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

**weeds** · 15th September 2016, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by weeds

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.

I notice trailblazer now have a U Bute Ute range which might suit my needs.

Bushman is also the height I am chasing.

**LRD414** · 15th September 2016, 03:25 PM

We have had one for about two years now, used for extended trips and long weekends in either the back of the D4 or in the camper trailer.

I agree with all the other positive feedback about its operation and relatively low power draw. We typically set it at approx -5 or -6 and keep meat frozen in the bottom, drinks cold in the middle and smaller stuff like cheese at a good cool temperature towards the top. Meat gets rotated daily upwards and slowly thaws ready for dinner.

One issue so far: the white plastic internal tub/liner has suffered a few cracks. We got the first one replaced without difficulty but the 2nd one has also cracked. This doesn't affect the operation and we still use it happily. I've not seen this issue mentioned anywhere. Haven't bothered replacing the tub/liner this time because the fridge still works well.

I don't believe we overload it and I even put some foam in the bottom between the tub and bottom basket.But even with that issue, I would still buy another one.

Regards,
Scott

**alittlebitconcerned** · 20th September 2016, 09:11 AM

Two bushman fridge sold for $400 for the pair last night on gumtree. Damn it!

**AnD3rew** · 20th September 2016, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by alittlebitconcerned

Two bushman fridge sold for $400 for the pair last night on gumtree. Damn it!

Someone got a great deal if they were both working.

**alittlebitconcerned** · 7th December 2016, 06:24 AM

In answer to my own thread question, I've had one now for about two months and am very impressed. It is very fast at pulling the temp down and is the most versatile fridge I've owned because of the adjustable volume and configurable baskets

**apom** · 7th December 2016, 07:27 AM

Yep..same for me. Very impressed however that said they should update this to bring it into the current century. Small improvements like better clips on the front, hinges that don't slide apart if you are not careful. A better integrated cover system, adjustable tie down points, and something that looks like it wasn't designed in the 80s would all be small but good improvements.

Would I buy it again...yes

**alittlebitconcerned** · 7th December 2016, 07:29 AM

It definitely looks very 80's.

**Ranga** · 7th December 2016, 03:14 PM

I was disappointed mine didn't have a bung, a light, or reversible lid. Having said that, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

I notice some of the other brands are now including a wireless (Bluetooth I presume) connection to monitor the fridge, which I think is a great feature. I can't imagine Bushman will do that soon, but would rather quality refrigeration over that

**nismine01** · 7th December 2016, 05:25 PM

I bought one of the original Bushman fridges many many years ago, to say it has been treated badly would be an understatement.
The computer setting panel f'd up, probably cause it got left outside in the rain etc.
Took it to a fridge mechanic, he put in a manual switch, (copper bulb sensor and rotating knob) and it has just kept on going.
I was told that it would fridge or freeze but there wasn't enough variance in the adjustment but I found that by setting the depth of the sensor in the cabinet lowest setting would not freeze but turn the knob and it freezes very well.

Very robust unit.

Mike

**AnD3rew** · 3rd December 2017, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by AnD3rew

I've got one and love it. It has been going strong now for about 4 years, very cold, works great as fridge or freezer and in fact as long as you don't go too low you can even manage to keep stuff frozen at the bottom and fridge for stuff at the top. The collars and multiple sizes are awesome.

My only complaint is that the lid hooks in by sliding onto two pins sideways the upside is that it is easy to remove the lid entirely and that's what makes it easy to add the extra collars, and different lid sizes etc. the downside is that when it is in the back of the car and you are reaching in to get stuff out it is easy to slide it off the pins and then you spend 5 mins stuffing around and swearing in the dark in the back of your truck trying to line the pins back up again to slide it back on.

But that's minor really for a really tough and reliable and flexible fridge.

update to this. Last week I was despairing because the on off switch on mine failed and I thought maybe it might be the end of my beloved tough Bushman. I called the head office to ask if it was possible to buy a new control unit with the switches. The guy just said that shouldn’t fail I’ll send you new one no charge. Arrived a couple of days later with very clear instructions. Unscrewed the cover removed the spade connectors plugged in the new one and all fixed.

not often you get service and support for a 5 year old product like that these days. I also have a Weaco that came with my camper trailer it has been fine too, but it is no where near as flexible as the Bushman and I’m pretty sure if ai had a similar problem with it, it would be either all over or an expensive and inconvenient repair at a service agent.

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