Vince Barnes replied:

Hello Les. Our 4wd club did a trip out to Alice Springs in July. The only fridges that gave no trouble were the engels!!. However after 2/3 days the spare batteries needed recharging. If you plan to bush camp for a few days maybe you should look at a Chescold 3 way fridge.

darryl smith replied:

hi les ,i have a 79 litre auto fridge eutectic and have mated it with a 5 amp 75 watt solar panel , deep cycle battery and regulator .the system was put together by a solar supplies company and works a treat . 79 litre good size for family . chill your food and drinks before stacking and run on freeze for 8 hrs before your trip . stays cold for days
cheers Darryl

Kevan replied:

I have an Engel 39l that has a turbo boost, (available in later models) It is quite reliable and extremely effecient. I run a duel battery system and have no problems even after 2 days running. Good luck

Pearce Dougherty replied:

Les,

I would stay away from Eutectic fridges. We have about ten vehicle fridges in use with our operation at any one time and at one point we had three Eutectics. But I am sad to report we had nothing but trouble with them. By comparison we have also been using Engles for over twenty years and they have been excellent with extreamly high reliability and durability. The best combination we use is a 39 or 64 litre unit with a lined engle fridge cover to give further insulation and protect your fridge. They are more expensive but are a far better investment than other units we have seen.

Pearce Dougherty

Peter Bailey replied:

Les, I have had a 29ltr Engel for about 25 years and the only problem I have had is a power transformer fail on me a couple of years ago (about $40-$50 to replace). About 2 years ago I invested in a 39ltr Engel and both a going flat out about 4-6 months of the year, the 29ltr I use as a freezer and the 39ltr as a fridge. One suggestion is to buy an insulated cover for what ever fridge you buy. If I am camped in one spot for more than 1 day, I plug them into my portable generator, but a dual battery setup should keep one fridge going for several days, providing you turn it off overnight.
Regards
Peter.

Craig replied:

I have an engel 39 lt. It has been on many trips and has never failed. I did buy an insulated cover which seems to help. I have a dual battery (90 a/h aux) and a 40watt solar panel also. The fridge will run on the battery alone for 3-4 days on setting 2 or 2 1/2 (5 is freezer). It helps to turn the fridge down to 1 of a night. With driving & the constant input form the solar panel, I have never drained my battery.

Greg Jones replied:

Hi Les, I am on my third engel and have 2 Autofridges. You will find in this forum and out on the campground that people are pretty brand loyal. I tend to think of my engels like lancruisers - they are pretty reliable but sometimes the performance is lacking. The Autofridge is a superior camping fridge than the engel for the following reasons
1. Hot weather performance - direct sunlight or really hot conditions will defrost an engle - we have had to transfer food to autofridges to prevent it spoiling more than once.
2. Energy consumption - You can run the Auto for 3 hrs in morn, 3 at night and have cold beers all day - Engels arent even in this race!
This is the main reason engels are such battery killers - the hold over time is so small in hot conditions that the fridges run all the time.
3.Solar panel utilisation - an 80 watt panel will run an Autofridge all week - impossible in an Engel.
4. Easy cleaning - smooth interior means a 5 minute job - Engels are hard to clean and always StinK!
Having bagged the engel enough I must point out that at Steep point years ago, one fridge crapped itself - my 39l just out of warranty Autofridge. I loaded my food into mine and other Engels. My engels have never stopped working in 17 years, Ill probably always have one. The ideal setup for 2-4 people for 7 - 14 days is probably a 2nd hand 29l engel (freezer duty) new 39 autofridge fridge cycle and turn the enngle off half way into the trip, good luck cheers Greg

Steve Barbuto replied:

Les,

Listen to the last guy. They say no one gets sacked for buying an IBM and the same goes for Engels. They are good, but it doesnt mean they are the best for everyone.

I have posted some other replies. You may want to read them or ignore them. For the record, I have a Bushboy. It uses the same compressor as an Autofridge (Danfoss) and is good n reliable. If youve got the extra dough, buy the Autofridge.

Steve.

Shelly replied:

The older model Engels (green and brown unit)are more reliable than the newer models (grey). We have a 39L since new (97) and have had: the compressor replaced twice, the condenser replaced once, and twice had 2 broken capillary pipes (loss of gas). Having said that, Engel back their warranty 100% and even will go out of their way to try to have it repaired at no cost if you are just past warranty. Performance is related to atmospheric temp - over 35 degrees compressor cant keep up on 12v, which is fine if youre driving but will drain your batt if not. They can keep up in these temps if on 240v. Could be worth considering a different brand but check warranty.

Rod replied:

Les, one would assume that you have your fridge of choice by now. Ive had a 39ltr Autofridge for 4 years now, its never been any trouble. If anything its too cold (frozen eggs). When its not out bush with me its in the shed running 24hrs a day keeping the beer cold. Ive protected my investment by placing it in a specially designed protective box, no scratches, dents etc. If you are interested in one of these boxes and live in Perth or surrounds then I can be contacted on email Les, one would assume that you have your fridge of choice by now. Ive had a 39ltr Autofridge for 4 years now, its never been any trouble. If anything its too cold (frozen eggs). When its not out bush with me its in the shed running 24hrs a day keeping the beer cold. Ive protected my investment by placing it in a specially designed protective box, no scratches, dents etc. If you are interested in one of these boxes and live in Perth or surrounds then I can be contacted on email rodw@telstra.easymail.com.au.

The prices are:
Box to suit a 39ltr Autofridge is $180.00.
Box to suit a 79/80ltr Autofridge is $220.00.