BajaNomad - Car freezer/refrig

Car freezer/refrig

Lengua - 6-11-2021 at 04:53 PM

Hi all, what is the name of the popular refrigerator freezer combo that I've seen mentioned on this forum and others(rather spendy). They are the type that you plug into the cigarette lighter and leave in the car.

Thank you ,
Michael

JZ - 6-11-2021 at 05:12 PM

Dometic is a good one. A lot of the offroad campers use them.

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/food-and-beverage/coolers?adco...

[Edited on 6-12-2021 by JZ]

David K - 6-11-2021 at 06:09 PM

Fridge Freeze was once the brand mentioned so much.

gnukid - 6-11-2021 at 06:13 PM

I use both Dometic 75l dual zone and Whytner Dual Zone both are excellent.

mtgoat666 - 6-11-2021 at 09:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lengua

Hi all, what is the name of the popular refrigerator freezer combo that I've seen mentioned on this forum and others(rather spendy). They are the type that you plug into the cigarette lighter and leave in the car.

Thank you ,
Michael

Many gearhead and gadget freaks hang out on expeditionportal.com website. Ask over there about refers for car camping.

defrag4 - 6-11-2021 at 10:38 PM

Dometic, ARB, Norcold are the big brands

you are looking for something with a danfoss compressor

SFandH - 6-12-2021 at 01:37 AM

A baja friend has one of these and it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076S52ZG2/

I'm planning on buying one.

[Edited on 6-12-2021 by SFandH]

4x4abc - 6-12-2021 at 03:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4

Dometic, ARB, Norcold are the big brands

you are looking for something with a danfoss compressor

all portable fridge/freezers have Danfoss compressors - Engel is the exception.
Whynter and Dometic are one and the same - simple design lowest prices of all. Sometimes they have slightly blemished ones on sale. 60 qt for around $300.
I bought several 15 years ago. All still running strong. Spare parts can be a problem. But if you look long enough, you'll find them.

BajaMama - 6-12-2021 at 06:42 AM

We have an ARB - I love it. We also have an ArkPak lithium battery to keep the fridge cold when vehicle isn't running and no electricity available. It will keep it cold for days. For camping and travel we set fridge to 31. Keeps the bottom frozen and the stuff on top doesn't freeze.

[Edited on 6-12-2021 by BajaMama]

John Harper - 6-12-2021 at 07:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho

Quote: Originally posted by BajaMama

We also have an ArkPak lithium battery to keep the fridge cold when vehicle isn't running and no electricity available. It will keep it cold for days.

I am impressed-- how big is this battery? You have a model number or some other way to find it?

Here's the website:

https://www.arkportablepower.com/pages/about-the-arkpak

It appears you can use an AGM battery or lithium as mentioned above. Seems like a sophisticated transformer/charge controller.

John

[Edited on 6-12-2021 by John Harper]

PaulW - 6-12-2021 at 07:27 AM

And a big AGM battery will cost about half the one John mentioned. A big battery will suffice for many days of camping and can be charged by the vehicle when traveling when you do the custom wiring.

PaulW - 6-12-2021 at 07:46 AM

Hi Michael,
In the last few years many new brands have cropped up. All seem to be knockoffs of the major brands. Lots of research will locate and find reviews for the off brands. It appears there is no patient issue for these things.
Meanwhile a quick choice would be any of the Dometic which turn out to be the Australian brand Waeco which appears to be a clone of the Australian brand ARB. Dometic purchased Waeco and are slowly moving the whole thing to the US. There are other Australian brands that are available that all seem to be the same per the specs. Buy a brand made in Australian and you will pay more (sometimes way more).
Anyway 5 years ago I bought two Dometic units and they are reliable and work as advertised with no glitches. Lots of choices for Dometic and the price range is limited - meaning they all cost close to each other very small ones are still expensive.
PW
== == =

Quote: Originally posted by Lengua

HeyMulegeScott - 6-12-2021 at 11:02 AM

We bought a Chinese one from Amazon in January for $279. Works great as a fridge or freezer. https://amzn.to/3gfby0L Even has a Bluetooth app that lets you see the state of your car battery and set/monitor the temp. The fridge in our RV went out earlier in the year and we have been running it 24/7 since April without any problems. When we camped in our Jeep I have a couple of 100 watt flexible solar panels that keeps the car battery topped off.

