Fridges

Submitted: Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 16:25
ThreadID: 46148 Views:2085 Replies:7 FollowUps:0
This Thread has been Archived
Hi, I'm new, I have looked through some older threads without clear results, so I am starting a new one. If I have done wrong, please, just get over it.
I am looking to upgrade from ice boxes to a 2 or 3 way fridge, and would appreciate views on whether the smaller upright fridges (typically caravan type) would handle being put in back of a 4WD?
I understand that the top load fridges offer better contents security compared with opening a front hinged door, and they would generally be shorter, but would front door style fridges handle the hardship of being moved in and out of the vehicle for gas use at overnight or longer stops?
Cheers
Ian
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Kumunara (NT) - Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 17:00

Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 17:00
Brushmarx

I suggest you steer away from a 3 way fridge. I borrowed one years ago and it worked well on gas but was useless on 12 volt.

I use a trailblaza which is on a fridge slide in shelving in the rear of my vehicle and stays there. The thing is too heavy to move in and out and.

Tjilpi
Life's great and it just keeps getting better

Member
My Profile  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 243998

Reply By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 18:01

Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 18:01
Another vote for Trailblaza here!

AnswerID: 244011

Reply By: PeteS - Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 18:50

Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 18:50
Hi Brushmarx
If you change your mind and look at different fridge type then the link below may help.

It does not cover all brands however its some form of comparison.
www.4wdmonthly.com.au/tips_fridge.php

I have a Bushman which is a 35 litre fridge and came with a 42 and 52 litre lid extension for $960.
The trailblaza mentioned in previous post certainly look like a rugged unit.
Best of luck
PeteS
AnswerID: 244020

Reply By: Graham & Lynne - Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 19:37

Friday, Jun 01, 2007 at 19:37
my Trailblaza is 25 years old compressor is getting tied so runs long than new ones
AnswerID: 244030

Reply By: Izey76 - Saturday, Jun 02, 2007 at 16:10

Saturday, Jun 02, 2007 at 16:10
Hi Brushmarx I started off with a Dometic 3-way fridge when me and the fam spent 4 months around Oz, The fridge worked well on gas but on 12v in the car it was an absolute waste of time. If I travelled all day the fridge would be defrosted by the time I pulled up. Also found it to be wanting when we where up north.

I then borrowed my brother in-laws Weaco 40ltr and it would drain a 75amp/hr battery over night when I had the temp gauge at 1/2 way.

I now own a 60ltr Engel and I can sit in the 1 spot camping for up to 3 days and the battery will still be fine.

As for the upright fridge in the back of the car I think you would be better off with a chest type fridge/freezer as after a day of driving on corrugated roads and the like when you open the upright fridge for that first beer you may have problems with everything falling out and you doing a juggling act trying to catch it all.

Also not sure whether the upright would handle the moving in and out of the car as they are designed to go into caravans and the like and stay in there.

Anyway that's my thoughts hope it helps you in your decision.

Clint
AnswerID: 244180

Reply By: Mike Harding - Saturday, Jun 02, 2007 at 16:26

Saturday, Jun 02, 2007 at 16:26
Ian, if you take the time to do a better search you will find more info on fridges than you can poke _two_ sticks at!

I'm guessing because I haven't used a caravan 3 way in the manner you suggest but... I suspect they would not take to it well, there is some fairly exposed pipework on the rear of them and, I suspect, it would only be a matter of time before you broke it.

I'm a 3 way advocate but (just like Trailblazers, Waecos and Engles) they have their downsides: slow to cool down if you add a six pack/wine cask etc. Less than ideal on 12V but most of the problems are due to poor installation. Not as efficient as compressor fridges in 40C+ but the modern ones are pretty good.

On the plus side; they'll run for ages from a gas bottle, make zero noise and you don't have to take (buy!) generators, batteries, solar panels etc.

Your money, your choice but I'll go for the top line ($1300) Chescold any day.

Mike Harding
AnswerID: 244183

Reply By: brushmarx - Sunday, Jun 03, 2007 at 09:12

Sunday, Jun 03, 2007 at 09:12
My sincere thanks for the information, greatly appreciated.
I guess it's off to the camping show next weekend to twist some arms.
Cheers
Ian
AnswerID: 244292

Sponsored Links