We built our own caravan and planned a place under one bed for a drawer fridge. Yesterday we installed the fridge (see pics).
We chose the Dometic CD-30. The 30 litre fridge is 12 litres larger than our Waeco CF-18 small chest fridge we previously owned in our last 11ft van so we know it will be large enough for us as we tend to shop every 4-5 days. Also both fridges operate the same compressor which is very quiet and no vibration to notice. Operating temps are -2C to 12C. Weight 18kg. Compressor unit can be moved up to 1500mm away. Pity it doesn't have an indicator if it's on or off as its so quiet nor an internal light. Price is around $700+
Another alternative is the engel 30 litre CB30G, almost identical. The "swing" motor has only one moving part however I've read it is louder in operation. Has internal LED light. It is also more expensive.
A larger type is the Evakool 40 litre unit DC40-DRW. I would have chosen this one had it not been for its weight at 34kg, far too heavy for our lightweight caravan. Can be used as a freezer. The price is competitive.
Pity it doesn't have an indicator if it's on or off as its so quiet nor an internal light.
Surely the best indicator would be a remote thermometer. After all, isn't the temperature it's maintaining vastly more important than whether the compressor is running or not?
Eaglemax said
05:22 PM Jul 22, 2019
Yes, that would suffice.
Tony Bev said
01:04 AM Jul 23, 2019
To be sure, to be sure, in the hotter weather
You could always buy a wireless thermometer from the likes of JayCar, they are around $20
We built our own caravan and planned a place under one bed for a drawer fridge. Yesterday we installed the fridge (see pics).
We chose the Dometic CD-30. The 30 litre fridge is 12 litres larger than our Waeco CF-18 small chest fridge we previously owned in our last 11ft van so we know it will be large enough for us as we tend to shop every 4-5 days. Also both fridges operate the same compressor which is very quiet and no vibration to notice. Operating temps are -2C to 12C. Weight 18kg. Compressor unit can be moved up to 1500mm away. Pity it doesn't have an indicator if it's on or off as its so quiet nor an internal light. Price is around $700+
https://www.dometic.com/en/se/products/food-and-beverage/refrigerators/rv-refrigerators/dometic-coolmatic-cd-30-s-_-64130
Another alternative is the engel 30 litre CB30G, almost identical. The "swing" motor has only one moving part however I've read it is louder in operation. Has internal LED light. It is also more expensive.
https://www.engelaustralia.com.au/2products_details_pid_22_productid_21648.html
A larger type is the Evakool 40 litre unit DC40-DRW. I would have chosen this one had it not been for its weight at 34kg, far too heavy for our lightweight caravan. Can be used as a freezer. The price is competitive.
https://www.evakool.com/40-litre-drawer-fridge-freezer
There is a Kickass model 30L. I don't know much about these. Under $500. Unsure about delivery etc.
https://www.australiandirect.com.au/buy/kickass-30l-dc-compressor-drawer-fridge/KAF-30DS
Surely the best indicator would be a remote thermometer. After all, isn't the temperature it's maintaining vastly more important than whether the compressor is running or not?
You could always buy a wireless thermometer from the likes of JayCar, they are around $20
Also congratulations on building your own caravan