Mulege Canuck - 6-12-2021 at 11:07 AM

I bought an Engel 15 years ago and it has been amazing. They use very little power and my beer is so cold the bottle burns my cheek. They are stupid expensive but very well built. If your looking for a long term purchase, I would recommend Engel.

Lengua - 6-12-2021 at 12:10 PM

Thank you all....Cheers

4x4abc - 6-12-2021 at 12:40 PM

an overlanding friend came to visit in La Paz a few years back.
His beautiful Engel went out.
Parts in Mexico - unobtainable.
2 months and $500 later he had his part.
$35 for the same Whynter part

advrider - 6-12-2021 at 07:23 PM

I've had my ARB for 15 years. It's been in several rollovers and about thirty trips across the Rubicon and Fordyce trail in the back of my scrambler. Many Baja trips, never missed a beat. One of those you get what you pay for deals I think.
My wife loves it and uses it when she goes shopping all of the time. I would recommend a dedicated 12V plug straight to the battery with a fuse, most companies make one.

JZ - 6-12-2021 at 08:30 PM

How are ppl connecting power to them?

PaulW - 6-12-2021 at 10:01 PM

AC plug into the wall at home. Generator in a camp.
DC They all draw 7 amps when compressor operates. less than 1 amp otherwise.
1) operate it off an aux battery when truck in not in use. Good for 5+ days with a group 65 battery. Lithium pack cost much more and last more days.
2) wire it the the truck start battery, Good for a couple of days. But be sure you have a portable jump start.
I use all the above.
=== = =

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

How are ppl connecting power to them?

msteve1014 - 6-13-2021 at 05:49 AM

Maybe 5 days as a refer. Only 1 or two as a freezer, be careful. I have an arb/engle for 17 years. Never a problem.

SFandH - 6-13-2021 at 09:01 AM

Are these refers more electrically efficient than a regular fridge with the same volume?

I would be running it off a solar panel - battery - inverter system.

A simple dormitory-sized refer would meet my needs.

steve5555 - 6-13-2021 at 03:35 PM

last year my brother bought 2 from Costco. Still working fine and pull about 40watts each when the compressor is running.

AKgringo - 6-13-2021 at 04:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

Are these refers more electrically efficient than a regular fridge with the same volume?

I would be running it off a solar panel - battery - inverter system.

A simple dormitory-sized refer would meet my needs.

I think that one huge advantage that these chest freezers have over a dorm fridge, is that the cold, dense air inside doesn't dump out on the floor every time the door is opened.

i don't know enough about them to comment on the efficiency.

SFandH - 6-13-2021 at 04:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

I think that one huge advantage that these chest freezers have over a dorm fridge, is that the cold, dense air inside doesn't dump out on the floor every time the door is opened.

True, I'll just set it on its back with the doors up. :lol:

But, you're right.

[Edited on 6-13-2021 by SFandH]

Bajabus - 6-13-2021 at 04:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

I think that one huge advantage that these chest freezers have over a dorm fridge, is that the cold, dense air inside doesn't dump out on the floor every time the door is opened.

True, I'll just set it on its back with the doors up. :lol:

But, you're right.

[Edited on 6-13-2021 by SFandH]

Never run any refrigerator or freezer on it's side. Even bringing it home from the store, if you had it on it's side during transportation you should give it a few hours in it's intended orientation before starting it. This gives the oil in the compressor an opportunity to run down and settle where it should be.

SFandH - 6-13-2021 at 05:07 PM

I was kidding.

JZ - 6-13-2021 at 05:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

AC plug into the wall at home. Generator in a camp.
DC They all draw 7 amps when compressor operates. less than 1 amp otherwise.
1) operate it off an aux battery when truck in not in use. Good for 5+ days with a group 65 battery. Lithium pack cost much more and last more days.
2) wire it the the truck start battery, Good for a couple of days. But be sure you have a portable jump start.
I use all the above.
=== = =

Thanks Paul. Very helpful. I have a huge marine igloo cooler I use in the truck. Love it, but it eats up the ice. Might have to give a Dometic a try.

