Engel or not Engel??
Submitted: Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 22:57
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Stolzy
Ok...the big question. I own a 60lt engel fridge that just packed up. The compressor gave way, and have to replace the complete cooling unit. It is about 9 years old. It is going to cost $750 to fix. I know that this certain model wasnt too reliable and alot of people are saying that engel have fixed the problem of better mounting of the compressor etc. I want to get a knew fridge and start from scratch again, but a majority of people say to stick with another engel. I am impressed with the 110lt waeco with its 3 different compartments, but am put off by the plastic shell. Are there any other waeco owners out there that find that this is not a problem?
Thanks....Stolzy.
Reply By: Member - Willem- Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 07:44
Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 07:44
Stolzy,
When my old Engel reached 17 years of age without mechanical problems I passed it on to a friend and it is still in service. It was the 15 litre model. The plastic body however had disintegrated over many rough trips and I had to employ lots of extraordinary methods to keep it together such as rope, wire, glue, fusion, tin plates and screws.
My new 32 litre Engel has run flawlessly now for the past 18 months.
A mate of
mine has a Waeco and he is quite happy with it but had some trouble with the charging accessories when it was new. I think he plugged it in the wrong way and blew a fuse or a diode.Cheers, Willem
Never a dull moment
AnswerID:
18564
Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 09:47
Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 09:47
$750 to fix??? Another reason I happy to pay $8 a day to hire one!
For another ~$350 you get a new one with warranty.. not 60 ltr, but do you need one that big?
As for plastic body, Im with you.. Id be cautious.
Waecos, engels they all have good and bad, try searchin the archives, if you have that much time to read all the threads on it...
AnswerID:
18570
Follow Up By: Stolzy - Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 21:03
Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 21:03
Truckster,
I find it alot more handy having a 60lt, because with a family of 4, you need that extra space for longer trips. Sometimes i even take an esky just to keep drinks in,nd keep the fridge for food only.
Stolzy
FollowupID:
11627
Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 21:59
Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 21:59
No problems dude, thought you would have a reason for a large one!
looked at a 3 compartment new jobby today at Outback accessories in Seaford.. Alan has one there on display.
Again they are all cabinet and no storage.. Shame they arent like an esky!
FollowupID:
11634
Reply By: wherethefugawi - Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 15:14
Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 15:14
Being a fridgie I built one myself similar to a
well known brand that used the older 12v Danfoss Reciprocating compressor.
Mine is 2.5 alloy construction 70mm insulation (as was the unit I copied) and is approx 60l and has worked flawlessly for several years. Being of thick alloy has been a bonus since I did not have it tied down in the beginning as it makes a racket when when it hits the floor after being airborne.... and doesnt show any signs of dents etc , just a few scratches (i have since installed a fridge carrier/harness. Was it worth it to make one myself...i'd have to say yes as it kept me out of way from the missus. Have also got a 60l engel which has also worked flawlessly for 2 yrs ( i scored this for nothing) and as it was only 12months old i would expect it to go for several more yrs yet.
Providing they are not allowed to float/bounce around in the back i cant see why a plastic one shouldnt be as good as the thin walled Engels and others similar. The Engel uses a swing type compressor and is driven by a frequency drive, i think, and both components are fairly costly and there is an additional expense when it comes to fitting a new compressor the cost of labour and refrigerant etc. The Engel i speak above was given as a replacement (a new unit) to one (some 4 yrs old at the time) that the Service agent had had 2 previous attemps at repairing. A very good outcome for the owner and a credit to Engel for honouring their service repair warranty by giving a new fridge...Cant go past good cutomer relations
AnswerID:
18594
Reply By: grayma - Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 15:17
Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 15:17
I have owned a 100lt Trailblaza for about 4 years, was converted after travelling away with family friends who have owned one for about 12 years of trouble
free camping. They are made from a marine grade aluminium and are very durable. Come in several sizes from 40lt and up.
I know they are made in Queensland and are only available from there.
Give them a try they were quite reasonbly priced compared to the engel!
MSG
AnswerID:
18595