Post by: Stevo51 on Mar 12, 2016, 01:22:00 PM
Post by: Wal on Mar 12, 2016, 01:43:13 PM
Post by: Bob on Mar 12, 2016, 01:56:21 PM
I have both an Engel and a Waeco CFX. Preference would be the Waeco CFX mostly due to the cost difference. Both good units. Best to go with good name brands and like most things you pay for what you get. Cheers.
Same here, 40L Engel as a freezer and 32L Waeco as the beer fridge.
If you are going to be lifting it in and out I find the 40L about as heavy as I would like to lift - probably equates to 40+kg.
Mine sit inside the drawers and when touring stay in the back full time. At home they both live in my study and are used 24/7.
Had a cheap fridge that I picked up from Supercheap, it failed and the fridge repairer I took it to would not touch it.
Post by: travelinoz on Mar 12, 2016, 03:06:32 PM
Post by: dlncooke on Mar 12, 2016, 05:30:57 PM
Post by: Richie rich on Mar 12, 2016, 06:30:50 PM
Had the fridge for 3yrs now..Never had a problem..
Post by: dogsbreakfast on Mar 12, 2016, 09:37:56 PM
I still have my 10+yr old engel which runs pretty much non stop in the garage/car as well. Am going to update to a new arb as the engel isnt the most efficient power wise.
Post by: dlncooke on Mar 13, 2016, 10:09:16 AM
Waeco sits on an ARB fridge slide.
The panel i run is a 100 watt and it looks after the fridge just fine.
Cheers
Dave
Post by: Richie rich on Mar 13, 2016, 11:20:04 AM
Post by: macka17 on Mar 13, 2016, 02:09:47 PM
I got an 80 ltr Waeco used for caravan touring for 14 yrs. never missed a beat. (new fans fitted yr b4 last)
A bit big but sits in tub, fine with rest of gear.
85a battery with it via an 80w pane, through a 10a regulator..
I'd go a 100 or 2x60w panels with a 100/110 battery if starting out.
I just happened to have these kicking around the shed and boat.
Post by: Akil on Mar 13, 2016, 06:32:15 PM
If I was in the market again I would also consider a National Luna (www.nationalluna.com.au)
If you decide to go with a Waeco 4WD Supa Centre have been doing different specials on fridges all week.
www.4wdsupacentre.com.au
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Post by: BinaryMan on Mar 14, 2016, 05:57:45 AM
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Post by: Yoodles on Mar 15, 2016, 10:48:47 AM
Then bought a 32L engel - my family have had engels for decades now and they do last a long time, but still a bit heavy and clunky. Engel has no voltage cutoff either, and I find it freezes food rather than chills. So i now use this one as a freezer.
Then i bought a 28L waeco cfx - the new one thats just come out. Its perfect for me. Light and small to lift in and out, but still fits enough for a weekend trip easy. Power cutoff is good/safe. Chills everything really well.
Theres my 2c :icon_thumleft:
Post by: OldMucks on Mar 15, 2016, 12:19:08 PM
Post by: Mitch on Mar 15, 2016, 02:43:10 PM
I run one as a freezer one as a fridge when we go away.
If I was to buy one now I'd probably look for something bigger, maybe say a 50L??
Post by: knoath on Mar 15, 2016, 03:06:24 PM
Took it back and swapped it no worries for a demo model. After waiting for the new replacement to come in I was told I was to be upgraded to the stainless steel model... can't complain about the service!
It sits on an Engel slide in the back of the DMax with a C-TEK 250S and 100AH battery. I will be adding a solar panel so I can run it full time as I'm told it's better for the fridge.
Sorry, no pic.
Post by: dlncooke on Mar 15, 2016, 03:11:47 PM
I had a TechniIce 60lt fridge for almost two years when it failed at Bathurst (couldn't keep up! lol) as the gas leaked out of the compressor!
Took it back and swapped it no worries for a demo model. After waiting for the new replacement to come in I was told I was to be upgraded to the stainless steel model... can't complain about the service!
It sits on an Engel slide in the back of the DMax with a C-TEK 250S and 100AH battery. I will be adding a solar panel so I can run it full time as I'm told it's better for the fridge.
Sorry, no pic.
How'd mate, mines been on for 18 months and the dealer up here told me
to leave it on if possible.
