Portable Fridges

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Another creator of noise interference is our Evakool fridge, which uses a Danfoss compressor. According to Doug Taylor of Lake Macquarie Communications in Newcastle, all makes of portable fridges using Danfoss compressors produce noise to the extent that it renders the radio unusable whilst the compressor is running and this is certainly the case with our set up. To get around this problem we have installed a switch inside the vehicle cabin so we can turn off the fridge if needed when using the radio. Doug says that as the Engle range does not use Danfoss compressors, they do not cause noise interference in the radio.[/b][/quote]

Something to think about if you use a HF radio.

http://www.boilingbilly.com.au/exploreaust...by4wd/codan.htm

I have two engels, a 32L and a 40L, no problems with either. A mate bought a factory seconds waeco (around the 60L) from the waeco site i think, saved some $$$ and he is happy. Another mate gets his custom made in Briz, cannot remember the name, it runs the danfoss motor, made out of fibreglass, he has just downsized due to his new vehicle once again he is happy.

I think if you stick to one of the main brands you won't have a problem, they all use the same motor/technology.

Good luck with your purchase, its beat the hell out of ice. I don't think I could ever go back to eskies and ice.

We have a new Engel 40litre. We went this way because it was a brand with a good reliability record. I figured that if your fridge breaks in the middle of the desert your going to be an unhappy camper 8O Also, the Engel 40l was a little more compact than some of the other brands.

I didn't vote as I have no experience with the other brands. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

It seems everybody is happy with whatever they bought.

Have worked on both Engel and Waeco and some SouthAfrican ones imported by a Perth Dealer. Must say i like the Waeco features, Turbo cool, low battery cut-out,plastic case, but the compressor complained if it was on an angle.I just wonder it they will last as good as the old Engels that are still going. The South African ones (can't remember the name) were just dodgy.

I took my first Engel (Yellow) to Cape York in 1971 and never missed a beat right up to 1993 when it was lifted (stolen) out of my old Rangie (poxy pop up rear window wouldn't lock properly) :evil:

My current Engel (Grey) 40 litre replacement, has never lost a beat also (12 years) and is on almost every week and heaps of 2-4 week stints (I use to take lunch from home especially through summer months).

I have known a few members in club have had to return their Waeco's for faulty operating, and one I know had resulted in a melt down almost to the point of fire (but this was when they were just new on the market).

A good friend of mine raves about his Autofridge, which has only had to go back Twice For Repairs in 15 years :roll: :roll: :roll:

Also my business is the camping trade & many customers I know are reluctant to run Waeco because of return numbers, but are forced to one because of price... they are good value. I have one close friend that has not had one skerick of trouble with his and his gets used on many weekends away off road.

Steel does rust...but I've never seen a rusty Engel though unless abused but still working to the max.

I have seen a waywood BBQ plate pearce an Autofridge fibre glass body knocking it out of commission as it leaked to a standstill :oops:

Value for money have to be the esky type like Evacool but anything made of plastic/fibreglass only time will tell in twenty years if they will stand up to the pounding, as the steel bodied Engel have proven themselves over 40 years of existence & still going strong.

I think you'll find Engel repair network accross Australia is superior as well when needed.

Anyway my two bobs worth

Cheers
Bryce

What about three way fridges?

I got a "Companion" 40 ltr and mostly run it on gas when camping. Its good but it helps alot in summer if you freeze meat etc before you load up and go.

My biggest problem with it is the build quality - like it was assembled by a blind drunk monkey, and the plastic warped a bit in indirect sunlight. The gas tap broke on the first one within 10 months, and the replacement fridge ( a new one ) looks like the monkey is now doing drugs [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] . The igniter is positioned incorrectly so wont light the gas ( have to do it with a cig lighter) and the exhaust is positioned to far from the hole in the top of the case ( it made a new hole )

Are there better units out there?

Bruce.

Well i reckon the 3 ways are the best, we have an electrolux 3 way caravan type in the camper, came out of a 1974 Cub drifter campertrailer and she's still going strong, also have a 35lt Waeco as well in the car, we use it as an extra freezer for our camping food when at home, and for food and drinks when out 4WDriving too, i love it.

they are good, but not that good... too many if's or buts when on gas and 12v ...

gotta keep em level, gotta have decent ventilation...and usually very hard on the 12v supply...

i use ne as a day fridge on long stop overs...

Ive had 2, first one went with the last Defender :evil: a mistake otherwise I would have still had it.

2nd one still going strong, 8yrs now [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] got it from the old man, he bought a Waeco about 4 yrs ago cause it was lighter and has had no probs with it.

If I was buying now would probably go Waeco just because of price

:roll: