Fridge / Freezers

Trailblaza do too. 50l fridge, 25l freezer. Big mother, had one for 5 years, excellent piece of kit. Worked well in the back of a 60 series cruiser and even better in the back of my dual cab ute.

Cheers

I saw an Evakool fridge freezer at Carac today. From memory it was 39L for $999.

Jim.

Thanks Wim, had a look at their website, like the idea of the movable divider. I'll add this one to the list.

Jolls, does the Trailblazer have divided fridge / freezer sections couldn't find out on their website. It does mention however "that it can be used as combination bottom half freezer and top half refrigerator" is this just working on the principle of hot air rising? Any ideas on distributors around brisbane (north) ? Looks like another one for the list.

Cheers
Al

Moose,

How old are these fridges that are keeping him in business? They offer a 3 year parts and labour warranty and 5 years on parts.

Does he do warranty stuff or is he doing aftermarket repairs on older stuff?

I own an Engel so my question is unbiased as well, although I am considering a Waeco at the moment. Never had an ounce of trouble from my Engel but it is a bit noisy. Also reckon Engels are pricey for what you get, but quality may come at a price but I'm not sure.

Just doing all the research before making the change.

Cheers,

Jim.

Jim
Sorry mate no idea as to what he actually did or to what - just passing on his comment. Can only suggest you speak to a few fridge people down your way.

Gday mate, had a look at the Trailblazer and Explorer websites both look like good units (just when I thought I narrowed it down). By the way didn't notice on their website are the traillblazer's using Danfoss compressors and does the Trailblazer have divided fridge / freezer sections couldn't find out on their website. It does mention however "that it can be used as combination bottom half freezer and top half refrigerator" is this just working on the principle of hot air rising? Any ideas on distributors around brisbane (north) ?

Yeah I'll say gday for ya, If I can catch 'em at home !! (Bloody retiries have all the fun) LOL

Cheers
Al

Al - yep Danfoss compressor for Trailblaza. Others have said they do have separate sections but mine is one big space with the extent of freezer depending upon the thermostat setting. I reckon as soon as you put in a permanent partition you're making it less versatile. As far as I know you can only buy direct from the factory. Good luck.

Moose, hadn't thought of it that way.
Looks like an excuse to pop in on mum and dad (caloundra).
Just as a side, as you use up your frozen goods do you find that you have to turn your fridge down as all the non-frozen food sinks lower in the fridge?

Al - what I've done is to make up a hinged partition that we use to separate the frozen stuff from the rest when we have frozen stuff. Don't use the partition when just using as a fridge. When using the bottom as a freezer without the partition (which is just a flat piece of hard plastic hinged in the middle) the stuff on top, which isn't meant to be frozen, would sit directly on the frozen stuff and freeze as well eg milk. The partition is hinged so that it's easier to get at what you need at the bottom without having to move too much of the top stuff out of the way. And to answer your question we do need to fine tune the thermostat depending what's in there and how much is frozen. If it's left up too high everything freezes. This is probably where a unit with separate sections would be better - but what if you don't want the freezer section - can it be used as a fridge? You'll probably find that the freezer capability isn't used as much as you might imagine - we only use it for the long trips. Not even on long weekends. We don't however take ice cream - unlike one of the other respondents. In that case you'd certainly need the freezer! Cheers.

Thanks Pullsy, they look like a good unit and very similar to the trailblazer definately another on for the list. Mate, do you know of anywhere in Brisbane that sells them ?

NOt sure as I am up in Townsville but I am sure if you ring Ian the owner/ manufacturer on (07) 4122 2246 he will be able to tell you and at the same time give you all the info you need not just salesman gumph. I have rung him a couple of times with questions and he is always super helpful and does not mind explaining his product. Cheers
Pullsy

I also have an Explorer on the drawbar of the camper. Very tough and reliable - except if you clog the thermostats with bulldust! Blown out, they're fine again.

I must admit that I thought that having a freezer while camping was just a bit of a gimmick. However it's fantastic to be able to have an ice-cream on those hot days on the beach. Just think that once people thought that taking a fridge instead of an esky was too much. Same as having an auto 4wd or auto hubs or air conditioning or off road campers and caravans or GPS and laptops. These are now common fare so I am sure that freezers will be too.

We can fit enough food in an Engel 80L for 8 days plus drinks for 2 people. You could last a lot longer but we don't go without when 4wd camping. If you don't need the freezer for a particular trip you can just not turn the dial up as far and then use the thing as one big fridge.

I reckon freezers are a great extra.

You may find it worth looking at the Australian-made Autofridge.

It has a Danfoss compressor but works on a different principle (eutectic) than almost all other fridges.

If used in so-called 'pump-down' mode (run initially flat-out for about 10 hours and then twice a day for about two hours a time for each) it uses about half the energy of the rest.

Mine will hold -14 degrees in +40 degree heat - and runs comfortably from a 120 watt module. Have had it in our OKA for about seven years.

Costs more than most - about $1850 for 40 litre and about $2200 for 70 litre - and worth every cent.
Collyn Rivers