Then reason I used a deep cycle battery as the fridge battery is because a car battery is designed to do a job..that is give a large amount of energy in a short period of time, they are not designed to have a device sitting drawing a small amount of current over a long period. The deep cycle is designed to do this and if you are camping and have solar cells connected this is the correct type of battery to use.

I had extensive experience with different battery types when I was maintaining solar powered telephone systems in remote areas and Telstra did trials to work out what would be best for low current, long term use.

I also use the second battery for my CB radio and mobile phone power. If my cranking battery goes I still have power available to call someone on the phone or on the CB.

From my experience cranking batteries in the tropics have a shorter life than in temperate zones so I want to have the ability to call someone if the car won't turn over and cold beer to drink while I am waiting.

The second battery can also be jumpered to the main to help crank it over of course.

Go for a second battery, it is a long walk from Chambers Pillar to a battery shop.

Craig..