I also have an older model Eagle Shell. Like you my only electrical loads are my fridge, fan and a couple LED lights. I use an over 20 year old Engle chest type fridge and couldn’t be happier with it. I’m glad I got the largest size available (can’t have too much beer and food in the outback!) and you can cram way more stuff in a chest versus a front door style, plus it won’t be booby trapped when you open the door after a long bumpy day on the trail. Being portable it’s also handy to be able to pull it out and use for overflow fridge space during holidays or parties at the house.
As far as batteries go I’ve always stuck with the good old AGM marine type in the camper. Make sure to get the one that has a fitting on the top that you can attach a hose to for venting out-gas to the outside of the camper. They are cheap and readily available anywhere. Have not had problems from rough road vibrations and they last a good long time if you keep a trickle charge on them when the camper is not in use. They also play well with the main starting battery of the truck (also AGM). With this setup I don’t need a fancy charge controller between the two batteries. Just a simple solenoid that activates when the truck is running. Looks like the old Ford starter solenoids but is rated for continuous duty. This has worked flawlessly for several decades, and again, the parts are cheap and readily available . I always carry a spare, but have never needed it.
I’ve been an electrician for 40 years (much of it spent as a troubleshooter), and in that time learned two important things. Simple is always better, and most failures are due to improper installation (think loose connections) rather than component failure. Keep that in mind when designing your system, as an electrical meltdown in the middle of nowhere may not end well.
Good luck on your project, and happy camping,
Tom
*Can also share my very simple and reliable shore power and solar setup with you if you want. Happy to answer any questions.
Edited by Tom n N, 09 February 2024 - 07:31 PM.