Andrew replied:

I install split system air cons, and it is common for one of the pipes to frost over. Sounds normal to me.

paul replied:

Andrew

If you now about air-cons maybe you know about fridges.

The common 12 camping/4WD fridges using compressors use cooling pipes - as opposed to our domestic fridges which i understand use fans blowing air over cooling pipes into the freezer and then dropping into the fridge which means with the wind chill factor although a freezer is usually at minus 18 degrees when the freezer is working it is blowing air at about minus 25 degrees or more onto non-frozen food which i understand is why camping fridge/freezers that pull down to minus 18 always take hours longer than a domestic freezer to freeze something.

So why doesn't someone make a camping fridge based on this principal with a freezer that works that way a domestic one does ? Is it just size and weight that seems so prohibitive ?

Jason replied:

Hi Michelle,
We also have similar fridge as yours, and had the same trouble some time back, an old timer suggested that we let the frige run on gas for about 3 or 4 days before your trip and leave something in there so it can freeze up, we usually leave a bottle of water, that way when you do travel, and plug it in the 12v supply it dosen't have to work hard as it is already working at peak performance, we have also travelled on the way home and occasionally not plugged it in the 12v supply and the left over meat is still frozen even after 4 hours in the car on an average day. You should find that the frigde stays alot colder and is more prone to freezing on gas as it is more efficent using this type of energy.
Regards Jason
PS. Dont leave beer or wine in the bottom of the frige as they are hard to consume frozen.

Michelle replied:

Thanks Jason, I will try that tip over the weekend. Last night I had the fridge plugged in to 240v with a cup of water in it. This morning the water was frozen more than I think it would have been in my deep freeze. I think I just need to try it out on the gas until I get a better understanding of its working capabilities. Like camping, this fridge is very new to me. Thanks very much Jason.

Vince Barnes replied:

My chescold works the same way. The night before I go camping I run the fridge 0n 240v,then 12v in the 4wd & finally on gas once I set up camp.When not camping I use the fridge as a beer fridge & it keeps the beer very cold.
Regards
Vince

Bruce replied:

Michelle..if the unit is not dead level and i mean exactly level , it will usually do this ..ours does...so we are giving it the flick and will use our engel instead...uneveness doesnt matter with it cheers bruce

Derek replied:

Michelle. I have one of these fridges and it performs great. Here are some tips I've found over the years.
1 ALWAYS keep the fridge level through 2 planes (I've glued a small spirit level on mine).
2 They are effected by the temperature of the day eg the hotter the day, the more they struggle.
3 Make a small stand with adjustable legs so as to get the fridge off the ground and allow circulation.
4 Keep it in the shade.
5 When camping, allow air to circulate all around the unit.
6 Keep the coil and plumbing etc at the back, clean and dust free.
7 Use the thickest possible cable when running them on 12 volts so as to minimise voltage drop.
And lastly, Engels are good except when you are camped in one place for several days. Happy camping.