12 volt for 2 way Fridge Control

[Thiss]

First,

My extreme thanks for all those who keep this forum rolling.

I have a 72 Overland. I installed a new fridge yesterday. It needs 12 volt to run the control. I have looked at all possible places to swipe from. Including the battery itself and the fuse panel of course.

In my pursuit I have extracted numerous ill-installed and unsafe power supplies that lead to an automotive stereo and antique cb. Which I was going to swipe from since they were directly above the refer cab, but alas I couldn't subject the family to one more fire hazard.

My two top options now are:

1. Buy a compact 12v battery and put it in the access area just for the fridge. The only downside I see is needing to remove it when it needs a charge or disconnecting it when storing. Also, since it would run a tiny circulation fan too, it might need charged during a longer trip.

2. Run wire all the way from the fuse panel. Letting the wire run on top of the sub floor and under the flooring I eventually install.

3. Swiping from the antenna jack forward of the cab, and letting the wire be visible.

4. Or is there secret tunnel to fish from? I tried to go atop the water tank with a fish tape and couldn't find a rout.

All thoughts and opinions welcomed!

Mike

[idroba]

The second battery idea is not a good one. The battery will need frequent charging as the load on it would be in the range of half an amp (possibly more). That adds up fast, on 24 hour days.

I don't know the layout of your unit at all, but I am sure you can find a way to run a wire to the regular battery and converter/charger that will not be visible.

No, there is no secret compartment for wires...lol.

[mccrosti]

I have a 72 as well. Why not simply scab off of one of the lights inside the Cabinet directly above the fridge? How is this a fire hazard?


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[Minno]

Wire Mold makes several different sizes of channels to surface run wires and hide them inside a raceway. http://www.wiremoldproducts.com. Some are pretty small, and run on the wall along the floor would be pretty inconspicuous.

[TennTex]

I pushed a 3/4" pex tubing in an arc around the rear of the trailer from fuse box under curbside bed to the water heater. Pushed the frig wires through, then completed the run under opposite bed, behind galley counter, to refrigerator. All concealed and out of the way, on its own fuse.

Alan

[Thiss]

Thanks folks. It's nice bouncing ideas and I appreciate your time.

I have been talked out of the extra battery. I would grab power from a light in the cabinet if they were there.

I think I will try the pex across the back of the unit.

[55AS]

If you have 110 volts nearby, you can wire in a simple converter like I did before I had a 12 volt system on board.