need a freezer - and only a freezer!

does anyone know of a brand / source for an Engel-style freezer-only unit for travel purposes. Most that Ive seen have been mostly fridge with only a small freeze compartment. I want only a freezer!
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Reply By: IvanTheTerrible - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 12:06

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 12:06
My Everkool Glacier has two compartments and both can freeze
edit All Glaciers are Fidge or freezers
AnswerID: 614514

Reply By: Macquarie - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 12:34

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 12:34
I have an Engel 45MT which operates in three modes; as an all fridge, as a fridge/freezer (with separator in place) or as an all freezer. It works a treat in all modes.
AnswerID: 614516

Reply By: Batt's - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 12:41

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 12:41
Paul you'll find that most if not all brands of compressor fridges have freezing capabilities so it can be used either way you like. look at the single compartment ones just crank it up and use it as a freezer only to suit your needs. You'll find lots of people do the similar thing they will have 2 fridges one they use just for freezing goods
Alternatively you can also look at dual compartment fridges in other brands like primus etc etc so you can have 2 smaller freezer compartments and turn one side off to reduce power consumption if your not carrying much. There are so many options out there these days and so many brands that are just as good as Engel which are a lot cheaper.
My 2004 model Evakool is a fridge/freezer remove the centre divider and it becomes a whole fridge or freezer depending what I want to use it for it can freeze down to -23c

One important thing to remember is when used as a freezer most of them just keep running depending on the ambient conditions so they will use a lot of power no matter what brand you buy. Make sure your vehicle is capable of being able to supply enough power for overnight stops if required.
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 13:55

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 13:55
Yep, if you only need a freezer, just set temp to -10 to -15c and you've got a freezer !! :)
They all usually just use the higher amps/hr, some use 20 - 30% more power, some double, but most have specs that show avg amp/hr when used as a fridge or freezer to guide you.

Once down to temp they are not too bad, accessed as little as possible . . . ie plan loading food in order of use, last used in first, first used in last.
Then, open only when needed the day before needs, if possible reload items when you have a full days driving to do, and feed the initial major power need from vehicle charging source (alternator etc) rather than your battery alone when camping.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 14:40

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 14:40
Recent trip to the Cape saw my 47 litre Evakool use 60 amps per day as a freezer....certainly power hungry.
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 14:48

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 14:48
I think the Techniice is good here too, but I have never run it as a freezer.
Specs say avg/hr as a fridge 1.49amps (2 to -2). avg as freezer (-10 to -25, but the max setting is -18 ?) uses avg 1.64amps/hr.
Usually I get a use from the 100 amp/hr AGM of 80% or so SOC next more before camp departure, about 8 hrs running, so the fridge figure is about right.
I do have mine in the cab, cooler space.
This is the older plastic case Technii, not the newer metal case ones, don't know them and haven't seen their specs.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:23

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:23
I bought a new 38 litre engel 2 weeks ago. The polyethylene cased one. Loaded with 30 cans of beer and 3 litres of water. Allowed it to settle down for 2 days and then kept data of power used. At a constant 4 degrees celcius it consumed 52 amps for the 2 days. ..thats 26 amps per day. Ambient temp was about 29 degrees celcius and unit was in my sheltered car port. I also monitored it for 4 days whilst camping (open, shut quite a few times and it returned an average of about 28 amps per day (av. 29 degrees and shaded under tent annex). So about 1.2 amps per hour over a 24 hour period. Very hard to see how a Techniice can go from 0 degrees to -18 using just an extra .15 amps an hour.(advertised figures you have supplied). As stated...any fridge used as a freezer will use a lot more power. I reckon about double as most of them run almost continually when down around -18.
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Follow Up By: IvanTheTerrible - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:23

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:23
My Evakool 74L run as a fridge/freezer draws 2.5 A/Hr a 65L as a pure freezer draws 1.7 - 2.2 A/Hr
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:34

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:34
Bigfish, yeah as said I've never used it as a freezer, and with a little Waeco 11lt for that will probably never have to.
That's just what the spec / manual says.

I'm sure most of these figures would be very flexible from manufacturers, probably bench tested in ideal conditions, we all know how a fridge is used has a huge effect on power use.

Just loading the warm beer into it in the morning and driving to the next camp daily saves battery drain, all running off the (ample) power from the vehicle alternator.
By camp all is nice and chilled and ready for camp duties / another 16 hrs or so until moving again.

I run the Waeco at -12, provided things are down at the plate height, this seems fine for avg trip freezer duties.
Like a home air cond, you set the temp lower and you will use a lot more power for little extra gain . . . -12 should be fine for keeping food good for the avg time it'd be in the 11lt, no more than a couple of weeks.
I've never bothered monitoring the Waeco, only used on one trip so far as a freezer.

Ivan TT, that is weird isn't it !!
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 14:51

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 14:51
A freezer is an insulated box with insulated lid, compressor/condenser, evaporator and thermostat. Not much to it.

