Thread: Engel fridge running in closed up car?

First off, it wouldn't be too efficient. A fridge "moves the warm air from the inside of the fridge to the outside" .. + the nominal heat generated by the electric motor etc.

So here we are with a closed car in Brisbane summer ... interior temp > 50*C. Plus the fridge trying to stay cool inside.

Not much chance heh cobber ??

As for the second part, I don't know how big the batt is in the FreeL, but I wouldn't personally be comfortable with running a fridge off my start batt for 8 hrs ... even if it was a big hua.

Edit ... Not really summer yet .... but it soon will be ;o)

If the contents have been chilled beforehand and the fridge is already cold then 8 hours shouldn't be a problem.

I've run an a 40l Engel fridge in the boot of a Commodore. I was surprised how quick the ambient in the boot got very warm. The contents of the fridge remained cold but it was nowhere near eight hours.
Ensure there is good ventilation around the fridge.

Assuming it will hot in the car and the fridge is running constantly not cycling - 5amp draw?? For 8 hours that is a total of about 40Ah from your starting battery - I thought most starting batteries were about 50Ah so if the fridge was to run non stop it might be close.

Garry

Freeze a 2 litre milk container of water and put that in as well.

can you take your 240v lead and take the fridge into your workplace?

It will run 8 hours no problem at all.

Your problem will be are you going to be able to fully charge the battery again after that 8 hours by driving wherever you are going?

Although if you are just transporting food and not using the fridge off the battery all weekend then no problem.

Originally Posted by garrycol

Assuming it will hot in the car and the fridge is running constantly not cycling - 5amp draw

My 40l engel cycles at 2.5A in the car.