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Competition BBQ *On Topic Only* Discussion regarding all aspects of Competition BBQ. Experiences competing or visiting, questions, getting started, Equipment, announcements of events, Results, Reviews, Planning, etc. Questions here will be responded to with competition BBQ in mind. |
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05-13-2019, 08:41 AM | #1 |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 08-05-17
Location: Blair, NE
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Trailer Electrical Help
Good morning all!
I am wanting to add a mini fridge to my trailer for comp use. Since I usually can't take off work on Friday I will take my trailer to the site on Thursday and not arrive back until Friday evening. I've noticed that some comps do not allow power hookup until Friday morning so do you guys have a suggestion for a power source from the time I leave home until I arrive to plug into comp power? I will be doing some simple 120v wiring in the trailer. Is there a good deep cycle/inverter setup that I can install just to keep the fridge cool for about 36-48 hours? Thanks in advance! Eric
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05-13-2019, 08:43 AM | #2 |
On the road to being a farker
Join Date: 04-16-15
Location: Angier, NC
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You would have to see how much amp the fridge pulls but I got a decent deep cycle battery that’s used with a solar system from harbor freight.
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05-13-2019, 08:50 AM | #3 |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 08-05-17
Location: Blair, NE
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That is kind of what I am leaning towards. Once I am set up at the comp I will use the power provided, and I know that the fridge will hold temp without opening the door for quite a while, but I would hate the take the chance on something happening out of my control.
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05-13-2019, 09:51 AM | #4 |
Babbling Farker
Join Date: 05-19-11
Location: EAD
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Many times what’s officially said (no power till Friday) and what actually occurs are 2 different things. Jugs of water frozen in the fridge may help, but coolers are the most reliable. I’ve seen people even with power not get their fridges below 50 just because of the heat in the trailer
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05-13-2019, 10:15 AM | #5 |
Moderator
Join Date: 12-09-04
Location: Wandering, but not lost
Name/Nickname : Captain Ron
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As mentioned, you need to know the power draw for the fridge, and remember that is the draw at 120V. The current draw at 13.8V from a battery will be a lot higher.
WARNING! Math follows So, I looked up a 2.6 Cu. Ft. mini fridge and it draws 1.5A at 120V. Using Power=current X voltage, or 1.5 X 120. That is a total of 180W. Now, let's figure the current draw at 13.8V. That formula is Current=Power/Voltage so 180/13.8, which is 13A. The inverter is not going to be 100% efficient, so let's assume 90% efficient, so that means that the battery has to supply about 14.5A. Now, assume a Group 28 battery, that typically has a capacity of 105 amp hours. That means that a single Group 27 battery will last 105/14.5, or about 7 hours. You can get a Group 31 battery or put two group 27 in parallel if you need more time. Sorry for the math Getting the fridge to temp at home, and then using a small generator when you get on site would probably be a better solution. The fridge will hold temp for a few hours, I would think.
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05-13-2019, 10:35 AM | #6 | |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 08-05-17
Location: Blair, NE
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Quote:
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05-13-2019, 11:41 AM | #7 |
is One Chatty Farker
Join Date: 01-31-19
Location: South Bend, IN
Name/Nickname : Bob
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Have you considered the starting amps of the compressor using an inverter?
Consider an RV ammonia refrigerator instead those run on 120V to power the heating element when power is available and switch to propane and 12VDC battery source when you can't plug them in.
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05-13-2019, 11:51 AM | #8 | |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 08-05-17
Location: Blair, NE
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Quote:
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05-13-2019, 01:40 PM | #9 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 08-02-07
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Name/Nickname : David
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Not the cheapest fix, but it looks cleaner than a quality inverter and 2 deep cell batteries.
https://www.costco.com/Goal-Zero-Yet...100469980.html I don't know how reliable your power is at comps in your area, but out here it is sketchy at best if it is avaiable at all. I had the inverter with deep cell batteries set up when I cooked on pellets, cause I just could not trust the power at the comps. Now I have a honda EU3000,
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05-13-2019, 11:06 PM | #10 | |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 08-05-17
Location: Blair, NE
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Quote:
Voltage 115v Frequency 60Hz Current 1.0A Power 70w
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05-14-2019, 07:40 AM | #11 | ||
Moderator
Join Date: 12-09-04
Location: Wandering, but not lost
Name/Nickname : Captain Ron
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05-14-2019, 10:06 AM | #12 |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 05-28-14
Location: St. Louis, MO
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To be 100% honest the mini fridge is not likely to hold more than a large Coleman cooler, and ice is certainly cheaper than maintenance on the battery. Personally I'd avoid the math, put your supplies in a cooler on ice, and enjoy the piece of mind.
Don't get me wrong, I love my apartment size fridge in my trailer, and never want to cook without it, but if we have to drop off early and there is no onsite power (city power) everything is going in a cooler until we are onsite. I don't even trust the temporary generators. It's not worth the risk. Also the math is simpler 1 20lb bag of ice will last your at least 24 hours. |
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05-14-2019, 11:58 AM | #13 | |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 08-05-17
Location: Blair, NE
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Quote:
If I get to a point where I can compete more and have a dedicated trailer we will explore other options!! Thanks everyone for the help!
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05-14-2019, 01:09 PM | #14 |
Babbling Farker
Join Date: 05-19-11
Location: EAD
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15 dollar cooler and a 20lb bag of ice keeps the garnish cold, then houses the made boxes safely.
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05-14-2019, 03:50 PM | #15 |
On the road to being a farker
Join Date: 04-21-14
Location: Lafayette
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I agree with the cooler and Ice option. Setup everything at the comp except the meat an garnish on Thursday, load the cooler at home Friday morning, check it throughout the day and bring it with you.
For the garnish I just use a moist paper towel with a small zip lock bag of ice on top, close the lid and place all 4 clam shells inside a soft sided insulated cooler bag (mine is 20x13x14 and cost $10-$15). Find a shady spot in your cook site so the bag is not in the sun. Because the bag is collapsible it does not take up much room and I have never had the garnish dry out or wilt. |
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