I have a Engel 2way fridge in 2008 Hiace ex rental) so don't know how old it is. It freezes well but the compressor is loud requiring turning down temp at night. Thinking of replacing fridge what have other found wrong with their new fridges. Cheers Baz
valiant81 said
11:55 AM Nov 16, 2022
have a look at the suspension for the compressor and it's mounts.
Whenarewethere said
01:07 PM Nov 16, 2022
If it works well keep it. There are a lot of things you can do to make a fridge quieter.
This thread is mainly about thermal insulation, but if you add a fridge cover & or acoustic foam insulation which is also great thermal insulation the fridge will be quieter (I have more recently stuck acoustic foam on the fridge, but mainly for thermal insulation, but every layer helps acoustically).
Also what will help in the overall acoustic environment. If you add acoustic foam insulation to the vehicle it will make a massive difference. You will remove pretty much most of the high frequency noise, a good portion of the middle frequencies, low frequency is more challenging but it will be a bit better. Noise within the vehicle, like a fridge will be quieter. Again, acoustic foam is great for thermal insulation.
Try to isolate the fridge so it doesn't transmit sound through other objects. So rubber mounts. Sides, top, bottom & door might benefit from a bit of butyle. Definitely use acoustic foam where you can, fill up gaps with it, just make sure you maintain good airflow for the fridge's condenser.
Last but not least if your fridge is well stocked with a reasonable amount of thermal mass, ie bottles of various liquids, it will stay cool through the night, then turn it on in the morning. We used to do this with a simpler setup, run colder during the day & there were no issues through the night.
Cupie said
03:59 PM Nov 16, 2022
I still use the Engel that I purchased with my van in 1999 & it still works as good as new.
I made up a thermal insulation cover from canvas and the bubble/aluminium sheeting fabric that the servos use to cover extra ice stock at XMAS time & the like. They usually dump it after use so are happy to give it away.
About 4 years ago it suddenly began making a noise like a 2 stroke motor.
I took it to the local Engel repairer & he wanted to replace the motor at a cost of about $350. I declined.
I had a look at the mounts but they looked OK so I just turned it upside down & bounced it around for a bit and it was quiet once again.
But from time to time it starts to make the thumping sound so I give it the upside down treatment & it is usually OK again.
I suspect a damaged mount inside the sealed unit. But it does me.
The Belmont Bear said
08:47 PM Nov 16, 2022
I bought a 65ltr dual zone !2/240V Brass Monkey from RTM in Bundaburg 2 weeks ago. Fridge was $350, insulated fitted cover $109 and a lithium battery $80. It is quiet , its on wheels, has an extendable handle to move it around and comes with a 3yr warranty - works very well. You can download an app to set or monitor the temperature of each compartment from your phone or you can do it via the electronic control panel. They also had exactly the same fridge made in the same factory but using a different brand name for $100 less the only difference was you only got a 2yr warranty.
BB
Aus-Kiwi said
03:36 PM Nov 17, 2022
Check how the compressor is suspended ? Maybe a little foam under the tray if it has one ? To prevent vibration? Look for any metallic parts that could make a noise . Other than boxing the area with poly ? But you dont want to limit any air access !! Try various things . Its more about sound than thermal insulation !! The rubber mounts ? Maybe metal on metal ?
Whenarewethere said
05:09 PM Nov 17, 2022
This is the rubber mounting for a Waeco fridge, most likely Engel has the same or similar. If the rubber feet have failed, just replace with something similar, maybe some rubber furniture feet. Make sure the fastening is flexible enough for the task.
shakey55 said
07:56 AM Nov 18, 2022
Bazdat wrote:
Gday ALL
I have a Engel 2way fridge in 2008 Hiace ex rental) so don't know how old it is. It freezes well but the compressor is loud requiring turning down temp at night. Thinking of replacing fridge what have other found wrong with their new fridges. Cheers Baz
I often head bush with mates for two or three weeks. We all take Engel fridges in our vehicles. To save battery power we all turn the fridges off when going to bed and back on when we wake. Never a problem with food or drink.
I have at times taken a smaller Engel that I run as a freezer. Same deal turn off at night and back on in morning. Never had a problem with frozen food
Gday ALL
I have a Engel 2way fridge in 2008 Hiace ex rental) so don't know how old it is. It freezes well but the compressor is loud requiring turning down temp at night. Thinking of replacing fridge what have other found wrong with their new fridges. Cheers Baz
If it works well keep it. There are a lot of things you can do to make a fridge quieter.
This thread is mainly about thermal insulation, but if you add a fridge cover & or acoustic foam insulation which is also great thermal insulation the fridge will be quieter (I have more recently stuck acoustic foam on the fridge, but mainly for thermal insulation, but every layer helps acoustically).
https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t65059593/extra-fridge-insulation-wattage-test/
Also what will help in the overall acoustic environment. If you add acoustic foam insulation to the vehicle it will make a massive difference. You will remove pretty much most of the high frequency noise, a good portion of the middle frequencies, low frequency is more challenging but it will be a bit better. Noise within the vehicle, like a fridge will be quieter. Again, acoustic foam is great for thermal insulation.
https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t65443581/car-acoustic-insulation/
Try to isolate the fridge so it doesn't transmit sound through other objects. So rubber mounts. Sides, top, bottom & door might benefit from a bit of butyle. Definitely use acoustic foam where you can, fill up gaps with it, just make sure you maintain good airflow for the fridge's condenser.
Last but not least if your fridge is well stocked with a reasonable amount of thermal mass, ie bottles of various liquids, it will stay cool through the night, then turn it on in the morning. We used to do this with a simpler setup, run colder during the day & there were no issues through the night.
I still use the Engel that I purchased with my van in 1999 & it still works as good as new.
I made up a thermal insulation cover from canvas and the bubble/aluminium sheeting fabric that the servos use to cover extra ice stock at XMAS time & the like. They usually dump it after use so are happy to give it away.
About 4 years ago it suddenly began making a noise like a 2 stroke motor.
I took it to the local Engel repairer & he wanted to replace the motor at a cost of about $350. I declined.
I had a look at the mounts but they looked OK so I just turned it upside down & bounced it around for a bit and it was quiet once again.
But from time to time it starts to make the thumping sound so I give it the upside down treatment & it is usually OK again.
I suspect a damaged mount inside the sealed unit. But it does me.
BB
This is the rubber mounting for a Waeco fridge, most likely Engel has the same or similar. If the rubber feet have failed, just replace with something similar, maybe some rubber furniture feet. Make sure the fastening is flexible enough for the task.
I often head bush with mates for two or three weeks. We all take Engel fridges in our vehicles. To save battery power we all turn the fridges off when going to bed and back on when we wake. Never a problem with food or drink.
I have at times taken a smaller Engel that I run as a freezer. Same deal turn off at night and back on in morning. Never had a problem with frozen food