I've got a two way (12V/240V) Waeco 80 litre in mine, they are a compressor fridge and it is excellent.
I also have an auxillary battery (some call these a house battery) which has a charger to charge it when on 240V and also when driving on 12V, switches over automatically. When I am stationary (eg; bush camp, no power) I have got 3 days with the fridge running 24/7 in the one spot without going anywhere off the house battery, so pleased with that, havn't tried longer but I undertand that is about the limit. Once you start driving though it starts charging again and running the fridge. Also when you are on power the 240V runs the fridge and charges the house battery.
HW is full bottle on these and can give you some good advice.
I've got a 31 litre Waeco which I bought brand new from Waeco as a second because it was made for a Holden promotion and has Holden on it.
I have run it from the cig lighter on 12v from the van battery but only with the engine going and that has been fine. I now have a second battery and a portable solar panel and will use that when stopped.
I do like the Trailblaza fridges but they are quite large and more expensive than what I paid for mine.
A great topic, I'd love to hear what others do and use too.
Thanks for your replies. Waeco does seem the way to go by the look of it. I was "browsing" at cash converters today, they had a couple but not sure of the size so I will go back tomorrow and have a closer look.
Thanks for your replies. Waeco does seem the way to go by the look of it. I was "browsing" at cash converters today, they had a couple but not sure of the size so I will go back tomorrow and have a closer look.
Regards,
Colls.
Just be aware that there is the CF range with the Danfoss compressor and also a CDF range with a chinese? compressor. The CDFs are cheaper and have an external power supply box to power them. I haven't heard any bad things about the chinese compressors.
Important to compare secondhand prices with the new prices of the same product range. Good luck
I have an Aldi one, can't remember the size. It was recommended by friends who'd had no problems with theirs. And I've had no problems with it either.
But since changing from the camper trailer to the Nipper, I don't use it. I decided to it in reserve though, in case the old one in the Nipper konks out.
A tip yeoeleven (John) told me while we were free camping in WA, putting you fridge down on low in that situation will have less draw on the battery and the battery will keep the fridge going longer without a charge (assuming you don't have a solar panel or power/driving etc).
Thanks John, speaking of which John is very experienced in the fridge knowledge department as well.
A tip yeoeleven (John) told me while we were free camping in WA, putting you fridge down on low in that situation will have less draw on the battery and the battery will keep the fridge going longer without a charge (assuming you don't have a solar panel or power/driving etc).
Thanks John, speaking of which John is very experienced in the fridge knowledge department as well.
I have to put mine down low, or it would freeze everything!
I originally had a 3 year old second hand Waeco CF35 which was great for weekends or for keeping my beer cold while renovating our rental property. Unfortunately it died early on in a trip to Alice a couple of years ago. We considered buying one of the Engel combi fridge and freezers, something like the 75L model (42L fridge with 33L freezer) so we'd have a fridge and freezer for trips away. But we also wanted to use the fridge for shorter stays where a freezer wasn't necessary. This would mean that a lot of the time you'd have a 42L fridge and 33L of freezer space not being used. We ended up buying a 60L Engel fridge/Freezer that can be used as either a fridge or freezer. A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to pick up a brand new Engel MT35F, which was an unwanted fishing competition prize for $800. Now we have the flexibility of using the 60L as a fridge and the 35L as a freezer for long trips away, or using either just as a fridge for short stays. Yes they are expensive, but they have a great reputation. There is a lot of debate over which is better, Waeco or Engel, but there are just as many people with for or against for both sides. The only concern I've had with the Engels so far is that the temp control is very easily turned by tiny fingers. The little devils nearly froze the 60L one filled chockers with some very tasty and expensive beers at a recent family reunion.
Ask the people at the second hand dealer if the 'fridge has a genuine warranty. Once you are on the road, most of them don't care. Better off buying new one that has service people all over Oz. Regards. Pipes