Wife bought me an outdoor fridge for the patio last year. Kinda wished it was one of these portable coolers.

advrider - 6-14-2021 at 07:24 AM

Good info on how to run the fridge. I have dual batteries in my jeep and run off of the back up. The ARB has three voltage settings, High, med and low, it will short stroke the compressor if the voltage get low so it doesn't kill your battery. This way your food doesn't get spoiled and your battery killed all in one shot.
The newer models Bluetooth to your phone and will alert if voltage or temp drop below a set temp. I always have a jump box just incase but find if you start your rig a couple of times each day or run a small solar panel it's all good for several days depending on outside temps.

Don Jorge - 6-14-2021 at 07:43 AM

We use a Whytner 65 fridge freezer. Works great, mostly.

But, ambient temperatures need to be under 90 F for it to cool properly.
In Baja during the summer months this can be a problem if you have the unit outside in the truck bed or at a campsite as we discovered one summer fishing trip several years ago.

Just something to be aware of when using these type of coolers.

AKgringo - 6-14-2021 at 07:49 AM

I still use an old school ice chest. It is a cube, which is large enough for me and my dog, but not for a group! I extend the ice life by setting it on a 2 foot square of dense foam flooring material. It is also wrapped with one of those small blankets that Harbor Freight sells as moving pads.

Even if I decided to upgrade to one of the refrigerated units, I would want to keep it covered, but they must need to discharge heat from the condenser unit, so how it is packed in the vehicle would be a concern.

PaulW - 6-14-2021 at 07:54 AM

What advrider said applies to every frig/freezer on the market. Apparently the chip being used is sold to anybody.

For sure bluetooth is a modern advancement and not used on the older designs. These Chinese designers are pretty smart to meet the modern desires of the public.
Just remember to be sure you carry a jump start for your vehicle.

msteve1014 - 6-14-2021 at 08:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Good info on how to run the fridge. I have dual batteries in my jeep and run off of the back up. The ARB has three voltage settings, High, med and low, it will short stroke the compressor if the voltage get low so it doesn't kill your battery. This way your food doesn't get spoiled and your battery killed all in one shot.
The newer models Bluetooth to your phone and will alert if voltage or temp drop below a set temp. I always have a jump box just incase but find if you start your rig a couple of times each day or run a small sola
r panel it's all good for several days depending on outside temps.

my old arb does none of that, but it freeze ice in the hottest weather, you just need power. I run 150 watts of panels.

advrider - 6-14-2021 at 07:22 PM

I have the optional cover on my ARB and try to keep it covered and out of the sun when I can. You have to be aware that there are exhaust and intake ports on each side that need a little room to work.
I've had mine in 100 + temps and it still keeps everything cold no problem. When it's in the SUV I try to park in the shade ling term or open the hatch if parked at camp. Pretty awesome piece of equipment for being out in the wild for extended periods of time. We use ours on every road trip we take and love having cold drink and dry snacks on hand.

Alm - 6-14-2021 at 11:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

Used to be the case. Many Chinese brands now with different compressors.

Whynter 60qt fridge-freezer combo (i.e. 2 compartments) runs $500-600, dual-zone Dometic - don't remember, $800 or $1,000.

Right now everything camping is in short supply. In winter there used to be Chinese dual-zone Alpicool, 60qt for $300, some of them have LG compressor for a few more bucks, but I don't see it on Amazon now. Also Costway and Bodega, same thing as Alpi (also rarely available). I have Alpi 50 with LG, very quiet, nice wheels - you can't safely lift 50qt box full of goodies. So-so performance like all such small boxes, in dual zone it draws 40-60 AH per 24 hours. Temperature inside goes down to 0F freezer 36F fridge, takes 12 hours to get there and when you shut it down it rises back to 70 overnight. I still see them on Aliexpress but not on Amazon.