100 watt panel will run it fine if it's as good on power as the Waeco CFX's
Cheers
Dave
Post by: knoath on Mar 15, 2016, 04:55:24 PM
Post by: Bojordan on Mar 16, 2016, 05:54:44 PM
Post by: LST on Mar 16, 2016, 06:46:18 PM
But personally I have an Engel and Technice or however you spell it
Post by: dogsbreakfast on Mar 16, 2016, 07:01:04 PM
Post by: Isuzumu on Mar 16, 2016, 08:31:18 PM
Post by: Mikebloke on Mar 16, 2016, 11:14:55 PM
Personally went Engel because I thought it was the best. Others bought theirs for the same reason . Personally I'd recommend 2x 38 litre Engels in plastic housing . Cheaper, easy to lift each one, and can make a combination of fridge and freezer , 2 fridges, etc etc. short trips, you're just taking and running one. That's space and running costs saved.
Mike
Post by: MellieJ on Mar 18, 2016, 12:21:10 PM
i was told *!* a few years back engle dropped their compressor and went with a new, and waeco picked it up and have been strong and reliable since.
i see others have been going weaco with no problems but i had heard too many stories to go that way. the "i told you so"s put me off.
outside looking in, its the typical brand debate.
i just bought 40l engel from discountcamping.com.au, i could not find anyone close to cheapness even with delivery ($38)
smiles here, good luck
Post by: macka17 on Mar 19, 2016, 07:47:54 PM
Engel still have that thirsty swingmotor. And I believe they also do a version of Danfoss in a plastic case too.
That tell you something????
I've had 2 x split. Plate units in yachts. Waeco.
Both bounced round the world. one three times near now. still fine.
My 80ltr is near 12yrs never missed a beat as is prev 50ltr.
There are better ones. Blood bank and others use them but they start at around $2 1\2 grand and go up. Depends what you want.
Post by: Mikebloke on Mar 19, 2016, 09:49:23 PM
But again, it really comes down to individuals reasons to choose the one they end up purchasing. Each club swears theirs is the best. Kind of like tyres really.
Mike
Post by: macka17 on Mar 20, 2016, 12:24:02 AM
But the power consumption of Engel.Waeco and others.
I've been in a coupla caravan,Yachting, car, forums. and spent a LOT of yrs cruising round this country in vans, Yachts etc.
Everywhere you go. Over a lot of yrs. when comparison figures come up. Some from people with both side by side.
The Engel always loses out by a long way.
Consumption wise.
Several caravan and yachting books over the yrs have figures to show the same too. Don't ask me which they long gone (I'm 74) but the results of such stay in mind for future references.
I KNOW my 80ltr Waeco in it's insulation (17mm Ducting Insulation sheeting. Magic.) in Darwin areas. runs quite comfortably as a freezer in rear of Patrol with 1 x 80w panel on top, a week at a time when fishing
.With contents frozen solid in Melbourne b4 we left for trips annually
Not so well as a fridge/freezer, as it's opened more often.
As a freezer it's actually MORE efficient than the prev 50ltr on same trips. Probably better insulation.
A bloke down by the Airport in Rocky. He's the Repairs agent for both.
He says the same. And he always has a lot more sick Engels in there than Waeco.
I'm sure I saw an advert coupla yrs ago from Engel with a Danfoss type comressor in a plastic case fridge?.
could be old age?.
Post by: Engel on Mar 20, 2016, 12:05:37 PM
Got a name and address?
A bloke down by the Airport in Rocky. He's the Repairs agent for both.
He says the same. And he always has a lot more sick Engels in there than Waeco.
Post by: Stevo51 on Mar 20, 2016, 09:50:57 PM
Post by: macka17 on Mar 21, 2016, 11:40:32 AM
up in Townsville at moment (kids)
Post by: MuxGuys on Sep 17, 2016, 04:59:45 PM
First one we bought was a 60ltr about 10 years ago second hand when the fridge was 10 years old and mounted on the draw bar of the camper trailer....sold the camper 3 years ago and fridge still going strong mounted out in the weather.
Second one we bought 5 years ago and had custom made in size for the rear of our then 105 series cruiser with outbacker draws....worked out to be about 55ltrs. Sold it with the Landcruiser as it may not have fitted our next purchase.
Only really 2 of us travelling now and don't want a drop down slide in our future for the vertically challenged wife so its a lower and longer 46ltr trailblaza from the Ute range.
You pay a little more for a Trailblaza, but they are made in Queensland by an Australian company with brilliant sales and service and the flush inside finish of the fridge is so much easier to live with than many of the other fridges with the semi exposed cooling lines in the internal wall.
