OziExplorer replied:

Waeco have a CF-80 and CF-110 with separate compartments for fridge and freezer.
I used to have a separate fridge and freezer, but don't anymore.
I get the meat cryovac packed which is good for 30 days at 5ºC.

For just SHE and me, a 50 litre is more than enough. We use UHT milk (actually Coles Farmland low fat we have found to be the best), and buy the dehydrated peas, beans, onions, carrots and any other goodies we can find at the supermarket, and now manage very well (live like kings)on the Waeco CF-50

I have 2 x 60 watt BP solar panels and deep cycle battery and have never had a battery low signal. I run my 12v TV and fluoro lights, computer gear and charge my NiMH batteries etc. etc. and don't bother to much with aliging the solar panels for optimum output.

OziExplorer replied:

Forgot to mention, best price I have seen lately on BP Solar panels is the 60W from http://www.coiltek.com.au/Products/solar_panels.htm
$576 includes GST and freight.
I have two of these 60w panels and have more than enough power even in mid-winter.

paul replied:

Hey doc

The Waeco series have c$#%p insulation. The motor however, is excellent, and the Explorer uses the same compressor motor, the BD 35F. The insulation on the Explorer, however, is extraordinary which means way less current draw to cycle the same temperature. I have a Waeco FF30 and an Explorer DC45, and probably will sell the Waeco cause i just don't use it anymore. As with you i wanted a freezer. The freezer compartment on the Waeco 50 model is the other way round, the small compartment is recommended as the "dairy" compartment if the larger compartment is used as a freezer. The Explorer, however, has a real dedicated freezer compartment even with internal lid (unlike the Waeco model), and with dual control knobs. That said the weakness with the Explorer is that the freezer knob overrides the fridge control which makes me wonder why they have two, in their defence the freezer actually freezes and keeps frozen things frozen without destroying the lettuce in the fridge compartment. It does not work with the same efficiency as a domestic fridge which blows freezing air into the freezer thereby with wind chill factor freezes ice blocks at a rate of about -35C and maintains a -18C temperature, the Explorer just keeps internal temperature at -18C, so it is not great at actually freezing things, at least not as quick as a domestic fridge, but will keep frozen things very frozen for a long as you battery lasts. Anyhow, i seriously love mine.

Steve & Wendy replied:

Hi Doc,

The solution to your problem is a Reefer fridge. They come in a large range of sizes and configurations. Fridges, freezers, fridge/freezer. They are available with the traditional top opening lid, or the smart front opener (Left to right, right to left or top to bottom - take your pick) so no fridge slide required. They use real refrigeration gear just like your fridge at home and they keep things cold when you need it most - ie when it's bloody hot outside (or in the car/trailer/van). They are completely programmable in relation to temperature and battery voltage cut-out, with a digital display showing fridge temperature and battery voltage. They also have a built in inverter "with a spare 240V power point" which can be used to run small applicances or charge batteries etc. They are supplied with both 12V and 240V power leads (no optional transformer purchase required).

You can find more info on them in the Business Search Engine here on ExplorOz, or I have a link at my site at http://www.users.bigpond.com/rcspatch/

Regards,
Steve.

EXTREME1 replied:

doc
My cousin has the 90ltr Explorer and its a great fridge/freezer, I have a 70ltr Snapper very similar to the explorer but has a lick of paint. You'll pay around $2100 for the 90ltr Explorer and the snappers are a bit cheaper.
Most of the fraser Island tailor fishermen have these fridges sitting exposed in the back of thier utes so they must be good.

EXTREME1 replied:

SNAPPER website:
http://www.workin4u.com/snapperfridge/

OziExplorer replied:

Well, I bought an evaKool ED50 fridge today.
After spending all this time looking at all the different brands and their pluses and minuses, I plonked by $$$ down for the evaKool.

The Waeco 5 year warranty was *very* tempting, but the more I looked at the evaKool cabinet, not only was it a far superior cabinet in insulation, but the build quality is supurb with great hinges and handles.

After all, after the 3 way, fridges, Engel and ex Liemack/now Reefer, they all use the Danfoss compressor, so really, while the Waeco warranty was tempting, the evaKool won out. Good thing about the evaKool the top also makes an excellent work surface, and they say can be used as a seat as well - must be really rugged.

The testing in 4WD Monthly done by ADI (Australian Defence Industries) and NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) showed how good the quality of the evaKool cabinet is. This put the icing on the cake and that is why I bought the evaKool ED50