There is also dual-zone Iceco with Danfoss compressor, $800 for 60qt box: https://www.amazon.com/ICECO-Refrigerator-Compressor-Insulat... Get the cover too.

Alm - 6-14-2021 at 11:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

60-90qt portable boxes are not very efficient. 50qt dual-zone portable draws 40-60 AH per 24 hours, depending on the ambient. Less if you use the whole box as a fridge, i.e. single-zone. 90qt is mere 3 cu.ft, this would make a very small dorm fridge. It doesn't need an inverter, it runs on 12V. They usually come with AC-DC wall-wart as well.

John Harper - 6-15-2021 at 05:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I still use an old school ice chest. It is a cube, which is large enough for me and my dog, but not for a group! I extend the ice life by setting it on a 2 foot square of dense foam flooring material. It is also wrapped with one of those small blankets that Harbor Freight sells as moving pads.

I use an old white towel and keep it wet, the evaporation keeps the ice longer, just keep the towel wet/damp. Also have a piece of silver mylar sunshield cut to cover it all if no shade.

Unfortunately, I need something bear resistant for when I leave my truck at a trailhead or camp in bear country as in Wyoming.

John

[Edited on 6-15-2021 by John Harper]

PaulW - 6-15-2021 at 06:02 AM

I did not know about Whynter
When I bought my Dometic years back the owners manual included was from Wayco. Later I bought another Dometic and the manual was from Dometic.
Later I read a business report that Dometic bought Wayco and moved the operation from AU to USA.
=====

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

Whynter and Dometic are one and the same - simple design lowest prices of all. Sometimes they have slightly blemished ones on sale. 60 qt for around $300.

PaulW - 6-15-2021 at 06:10 AM

Some battery and frig performance.
My frig battery is a Odyssey group 65 71AH at the 7 amp rate, And that equals 10 hours until depletion.
My frig is good for more than 5 days while parked for camping and the unit in frig mode. That means the 7 amp load is pretty short.
Your experience will not be the same.

Anyway 40-60 AH per 24 hours is an extreme load, and is way higher than my experience.

msteve1014 - 6-15-2021 at 07:43 AM

I have a 30 watt panel permanently mounted on the camper. It will power the camper and frig. forever with decent sun. Turn it up to freeze and you need much more, 150 watts more.

Batteries. 2 starting in the diesel truck, 2 large (expensive) agm deep cycles in the camper.

[Edited on 6-15-2021 by msteve1014]

Mr. Bills - 6-15-2021 at 09:28 AM

I have an Engel MT45 120v AC/12v DC single zone fridge/freezer in my offroad trailer that has run nearly 24/7 since I acquired it in 2004. [ARB fridges were rebranded Engels during that time period.] No issues in 17 years of operation

I also have a Dometic CF95DZ dual zone fridge/freezer in my Sprinter that also runs 24/7. It came with the Sprinter, which I purchased last year. The previous owner used it for about 3 years.

A friend recently acquired an IceCo 12v fridge/freezer that he keeps in his SUV. He speaks highly of the brand.

Interesting video review of several 12v fridges here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ija2LmLVZHA

RFClark - 6-15-2021 at 09:31 AM

We have had the 54L model of this refer/freezer for over a year. It runs 12/24V and stays cold in a hot (Mexico) car even when off. It has a handle and wheels. Additionally it has a top mounted compressor. (Important in a loaded car) It is very low draw and shuts down to save your car battery. The side handles are recessed so as not to take up storage space and make narrow passages simpler.

We also use it as a spare refer/freezer in the house because of the really low current draw.

When we drive through Mexico we run it for days at a time! When we bought it we paid about $280 for the larger model (54L)

I can recommend it highly!

1DD0FE39-DEB4-46D5-B9F2-260C64EEC595.jpeg - 226kB

HeyMulegeScott - 6-15-2021 at 10:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mr. Bills

I have an Engel MT45 120v AC/12v DC single zone fridge/freezer in my offroad trailer that has run nearly 24/7 since I acquired it in 2004. [ARB fridges were rebranded Engels during that time period.] No issues in 17 years of operation

I also have a Dometic CF95DZ dual zone fridge/freezer in my Sprinter that also runs 24/7. It came with the Sprinter, which I purchased last year. The previous owner used it for about 3 years.