13 years ago I built a deep freeze for the OKA. It uses a Danfoss BD35 remote compressor and has 150mm of closed cell polyurethane foam, so its power consumption is minimal.
The gas lines are QC to the evaporator, and the flat plate evaporator can be bent to whatever shape you want, so it is an easy thing to build.
Works a treat.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
AnswerID: 614521

Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 15:06

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 15:06
.
"150mm of insulation"?? ......... Peter, I'm sure that would be very effective.

But not everybody has a vehicle the size of a shipping container. LOL
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 15:34

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 15:34
The point is that if you build your own, every aspect is negotiable and you can put the priorities wherever you wish.
ie. You get exactly what you want.........

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
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Follow Up By: IvanTheTerrible - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:25

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:25
It is illegal in Australia to work on refrigeration without a licence.
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:50

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 16:50
.
Yes, you are right Ivan.
I think this Act came into effect in 1999.
It is primarily aimed at avoiding fluorocarbon releases into the atmosphere.
However, the 'blanket' of the legislation makes it unlawful to even work on the electrics within a refrigeration appliance. Working on the power supply external to the appliance is OK however, which is fortunate for many of us!

And there is no "LOL"in this Follow Up.
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 18:07

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 18:07
I suggest that it is not illegal to connect the QC fittings of pre gassed components which does not allow any refrigerant to escape.
This is what they are designed for.
No different from plugging an appliance into a power point is not considered "working with electricity".

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 18:42

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 18:42
.
An extract from the relevant Act is:

"A Refrigerant Handling Licence must be held by any person who carries out work in relation to RAC equipment. Carrying out work in relation to RAC equipment means to do anything with a fluorocarbon refrigerant, or a component of RAC equipment, that carries the risk of refrigerant being emitted, including: decanting the refrigerant or manufacturing, installing, commissioning, servicing or maintaining RAC equipment or decommissioning RAC equipment."

The Act includes a number of exemptions but I could find none that relate to "Quick Connect" refrigerant fittings. That is not to say that an exemption does not exist for QC fittings. Although I would question that it could be valid to compare such to the plugs of domestic electrical appliances.
Anyway, it is unlikely that anyone else would wish to go down this path.


Cheers
Allan

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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 18:54

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 18:54
Check out the Engel website. They have a 95L upright freezer only that might suit you.



Seems a bit heavy at 35kg, but holds a lot of Chiko Rolls & Dim Sims. Power draw up to 4.8amps.

We have an 80L Engel upright fridge and are really pleased with it. Uses about the same power as a 40L fridge and only weighs 5kg more.

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 19:00

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 19:00
There is a Victrifrigo one too that is about 120L. Danfoss BD35 powered.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 19:06

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 19:06
The chiko rolls do it for me...!

Cheers, Baz
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Follow Up By: Batt's - Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 23:36

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 23:36
That looks like a good little freezer if you have room to put it in and the style suits.
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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 06:48

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 06:48
Engel also make a similar size in a fridge Batt's. The pair would be good.........if you had the room!

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Member - peter_mcc - Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 10:13

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 10:13
I suspect it would be really inefficient as all the cold air would "fall out" each time you opened the door.

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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 11:56

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 11:56
Peter,

If the freezer was packed fully there'd be very little cold air left to fall out. No doubt they'd never be as efficient as a chest freezer but are a good compromise where a chest unit wouldn't suit.

Bob

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Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 12:31

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 12:31
There is actually very little energy in a bucket full of cold air.
Door leaks are much more significant.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
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Reply By: swampy - Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 22:12

Sunday, Oct 22, 2017 at 22:12
hi
Manufacture anybody can do , you just cannot pressure test commission repair etc . Its is only a mechanical situation prior to commissioning .
Industry has been doing that way for years .
A restricted electrical is fine .
AnswerID: 614527

Reply By: Member - Boobook - Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 08:37

Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 08:37
Just about any 12v compressor fridge will work as a freezer. It will be in the specs Most go down to -18 degrees but good ones such as National Luna will go down to -22 or even -24 but they are expensive as hell.

You don't have to make your own there are dozens of off the shelf units for $700 to $3000.

You should consider 2 things.

1)Make sure you get a good one with good insulation.Check the freezer current draw at 30 degrees. That rules out Engel and the cheaper Waecos which have lousy insulation ( Flame suit on).

2)No matter which one you get, a fridge being used as a freezer will draw about 3 times as much current as it will as a fridge. That means a 100 AH battery will last around 12 hours before being flat ( ie 50% of capacity).

To run a freezer for 24 hours you will need at least 200 AH of battery. If you want to camp up longer than that you will also need about 400 W of solar.

You should turn the freezer to its coldest setting when driving then back to about -10 when stopped to maximise your battery life. It gives you a few extra hours per day.

