Alpicool fridge cutting out - showing F1 error code

[Olivia]

I have this Alpicool

Alpicool CF45 45L Compressor Car Refrigerator, Portable Camping Fridge DC 12v Freezer for TruckCampervanRVBoat, -20℃ to 20℃​

It keeps cutting out and showing error code F1.

Can anyone advise the best way to power this fridge? I have two solar panels from Roger Donoghue and a Cali Beach 2019.

 

[WelshGas]

I have this Alpicool

Alpicool CF45 45L Compressor Car Refrigerator, Portable Camping Fridge DC 12v Freezer for TruckCampervanRVBoat, -20℃ to 20℃​

It keeps cutting out and showing error code F1.

Can anyone advise the best way to power this fridge? I have two solar panels from Roger Donoghue and a Cali Beach 2019.

That is the Low Voltage protection kicking in. I presume you are powering via the built in 12v socket.
Due to the wiring gauge used you get a significant voltage drop, hence the F1 error.
You need a dedicated, fused, supply direct from the leisure battery with thicker gauge wire and decent connectors , Anderson plug and sockets.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

That is the Low Voltage protection kicking in. I presume you are powering via the built in 12v socket.
Due to the wiring gauge used you get a significant voltage drop, hence the F1 error.
You need a dedicated, fused, supply direct from the leisure battery with thicker gauge wire and decent connectors , Anderson plug and sockets.

It certainly sounds like it.

Another alternative that some friends of ours with a Beach and separate 12v compressor fridge use is a power bank that recharges by solar or the 12v when driving. This removes any issues.

 

[Olivia]

It certainly sounds like it.

Another alternative that some friends of ours with a Beach and separate 12v compressor fridge use is a power bank that recharges by solar or the 12v when driving. This removes any issues.

Is a power bank a portable leisure battery?

 

[Olivia]

Is a power bank a portable leisure battery?

Can you recommend one?

 

[Wannabecamperman]

Can you recommend one?

Jackery are excellent quality and the newer v2 ones are LiFePO4. I also use a larger Bluetti for longer trips when the wife wants to take her hair dryer and coffee machine, etc.. EcoFlow are also popular.

 

[Olivia]

Jackery are excellent quality and the newer v2 ones are LiFePO4. I also use a larger Bluetti for longer trips when the wife wants to take her hair dryer and coffee machine, etc.. EcoFlow are also popular.

Thanks so much Wannabecamperman! And can those be powered by my solar panels on the roof would you know? so grateful for all your help,many, many thanks

 

[Wannabecamperman]

Thanks so much Wannabecamperman! And can those be powered by my solar panels on the roof would you know? so grateful for all your help,many, many thanks

If you have the solar panels with MP4 connectors or XT60 I think it is, then yes for EcoFlow and Bluetti. If they are wired in to the van battery then I'd leave them and just have the power bank charge from 12v or you can get a 'charger one' alternator charger and similar for the Bluetti and EcoFlows.

There are many videos on Youtube explaining in detail your options, but most are 'plug and play' and the power banks can be fully charged on 240v at home also before travelling.

Jackery have their own proprietary 8mm jack, so not the best choice if wishing to charge by solar.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

Thanks so much Wannabecamperman! And can those be powered by my solar panels on the roof would you know? so grateful for all your help,many, many thanks

If you click on my name you can see my many other posts about solar and the power banks we use, with some images etc also over the years. Also you can search the forum for 'solar' posts and see many other threads if that helps you Olivia.

 

[Olivia]

That is the Low Voltage protection kicking in. I presume you are powering via the built in 12v socket.
Due to the wiring gauge used you get a significant voltage drop, hence the F1 error.
You need a dedicated, fused, supply direct from the leisure battery with thicker gauge wire and decent connectors , Anderson plug and sockets.

Hello again! Regarding the dedicated, fused, supply direct from the leisure battery etc - what sort of person could carry this work out? Would an auto electrician know what to do in your opinion? sorry for all questions

 

[WelshGas]

Hello again! Regarding the dedicated, fused, supply direct from the leisure bvattery etc - what sort of person could carry this work out? Would an auto electrician know what to do in your opinion? sorry for all questions

Yes. Thick gauge wire from +tve pole of Leisure battery with 15amp in line fuse and a line from the -tve pole of the battery or a chassis earth, same thickness wire. Both connected to an Anderson socket. Replace the 12v plug on the fridge with the corresponding Anderson plug.
The wires can be routed to where you want as long as not too long. Upto a metre would be fine.