A friend recently acquired an IceCo 12v fridge/freezer that he keeps in his SUV. He speaks highly of the brand.

Interesting video review of several 12v fridges here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ija2LmLVZHA

A lot of good info in that video. Dometic is well known for slapping its logo on a variety of RV products they import so I'm skeptical they are worth a premium.

Alm - 6-15-2021 at 04:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

My frig battery is a Odyssey group 65 71AH at the 7 amp rate, And that equals 10 hours until depletion.
My frig is good for more than 5 days while parked for camping and the unit in frig mode. That means the 7 amp load is pretty short.
Your experience will not be the same.

Anyway 40-60 AH per 24 hours is an extreme load, and is way higher than my experience.

Depends on the unit size and on whether you use it as all-freezer, dual mode, or all-fridge. It draws less (much less) when in all-fridge mode and in energy-saving mode when it has such a mode.

40-60 AH is 50qt unit in dual mode, with compressor in boost mode, freezer set to 0F and fridge set to 36F. The way these small boxes work, there is no steady 40F - it's too small. When set to 40, the temperature on display goes down to 34, rises to 46, then compressor kicks in and it goes down to 34 again and so on. So I set it to 36 and 0 to make sure that it doesn't go over 40 and 4. The drawback is that it draws more energy.

In all-fridge mode, set to 40, I would expect it to draw less than 20 AH per 24 hours.

Here is a comparison of several fridges, scroll down to see the table: https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/po.... They all draw same power when running, except for a much smaller Engel. Duty cycle depends on how well it is insulated. Alpicool, Costway and Bodega have poorly insulated lid, people are usually adding Reflectix sheets on the lid and on the sides, this is on my to-do list. Separate lids for fridge and freezer like in Iceco VL60 help conserving energy too.

In that table Whynter looks distinctive from Dometic - much lower price, different design, I don't think they are the same only relabeled. Dometic did purchase Australian Waeco brand and also Tundra, the latter was a built-in fridge for RVs and boats.

[Edited on 6-15-2021 by Alm]

mtgoat666 - 6-15-2021 at 04:50 PM

For you traditionalists,…
RTIC coolers on sale right now.
Like Yeti, but not priced like Gucci

Whiskey Witch - 6-17-2021 at 06:17 AM

We had a Dometic 53 quart for >10 years. Ran it 10 months a year in boat and car. Sold it off while it was still working. Bought an Aspenora in February, working great so far. If you're using it in a tight space, consider how the lid opens or if it comes off completely as did our Dometic.

Udo - 6-18-2021 at 04:20 PM

I have owned an ARB (made in Australia) for about 17 years. It has served me well for both off and on-road trips. I use it at home as well as a spare small freezer.
It freezes down to about -4º F.

When I purchased it the price was close to $500.00 USD.
A couple of years ago I had to purchase a new locking handle. They sent it to me from Australia at no charge.

Hook - 6-19-2021 at 08:27 PM

Is there no one still putting the Sawafuji/swing compressor in their units?

Our Norcold from about 15 years ago is still running. It says it draws 1.3a@120v or 2.1@12v. It has the above compressor.

advrider - 6-20-2021 at 07:46 PM

ARB customer service is some of the best I've ever had. I had a problem with my 15 year old plug on my fridge, I called and asked about a replacement and they said they had changed the design and where can we send it! I felt bad asking for a second as a backup and it too was sent for free.
A few other ARB items I have needed they always take care of or sell a cost and ship for free.

PaulW - 6-21-2021 at 07:10 AM

ARB sells stuff with higher margin than competitors and that allows them to provide better service in the aftermarket. This applies to their mechanical parts as well as refrigerators.
Turns out they sell good stuff and so do most of the competitors. So the buyer must decide it good service is worth the extra cost.
Many of us think the ARB higher margin is excessive based on the performance of competing products.
One must face the reality refrigerator/freezer is a pretty stable design that is very mature that has been around for years. Lots of competitive stuff out there that are all pretty darn reliable now days.

