12 Pin Wiring and/or Anderson Plug for Caravan

Rayzorback on 27/12/2021 - 10:09

Should I get an Anderson plug installed on the car to help run caravan fridge and charge caravan batteries while driving. My understanding is the 12 pin can do it but can overheat and melt from excessive current and I also believe the solar panels still charge batteries at all times too even when moving. Maybe they reduce the 12pin load ??

The van has a dc/dc unit and a solar management system with 2 lithium batteries. Fridge is compressor type not a 3 way.

Any experiences or knowledge appreciated

Happy New Year and safe travels

Automotive

Comments

  • pharkurnell on 27/12/2021 - 10:42
    +1

    How is the trailer end wired?

    • Rayzorback on 27/12/2021 - 20:32

      12 pin and Anderson …. Car only has 12pin atm

      • pharkurnell on 27/12/2021 - 20:38
        +1

        yea go the Anderson…..

        • Rayzorback on 27/12/2021 - 20:41

          Yeah I think for bigger trips it would be better

  • Euphemistic on 27/12/2021 - 10:59
    +1

    Anderson is essential for 12v on a 3 way fridge. Compressor will probably draw less power so may get away with a 12pin.

    As for best solution it depends on your van/tug/fridge combo. If you have lithium batteries and decent solar on roof you should be fine to run your fridge for even a full day of driving. You may want to charge your batteries while driving via Anderson, but it might not be necessary.

    I don’t run out 3-way on 12v on the road. Haven’t found the need. Just precool on 240 before leaving, keep it shut as much as possible and put it on gas/240 on arrival. It stays cool enough for a few hours of driving. Our old van survived 8hr drives in October without powering the fridge. 12v compressor fridge runs in the car, then off the van battery when on location. Our van has solar on the roof capable of running a compressor fridge, so if our fridge was not 3-way it’d be on while travelling.

    • Rayzorback on 27/12/2021 - 20:36

      Great info, thanx Euph

  • jnk40 on 27/12/2021 - 11:39
    +3

    Yes definitely use an Anderson for the DC charger, use 6 B&S cable, the 12 pins always melt eventually. Especially as the lithium batteries will take everything the solar and DC charger can throw at them. Both will run full pelt while on the move until the batteries are nearing full charge.

    • Traveller107 on 27/12/2021 - 18:56
      +1

      This^.

      • Euphemistic on 27/12/2021 - 19:02
        +1

        True, except it may not be necessary if the solar is sufficient to recharge the batteries while travelling. Sure, you won’t recharge the batteries as fast especially on cloudy days, but you are adding cost and complexity.

        It may not be necessary to add the Anderson connection, particularly if the van is not used full time, only travels short trips or is mostly used on powered sites. By all means connect it up if planning an extended trip with long travel days and off grid camping.

        • Rayzorback on 27/12/2021 - 20:40
          +2

          I am intending to do the big lap in 2023 so maybe just getting the car wired up would be reassuring for a lot of off grid stuff

  • doctordv8 on 28/12/2021 - 10:10

    You have answered your own question. "My understanding is the 12 pin can do it but can overheat and melt from excessive current…"

    Plus buy quality and correct Fusible Links and Relay assemblies, and have them all installed by Qualified personnel.

    Too many vehicles on the road blinding oncoming drivers and on the side of the road on fire today with incorrectly installed electrical accessories and illegal upgrades already.

    • Rayzorback on 29/12/2021 - 11:26

      yes, but the solar panels will be charging the battery as well so might not draw as much current from 12 pin….. all good, im going with the Ando Plug

      • jnk40 on 29/12/2021 - 14:14

        yes they will, read my reply above

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