Fridges and powering them

I own a 40litre Engel with a dual battery setup.....

REASONS::::::
1) Engel is easy to tie down because of large handles.
2) Comes with 240volt power cord and 12volt cord.
3) _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx 2.5amps at its absolute maximum but usually 1 - 1.5amps.
4) Leave fridge in vehicle 24-7-365 and 2nd batt never runs flat.

Can never seem to get a current draw from Waeco, so if somebody knows please tell me.

Solar panels good if in the sun.

I have had up to 8 days without fridge running flat._____________________________________________
Countin the days till July 5th. *Cape York Trip*
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Evakool is more expensive than Waeco but cheaper and better than Engel. Evakool gives you the balance you are looking for and low battery consumption. Evakool is Australian made with correct and proper insulation for all Australian conditions, unlike Waeco and Engel which fail to meet the CEN T (Tropical) standard.
Solar panels are great, but it really depends on how many days you intend to stop for at a time. 80w solar panels are $720 each and in summer one would possibly scrape you through if you move the panel and have it set at the correct angle. For all year round use, you would need 2 x 80w.
A second battery of 100 amp hours charged off your vehicle and using a Versalight 11 watt fluoro (great Australian made quality) should comfortably give you two days parked. To automatically charge the second battery use a Redarc Battery Isolator.

a dual battery is cheap insurance.

Just as there are diferent 4wds there are diferent fridges. Similarly some are more eficient than others but again this depends on how they are used. They all have their limits...
You bought the GU for a reason so perhaps you should consider the Evakool or Autofridge.
I bought the evakool ED70DT so when i dont need the space I can use the freezer section as a eutectic tank with a solution of water and 5% meths (works better than a big block of ice). with this set up i can extend my 75ah battery from 2 days (without killing the battery) to 5+ and maintain <4 degrees. A solar panel would be nice but not suited for my set up or paitence.
Things to look for... Engels have a bad name for compressor failures, WAECO are extreemly good value but there is very little insulation on the lid and if you leave them in the sun (turned off) the plastic lid will warp and never fit properly again.
I used to own a Feroza a great fun and very tuff little truck - I now have a GU...

Check out the Trailblazer series.... big tough fridges that are reliable and do their job well!!!! A second battery won't go astray either!! I saw in Australian 4X4 Monthly April an article that mentions a marine battery isolator switch which gives several options for two batteries.. Both off, either on and both on... a cheap alternative but you must remember to actually use it!!
Cheers
Brian

Go with the ARB fridge, its the best of the engel type.
They have a good dual battery set up AND a good warranty and help alla round aus.

Bazzle

I've owned an Engle for years and I'm still not convinced that they are the best, but you can sure get them repaired in a lot of places.
A dual battery is a great thing but in the GU the auxilliary cradles with a battery in them destroy the wheel arch and the side wall of the engine bay due to the leverage affect of the battery and the metalwork of the GU being cheese in that area. Add to that some corrugated roads and you have a problem thats difficult to fix. I've seen 3 GU's including mine with this problem.
Allan