Vehicle & Technical > Range Rover

Battery gadget to stop it running flat

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Mud_Medic:
Hi Jonny

If the fridge draws 3 amps, then that is not so bad. But, Optima batteries don't have a large reserve capacity at either 50 or 55AH.

The life of the battery will depend on how deep you discharge it. If you go down to 50%, the life is not reduced to much, but if you discharge down below 70%, the life of the battery is seriously reduced. (shame you bought the Optima, you could have purchased a deep discharge battery, split charge relay, wire and starter battery for a similar amount. But what is done, is done!)

As for wire.. the thicker the better. 4mm cable would be good, but 2.0mm or 2.5 would probably do OK. (I know the fridge only pulls 3 amp, but I would still avoid 1mm as there is going to be a long run from the engine compartment)

A little tip which costs nothing... If the fridge has a temperature dial.

When you set out in the morning, set the temp as low as it will go. That way the fridge will be on all the time and get really cold while there is engine power. When you stop for the night, turn it back to the normal temp, and that way you will get a couple of "free" hours without the fridge drawing power!

As for what voltage to set the cut off device to... I can only guess. The lower the voltage, the longer run you will get (and less likely for the milk to go sour), but the more likely you are to get stranded.

If I was you, I would buy a jump start pack as an insurance policy, because if you can't start the vehicle, you are in serious do do.

Ed

Jonny Boaterboy:
Thanks ed, as for the optima, it was a gift from my dad so I did not chose it but received it gratefully  :dance: out of interest which battery make would you recommend?

The fridge does not have a temp gauge its on or off! but kind of planing to run for a few hours at a time, it comes with a mains adaptor so I can pre-chill it before  leaving, chill on the way, and then turn off overnight. and see how we go from there....... My wife has kind of come round to the idea of me getting a second battery so a split charging system may be on the way! hence the interest in battery make!

thanks for all your help

Jonny

marky:
I think i'd park up facing downhill, just incase! :lol:

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