Another 12v fridge question

[sewinglady]

Similar question to Jo's (july).

We have a small fridge on our Viking river cruiser that is powered from a leisure battery that is either kept topped up via solar panel or alternator from outboard engine when we are cruising. However the fridge cuts out when the battery reaches 60%. Usually after about 6 hours. Is it the fridge or the battery? Or do we also need to look at wiring?

We have only had boat 2 months so do not know how it performed for previous owners and do not know how old fridge or batteries are.

There is nothing in the, very comprehensive, folder of invoices we received with the boat that indicate either have been replaced during the life span of the boat, which is approx 20 years old.

[bigste]

One battery won't keep your fridge running for long.

Outboards don't have great charging abilities. If it's a 3 way you could try the gas but that costs in £s.

[Traveller]

I am no electrician but does your leisure battery really drop to 60% charge in only six hours? Is it just the fridge that is running on it? I suspect the fridge is cutting out due to lack of power in the battery but others with a greater knowledge on the subject will be along soon.

[OldGoat]

A 'decent' fridge (one that is trying to look after you...) cuts out when the battery reaches a certain low voltage. ? 10.5V ? comes to mind

A fridge consumes a large amount of energy - have a look at all the threads on here.

The easiest solution is either not to use it or to cruise a lot or mebe buy some more batteries that your solar can keep charged up...

[rasputin]

First question, what sort of fridge?

 

Second question, how big are the solar panels?

Edited August 6, 2015 by rasputin

[Tony Brooks]

Third question - how thick and how long are the fridge cables (after answering 1 above).

 

Fourth question - what is the battery voltage first thing in the morning and about an hour after switching off at the end of the day's cruise.

Edited August 6, 2015 by Tony Brooks

[sewinglady]

Thanks everyone, we have got it sorted. It is the fridge, we have had someone look at it and the motor is well past its best, so it looks like a new fridge.