They may not be as esthetically pleasing to the eye as many others fridges in fact agricultural to some....but robust as buggary and look pretty sexy in polished alloy checker plate or the platinum finish :tongue1:
:occasion14:
Post by: MuxGuys on Sep 23, 2016, 09:17:56 PM
(https://preview.ibb.co/jt3LVF/BE8_F20_AE_D28_D_4435_A03_A_AFB0_CFAF776_F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fH0Oja)
Post by: Big Damo on Sep 23, 2016, 09:22:00 PM
Post by: Schtevo on Sep 24, 2016, 06:29:07 PM
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Ridge-Ryder-by-Evakool-Platinum-Fridge-Freezer-42-Litre/349024?menuFrom=1021364
So far I've been pleasantly surprised, used on both 240 and 12v and frequently mounted on the draw bar of a (motorcycle sized) camper trailer it has never missed a beat
Post by: Richie rich on Sep 25, 2016, 07:17:52 PM
Post by: Djgtom on Mar 18, 2017, 09:49:32 AM
I went from engel to waeco cfx as the engel wouldn't fit under the tub slider. Got 2 now which cop a beating in the boat and vibrations on NT roads.
I like those trailblazer ones as well.
Great forum btw
Post by: ubahalex on Mar 18, 2017, 10:58:09 AM
Hi, i run a Waeco CFX 65 through a Ctek 250 Dual and into a 135ah AGM
Waeco sits on an ARB fridge slide.
The panel i run is a 100 watt and it looks after the fridge just fine.
Cheers
Dave
Hey Dave, did you make the brackets up for the solar panel under the rhino bars? Looks really good
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Post by: knoath on Mar 18, 2017, 01:33:41 PM
Post by: Wal on Mar 18, 2017, 02:34:46 PM
Post by: Ziggy on Mar 18, 2017, 03:01:54 PM
Got an EvaKool RF60 fridge /freezer. It cools unevenly in fridge mode and draws 2X and more the advertised amps. Service and support are excellent though.
Post by: ubahalex on Mar 18, 2017, 07:51:19 PM
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Post by: dogsbreakfast on Mar 18, 2017, 08:44:56 PM
Post by: Mikebloke on Mar 18, 2017, 08:55:52 PM
That should liven this old one up a bit .
Post by: geoffs on Mar 18, 2017, 10:04:39 PM
Post by: Mikebloke on Mar 18, 2017, 10:27:57 PM
I think they're branded Giant. They seem very competitive, and their tests suggest they are pretty frugal on power.
Another great alternative, if you have the space, is one of the engel plastic 37 litre fridges. If you later want more capacity you can get a second one for use as a fridge or freezer. They are available for under $800. If you do end up with two, that's $1600 for 74 litres, fridge or freezer, or just one when only one is needed.
Quite a flexible option, and great quality too. They still utilise the sawafuji compressors.
Mike
Post by: bannaLST on Mar 20, 2017, 11:49:15 AM
Post by: ubahalex on Mar 20, 2017, 12:04:29 PM
have a look at https://www.evakool.com/ . they have factory seconds ( scratch and dent ) the price is unbelievable, there is also a long term review in here --> http://www.unsealed4x4.com.au/issue034/#211Yeah my dad just bought a 50L one of those 2 weeks ago and I'm yet to find the scratch on it??
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Post by: bannaLST on Mar 20, 2017, 12:18:09 PM
Post by: ubahalex on Mar 20, 2017, 12:19:37 PM
it could just be an off center logoA few cold beers will will make it look centred again
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Post by: Ziggy on Mar 20, 2017, 01:38:53 PM
My EvaKool RF60 is sposed to suck 1.5 Ah but in warm to hot weather with modest amounts of opening and closing I've recorded 3 to 5 Ah.
My Waeco is sposed to suck under an amp but I count on 2 amps.
The way the factory tests is different from use in the field.
Post by: Djgtom on Mar 20, 2017, 02:30:22 PM
We all know. You should buy an engel unless you're poor or stingy, as they are the best. :toothy9:
That should liven this old one up a bit .
Might say how overpriced and over rated modern Toyota's are.
There, that should fire it up :toothy9:
Post by: Richie rich on Mar 20, 2017, 09:03:17 PM
Post by: geoffs on Mar 20, 2017, 09:23:03 PM
My son had one of these from a large food store and had nothing but trouble. Eventually got his money back and spent a real amount on a brand fridge.
The Danfoss compressor has been around for easy 20 years, no doubt with updates, but has always been known as one of the best if not the best compressor.
