Thread: The Waeco fridge

Originally Posted by one_iota

I can hardly wait for my Waeco to break so that I can buy an Engel.....



but after 7 years I'm still waiting

Have a small feeling I should have done the same now I have purchased this new Waeco. The Engel were a bit dearer and looked prehistoric

I havent had any issues with mine running from the aux power socket in the Disco 3 but when I wired up the aux battery I ran a dedicated line using thick cable to the back and I am using a 30A speaker plug as the connector.
Neutrik - Audio - speakON Cable Connectors - NL8FC
Regards,
Tote

hang toyota of fridges....hardly think so

-

they are expensive

As are Toyotas.

- made from steel and rust

granted

- no low voltage cut out

Granted but fixed with $60 Projecta low voltage cutout in circuit

- heavy

Steel tends to be

- old technology compressor

Huh? No start up drag like reciprocators, and this is the cause of many Waeco power related problems

- noisey

Mine is as noisy as any other compressor fridge I have heard. If you want quiet , I think you need absorbtion.

-

poor insulation

Compared to what? Met a bloke in Broome buying a new Engel because his Autofridge had carked it. Autofridge has better insulation.

- needs a cover

If you want the STEEL case to remain pretty for its 20-30 year life

- the lid works it way off and you need to buy a clip to spot it
Huh? Mine is 10 years old and no probs

-

no 240v power pack

Showing your lack of product knowledge here. Engel has automatic selection of 240/24/12 volts, all accomplished internally without having to carry a separate pack.

- no temp gauge

granted

-

no electronics

Huh? Engel is totally electronic. Open the case and you will see it. I was surprised when I opened mine. This controls the "soft start" of the compressor as well as auto voltage selection.

- use more power

Yes, because they do not break down LOL.

I think you should also add

Servicemen will work on them as modules can be replaced easily,vs Waeco where fridge is an economic write off if the compressor dies as the coils have to be cut out of the case. ( repairman quoted +$400 just for parts) Engel compressor and coils come as a unit and slot straight in.

Mine has not been completely trouble free . After 10 years the thermostat died and cost $150 to repair, hence my knowledge of the repair issues after talking to my local service agent.
However I have just returned from an 18,000Km trip to the Kimberley with about 5000 on dirt. The inside is a bit scuffed .

But better some small problems than the frustration of the guy in Broome whose fridge had carked it.
I guess the question is the same as the Toyota question . Would I buy another? YES YES YES.
Regards Philip A

I have no doubt that the angel fridge is more robust and serviceable at all. Now is very apparent they're not so sensitive to power loss in a loom.
There is a lot around here that swear by them as well. Truckies and tradies included.

I have the Waeco's now so have to make them work.

Originally Posted by PhilipA

Showing your lack of product knowledge here.

hey PhililA, i own two engles and was merely quoting all the reasons why people don't buy an engel and why waeco are sooooooooo much better.............

i better get back to getting my rig....complete with two engels....ready for the holidays

We've had a Waeco 40l for 5 years - despite all the warnings that it would not last, it has been fine. Recently did a 3 month trip around Central Oz no problems.
However I did find the following was needed to make it run properly.
1. MUST put in decent thick leads ( both + and -) directly from the battery ( I ran 6mm2 cable ).
2. If you are running from a second battery set low voltage cut out on the fridge at it's lowest setting.
3. Don't use cig lighter sockets - Hella or Anderson at the very minimum. I actually cut off the plug and solidly wired the fridge lead to the battery lead ( soldered and crimped )

Buy an Evacool .I have had one for six years all over Oz including Cape York and it has never missed a beat.I have used it both as a fridge and a full freezer worked very efficiently and will continue to do so down to 10 volts then it automatically turns off.

hey PhililA, i own two engles and was merely quoting all the reasons why people don't buy an engel and why waeco are sooooooooo much better.............

i better get back to getting my rig....complete with two engels....ready for the holidays

You know we can all miss some product feature. It was only when I read the manual when I had the thermostat problem that I realised that I could just leave the 240V cord connected all the time and just plug it in without turning the fridge off and on and pulling out the 12V cord, as it automatically selects 240V as default and switches off the 12V input.
This saved me a lot of stuffing around.
Regard sPhilip A