rc1180 chescold freezer temperature

Thanks Captain

My real life experiece on 12v is different. I have had the car correctly wired on 12v for the fridge which means a dedicated wire from the battery (at least 6mm2 ). I don't leave the fridge in direct sun either. I find that the unit performs great on 12v when travelling as long as you have a good set up. An auto electrician set it up for me.

Also you never mentioned what unit you used. I would always suggest people buy the green or blue one. I have the cheaper grey finch and while it worked great for me for a number of years the blue one is certainly much more powerful. I put a fan under the condenser fins at the back in grey finch which made a world of difference to that (turned it into a freezer on 12v if i wasnt careful and turn it down) and I have also put a fan in my rc1180.

I respect that everyone has a fridge that they like and is suited to them . I think the chescold is great and for me I don't like the idea of having a duel battery solar set up etc just to go camping. Regards.

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

I understand they say allow 400g (worst case) per day for the Chescold RC1180, however really more likely 350g.

Matt

PS Mine arrives tomorrow and we head off for a week in Bendethra, will report back then with some real numbers. Temps here are around the 30-36c at the moment.

Thanks, that sounds like brissy temps. These units are looking increasingly attractive.

Hi troopy

I did use that connector and do agree it seems a bit clumsy . I bought a small computer fan from the 12volt shop about 160mA I think and mounted it inside the back just under the top most coil . There is a small gap there could just squeeze it in and mounted it onto the steel wall there.

Then i connected the fan wires to that dodgy plug. Just before the plug on the positive fan lead I put in a 6amp power diode so the flow of current can only go one way into the fan. Then after the diode and before the fan I attached 1 lead to the positive fan wire and another to the negative and fed them outside of the fridge. I attached aligator clips to the ends outside the fridge then when camping I can attach a small rechargeable 12v battery to the aligator clips to run the fan. The diode stops current from trying to run the fridge as well. All is sweet when on the road as the diode still lets current go that way into the fan if you know what i mean.

Think you could just hard wire it straight through and solder the wires onto the ends that plug into the back of that dodgy plug. My other finch doesnt have a plug the wire just goes straight through.

Feel the fan must help alot as when running you can feel the heat built up at the top of the condenser and with the fan on she is nice and cool up there allowing the fridge to do more work. I havent done a check on temps starting with a 2l bottle I had a few 500ml ones in there. Sounds o.k though. Im always a bit cautious when it comes to temperature readings . I work in a lab and there can be a big difference between different thermometers. Good luck think you will be more than happy .

Regards