It's been almost 12 months since this poll on fridges was last contributed to:
http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... ply&t=2141
Am just wondering whether or not there are some more proponents of the Waeco fridges given the price differential over the Engels or whether the general concensus is still to pay the extra for a brand that has been around for ever.
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Fridges
Moderators: toaddog, TWISTY, V8Patrol, Moderators
Fridges
I'm not very good looking, so I guess I better be useful . . .
Re: Fridges
check out www.fridgeshop.com.au they are sellin things mega cheap.
mate got a 90 ltr one the other day, its almost too big for rear of the GQ!
mate got a 90 ltr one the other day, its almost too big for rear of the GQ!
Just bought a new 80 litre waeco the other day.
Was going to get the 110 one but after thinking about it I think it was just to big for what I wanted. And takes up too much space.
The 80L one will be fine. I hooked it up to mains power the other day and it seems to work well.
I think ya should always get the insulated bags for em too.
As far as product goes waeco have a five year warranty so I think they should be ok. Has some good features too.
I didn't really shop around for some reason but I got the 80 + insulated bag, plus an adaptor to run the fridge of mains power for under 1500 so I reckon it was a good option compared to the engel
Was going to get the 110 one but after thinking about it I think it was just to big for what I wanted. And takes up too much space.
The 80L one will be fine. I hooked it up to mains power the other day and it seems to work well.
I think ya should always get the insulated bags for em too.
As far as product goes waeco have a five year warranty so I think they should be ok. Has some good features too.
I didn't really shop around for some reason but I got the 80 + insulated bag, plus an adaptor to run the fridge of mains power for under 1500 so I reckon it was a good option compared to the engel
I have had the Waeco 45 for about a year now and love it. For the price saved between it and the Engel I also got an insulated fridge bag. It runs fine with minimal draw. I only have a single battery in the Patrol and we have been on 4 -5 day trips and still been able to start the car.
At Wandin this year it was 42 degrees and with the Waeco set on 6 it was starting to freeze the bottles of water.
At Wandin this year it was 42 degrees and with the Waeco set on 6 it was starting to freeze the bottles of water.
Ransom note = demand + collage
Hey that was my poll 
I never did end up doing the trip to the kimberly.
Or buying a car fridge
Bought a house instead.
I think I would go with a waeco fridge, Good value.
and if you get one with a separate freezer section you can have ice for the boubon and cokes
Paul.
I never did end up doing the trip to the kimberly.
Or buying a car fridge
Bought a house instead.
I think I would go with a waeco fridge, Good value.
and if you get one with a separate freezer section you can have ice for the boubon and cokes
Paul.
R.I.P Brock Fontanini 28-3-06 - 16-2-08
www.teamcarnage.net
www.teamcarnage.net
Thanks - you guys have echoed my sentiments at the moment. Was just about ready to hand over the cash when I thought I'd do a quick search. Everyone back then was saying Engel but I can't justify the extra $$$.
Any feedback from people who have the ones with the separate freezer compartment? Aside from general camping duties, it will mainly be used to keep the groceries cool on the 45 trip home from the supermarket - I could shop at the local IGA but the difference in prices means that the fridge will basically pay for itself in a couple of years.
Is it worth taking the risk through Fridgeshop.com (only 1 year warranty but cheap prices on ex-demo gear) or is it better to shop around and get a new one with the full 5 year warranty?
I've got a trayback, is there a way that they can be secured - ie to stop thieving b@st#rds - or is the only was to tie them down using the handles?
Any feedback from people who have the ones with the separate freezer compartment? Aside from general camping duties, it will mainly be used to keep the groceries cool on the 45 trip home from the supermarket - I could shop at the local IGA but the difference in prices means that the fridge will basically pay for itself in a couple of years.
Is it worth taking the risk through Fridgeshop.com (only 1 year warranty but cheap prices on ex-demo gear) or is it better to shop around and get a new one with the full 5 year warranty?
I've got a trayback, is there a way that they can be secured - ie to stop thieving b@st#rds - or is the only was to tie them down using the handles?
I'm not very good looking, so I guess I better be useful . . .
I would buy new.
Five year warranty kicks ass over one year.
My fridge is a freezer/fridge/dairy combo.
I reckon it is a great idea cause it is so versitile.
Keep ice trays in it for drinks and keep meat frozen etc. And you can keep all the usual stuff in the fridge section.
I think when you take the divider out it works as a complete fridge or a complete freezer I am not sure witch.
As far as securing it in the ute I am going to use steel turnbuckles. 2 on each handle each side and then padlock the two together so you can't turn them and therefore loosen them.
