Thread: Thoughts on the Bushman Original 35-52L fridge freezer?

Purchased one in June when our "other" brand of frig/freezer was unrepairable and still under warranty. Their free replacement was not going to fit in the existing space, so got them to send it home and we purchased the Bushman whilst in Broome.

I use it as a freezer only and set at -18C, but you can set it at -6C and put the frozen food right at the bottom and less cold stuff at the very top.

The Bushman sits in the Disco and the highest temp (was set on -18C) I observed was -15C. Happy with that as the ambient temp would of had to be in the low to high 40's throughout the day.

I reckon the power consumption would be pretty close to their published specs and it was noticeably lower in power usage than the "other" brand. Although to it's defence in retrospect the "other" brand was gradually failing.

By their specs, if you set it on 4C and used it only as a frig, a single 80/100 amp hour battery would last for at least 3/4 days before you would be at that safe 50% DOD.

The nesting baskets are a great idea for food accessibly, so happy with that.

Most net reviews were positive, and it seems any issues are promptly dealt with by Bushman

Not cheap, but it's a quality bit of gear and the best bit...... It's made in Aus!

Peter

Great response. Cheers Peter

Having called them today, I particularly like that any component can be easily swapped out for replacement if need be. I'm also impressed with their customer service as you mentioned.

Matt

I've had mine for about 3 years now.
Can't compare to any other brand I'm afraid.

Excellent customer service:
I tried to purchase some spare closure hooks (as I stupidly ripped one apart by sliding the fridge back with the hook "up"); was told sorry they can't sell them to me...but gave me 4 free!
Also saw another guy get a new electrical cord free as he cut his by accident.
I had to also buy a new basket (it didn't withstand my D4 driving over it)....cost about $10 IIRC
All small things really, but says a lot about a company / product when they don't rip people off.

Use whilst touring:
Excellent. The flexibility with the various baskets is great. I set mine at -8; freezer at bottom, fridge at top. Never had a battery issue, and the reported battery use is apparently one of the best.

I also liked the "separate" component design: electrical cords interchangeable, separate external 240v transformer, and the control panel for the compressor being easily accessible / removable should it ever fail.


Yes, I'm a fan.

Cheers

A lot of brands are using the Danfoss BD35F compressor, but I think Bushman differ (in a good way) in how they do the the rest.

Full size fridge condenser... which is massive compared to our last frig.
120mm fan..other brands have had to add additional internal fans for heat removal.
Superior ventilation & airflow......definately a function over form with Bushman.
360? surround internal roll bond evaporator.
Serviceability of all parts.....which was why our last frig could not be repaired.

Gives you the impression it was designed and built by someone with a both a bit of experience and understanding in the issue of long term equipment maintenance, and making things get/stay cold efficiently.

I understand everything will break down one day, it's how easy and cost effective it is repair/replace parts that'll determine how long you have it for. E.g the exorbitant prices LRA charge for parts.

So good on Bushman for building a proper little frig/freezer.

Peter

I had never heard of them so looked it up.
Seems to be the only one with no negative reviews.
Bushman Original SC35-52 Reviews - ProductReview.com.au

I had always thought the Trailblazer was the best.

Keith

Originally Posted by 123rover50

I had never heard of them so looked it up.
Seems to be the only one with no negative reviews.
Bushman Original SC35-52 Reviews - ProductReview.com.au

I had always thought the Trailblazer was the best.

Keith

Trailblazer are good but the sheer size is there downfall...........for fitting into wagons. Alright for a ute, boat etc. For touring when you are on the move you don't need massive insulation.

Have 2 of these
Both have been faultless

Wish I still had mine - great fridge. I love how they sell them with the 2 lids and extra collar, and the baskets are handy.

Apparently on request you can get the circuit board altered to whatever cutout voltage you want (IIRC the standard is a bit low at 10.5V).