BajaMama - 6-22-2021 at 08:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper

Quote: Originally posted by lencho

Quote: Originally posted by BajaMama

We also have an ArkPak lithium battery to keep the fridge cold when vehicle isn't running and no electricity available. It will keep it cold for days.

I am impressed-- how big is this battery? You have a model number or some other way to find it?

Thanks for posting the website John. We have the bigger of the batteries. I run it down to perhaps 40% then recharge. I am amazed how how long it keeps the fridge cool in a hot car. I think we have the solar components but we have never used it. I also like that it had ports for charging from USB connectors (phones, iPads, etc.).

PaulW - 6-22-2021 at 12:03 PM

Arkpac - Very poor value
Way expensive for use by folks that want goodies to charge gadgets
I use a plain old AGM start battery that works just fine in moderate temperature for 4 days without running the Jeep to charge it.
Looking a cost/performance numbers for several AGM units
Selected choices
Odyssey Group 65 start battery $260, 62AH
Odyssey G31 deep cycle $320, 100AH
Lifeline G31 deep cycle $365, 105AH
ArkPac $450 + battery like one of the above or one with even more AH and more cost.
A little bit of wiring and some $5-10 adapters and you get all the features of the Arcpac without the cost of the Arcpac.
It was suggested I find a 130AH unit but the ones I found are off brand and not listed as AGM, however non AGM ones are always less costly.

Alm - 6-22-2021 at 04:05 PM

Arcpac is funny, $450 an empty battery box with 300W inverter. Fairly decent pure sine 300W inverter costs $160-180 but you'll need of course to buy a couple of $10 starter cables to put between battery and inverter.

Speaking of batteries, 100-200 AH Lithium are becoming increasingly popular with car campers and RV-ers. Drop-in 12V Li in $ per AH through battery life are now cheaper than mid-tier AGM. Battleborn - probably the most expensive brand - $900 per 100AH, Lifeblue with built-in Bluetooth monitor $800, dozens US resellers of Chinese brands sell for less than $500. 100 AH Lithium gives you 80 AH usable charge with a few thousand cycles, 100 AH AGM - 50 AH usable charge with 500-600 cycles and 70 lbs weight if you have to move it. I opted for 120 AH Li, 100 AH usable charge, so far so good. 32 lbs weight is so much better than 70.

[Edited on 6-23-2021 by Alm]

4x4abc - 6-22-2021 at 07:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

Is there no one still putting the Sawafuji/swing compressor in their units?

Our Norcold from about 15 years ago is still running. It says it draws 1.3a@120v or 2.1@12v. It has the above compressor.

only Engel uses a swing compressor
all others use Danfoss

monoloco - 7-3-2021 at 10:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

an overlanding friend came to visit in La Paz a few years back.
His beautiful Engel went out.
Parts in Mexico - unobtainable.
2 months and $500 later he had his part.
$35 for the same Whynter part

My Engel died last year after running continuously for 15 years, mostly as a deep freeze in our home before we had utility power. I called Engel, and for $330, including shipping, they sent me a complete new cooling system which took about a half hour to install. They have excellent customer service.

BajaMama - 7-5-2021 at 11:32 AM

I got clarification - Yes the ArcPak is just a box with converter., we have the 730 https://www.etrailer.com/Portable-Chargers/Ark/AP730US.html?... The LifePo Deep Cycle Battery https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/100ah-12v-gc2-lifepo... All I know is they work fabulously, we will use next week in the Sierras during some warmer weather.

[Edited on 7-5-2021 by BajaMama]

Alm - 7-5-2021 at 03:33 PM

Is there a need in an inverter for a 12V fridge that runs on 12V battery? People don't usually carry AC devices on a car camping trip other than a phone or laptop. Phone can be charged - albeit slowly - via USB cig lighter thingy off your car battery or USB port on the 12V fridge, some models have it, my Alpicool does. With laptop there are other solutions, though I would rather leave laptop home when losing myself in a beautiful Baja for a few days.

