anyone have a Norcoast frig co. fridge?

[bob10]

Sound interesting, Bob


www.norcoast.com.au (http://www.norcoast.com.au)

[Brad110]

I have one, 20 years old.

Used almost constantly as fridge/ freezer. Just replaced motor.

The solid build and best technology with the thick insulation works well.

Only criticism is the size. But they are the only fridge you could have in an open tray and work efficiently.

They cost a lot as they supply to the Gov, military and the U N.

There are alternatives around that cost half as much.

[POD]

They were on the market as Trailblazer fridges 10+ years ago when we were looking, their basic model was 60 litre. Had a very good reputation, as Brad said more expensive than similar sizes in other brands. Used to see them mounted on the drawbar of camper trailers.

[123rover50]

Being on the Sunshine Coast they are popular here.
For a freezer their thick insulation was a winner even though it made them a big fridg. Three inches of closed cell foam is the go. Less work for the compressor. All these newbys have insulation half that.

Didiman

[Bundalene]

We have had out Trailblazer for 18 years, our daughter and son both have Trailblazers. Ours is always given a real workout on trips to Arnhem Land and so far h never let us down.

Would highly recommend them.

Erich

[d2dave]

I have over the years believed Trailblazer to be one of the most efficient fridges around. This being due to the very thick walls.

The downside is that this makes them very big. If space is not an issue probably one of the best going around. Too big for me though, especially when my Engle does the job.

[Ralph1Malph]

We also have a 60litre (I think) trailblaza that's now 15 yo. It was specially configured to have the compressor and stuff at the bottom rather than the side. Same specs as a 60litre but is higher than it is wide. Think small chest freezer profile. It is a great fridge/freezer but I am now looking to move on for the following reasons:
Size. It is big. Takes up a lot of room in the Disco. It's about 820h x 520w x 550d. Too big really to use other than when on stationary camping trips.
Thirsty. The compressor draws 5A when running and fridge is down to temp. Start up current is nearly 8.5A. Due to the the insulation though, it will fall to a 20-30% duty cycle when in the shade. This is fine when the camper is set up or when the car is running, but drains a battery fast other wise.

On the plus side, it is absolutely fab at being cold. Single knob 0-10 and this adjusts height of the frost line in the chamber. 1-2 and barely visible frost line - all fridge. 3-5 frost line about 1/4 way up, 1/4 freezer. 6-7 frost line 1/2ish so 1/2 freezer. 9-10 all freezer.

It is 12/24 volts although must use deep cycle or healthy battery as the compressor cuts out at voltage below 10.5 or 21 and they must be capable of the current draw - AND you must be able successfully recharge the battery as said, it is thirsty. I have a solar panel. It has no 240VAC ability but Norcoast do this by using transformer packs which I don't have.

Ok, in summary, I got the fridge in the shape it is to be on a boat to hold and freeze my catch but never got the boat! They are great fridge freezers but as stated by others, their thermal efficiency makes them large-ish. I'd love to keep mine as it has never broken down and it is robust. I haven't used it in a while as I borrow a 40L Waeco when travelling to save space in the disco and when camping. Funny co-incidence this thread, if you look in the for sale section over the next few weeks/months I'll get around to advertising it. Simply to get something smaller.

Cheers
Ralph