The only way to take the fridge would be to use an allan key to undo the handles, and I am not telling what size!!
Five year warranty kicks ass over one year.
My fridge is a freezer/fridge/dairy combo.
I reckon it is a great idea cause it is so versitile.
Keep ice trays in it for drinks and keep meat frozen etc. And you can keep all the usual stuff in the fridge section.
I think when you take the divider out it works as a complete fridge or a complete freezer I am not sure witch.
As far as securing it in the ute I am going to use steel turnbuckles. 2 on each handle each side and then padlock the two together so you can't turn them and therefore loosen them.
The only way to take the fridge would be to use an allan key to undo the handles, and I am not telling what size!!
I have a cf110.
As a fridge/freezer it works okay in lower ambient temps, but i find if the ambient temp is higher (over 40c, which it is everyday out here, especially in the back of the car) and the fridge and freezer sections are fully loaded it struggles to keep the fridge section cold enough.
I have solarshields in the back to help but havent been able to find a bag for the cf110.
as just all fridge or freezer it works great. We do our monthly food shop with ours, cool the fridge at home overnight empty, then drive 200+k's and load the fridge (which usually negates the overnight cooling...) and then drive home. Frozen stuff stays frozen, if it wasn't frozen and got put in the freezer it is solid by the time we get home, fridge section usually pulls down to 4-5 deg by the time we are home, after having been loaded in high outside temp etc, etc. But if we stay in town for a couple of days, you can see that the fridge temps start to rise a couple of degrees. Have found that if the freezer section is stuffed full up to the lid, the 'cool flow' into the fridge section doesn't work well and temps in fridge get a bit too high (6-7 deg). Remember the waeco fridge/freezer only has the cooling element in the 'freezer' section.
I would recommend the Waeco especially for the price.
Selling points for me were:
-price
-biggest inside capacity for outside dimensions but still got good insulation rating
-fridge/freezer capability
- did i mention price.....
- warranty
Got ours oline from fridgeshop, delivered up here in three days from Melb (airfreight) included in advertised price.
The cf110 has a steel case/plastic lid, but has proper hinges and catches and the controls are membrane switches which so far (6 months) are still perfect
cheers
Daryl
As a fridge/freezer it works okay in lower ambient temps, but i find if the ambient temp is higher (over 40c, which it is everyday out here, especially in the back of the car) and the fridge and freezer sections are fully loaded it struggles to keep the fridge section cold enough.
I have solarshields in the back to help but havent been able to find a bag for the cf110.
as just all fridge or freezer it works great. We do our monthly food shop with ours, cool the fridge at home overnight empty, then drive 200+k's and load the fridge (which usually negates the overnight cooling...) and then drive home. Frozen stuff stays frozen, if it wasn't frozen and got put in the freezer it is solid by the time we get home, fridge section usually pulls down to 4-5 deg by the time we are home, after having been loaded in high outside temp etc, etc. But if we stay in town for a couple of days, you can see that the fridge temps start to rise a couple of degrees. Have found that if the freezer section is stuffed full up to the lid, the 'cool flow' into the fridge section doesn't work well and temps in fridge get a bit too high (6-7 deg). Remember the waeco fridge/freezer only has the cooling element in the 'freezer' section.
I would recommend the Waeco especially for the price.
Selling points for me were:
-price
-biggest inside capacity for outside dimensions but still got good insulation rating
-fridge/freezer capability
- did i mention price.....
- warranty
Got ours oline from fridgeshop, delivered up here in three days from Melb (airfreight) included in advertised price.
The cf110 has a steel case/plastic lid, but has proper hinges and catches and the controls are membrane switches which so far (6 months) are still perfect
cheers
Daryl
The other thing to remember for any fridge you get is
1. Before you go away on a trip is too pre cool it, I usually set it on maximum and leave it on for a day before putting it in the car for the trip
2. Try and put already chilled products in where possible
3. Keep it out of the sun so invest in a set of sun shades, park the car in the shade where possible
4. Get an insulated bag it does wonders to the performance
5. I also chuck a 1.25 litre bottle of frozen water in if i know its going to be a hot weekend etc
6. Make sure it is securely tied down you don't want it loose and bouncing around as it will shorten the life.
7. When you pack it all the stuff you use regurarly should be on top. the longer the lid is open the more work it has to do to maintain a cool temp. You will be surprised at how quick it will lose the cold with the lid open for just 30 secs let alone a minute or so as you fossick around for the cheese.
