Rear Fridge Connector

[Ralph1Malph]

Hi all,
I have been asking a lot of questions recently, as I am trying to finally set my D3 up for touring and a cape trip!

My car is fitted with a dual battery and traxide setup so I have aux power in the boot.
Until recently, I did what most others do and used a standard accessory socket and plugged my fridge (waeco fwiw) in that way.
True to form, after a few bumps it wiggled loose and I cracked the sads and replaced both plug and socket with spade connectors.

I am now looking at something more elegant and multi purpose.
Straight to mind comes merit plugs and I considered mounting a merit socket in the same location as the factory accessory socket, but on the other side.
However this necessitates having the merit plug protrude when connected and I'd prefer that it didn't as when loaded up it's exposed to being knocked.

Then I considered anderson plugs for a nice flush look but the 50 amp plugs are to big for the wiring and ugly inside the car IMHO. 20/30 amp anderson style are not overly popular or available.

What solution do y'all use for your fridge or semi permanent accessories in the back?

Cheers
Ralph

[ytt105]

I purchased an additional 12v Waeco lead and have semi permanently connected it to the Traxide system with large barrel connectors and hidden the connection under the false floor area.
The lead is shoved into the mesh area on the side panel until needed. I also put a little hook on the top corner of the fridge so that I can run the cable through it and then the cable doesn't get caught in the movement of the fridge slide.

Regards
Trev

[Ralph1Malph]

I purchased an additional 12v Waeco lead and have semi permanently connected it to the Traxide system with large barrel connectors and hidden the connection under the false floor area.
The lead is shoved into the mesh area on the side panel until needed. I also put a little hook on the top corner of the fridge so that I can run the cable through it and then the cable doesn't get caught in the movement of the fridge slide.

Regards
Trev

Thanks Trev,
I'm looking at semi permanently wiring the cable as well and just winding it up behind the jack storage panel.
I don't have those little mesh areas on the side panels....wish I did, can they be purchased?

Cheers
Ralph

[drivesafe]

Hi Ralph, have a look at where the factory plug is mounted.

Then go to the opposite side, the driver's side, to the same position.

Now have a look at the flat panel located just above where the socket would normally be pointing sidewards into the cargo area.

You can mount a socket in that flat area on top of the panel and then the plug will be pointing upwards and will not rattle out.

I would post up some photos but I just can't work out the correct way to get that done.

[Tombie]

Or he could go with Andersen power poles

[scarry]

Here is my setup,there are two sockets,one cig,one Merrit,Traxide kit.
I don't use the cig very often,the Merrit is used all the time for the fridge,also the spotlight.
It has never come lose or fallen out,over 5 yrs of travel.

I have a bit of wood(can be seen in pic) between the old Engle and the wheel arch,so i can put things there,but it isn't needed.Even with the fridge pushed right up against the wheel arch,the merrit plug is fine.I also have a switch in the cord going to the Engle so i can turn it off for whatever reason,without pulling the merit plug out.

As for merrit plugs,and sockets,only get good quality ones,i usually use Narva,there are cheap chinese ones around that are garbage.

Apologise for the pic on its side,seems it doesn't want to turn around,bloody phone pic......

[Bytemrk]

Mine is the same as Pauls above, except I have an Engel socket rather than the Merit. It works really well without getting in the way.

[l00kin4]

Hi Ralph, have a look at where the factory plug is mounted.

Then go to the opposite side, the driver's side, to the same position.

Now have a look at the flat panel located just above where the socket would normally be pointing sidewards into the cargo area.

You can mount a socket in that flat area on top of the panel and then the plug will be pointing upwards and will not rattle out.

I would post up some photos but I just can't work out the correct way to get that done.

I followed Tim’s advice above- this is the position of the socket


Works perfectly for me as I have my fridge set up on that side.

Pic with the plug (reinforcing point about quality plugs above - this cheap plug was a bit unreliable and has since been replaced with a better Narva plug) in:
IMG_9433 cropped by David Byrne, on Flickr

I’ve also mounted one on the other side but under that position:


David

[l00kin4]

I don't have those little mesh areas on the side panels....wish I did, can they be purchased?

Cheers
Ralph

I have looked into that before and unfortunately the mesh isn’t available as an add on- comes with that full trim panel.

David

[Markf]

Or he could go with Andersen power poles

Absolutely. Power Poles are the way to go. In the amateur radio world power poles are king and all of my 12V stuff has been changed to power poles.
Easily, cheaply and quickly got from Anderson PowerPole 15/45 Red Black Pair w 30A Contacts. [pp30rb] - $1.82 : Anderson Power Connections, Genuine Anderson - no junk here