12 volt fridge connection

[threedogs]

Hi all Hate Cig plug connections with a passion, and use Merit for most accessories as its a bit more secure, Pic is of the Baintech plug and socket to suit the Engel, well any fridge really. 50 amp Anderson seems like a bit of overkill but still a great connection, I'm going to give this a go as you push it in and twist to lock it in. IMO it cant come loose. I have plenty of power going to the rear of the centre console so I'll pic up power from there. I'll mount the socket under the platform that I have fridge mounted on behind the driver,{seat removed}, anyone else use this style plug?

[MudRunnerTD]

Both my Waeco and Engel have had their plugs cut off and I run an Anderson plug on both. Soooo much better and stronger.

[Cuppa]

Both my Waeco and Engel have had their plugs cut off and I run an Anderson plug on both. Soooo much better and stronger.

Same with my two ARB fridges.

Cuppa

[threedogs]

not sure what size[gauge] wire I have atm, but think it would be 6mm minimum.
won't have time before weekend to change but will scout around some shops and collect supplies
I have huge wire running from aux battery to 50 a Anderson on the bumper . but think I'll take power
from that small clip in panel in the cargo area.
will need to re think fridge location to,

[janderson]

I use the Engel panel mount, Plug in then turn locking ring. Had it for 15 years without any problems. My Engel runs 24/7

[FNQGU]

TD, I just had this same conversation with the tech at Portable Fridge Solutions in Cairns. He reckons the ultimate setup for a fridge is 8mm twin flex straight back to your aux battery with a 10A or 15A in-line fuse at the battery. He also said the same as others above - go with the 50A Anderson plug. I didn't have any 8mm twin flex, so used 6mm, and when I put the multi meter on it (under load) there was no drop in voltage. That said, the Engel plugs also look like a good connection and the screw in factor adds to security.

[trekster]

Anderson plug for my fridge connection, Screwed the plug onto my drawers top so it won't move around.

[nissannewby]

Anderson for mine too. 8mm2 twin core I'm pretty sure exactly as described about all the way back to the aux battery

[happygu]

I use this one

32418

Mic

[megatexture]

I use this one

32418

Mic

If its a Waeco you have just pull off the red cap on the plug and its the same as the one your showing unless you have engel.

[threedogs]

@ happygtu that's what I use ATM Whilst still good things could be better.
I'll see where best I can pick up power from, pretty sure now its 8mm to the rear of the centre console.

[Blacklotusdog]

If its a Waeco you have just pull off the red cap on the plug and its the same as the one your showing unless you have engel.

I believe that's a merit plug. That's what I use haven't had any issues. I have 6 b&s wire running from battery with a 100 amp fuse on it. Has a 6 way fuse box on the end which has 4mm2 wire to merit plug, only around 10cm of wire. This is fused with 20amp fuse in box. Means I can easily add on more things down the back without running more wire.

[FNQGU]

Yep, a Merit Plug. They are a good solid connection as well. I've actually knocked up a short adaptor with a female merit plug to my Anderson Plug for the odd times a mate has his Engel in my truck and it works well. Pretty much anything is better than a cigarette type plug. Most fridges have a 10A fuse in their circuit somewhere as well, at least the Engel and National Luna do. Not sure about Waeco, but I'd reckon they would too. A fuse at both ends of your circuit is best practice from the little I know about it.

@ Blacklotusdog - your setup sounds pretty good. Lots of option for expansion.

TD, best option to pick up power would definitely be straight back to the aux battery without any joins, and with all terminals and lugs soldered.

[TimE]

Anderson plug on my Waeco, all the power problems resulting from the crap Waeco OE plug went away. Screw in Engel connector for my Engel and no problems with that one.

Both powered through 6 2mm cables. My beer stays cold and my meat frozen :)

[threedogs]

@ BenK nothing worse than going somewhere and every one uses different plugs or sockets I, have a box of adaptors for any scenario.
Except that one you mentioned.
I have two options for power well 3 actually Cable as thick as my thumb runs to 50 amp Anderson on rear bumper
6 or 8 mm running to rear cargo cut out and to rear of centre console all fused

[megatexture]

You must have small thumbs if it fits a 50 amp Anderson plug lol

[threedogs]

Caught me out thick cable that only just fits Plug lug I crimped and soldered,
not sure on size but just wire is 6mm diameter, with double insulation so nearly thumb thickness lol

[FNQGU]

Yep, that is the way to go. Should never let you down. Good call on the adaptors as well. Can never have too many options...