8. get a thermometer that reads internal and external temps as you can see at a glance how the fridege is performing and can adjust without opening it
1. Before you go away on a trip is too pre cool it, I usually set it on maximum and leave it on for a day before putting it in the car for the trip
2. Try and put already chilled products in where possible
3. Keep it out of the sun so invest in a set of sun shades, park the car in the shade where possible
4. Get an insulated bag it does wonders to the performance
5. I also chuck a 1.25 litre bottle of frozen water in if i know its going to be a hot weekend etc
6. Make sure it is securely tied down you don't want it loose and bouncing around as it will shorten the life.
7. When you pack it all the stuff you use regurarly should be on top. the longer the lid is open the more work it has to do to maintain a cool temp. You will be surprised at how quick it will lose the cold with the lid open for just 30 secs let alone a minute or so as you fossick around for the cheese.
8. get a thermometer that reads internal and external temps as you can see at a glance how the fridege is performing and can adjust without opening it
Ransom note = demand + collage
the biggest pain in the arse with the waeco is then to run off 240V you need to buy an inverter which gennerally retail at about $100 for one that will cope with that type of power draw
Waeco also have a battery cut of moniter with 3 settings which you can adjust according to wether you are in a car (single small batt), 4wd (single larger batt) or have dual batteries.
Also if the frdge electrics play up, there is an overide function witch will set the fridge to the coldest temperature setting (No 7???) and then for you to control this you need to unplug/replug to try to keep it constant
All that said, engle have a stronger body and the acceseries are generally easier to get but you are paying alot for the name.
Have heard stories about the waeco compressor motors buting out because of the car being parked on a steep slope causing all of the oil to fall to the back of the pan not allowing for lubrication, where as the engels i think have a wick system which allows for the motor to be lubricated all the time!!
Anyway just my 2 cents!!
Dave!
Waeco also have a battery cut of moniter with 3 settings which you can adjust according to wether you are in a car (single small batt), 4wd (single larger batt) or have dual batteries.
Also if the frdge electrics play up, there is an overide function witch will set the fridge to the coldest temperature setting (No 7???) and then for you to control this you need to unplug/replug to try to keep it constant
All that said, engle have a stronger body and the acceseries are generally easier to get but you are paying alot for the name.
Have heard stories about the waeco compressor motors buting out because of the car being parked on a steep slope causing all of the oil to fall to the back of the pan not allowing for lubrication, where as the engels i think have a wick system which allows for the motor to be lubricated all the time!!
Anyway just my 2 cents!!
Dave!
fatass75 wrote:I would buy new.
Five year warranty kicks ass over one year.
My fridge is a freezer/fridge/dairy combo.
I reckon it is a great idea cause it is so versitile.
Keep ice trays in it for drinks and keep meat frozen etc. And you can keep all the usual stuff in the fridge section.
I think when you take the divider out it works as a complete fridge or a complete freezer I am not sure witch.
As far as securing it in the ute I am going to use steel turnbuckles. 2 on each handle each side and then padlock the two together so you can't turn them and therefore loosen them.
The only way to take the fridge would be to use an allan key to undo the handles, and I am not telling what size!!
I would go the one year warranty and save the $$$ if you have fusion cover on your home contents policy.
I have a 40l engle bought new in 1999. 3 months ago I had to have the whole compressor unit replaced ($600 but covered by insurance). I am now looking at getting a CF 80 or 110 Waeco.
[quote="Wooders"]If ya want a 4x4 camry go ahead & buy a Patrol or Cruiser.[/quote]Rangie with 80s LC diffs, Isuzu 4bd1, Twin ARB lockers, 8000lb Hi mount warn, 315x75x16 Procomp XTerrains
i bought a 4wd monthly the other day (the one with grimbo's zuk in it) and it came with another little mag about fridges, winches, tents, shackles etc.
going by the charts that they had in there, i reckon the evakool fridges look to be the go. they maintained a very constant, smooth temperature, and where pretty well priced
going by the charts that they had in there, i reckon the evakool fridges look to be the go. they maintained a very constant, smooth temperature, and where pretty well priced
One thing to look at with the waeco cf-50 is the hinge mount system, If the lid is flipped open hard it will break the tabs that hold the lid in not bagging the product as I own one and it is great but this hapened to a mate that was a bit heavy handed with his.
