Tropical 3 way

Mixo, for what it's worth, 99% if not 100% of caravans use gas/electric fridges - most don't have 12 volts being the only difference between them and the Chescold. They work just fine in Far north Queensland. I've spent a lot of time up there with my van. I've also used a Finch in the back of the wagon in Queensland in summer as far as Townsville. Stinking hot and it worked fine. Many will tell you that they don't work well in extremes but most often they are people who don't own one!

Had the blue Chescold with the freezer divider. Would periodically stop working on 12V, Gas and 240 and required turning upside down for a couple of hours to get it working again. Had it to repair places in Brisbane and Darwin and was advised to get rid of it. Had to throw out many kilos of meat on cape york.

I ran 6mm wiring to the fridge, was religious on trying to keep it level and well ventilated. In the end, I've replaced it with a 60L Evakool and haven't looked back.

There has been a lot discussion on this before - do a search on 3 way frigs.
The frig only needs to be level on gas - I have added a little spirit level to help with getting it level. Try rotating the frig (turning it over through 360 degrees as recommended by others). If you already have a heavy dedicated power wire the other modification is to add a 12v fav from a computer to the rear section which improves the air circulation around the heat sink. I also covered my Sadec (it is 20 years old !) with a self adhesive backed foam - aluminium foil from Clark Rubber. The heavy wire, fan and foil made a huge difference to the inside temperature. The cooling element inside now frosts up on 12v which it never did before the mods.
Compressor frigs are better in extreme conditions but don't have the versatilaty of running on gas when camped at one spot for extended periods - and they are expensive. Don't give up on the Chescol yet!
Colin - Subaru Forester
- size isn't everything ! -

All good comment folks....thanks....I'm inclined to hang on to it at this stage... it rarely stops... have not needed to invert it much at all. I do use a spirit level. Have put the 12 volt fan in for mobile use...always runs on gas when we stop (and that gas factor is a bonus). I did put a small Dick Smith digi thermometer in it....... probe inside the fridge - readout module on the dash - can monitor 12 volt performance while mobile. Whatever. Gotta have red sand on those boots !

I have taken a three-way to Cape York and over the Simpson. The more time you spend getting the setup (wiring in car) the better. I find the only limit is hot weather over rough roads. I'm not fully aware of the mechanics but I understand the power heats an element which heats some sort of fluid which then creates cold. If the fluid is being unsettled by rough roads it probably isn't heating properly.

I take a small line level which really helps. I dont have a burning desire to buy a compressor fridge.

Peter