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12v extension

J

Jean W

Junior Ranger
Donating Member
Creating a new thread.

I "won" a Waeco ac/dc cooler on Ebay, which will always stay in the Subaru Outback.

The next step is to determine the most appropriate method to keep the cooler plugged in. Barry and Ann shared they have a 12v extension cord.

Wondering how long, where did you find it, what do you plug it into?

Since my cooler will always stay in the car, I was thinking about adding to electrical outlets on the hitch one for 12 volt extenstion cord and one for 110. This is dreaming. Have no idea if the idea is even possible.

Would require creating another hole in the floor such as was created to the 7 pin wiring. Then somehow creating "extension cords" that reside in the back end for either 12v or 110.

The above explanation maybe not be explained well, but I have no idea how else to explain.

Might be easier and more cost effective to invest in another extension cord to pole from cooler and say to heck with worrying about hatch closing on cord.

Goal was to avoid pinching a cord with the back hatch.

What are others thoughts?

Jean
 
My SUV has a 12v outlet in back cargo area. I plug it in there. Get an Optima battery for your tow vehicle and the fridge will not kill it even for a few days of not starting the car.
 
Jean

A normally size extension cord probably would be ok under the edge of the hatch. The typical rubber gasket edging should have enough flexibility to handle it. Smaller diameter or if the appliance is only a two prong, un-grounded device then a thinner two wire extension would be better.

Maybe get a 50ft main extension, one of those bright orange ones at Home Depot, and if the Waeco is two prong a short 6 ft to attach to the main cord and then through the hatch.

Just don't forget to disconnect before you drive off :)
 
why not just take the fridge out of the car and put it in/near the trailer?

too heavy? (a full fridge is pretty heavy)

What is the value of leaving it in the back of the car?
 
ps There are plenty of 12v extension cords out there, but I have been advised to keep the cord between your fridge and your power source SHORT. As short as you can. For DC, the longer the cord, the worse your fridge works. (and you already have a length of cord that runs from the DC loutlet in the trailer to the battery in the trailer - though that is pretty short if it is a straight-run)

That's according to someone who knows way more acout DC power than I do.
 
I keep the cooler in the car so I don't have to move from vehicle to teardrop, security, and usually I am not in the campground during the day.

After hiking this gal desires a cold drink.

In the teardrop cooler space I keep a rubbermaid tub containg charcoal, Coleman Lantern, and various dutch oven cooking items.
Don't need those items while hiking.

Jean
 
Jean W said:
I keep the cooler in the car so I don't have to move from vehicle to teardrop, security, and usually I am not in the campground during the day.

After hiking this gal desires a cold drink.

In the teardrop cooler space I keep a rubbermaid tub containg charcoal, Coleman Lantern, and various dutch oven cooking items.
Don't need those items while hiking.

Jean
Click to expand...

my recommendation?

switch the fridge and the rubbermaid

and keep a small cooler in the car if you want a cold drink when you get off the trail

My understanding is that with any of these DC fridges, you are asking for trouble if you use an extension cord. Every single inch matters.

Plus, if it is plugged into your car, you are running the risk of killing the car battery. I'd rather kill the TD battery than the car battery.

But I do appreciate not wanting to move the bloody fridge. Those things are heavy.

Something to remember, some fridges prohibit carrying glass bottles in the fridge. The Novakool does. Because the Novakool can go below freezing, they don't want glass bottles shattering in the fridge.

just an idea based on my extensive, three-night experience with my TD

:)

We're still working out how to best do all of this.

I think locking the fridge in the TD is "safer" than locking it in your car. Most campgrounds have people around, whereas most trailheads don't...
 
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