I also reckon the evakools are worth a look, local camping shop has the 60l retrofit fridge freezer for $1299 with bag and 240v adapter, uses danfross compressor with simpler electronics
I also reckon the evakools are worth a look, local camping shop has the 60l retrofit fridge freezer for $1299 with bag and 240v adapter, uses danfross compressor with simpler electronics
One thing to look at with the waeco cf-50 is the hinge mount system, If the lid is flipped open hard it will break the tabs that hold the lid in not bagging the product as I own one and it is great but this hapened to a mate that was a bit heavy handed with his.
I also reckon the evakools are worth a look, local camping shop has the 60l retrofit fridge freezer for $1299 with bag and 240v adapter, uses danfross compressor with simpler electronics
I also reckon the evakools are worth a look, local camping shop has the 60l retrofit fridge freezer for $1299 with bag and 240v adapter, uses danfross compressor with simpler electronics
My brother has an Autofridge, that only needs to run for a few hours each day to keep the beer cold. Try http://www.quirks.com.au/autofrdg.htm.
Freakin expensive
but when I was with him in the Flinders for 5 days last easter it worked very well.
Cheers,
Scott
Freakin expensive
but when I was with him in the Flinders for 5 days last easter it worked very well.
Cheers,
Scott
i chose the 40L engel.
because- it has a steel shell i keep it in the back of my ute.
it is easy to swap over to 240 just another lead(it comes with the lead)
it cost $1100 with insulating bag from southern arb.
very happy and its very reliable.
my security system involves removing the feet and bolts, getting longer bolts (by 8mm)
then bolting the unit down from under the tray.
the bolts are allmost impossible to get to from below the tray.
you need a 600 mm extension at least.
while it is in the tray it is covered by canvas.
if i lived in 40 deg. ambient i wouldn't muck around with the domestic fridges.
i would go for a trailblaza or explorer type fridge.($$$$$$)
david
because- it has a steel shell i keep it in the back of my ute.
it is easy to swap over to 240 just another lead(it comes with the lead)
it cost $1100 with insulating bag from southern arb.
very happy and its very reliable.
my security system involves removing the feet and bolts, getting longer bolts (by 8mm)
then bolting the unit down from under the tray.
the bolts are allmost impossible to get to from below the tray.
you need a 600 mm extension at least.
while it is in the tray it is covered by canvas.
if i lived in 40 deg. ambient i wouldn't muck around with the domestic fridges.
i would go for a trailblaza or explorer type fridge.($$$$$$)
david
Just another option if you're interested,
I have a bushman fridge. (42L) uses the same compressor as the waeco, but has an electronic thermostat. Have given it a heavy workout in the last 2.5 years and it goes great. the body is steel but the lid is plastic. cost us abt $900
on a 35 degree day i can set it to -2 and it keeps an actual temp of around 0. on all the times i have had a seperate thermostat inside it, it has never varied more than 2>3 degrees. Super happy with it as it is set and forget for a whole trip!
Only 1 problem i have ever had with it, I used it at home with a PSU that was underpowered and after 2 days it damaged the circuit board so that it wasnt keeping accurate temp. I went to the manufacturer in sydney and he gave me a new one for nothing. so happy again. the build quality of the plastic components isn't as good as engel quality tho.
longest i have run it for without starting the car was 3.5 days of abt 30 degrees (my aux battery is 100AH) and was still going strong.
it averages at about 1 Amp / hour
OK that is enough crapping on from me.
Rob
I have a bushman fridge. (42L) uses the same compressor as the waeco, but has an electronic thermostat. Have given it a heavy workout in the last 2.5 years and it goes great. the body is steel but the lid is plastic. cost us abt $900
on a 35 degree day i can set it to -2 and it keeps an actual temp of around 0. on all the times i have had a seperate thermostat inside it, it has never varied more than 2>3 degrees. Super happy with it as it is set and forget for a whole trip!
Only 1 problem i have ever had with it, I used it at home with a PSU that was underpowered and after 2 days it damaged the circuit board so that it wasnt keeping accurate temp. I went to the manufacturer in sydney and he gave me a new one for nothing. so happy again. the build quality of the plastic components isn't as good as engel quality tho.
longest i have run it for without starting the car was 3.5 days of abt 30 degrees (my aux battery is 100AH) and was still going strong.
it averages at about 1 Amp / hour
OK that is enough crapping on from me.
Rob
A relation was looking to buy a Waeco, but on the day he went in to purchase one he discovered there was stuff all difference in the internal size between it and a supposedly smaller model Engel. 
Ended up buying the Engel......
It could pay to compare the internal sizes before buying- not just believe the writing on the box!
Ended up buying the Engel......
It could pay to compare the internal sizes before buying- not just believe the writing on the box!
David
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