Chescold RC1180

Ozbones, I have a 40lt Ches & will comment from my experiences & observations for you to draw your own conclusions. I have just returned from a (very hot) desert trip.

I've had the fridge for 8yrs, last year in the Kimberley the thermostat busted (some really tough roads & corregations probably the cause). I fixed this by removing the thermo & hard wiring the circuits and gas pipe (we were really remote at the time). Their method of opeation is really simple and this is good, as demonstrated by this repair job.
I have not bothered fitting a new thermo cause as we are at the fridge several times daily, if it gets too cold (check the cans) I just turn it off. The wall insulation is excellent.

I carry a 3.3kg gas bottle & this lasts about 7 days constant use. Gas is readily available around the country and only to be used outside the vehicle. On gas, the fridge must be level & I carry a small spirit level with me to check this. The one hassel here for this fridge on gas, is to left it in and out. But I am 65 + and can cope OK and think that this inconvenience is no worse than fiddling with solar panels, flat batteries or generators needed for electric fridges.

Last year I fitted a small computer fan (Jaycar or Dick Smiths) inside the back of the fridge to blow the heat from the condensors. I also upgraded the wiring to an Anderson plug in the rear of the wagon to help with current flow. The upgrade performance in this 12v department has been amazing as the fridge is now almost a freezer whereas it was almost useless before. This means I'm using car power all the time whilst travelling, very effeciently.
When stationary I will not leave the fridge running on 12v aux battery for more than 2hrs. Wiring to elect compressor fridges should also needs to be first rate.

240v works great when your near it, same as 12v but without the fan operating.

My mate with me had an Engle and carried (and used when we were stopped for more than a day) a solar panel and compresor. His fridge goes with him when he leaves camp. My Chescold stayed behind. These are +'s & -'s.

I personally think the versatility of the Chescold gives it much greater advantages, particularly if your stationary at camp for a while. Plus the insulation is excellent, but like all fridges they should be protected from the sun. We were out in 40 deg temps but had a cold beer at the end of every day.

Hope this helps.

Just for clarification,
Except when moving, they MUST BE LEVEL. 12v, 240 volt or gas.
If you run them off level for long, the ammonia fluid overheats, crystalizes and eventually this will destroy the fridge. The effect is cumulative- and is one very important reson to be very carefull buying second-hand.
Sometimes a temporary fix can be found by turning the fridge upside-down etc, but it is just that- temporary.
The damage is absolutely irreversible and possibly the reason why some say theirs is no good while others say theirs is great.
Cheers