The amount of amps it uses per hour is more likely a function of the insulation quality than any thing else.
Post by: Ziggy on Mar 20, 2017, 09:34:50 PM
And also fill level, ambient temps and number of lid openings.
Post by: TAFFY on Mar 21, 2017, 11:26:37 AM
Post by: Djgtom on Mar 21, 2017, 06:13:47 PM
ARB fridge is the ONLY choice.
Sooo, i assume that's what you have then lol
Post by: Mike44 on Apr 25, 2017, 07:11:36 PM
but I was sold on Trailblazers when a mates uncle who was a old school bushy told me he had destroyed 11 Utes but still had the same trailblazer.
Post by: mydmax2 on Apr 25, 2017, 08:20:14 PM
I love when Engel and the general population call their fridge compressor a "swing" motor.
There is nothing in there which swings at all. It is simply a "reciprocating" piston driven by a solenoid and electromagnet attached to the piston.
A pendulum swings, Engel compressors don't swing.
A piston engine has a reciprocating piston and conrod, some compressors do too. The piston in both these unit types reciprocate, just one has no conrod and crank, both are driven by some means of an electromagnetic device, ie motor or solenoid. Just a bit of trivia.
Post by: konazz on Apr 25, 2017, 09:10:10 PM
Waeco CFX 40 (Dad's fridge, used it around Australia - overall not a bad fridge and the ability to dial in a temp on the thermostat is nice. Last trip, it for some reason didn't like the 110AH Ark Pak, but i think it was the Ark Pak playing up. Bought at Anaconda with a whole bunch of goodies thrown in for under $1k)
Evakool IB35 (my fridge, got stolen form car - similar digital thermostat but the quality was far below Waeco on insulation and general fittings. Little things like a bubble on the wire basket damage the bottom of the fridge and there was rust. Pretty easy to clean. Had some issue connections and definetly the most power hungry. Bought on sale at Canberra 4x4/Camping show)
Engel Eclipse 40L (my new fridge, now about 1.5 years old. Its basically the internal of an old engel but covered in plastic to lower cost. Got it for $550 new from BCF, so really happy with the price. Haven't had a problem and use 2 times a week, but the design internally makes it a bit harder to clean. Appreciate the side opening door now I have a slide but note the lack of digital thermostat - you'll get a few icy things until you figure it out).
Post by: MuxGuys on Apr 25, 2017, 10:39:12 PM
But http://www.norcoast.com.au/
The World Health Organization buy them as vaccine fridges for the heat of Africa to use on solar, the Australian Army buys them too....
Yep Trailblaza are expensive...No doubt, but the cost is soon forgotten when you see the quality and experience the longevity.
My first Trailblaza Fridge that I bought second hand for $600 13yrs ago is now over 20 years old and has been either permenantly in the back of a open tray back ute or on the front of the off-road camper trailer we built, and in the elements ALL its life. We sold the camper some years ago to a mate and a crack in the lens of the analogue thermometer by a thrown rock is its only fault in 20yrs of refrigeration.
Explorer fridges were in a similar category but no longer made......next on my list, providing not in the elements would be National Luna.
Cheers
Cheers
Post by: dogsbreakfast on Apr 26, 2017, 11:14:47 AM
Post by: MuxGuys on Apr 26, 2017, 01:17:09 PM
Trailblaza are huge though. Probably not meant for back of vehicles. mine was in my old boat.
20ltr to 200 ltrs in available sizes before you go custom made....Yeah agreed :icon_thumleft: they are larger than most in physical size beacause of the thickness of the insulation. The better the insulation the less the motor runs the less battery you use.
So should I remove mine from the car :tongue1: :tongue1: :tongue1:
(https://preview.ibb.co/jt3LVF/BE8_F20_AE_D28_D_4435_A03_A_AFB0_CFAF776_F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fH0Oja)
Cheers
Post by: Wal on Apr 26, 2017, 02:04:46 PM
Post by: dogsbreakfast on Apr 26, 2017, 03:18:08 PM
Trailblaza are huge though. Probably not meant for back of vehicles. mine was in my old boat.
20ltr to 200 ltrs in available sizes before you go custom made....Yeah agreed :icon_thumleft: they are larger than most in physical size beacause of the thickness of the insulation. The better the insulation the less the motor runs the less battery you use.
