Kumunara (NT) replied:

Brushmarx

I suggest you steer away from a 3 way fridge. I borrowed one years ago and it worked well on gas but was useless on 12 volt.

I use a trailblaza which is on a fridge slide in shelving in the rear of my vehicle and stays there. The thing is too heavy to move in and out and.

Tjilpi

Member - Brian (Gold Coast) replied:

Another vote for Trailblaza here!

PeteS replied:

Hi Brushmarx
If you change your mind and look at different fridge type then the link below may help.

It does not cover all brands however its some form of comparison.
www.4wdmonthly.com.au/tips_fridge.php

I have a Bushman which is a 35 litre fridge and came with a 42 and 52 litre lid extension for $960.
The trailblaza mentioned in previous post certainly look like a rugged unit.
Best of luck
PeteS

Graham & Lynne replied:

my Trailblaza is 25 years old compressor is getting tied so runs long than new ones

Izey76 replied:

Hi Brushmarx I started off with a Dometic 3-way fridge when me and the fam spent 4 months around Oz, The fridge worked well on gas but on 12v in the car it was an absolute waste of time. If I travelled all day the fridge would be defrosted by the time I pulled up. Also found it to be wanting when we where up north.

I then borrowed my brother in-laws Weaco 40ltr and it would drain a 75amp/hr battery over night when I had the temp gauge at 1/2 way.

I now own a 60ltr Engel and I can sit in the 1 spot camping for up to 3 days and the battery will still be fine.

As for the upright fridge in the back of the car I think you would be better off with a chest type fridge/freezer as after a day of driving on corrugated roads and the like when you open the upright fridge for that first beer you may have problems with everything falling out and you doing a juggling act trying to catch it all.

Also not sure whether the upright would handle the moving in and out of the car as they are designed to go into caravans and the like and stay in there.

Anyway that's my thoughts hope it helps you in your decision.

Clint

Mike Harding replied:

Ian, if you take the time to do a better search you will find more info on fridges than you can poke _two_ sticks at!

I'm guessing because I haven't used a caravan 3 way in the manner you suggest but... I suspect they would not take to it well, there is some fairly exposed pipework on the rear of them and, I suspect, it would only be a matter of time before you broke it.

I'm a 3 way advocate but (just like Trailblazers, Waecos and Engles) they have their downsides: slow to cool down if you add a six pack/wine cask etc. Less than ideal on 12V but most of the problems are due to poor installation. Not as efficient as compressor fridges in 40C+ but the modern ones are pretty good.

On the plus side; they'll run for ages from a gas bottle, make zero noise and you don't have to take (buy!) generators, batteries, solar panels etc.

Your money, your choice but I'll go for the top line ($1300) Chescold any day.

Mike Harding

brushmarx replied:

My sincere thanks for the information, greatly appreciated.
I guess it's off to the camping show next weekend to twist some arms.
Cheers
Ian