

I have a 12VDC sub panel installed under the back seat of my 2010 F150 Extended cab truck. This is where my 600WATT PSW Inverter and my heavy current two way radios are also installed with remotes up to the console area. You should also use a BLUE SEA type HD fuse setup like this between the DC SUB panel and the the battery terminals. Having a 12VDC SUB PANEL is a great way to always have a place to hard-wire in the special 12VDC items you want to add later on. I can feed several 5-15AMP 12VDC items from this sub panel without worrying about things over heating the plugs and wiring etc... Anything that draws more then 20AMPs I will always run them from a separate HD Fuse Block like shown above direct connected to the battery. All of low current 12VDC items are fed by the sub-panel.





I am not a big fan of using cigarette lighter sockets for supply 12VDC power for things that draw more than 4-5 AMPS of current. The quality of the available 12VDC sockets from the local auto parts stores are very cheap made and uses small gauge wiring etc. Over time you may melt down the wiring as do damage to the 12VDC plug etc...

If I really really have to go this route then I would probably purchase a matched set SOCKET-PLUG like this BLUE SEA product rated for high current use.


You also should be concerned about running your truck battery down. Rule number one for me when camping off the power grid is to never do anything that will run down your truck starter battery. This is your way to get back home.... Your fridge will drain down your truck start battery rather quick if left ON without the truck running. The constant battery drain would be like leaving the trucks lights "ON" all night long... good luck with that...

just my thoughts
Roy Ken

[frieed]

The fridge actually draws less than 2.5A and has a voltage monitor with auto-shutdown.
I'm considering tying into the wire for the charge circuit in the 7-pin plug. Plenty big enough, already fused @ 30A