So should I remove mine from the car :tongue1: :tongue1: :tongue1:
(https://www.ozisuzu.com.au/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2FST2UP%2Faf6fd70589a29367a65702cf135c15a4_zpsuclm1uin.jpg&hash=927421eb2f818540d2cf32caf5c411fed6449186)
Cheers
I just looked in the dictionary for the definition of huge, and that picture came up! :laughing7:
Totally agree that they are a great fridge. But thats a big fridge :occasion14:
Post by: muddy mux on Jul 07, 2017, 09:16:58 PM
Post by: Mikebloke on Jul 07, 2017, 09:40:00 PM
I'll probably never have to replace the engel, but if I did, I would seriously consider one of theirs.
Mike
Post by: maxs ss on Jul 08, 2017, 04:04:17 AM
Steve
Post by: animalpest on Jul 10, 2017, 07:55:54 PM
I also have a 85 ltr Evacool and that sits on the tray in the sun. When outside temps are 40 it doesn't falter. Being built like a fiberglass esky helps.
Horses for courses. Depends what you need it for - weekends, 2 week trip or whatever. Did a Kimberley trip in May/June with my brother who had one each of ARB and Engel. As the ARB unit would stop when voltage reduced it was useless as a freezer. So Engel was freezer and ARB was fridge. As I had a 85ltr unit, mined worked great as a combined fridge/freezer. And any warm drinks went into my Evacool to get cold!
Mike
Post by: muddy mux on Jul 10, 2017, 08:44:26 PM
Post by: mux339 on Sep 11, 2019, 12:27:54 AM
Anaconda have them on sale for $599 at the moment, and BCF are selling them for $699 with a cover.
Any opinions welcome.
Russ
Post by: sdouglas on Sep 11, 2019, 07:11:04 AM
I have a 60 litre Engel that’s had $60 of electrical work done in probably 15 years.
Not a big fan of my Waeco fridge.
Post by: Bob on Sep 11, 2019, 08:45:53 AM
Post by: Uvalle on Nov 02, 2019, 02:05:28 AM
Post by: Bob on Nov 02, 2019, 08:38:53 AM
Did you sell that 50L Roman, Bob?
Post by: Wags on Nov 21, 2019, 08:40:09 PM
Will see how it goes in the long term
Post by: fmflex on Dec 25, 2019, 01:34:39 PM
Just bought a Bushman fridge with the extra extensions so far impressed with it and made local in VictoriaI'm keen to hear how you go with yours as I've got my eye on one as well. Years ago in a 4x4 mag there was a fridge comparisons where the bushland had the lowest current draw overall out of all the fridges reviewed.
Will see how it goes in the long term
Post by: granite62 on Dec 25, 2019, 06:24:05 PM
Have had a Bushman fridge for over ten years. Cracker of a fridge. No real worries, good on the deep cycle battery. Ability to alter the capacity can be handy. Don’t reckon you’ll be disappointed. CheersJust bought a Bushman fridge with the extra extensions so far impressed with it and made local in VictoriaI'm keen to hear how you go with yours as I've got my eye on one as well. Years ago in a 4x4 mag there was a fridge comparisons where the bushland had the lowest current draw overall out of all the fridges reviewed.
Will see how it goes in the long term
Post by: Bob on Dec 25, 2019, 07:35:51 PM
If it still does not work I am seriously looking at the Brass Monkey 60L from Jaycar at $499.
Engel has lasted for 10 years so if I get 5 years from the Brass Monkey I will be happy.
Post by: xcvator on Dec 25, 2019, 10:23:08 PM
Just bought a Bushman fridge with the extra extensions so far impressed with it and made local in VictoriaI'm keen to hear how you go with yours as I've got my eye on one as well. Years ago in a 4x4 mag there was a fridge comparisons where the bushland had the lowest current draw overall out of all the fridges reviewed.
Will see how it goes in the long term
I'll 2nd that, had 1 for 6 years, works great, doubles as a freezer in the house too :cup:
Post by: ranmar850 on Jan 27, 2020, 10:17:24 PM
I built a couple of fridges and freezers for camping/boating. First one was a 130 litre freezer, with fan blower, Dometic components. I always build with fibreglass and foam insulation. Still running strong after about 8 years, does a lot of full time duty as a backup at home. The latest was a boat fridge. Danfoss compressor with a 3/4 radius coldplate, 50 litre capacity. My biggest problem is NOT having it freeze, you need to run it at the warmest setting. The electrics are mounted high, in an alloy housing, so you can hose around it. And it has a drain plug, something every fridge should have. :-) This isn't a cheap way to build a fridge, but nothing will rust, and I have a tailor made split lid so I can access one end without having to slide it out from under the seat frame it sits in.