12v fridges
Submitted: Saturday, Oct 21, 2000 at 00:00
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les carr
Im in the process of buying a fridge,eutectic
autofridge 39ltr or a engel same size.Has anyone
had dealings with either fridge and what has been
there experience in using them/recomendations.
thanks les.
Reply By: Greg Jones - Tuesday, Nov 21, 2000 at 01:00
Tuesday, Nov 21, 2000 at 01:00
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
AnswerID:
37
Reply By: Shelly - Saturday, Dec 02, 2000 at 01:00
Saturday, Dec 02, 2000 at 01:00
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.
AnswerID:
57
Reply By: Rod - Wednesday, Feb 28, 2001 at 01:00
Wednesday, Feb 28, 2001 at 01:00
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.
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227