Timinator - 7-6-2021 at 07:05 AM

Buy two 6V golf cart batteries and wire in series for 12v. You'll have 220+ AH of power and only have $200 invested.

BajaMama - 7-6-2021 at 08:15 AM

Can you charge a 12V lithium-ion deep cycle battery by plugging it into a wall or into your car Or is the inverter required for charging the battery?

I like not having too much of a fuss to charge it, but curious is there is an easier way? Or is there just a less expensive way?

[Edited on 7-6-2021 by BajaMama]

PaulW - 7-6-2021 at 11:47 AM

After or even during use the battery has to be charged.
They make specific 110v or 12v chargers for LION batteries.
The size of charger is a function of LION voltage and how many amp hours the battery has.
Many of us would choose low charge rate which is less expensive but takes longer to charge.
If that is to technical then a call to the battery manufacturer will result in a recommendation for a charger.
Then use Google to find its best price.

BajaMama - 7-6-2021 at 06:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

After or even during use the battery has to be charged.
They make specific 110v or 12v chargers for LION batteries.
The size of charger is a function of LION voltage and how many amp hours the battery has.
Many of us would choose low charge rate which is less expensive but takes longer to charge.
If that is to technical then a call to the battery manufacturer will result in a recommendation for a charger.
Then use Google to find its best price.

I was asking because some were indicating that the ArcPac is not needed, though I really like how it works. The charge system with the ArcPac takes about 6 hours to go from 40% to 100%.

PaulW - 7-6-2021 at 07:35 PM

The ArcPac comes with a charging device, but for that device needs external power, and charging time depends on that source. A source like 110v would be faster than solar or the alternator on your rig.
Fact: ArcPac's do not come with a battery.
Fact: All frigs work with any 12v battery. (And also on 110v).
For a frig you do not need an ArcPac. All you need is a 12v battery or a 110v receptacle at your house. The extras that ArcPac provides have nothing to do with powering a refrigerator.

Anyway if you run down a battery to 40% is must be charged back to 100% so the discharge can begin again for your next trip or more days on a trip.
When I am home I use a 110v trickle charger ($ 25) to recharge my frig battery. When I travel I recharge it from the car I drive.

Battery I use is a Group 65 start battery that delivers 71AH @ 7amp.
Better choice would be a Group 31 deep cycle battery that has 200AH
These two batteries are lead acid, heavy, and cost $300-350
Lion batteries cost more for the same AH and weigh less than a comparable lead acid battery. The Lion batteries are considered luxury - way more than needed for the average cost limited person.

Hook - 7-7-2021 at 08:13 AM

Who makes a Group 31 lead acid battery that has 200ah? I have never seen one. The most I've seen is about 120ah.

I think the price justification for the LI ion batts, outside of weight consideration, is that you can draw them farther down than around 40-50% of capacity, without doing them harm. What good is a 120ah battery if you shouldnt take more than 60ah out of it?

People who buy grp 31 batteries are people who dont have the space to do 2-6v batteries. I am in that category, with my older truck camper. A grp 31 is the max I can go.

[Edited on 7-7-2021 by Hook]

PaulW - 7-7-2021 at 09:52 AM

My edit Group 31 should have said 105 not 200

Cost examples:
Lion 100AH, 27 lbs $925
AGM lead acid 105AH 64 Lbs $370
AGM led acid 210AH, 124 Lbs $649

Give us the numbers for 2-6v batts.

Chup - 7-7-2021 at 03:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

My edit Group 31 should have said 105 not 200

Cost examples:
Lion 100AH, 27 lbs $925
AGM lead acid 105AH 64 Lbs $370
AGM led acid 210AH, 124 Lbs $649

Give us the numbers for 2-6v batts.

The AGM prices seem high to me. Are those Baja prices?

I'm seeing Renogy deep cycle agm 200AH for $399 online in the states.

Same for Renogy Lion 100AH - for $799.

PaulW - 7-7-2021 at 06:22 PM

Random selection off Google looking at US made top brands like Concorde, etc. My result is higher prices

You did a better search and got better prices.