Trailblaza vs Engel
Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 12:41
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swabo
Planning 5wk trip to Top end this year.Seems time has come to purchase a "real" esky commonly known as fridge.
Would appreciate advise on how the Trailblaza & Engel in 60ltr have performed and any problems (Including battery drain.)
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 13:01
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 13:01
Gets down to what you are prepared to pay.
Either would be a good choice, but by sheer number of retailers selling the Engel brand, you would have a better chance with accessories and should be able to scout around for the best deal.
AnswerID:
221397
Reply By: Hayjude - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 13:20
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 13:20
A mate of
mine has had his 60 litre engle since dec 83 has had no probs with fridge or battery trouble, so that would be a fair advert for engle. he is going to the kimberlys in august and has problems with taking it
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Follow Up By: Hayjude - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 13:27
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 13:27
that should have been NO probs taking it
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Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 17:58
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 17:58
I've always been an engel advocate too, but my 3 year-old (ARB clone) just karked it on the weekend!!!!! ggrrrrrrr
I've got it at the Engel man at
Crystal Brook at the moment to see if he can breathe new life into it; or will he pronounce it D.O.A.????!!!!!
Either way, I'm looking closely at the options ATM......
I'd love a Autofridge, but apparently they run to about $1,900- for the 41 litre model!!!!!!!!!!! OUCH!!!!!!!! That's more than I'd be prepared for a new house-size fridge!!!!!!!!
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482210
Reply By: Gronk - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 13:40
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 13:40
These two were on my short list ( I bought a Waeco ) and either would be a good choice. The reason I got the Waeco was , -- weight ! If I
camp for more than 1 night I want to lift it out and put it next to the CT, and at 20kg's the Waeco was 10 to 15 kg's lighter than the other two.
But horses for courses, and if I was to pick between them I would choose the Trailblazer ! Australian made ( I know, I bought a chinese one ), no nonsense tough exterior and good insulation ( can even get better with 100mm plus as an extra )
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Reply By: Des Lexic - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 14:07
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 14:07
I have a Trailblazer 70l model (10 years old now) and they are a very strong and robust unit. very efficient with the thick insulation. Downside is the weight but I guess that is part of the reason why they are so strong.
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Follow Up By: swabo - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 14:11
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 14:11
have you ever had any problems with battery drain on longer trips ?
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Follow Up By: Des Lexic - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 16:47
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 16:47
Swabo, I have a 100amp AGM battery and it takes a couple of days of heavy use to get to the cut out point where the Trailblazer won't work. (9.6volts I think) A couple of times I've had small issues but Trailblazer have always been very prompt with after sales service. Member No1 built his own version as he recons theyre the Ducks Nuts. He is qualified to tell you more about them.
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Reply By: kiwicol - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 16:23
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 16:23
another one to consider is the explorer ozzy made and all the same specs as the trailblazer with the explorer the freezer compartment is seperate to the fridge so u dont have to unload fridge to get at freezer food this helps save the cold air and power consumption all 3 use about the same amount of power drain col
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Reply By: spliney - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 17:38
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 17:38
Swabo
Both are quality. Trailblaza is heavier and chunkier - probably physically stronger.
I've had the 60L Trailblaza for 18 months. I agonised over options and eventually went for the "RC Special". Cost an arm and a leg, but I've been very pleased with it.
(Which other company enjoys such a great reputation AND is open for service enquiries 365 days per year?)
Regards
Spliney
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Reply By: rolande- Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 18:27
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 18:27
Swabo,
Trailblaza only a phone call away and will post any item or accessory you may require. Know this form first hand experience.
Second thing is any fridge mechanic will repair a danfoss compressor, but Engel usualy needs to go to a specialist repairer.
Hope this helps
Rolande
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 18:29
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 18:29
Have an engel, because I got it for a good price 2nd hand from a member of the family. Worked great for 20 plus years, and still going strong.
Trailblazer have a good name, are supposedly more effecient, and larger, and more expensive. So can you afford it, and do you have room for it? If yes, go for it.
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Reply By: Bros 1 - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 19:51
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 19:51
swabo,
I have an 80 lt Trailblaza jobbie with temp gauge, freeze switch and voltmeter options. The reason i bought a trailblaza was i used to go away on trips from 12/15 years ago with one of the mates who had a 100 lt model. That fridge copped plenty in the open back of his ute for years and is still going strong to this day.
Mine cost $1700 four years ago. Engel also have a good reputation, as
well as Autofridge. Your choice.
Cheers,
Bros.
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Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 20:15
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 20:15
Hi swabo
Our Fridges will only be here in May 2007 but in time for the QLD show. Have a look at these results in the mean time.
Test
The Engel is a good option in the 57L and performs
well.
Regards
Derek.
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221497
Reply By: Crackles - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 21:22
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 21:22
Trailblaza is by far the better fridge if you have the space. With their much superior insulation they definately work more efficiently particually in the extreme heat.
Engel. Reasonable quality, lighter & easy to handle, more compact, removable lid, cheap.
Trailblaza. Tough, excellent in the heat, heavy, quality unit, dearer price, Ozy made.
Cheers Craig...........
73L Autofridge.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: SteveL - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 21:58
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 21:58
I have a 60L Trailblaza.They are the best fridge on the market easy claim to make,but true in this case.Only downside is they are large and quite heavy.
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Reply By: pajdid - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 23:41
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 23:41
I have 60lt Trailblazer mounted to draw bar on front of camper trailer Tuff as. Have had for about 10years, excellent. Only down fall is size and bulk if you want to carry inside vehicle
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Reply By: pjd - Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 at 09:42
Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 at 09:42
engel is no competition if you have the room get the trailblazer 60ltr=100 can capacity & a dozen snags
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