Keeping refrigarator cold while driving - Event Date: 26 Jul 2014

Technically you should have a fuse near the battery that will blow before the wire burns up.  That said, my GM's factory 12 gauge line has a 40 amp fuse on the end.  I don't know how they justify that.

 

If your fridge is still under warranty, get it fixed.  It should cool down within hours (assuming you don't put warm drinks in it) and have no problems keeping things cool.  If you aren't within warranty, things could get very expensive.  I'm having problems only with the gas mode on mine, and the dealer said the 8501 model used in the pods is an import - and parts are only imported.  He thinks my gas valve is bad and instead of costing $69, it will cost over $400.  I can buy a new domestically-sourced fridge for $600!  Or one of these Indel portable fridges for less.

 

Driving while using the propane mode is perfectly safe.  You are correct you'll have problems using the DC mode unless the wiring feeding your 7-pin Bargeman is large enough.  I finally checked out the factory wiring on my Chevy and it is 12 gauge, which is too small.  I just added a 10 gauge which effectively gives me 8 gauge (using the 12 and 10 in parallel).  If this is a job you can't do, any local mechanic should be able to do it in a half hour.

 

The portable fridges like the ARB and Indel should last 24 hours or more on a deep cycle battery, closer to 55 hours with two batteries in parallel.  So if you can recharge from utility power, a generator, or from your TV in that time frame a solar system may not be necessary.  A 2nd battery is a lot cheaper too.