12 volt refrigerator/freezers can't do both at the same time

[akrvbob]

No problem at all with a ciggy plug. They are only 55 watts.
Bob

 

[SoulRaven]

Bob, I do see where the shipping weight is 80 lbs, but the actual weight of the unit is 62. I am a little confused about this. Would that heaver shipping weight be because of the shipping materials such as wooden a crate used to protect it during transport? Still, 62 lbs is a lot of weight too. And I think the idea of carrying it in the Escape would be a better idea anyway. Not only because of the weight issue but also if I stop it will be easier to get out a snack or something to drink., instead of having to go back into the Runaway to get something. I can just reach back into the fridge and get what I want. Then when I set up a camp for awhile, I can transfer it to the Runaway. The removable food baskets can be taken out separately then put back in the fridge after moving it to where I want it. That's my idea....anyway.
And it only draws 2.7 amps to run off the 12 volt power.
Now, what do you suggest as a deep cycle battery? Should I start a new thread on that?. Should a dedicated thread or some sort of sticky just for the Runaway be started to try to cover the tips, tricks, and how to of it? Maybe not.....

 

[highdesertranger]

yes the difference in the weights is due to the shipping packaging. you can run them off a ciggy plug but I upgraded mine with the blue seas plugs, just because. highdesertranger

 

[akrvbob]

Steve, I'd start a whole new thread because if we get started talking about all the different issues that will come up here it won't make any sense for anyone who does a future search.
Bob

 

[SoulRaven]

I just received my Whynter 65 qt. Portable 12 volt/110 volt Fridge/Freezer. I am thinking it may be just a little too big for the Runaway for sure. I will probably have to carry it in my tow vehicle (2014 Ford Escape). There are plenty of 12 volt power receptacles, but this thing is pretty big. I really don't like dealing with the ice chests. But, this may have been a miscalculation on my part. I guess there is always something to give up for something wanted. In this case space. You were right Bob, this thing is big, and heavy. It sure does take up about 1\4 of the cargo space in the Escape. I don't really know where to go from here on this situation. Maybe just put the extra things in the Runaway that I had planned to have in the Escape. I may have to be juggling things around too much. I wanted to stay away from that as much as possible.
Oh, btw, I am going up to Ocala to pick up the Runaway tomorrow.

 

[akrvbob]

Steve, when you said you ordered it my heart sank because I have one and know what a giant it is. The Runaway and a Escape require minimal stuff and it isn't. If you got it from Home Depot can you exchange it with a 45 quart? That's a much more practical size. With all the window glass in the Escape I would add exta insulation using Polyiso or it will run a lot. I'd also make a cover blanket out of Reflectix for it.

I'm really excited for you to get the Runaway!
Bob

 

[SoulRaven]

Steve, when you said you ordered it my heart sank because I have one and know what a giant it is. The Runaway and a Escape require minimal stuff and it isn't. If you got it from Home Depot can you exchange it with a 45 quart?  That's a much more practical size. With all the window glass in the Escape I would add exta insulation using Polyiso or it will run a lot. I'd also make a cover blanket out of Reflectix for it.

I'm really excited for you to get the Runaway!
Bob

Well, Bob now that I have it in the Escape it looks pretty good and doesn't take up all that much space. Especially after I did what you told me to and put it behind the drivers seat. I also left the bottom corrugated base on it to protect the carpet in the cargo area and it slides around pretty easily with that also. And it is very efficient. I plugged it in to the rear 12 volt power receptacle and in about 30 minutes the freezeer was 15 degrees and the fridge part was 39 degrees. And it hardly phased the Escape's battery. I even plugged into my power supply (http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-XP2260-Instant-Portable-Source/dp/B004EIAADG), and it ran it without a whimper. Even though it does take up some space I think it is worth it to not have to worry about constantly fetching ice. I could probably keep at least a weeks worth of food in it, with no problem. I could probably even rig up some simple solar to it for extended boondocking. Maybe even transfer it to the Runaway during those times of extended stays or boondocking. But I will have to see after I pick it up tomorrow with some hands on trial and error.

 

[Canine]

My only concern with putting it inside the trailer would be vibration, been thinking about that because I would like to get a trailer like the runaway, and most likely would be in rear of trailer, don't know how bouncy trailer would ride back there and the effect on internal parts.

I hope I'm not preaching to the choir, but those fridges are made to handle the bumps, vibration, and unlevelness of travel. As with anything, there is a breaking point, but since the trailer will have some weight in it, the bumps and vibrations will be no where near as jarring as an empty trailer. If it were me, I wouldn't hesitate to strap a Whynter in a trailer. You could always unplug it while traveling, too; probably good practice in any case.

I turn my headlights off when on dirt roads in my rough riding 3/4 ton truck when it isn't too dark; my headlights last longer. Not a very analogous comparison, but still helpful.

 

[janncoo]

Steve, we have the Whynter 45 qt. 12 volt fridge and have noted no problems after driving the dirt and gravel roads out West. The fridge sits in the back of a chevy van.  I am thinking of moving it   forward in the van if space allows. Hope you enjoy your purchase   Jan 

 

[highdesertranger]

mine ride in the back of my truck,  down some of the nastiest roads in the country.  there fine.  every so often I take a leaf blower and blow all the dust out.

highdesertranger

 

[Oberneldon]

My 12 volt compressor Engel fridge/freezer has now over 25,000 miles of riding in a truck, car, and van and runs just like the day it arrived.