Solar panel and fridge

Dunclair
Dunclair Forum Participant Posts: 127
edited July 2014 in Caravans #1

I believe that almost all caravan fridges only use the 12v source when being towed, ie, powered by the tow vehicle's alternator.

I have a solar panel on my van that I retro fitted. Most of the time it isn't powering anything because the battery is fully charged.

When I am on a site that doesn't have a mains connection, the current setup (Pardon the pun) means I have to use gas. I am considering wiring in the fridge to my leisure battery. An added benefit is that as I mostly move sites during the day, I could power
the fridge from the solar panel and save the fuel cost of the vehicle engine.

Before I do that, may I please ask for the downsides? Thank you.