Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 10:57
Hi pixiemops,
The chescold I used was a early 1990's vintage and was a mustard colour from memory. The engels I used was also from that same era and I know both types have improved their efficiencys since then.
Also, the wiring would not have been as heavy duty as it should have been, approx 4mm2 I guess, not the 6+mm2 that should be used. But the same wiring was used for both fridges.
I won't pretend that my comparison was necessarily "fair", but it was a genuine comparison between two different types in real life conditions using the same veichle in similair weather conditions (both hot!), conditions that many 4WDer's place their fridges under. And the differences were very significant, one kept everything ice cold and the other was better used as an esky. Perhaps a harsh comment but one that comes from my experience.
I have found that 3 ways are more suited for extended stays when electrical power is in short supply (and weather not too extreme) while compressor fridges are very suited to daily use on 12V while on or off the road, as
well as extended stays if you have some means of powering it (and there lies the 3-ways biggest advantage!!!).
Choosing between a compressor and 3 way fridge is relatively easy - just work out what you camping needs typically are. Deciding on which brand to buy,
well thats much more subjective - just look at all the engels vs weaco posts with no definitive answer :)
Cheers
Captain
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