OAUSA Net - 5/04//17 – Coolers, Fridges, & Batteries

[N7AJJ]

Please check me in for the net....thank you!

[toms]

A bit more to follow up on Rick CTT's post on icing a cooler:


Tip for long term trips with a cooler

1. Split food into two groups – 1st half and second half of trip
a. Each half goes in its own cooler

2. Pre-chill coolers for several days
a. Ice it down let set
b. Pour out and discard

3. Freeze anything that can be frozen in advance
4. Chill all beverages in advance
5. Load coolers
a. block of ice
b. put all frozen and chilled item in
c. Fill cracks with cube ice

6. Put a strap around second half cooler- not to be opened until second half

[Voodoo Blue 57]

I use Dirty Parts Duel Battery to power my ARB fridge and aux. equipment. I monitor my voltage with a SolidKit battery monitor.

Link to Dirty Parts Duel Battery Kit: http://www.dirtyparts.com/store/detail. ... /pid-83094

Dual Battery Kit_thumb.jpg (7.94 KiB) Viewed 591 times

Link to SolidKit battery monitor: http://www.solidkit.com.au/product/dual ... oyota-120/

Toyota-Dual-Battery-Volt-Meter-Prado-120-FJ800_600zoomedout.jpg (58.1 KiB) Viewed 591 times

[KAP]

Dave
Please check me in.
Kevin
KK6DGL

[HsuuJrt]

Please check me in for the net.
James kg5pmn

[NotAMog]

Please check in KN6VL, John and KD6GCO Bruce.

[KA9WDX]

If it isn't too late for an early check in...thanks,
Bernie

[gunbiz]

W9RIK please check me in tonight what about dry ice

[NotAMog]

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Here is the battery configuration in the Pinzgauer. The 2 Optima yellow top batteries are wired in series for the 24v electrical system. For 12v power there are 2 45Ah 6v gel cells also wired in series. There is a 24 to 12v power converter in the cab which supplies power while running for the EFI computer, ham radio, and refrigerator. The 12v batteries are kept charged through a Powerwerks SuperPWRgate also in the cab. I added a PowerPole pigtail to the 12v batteries so I can plug the solar charge controller directly into the batteries. The gel cells will only run the the fridge for about a day and a half in warm conditions. If the charge gets too low I can plug the refrigerator into the 24v system if necessary. I've base camped for 3 and a half days several times running the refrigerator off of the 24v battery only without any starting problems,

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In the Tacoma there is an Odyssey PC1500 starting battery under the hood retained by an Artech battery mount. I had trouble with the stock battery mount working lose when off roading with the PC1500 battery. The Artech mount solved that problem very well. Everything is still dirty from running the Mojave Road a couple of weeks ago.

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In the back is an Odyssey PC2150 once again secured in place with an Artech battery mount bolted to the truck bed. This battery should be able to power the refrigerator for at least 4 or 5 days but I've always had my solar panel to keep it charged while doing any extended base camping.

P5041673.JPG (3.46 MiB) Viewed 589 times

I'm also using a Powerwerks ISOPower to keep the coach batter charged while driving. This is a "temporary" arrangement with the power distribution box and ISOPower held in place with Harbor Freight magnets. It's been there for at least 5 years now and has actually proven to be very reliable. I just need to pack the back of the truck so the PowerPole connectors are not crushed or broken by the load.

[JackM-KK6WXQ]

Check me in please!

I will be on Echolink!

Jack M KK6WXQ