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GU 12v Power for the fridge ??

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:48 pm
by nopants
Hi Guys,

I'm wanting to run a fridge (engel 40L) from the back & the GU has no rear 12v outlet - I know I can run from the front but with GPS, Ipod etc running from there it gets a bit untidy.. I've found a guy that sells these panels -
Pics attached - unit is $55.00

This will run from the main battery - This is only for transporting - I have a camper trailer with it's own 12v supply to run the fridge once we get to where we're going .. My question is has anyone seen/used these before and if so does it work ok ? I can't imagine there being a problem.

Are there any other option for getting power down the back ? I did a search but not a lot came up .

Thanks

Ben


Product description -
Features:

* Clips directly into rear cargo trim left hand side.
* Uses clip from existing felt panel.
* No drilling required
* Aluminium panel
* 1 x Standard Narva socket
* 1 x 16amp Narva socket

Optional:

* 1 x 16amp Narva socket can be fitted above to make 3 power outlets, upon request for additional $14.00

Image

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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:20 pm
by T_Diesel
Looks like an expensive way of buying a merritt and cig plug. You are still going to have to find a good 12 volt connection in therear of the GU and I doubt there would be permanent power in the back in the factory wiring that will comfortably handle the current draw of a fridge.

IMHO, I would run a decent guage cable that can handle at least 15 amps direct from your battery down to the rear of your truck and then go and buy the plugs individually from Jaycar for about $10 each and wire it in yourself. There was a how to do article in one of the 4wd Action mags recently about power sockets in the rear. It's pretty simple, not much to it at all.

Probably should have posted in Auto Electrical aswell.

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:51 pm
by gqgu
they do work but find you need to up the cable size.

i put 2 merrit plugs and a cig' plug in the back of mine. just pulled off the rear panel and floor trims and ran 3 runs of dual core 20 amp cable (i always go more amp the required for safety) wired up to second battery with blade fuse on each run. never had any issues.

dont make the mistake that alot do and wire multiple plugs to a single wire. and make sure every socket has a fuse but dont put the fuse behind the panel as they can be hard to access to replace.

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:44 am
by nopants
Thanks guys - yeah I think I'll just buy the cable and run it myself ..

It looked like a good idea at the time but the wiring is going to need upgrading anyway so I'll just do it myself ..

Cheers

Ben