Installing an extra car battery?

Question

I'm wondering if i want to install a mini-fridge in the car and be able to on the air-con in my stationary car for 1 hour,engine running, will i need an extra battery or will my car die off because i'm relying too much on a single battery? Is installing an extra battery a better alternative?

Answer 1

Depends on the car you have, many cars won't have any problem with it at all. As mentioned, the alternator is going to be the key concern. A decent amperage for an alternator on a modern car is between 70-105. Many police vehicles use 120-150amps to run their lights, you can usually get around 200amps for nearly any vehicle (Most GM's are the same) for an added level of overkill. After turning on most equipment (lights and such) you should have at least 30% left over. If you find out the amperage of the alternator you have, find 30% of it, then read the draw (probably on a sticker on the back of the fridge) to see if you'll have enough. At the very least give yourself a 10% margin for any spikes. If you're below 10%, or want to play it safe, upgrade to get back to a 30% margin.

Answer 2

No. When the engine is running, the battery goes into charging state and electricity is now provided by the car's alternator. Unless there is not sufficient electricity to power all the electricals in the car, the battery supplies the deficiency. Check your car's voltage while the airconditioning is on and your mini-fridge running (might want to turn on the lights as well). If the voltage is above 12.5 volts then you should still be ok (recommended is above 13 volts). If not, you may need to fit a larger capacity alternator to compensate for the additional drain brought about by the mini-fridge.

Answer 3

I would recommend you get a larger capacity Battery - does the mini-fridge run 12 volt already ? if it does then you do not have to go that route as it should work ok as it is designed for 12V but if you are going to use an inverter then go the Larger Battery route first if that does not work out well - battery draining too quickly then you may have to change your alternator to a larger amperage.

Answer 4

That would probably work. However, I'd advise against it. Refrigerators draw *alot* of power.

If you're looking for something to keep drinks cool while driving, there is a "console" cooler for minivans (primarily) that can hold a dozen or so cans and a (smallish) amount of food. Hope you're not a smoker though...it plugs-in into the "a/c outlet" in the dash...formerly known as the cigarette lighter.

The difference is that a refrigerator cools things to about 5deg celcius. The cooler simply "cools" things by about 5-10deg celcius.

Answer 5

which could do very much of injury to the hood a minimum of. whether it is an appropriate submit battery and if the helpful replaced into to make touch with the hood, you could have a quick circuit and the hood could get very heat very right now. paint could actually burn away and you need to actual have a fireplace or acid leak concern. i could call them till now you go away the residing house so as that if something does take place, you're nonetheless lined and that they are nonetheless attentive to the situation.

Answer 6

Yes it might last depending on the size of the fredge and battery but i would install another battery

Answer 7

A more powerful heavy duty alternator may be a good idea, something that puts out more amps.

Answer 8

If you have a late model car you shouldn't need anything extra.