D3 + Engel

[Beerdead]

Will the power point in the rear of a D3 cope with an Engel?

[Canaussie]

I believe it will, I'm sure the wires are adequate for the load of the fridge. I'm not sure on the D3 as compared to the D4 the outlet is on a timer relay that turns off after a minute and will only come on again once a door has been opened or ignition is on. There has been discussion in regards to bridging out the relay behind glove box in order to keep it on, this will have consequences for your starting battery.

Best advice I can give as well as others that will join in is to invest in a Traxid DBS and you will have a dedicated power point and not affect your cranking battery. Traxide make D3-4 specific kits and they won't let ya down.

Cheers Billy

[Rich84]

You can - I've run both 40 and 80L engel fridge/freezers on mine for 50+ hours, no problems. No dual battery setup.

[Drizzle]

I had no problems running a 57L Engel Combi Fridge/Freezer off the standard outlet in the rear.

I did this for about a year until finally biting the bullet and installed a Traxide dual battery kit. The main driver for this is we can leave the fridge going with the car locked for extended periods and not be worried about discharging the main cranking battery, whether it be for lengthy camping trips or just around town.

[Canaussie]

You can - I've run both 40 and 80L engel fridge/freezers on mine for 50+ hours, no problems. No dual battery setup.


Hmmmm I want what ever battery you are using. 50+ hrs on your 80l fridge at 0.5 to max 4.2 ah max average at 2 ah equates to 100 ah with still enough to start car WOW!!!! Std LR starting battery???

I'll stick with my DBS! ;-)

[JamesH]

A side advantage of the Traxide installation is the wire to the rear plug from the battery is upgraded and they also give you an additional outlet for running,say, a camp light.

[rufusking]

Hmmmm I want what ever battery you are using. 50+ hrs on your 80l fridge at 0.5 to max 4.2 ah max average at 2 ah equates to 100 ah with still enough to start car WOW!!!! Std LR starting battery???

I'll stick with my DBS! ;-)

If you want any life out of your battery it's best to limit the discharge to ~50%.

[Beerdead]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Won't have time for a Traxide just yet, but intend to install one soon.

[Dapper]

Try an ArcPak. I am using one to drive an 80l Engel in the back of the D3. I charge it while driving via the supplied DC charger and 12 outlet in the row 2 centre consul. Works a treat. Only using a 60Ah aux battery in it but works lovely for a 3 day weekend. I changed the 15A fuse for a 20A and have had no problems since. The bonus is that I am not carrying around all the extra weight during the week when the car is a shopping trolley and commuter.

[Rich84]

Hmmmm I want what ever battery you are using. 50+ hrs on your 80l fridge at 0.5 to max 4.2 ah max average at 2 ah equates to 100 ah with still enough to start car WOW!!!! Std LR starting battery???

I'll stick with my DBS! ;-)
Haha no sorry mate I meant I've run the car for that long with the fridge in the back.


When we stop I promptly plug it into an 1800amp jumper which has a 12v plug on it. This is enough to run the 80L for 3-4 days. I charge the jumper when we go on day trips etc.


DBS is obviously a better set up but this is how I've gotten by without one.