Fridge Wiring - Dometic RM4601 - Expanda 20.63.1 OB

[HiTech⚓️Mariner]

Hi to all

I trust this finds you all enjoying your ANZAC weekend and have made the most of it.

We have ordered our Expanda 20.63.1 OB in early March and have our final fit out meeting shortly with our dealer.

Having read through the many posts in relation to Fridge problems and current draw issues, would any one recommend having the 12v wiring upgraded at the factory? Is it possible to request this?

I am unsure as to what size wiring is fitted on the production line for fridge supply, would anyone know the spec's on it?

The fridge in question draws 18 Amps using the 12v circuit, I like to work on 25% rather than 20% maximum draw, which gives the requirement for wiring of a 23 Amp supply capacity, 25 Amp is a nice round figure. Would really like to know what Jayco's fridge wiring is rated to.

Thanks in advance for your advise

 

[Bmhdg76]

"Would really like to know what Jayco's fridge wiring is rated to...."

I think so would a lot of other people!
We have the 150l 3-way in ours and had the dealer install a Anderson lead to the van. This was initially to charge the van battery whilst driving but changed it over to be dedicated for the fridge hotwire. Works a treat. To be honest though I couldn't give you officially what gauge wire it is. I think it is 8bs???

The thing to bear in mind it isn't only the amperage of the cable but the gauge as well. A thin 25 amp cable will loose volts very quickly over a long run.

The more tech people here might be able to shed some light for you.

BJ.

 

[HiTech⚓️Mariner]

Thanks BJ

The Hotwire to the Fridge direct is a great idea, it would work well in our configuration as the Solar panel will trickle charge the battery on route. As our vehicle is yet to be wired up, think we will run with that idea.

You are correct in relation to the length and gauge of the wire to supply the fridge.

I'm working on the distance from the battery to the fridge being 3 meters, so the cross sectional area of my required supply wire should be no less than 5.49 mm2 or 10 gauge AWG/B&S . Can some one confirm this please?
I think that with the Hot wire from the Vehicle to the fridge I will throw the Ampere drop over distance loss calculations away and just work on the fridges 18 Amps maximum draw, just to keep the diameter of the wiring down to a realistic size. 4 gauge AWG/B&S is hefty and expensive enough.

Is there a way of using lighter gauge wiring using any inline add in's?

I would imagine that Jayco, like any other business will provide wiring to the exact mm of the appliances requirements, without Amp drop considerations. They are, after all, in business to make money and the cost of wiring has over doubled in the last few short years.
I don't mind paying the difference for the heavier wiring, as it will be so much easier to fit it during the building process.

Which brings about one of my original questions, what size wiring is fitted on the production line for fridge supply, would anyone know the spec's on it?

Attached is a handy low voltage wire guide