What power source in Lightning is best for fridge?) .

[hturnerfamily]

since day one, I've used the simple Walmart 120v mini-fridge, which sits behind my driver seat, or fits completely underneath the bed's tri-fold hard cover, plugged into either 120v outlet...

my wife and I had this conversation the other day: but 'what' happens when you turn the truck off?

- well, if you are simply going into a store for a few minutes, or a little while, or even longer, just leave the truck ON. I lock the door when I walk away - the fridge is still using ProPower.

- if you have to, and can't leave the truck ON, well, the fridge is already a big 'cooler', and doesn't need power 24/7... even for hours. Most fridge compressors don't run constantly, anyway - they run 'as needed' for the temp. Even if the temp falls below 'normal', it's not the end of the world. When you return, and turn the truck ON, the fridge will quickly get back down to it's optimal temp.

- if you 'must' turn the truck OFF, well, newer models provide for the ProPower setting to remain ON, if you need

I've left our truck ON overnight many times - to keep ProPower ON, even to power our Camper... it's no issue. Lock the door. Cover the driver screen, if you must... It's all good.

I don't understand the need for expensive 12v 'fridges' that have to 'fit' into your frunk...

A 120v mini-fridge, with a freezer compartment, kept in your frunk, OR your cab, OR your bed, is much cheaper, easier to power, and just as roomy. Get TWO of 'um!
Your LIGHTNING has outlets everywhere for a reason.

Sponsored

 

[broncoaz]

Why go with a 12V battery and all that and not just get a 1kWh or so battery/inverter system like EcoFlow that has 120 outlets. Plug it into the ProPower and then the fridge into it, basically making it like a UPS. When ProPower goes off you have the 1+kWh and when it comes on it can charge the EcoFlow (or similar).

Seems like it would also let you move it and the fridge and keep it running, like going to the beach, and you can use the battery backup for other things too.

Not saying your approach is the wrong one or anything, more just curious as I was thinking of doing the above with a battery backup but not sure if I am overlooking something.

I’m going with what I know. For about five years (2016-2020) I was traveling for work and basically living on the road for 40+ weeks per year. I carried all my meals for the week in an ARB fridge with a second 12v battery added to the vehicle. It was a huge money saver and quality of life tool for me, I was saving hundreds per week not buying restaurant food and eating healthier.

I don’t really understand the need for the battery/inverters, but they have become very popular in the past few years. I’d imagine that most of them sit unused in someone’s closet or garage until they ultimately fail and need to be replaced. I haven’t found a use for them yet for me. I haven’t specifically looked at their capacity compared to something like a Group 31 deep cycle AGM battery. The AGM battery is about 70#.

I don't understand the need for expensive 12v 'fridges' that fit into your frunk. I mini-fridge, with a freezer compartment, seems so much easier, cheaper, and just as roomy. Get TWO of 'um!

Compressors in the stationary mini fridges aren’t made to be moved around or work at any angle other than a flat surface. I wouldn’t think the acceleration and braking forces in the Lightning would be ideal for them, especially the way I use my acceleration. The Danfoss compressor in the ARB can be used in rough terrain (offroading).