AnswerID: 614530

Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 08:41

Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 08:41
OH, I forgot. Unless you are desperate to have Ice Cream and ice for your Gin and Tonic, just have a fridge and cryovac. It is simpler and has less risk of food going bad if your fridge goes above 0.

You have to watch a freezer like a hawk, seriously it's too much hassle.
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 08:49

Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 08:49
They're all good points Tony, esp the cheaper brands . . . though my Technii 45 was great value when I bought it, and it uses about the same as newer Waeco CDF11 (observation of SOC on 2 trips, nothing measured on the Waeco).

Running my Tecnii on -2 suits me for most trips I do, as you say cryo food, deep freeze what you can solid (7 days) before going, and placed around plates, beer and other in middle, keeps me fine for 2 - 3 weeks, and that includes keeping raw chicken strips etc for later trip stir frys in there too.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 13:09

Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 13:09
Boobook...lousy insulation will not only affect freezing but chilling also. This means that the tens of thousands of Engels and Waecos...both Australia,s leading sellers can be ruled out for refrigeration.....according to your logic. This means there are many thousands of these fridge owners who have no idea their fridges are not fit for purpose....
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 13:17

Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 13:17
Fridge / freezers with lesser insulation are still fit for purpose, they just use more power, which could be an issue for some users that camp for periods of 2 days to weeks etc, and little driving.
It means they need a higher input charge to batteries (like more solar wattage), more battery amp/hr capacity (or a combination of these), or run a small genny for a couple of hours a day to recharge.
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 06:36

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 06:36
Bigfish, as Les points out they are probably fine for most use. But when Freezing the insulation becomes much more critical with losses increasing. Les Highlights that the power use is affected by the insulation. That is exactly right.

Like all goods, fridges are generally built to a price and other compromises such as overall size for capacity. You need to choose different criterea if using for a freezer and if you need to me concerned about power.

A good example to highlight this is the National Luna dual zone fridge. With the same external dimensions, it is available as a 74 l or a 90l. The 90l has thinner walls in one compartment. But they recommend that use use the thicker wall compartment for freezing. If you want to use both as a freezer they recommend the 74L which has better insulation for both sides.

That's my logic,

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Follow Up By: Members - Bow & Nan - Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 07:53

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 07:53
We run our National Luna at -18 off a 100 amp Lithium battery and 190 watts of solar, no matter how hot it is we never have a problem.
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 07:58

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 07:58
Nice Bow & Nan, when only the best will do, and do it well :)
That NL insulation on their freezer only is awesome at 60(?)mm, I think it is.
Lithium would be nice too, will have to wait for lotto :p
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 09:34

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 09:34
LOL no Lithium, but the National Luna is the ants pants. I have the 74l with the thick insulation and keep eyeing off the 90l but they are bloody expensive and my old one won't break down to give me an excuse to the the 90l.

My NL goes down to -22. The insulation is so good they are the only large fridge that still uses the lower power BD35. Most fridges that size need the more power hungry BD50.

It's the only 12v fridge certified to carry blood by the WHO. A ripper but sheez they know how to charge.
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Reply By: 9900Eagle - Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 15:48

Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 15:48
For a freezer that has quality, thick insulation and has a really good life expectancy the Trailblaza Australian made fridge is really good. I have had mine for 22 years without any hiccups.

Trailblaza website
AnswerID: 614537

Follow Up By: mike39 - Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 08:27

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017 at 08:27
Another vote for Trailblaza, a 60l. single chamber unit which can be packed full, frozen to -18c and maintained at an electrical consumption of around 65a.hrs./24hrs.
Its all to do with the insulation and construction of this very reliable unit.
Mine is 25yrs. old and never missed a beat.
Mike
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Follow Up By: Member - peter_mcc - Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 10:15

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 at 10:15
Another vote for them - we used a 50l one as a freezer on a 10 week trip and it was great.

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Reply By: Motherhen - Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 23:21

Monday, Oct 23, 2017 at 23:21
We use one of the older style Engel car fridges as a freezer. At a lower setting we can use it as an extra fridge instead, depending on our needs at the time.

Motherhen

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Reply By: Member - graeme W (WA) - Thursday, Nov 02, 2017 at 02:36

Thursday, Nov 02, 2017 at 02:36
Hi Paul.Recently I asked Margaret from norcoast refrigeration (makers of trailblazer fridges) to make me a dedicated freezer . I already had two of her fridge freezers. So I was still able to use the unit as a fridge we included two thermostats .Freezer thermostat is set between -16 and minus 6. Its just a matter of selecting which thermostat you want to use. Unit has checker plate aluminuim build ,75mm insulation,bd50 compressor and holds 75 litres. On a recent trip to Broome in temperature's often over 37 degrees(how hot inside the canopy) the unit used around 60 amps per day .I have a watt meter in line that records amps in and out. There were people there using engels and waecos that would not stop running .Cost was $2300 which is good value because going by past experience the unit will outlive me . In cool weather for example last week camping down south the unit only started once during the night.
cheers Graeme
AnswerID: 614701

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