Waeco not getting down to wanted temp

What model?

I have both a CF50 & a CF35 and we actually made ice from warm water on the Canning whilst driving. How big is the cable to the fridge power outlet as voltage drop will cause this - it needs a good power supply.

Cheers

Colin

The hotter it is outside, the harder it will be to get very low temps. Do you really need -8? What do you have in it.
If needed to go low, try putting fridge in the shade. Under car, tree etc.
Don't leave it sitting in the back of a car.
Make sure there is plenty of circulation.

I had a similar problem with my engel coming down from Darwin going through the kimberleys on an extremely hot summer. Apparently car fridges are only rated to cool 45deg below ambient temperature at the most. This would also depend on air circulation, power getting to the fridge, how many times it gets opened.

Cheers

Serendipity

Hi. Does your Waeco have a cover? If so does it have plenty of air flow ventilation around the compressor area. They need both to perform properly in high temperatures. Bob.

As serendipity said most fridges are only designed to pull down to 45deg below the ambient temp.
From reading the post it seems you have it in a box on a Topaz. I can't think of a much hotter place to have a fridge and the surrounding air it is using to pass through the heat exchanger is already being heated by itself and the outside radiant heat onto the box.

1. Wrap heat reflecting/insulating material around the Topaz fridge box, tie it on, tape it on but do something to keep the suns radiant heat from getting to the box. Also fit a cooler bag or place a sleeping bag directly over the fridge to help its insulation, ensure fridge vent areas are not covered though. This will help.
and/or
2. The airflow through the Topaz box is possibly/probably minimal and if you have a computer fan running "full time" to pump as much air through the box as is practical will allow the heat exchanger of the fridge to try and do it's job of getting the heat from in the fridge.
or
3. Put the fridge in the vehicle where it might receive a cool air supply from open windows etc.
or
4. Put Fridge inside Topaz where it may be cooler during the day and open top vents if fitted to provide circulation inside the van.
The van designers idea of the fridge in the box is a questionable idea unless elaborate ventilation is also included in the design.

I would think the fridge is working as hard as it can and needs some help.

Waeco's don't like low voltage or lack of ventilation - Do you have any error lights flashing?

Easiest test is to switch the red emergency switch to make the fridge run all the time. This bypasses all electrics and internal temp senders. You will know pretty quckly if the fridge is capable of pulling a lower temp

You aren't the only people who have problems with Waeco fridge operation in a Topaz.
We met another couple recently who have been in despute with Track Trailers for over 3 years with regard to poor fridge performance and dust ingress.
External venting of the fridge is necessary for good operation, but as the fridge is located on the rear panel - then any improved venting will result in more dust!

Sugest you contact track trailers and ask about a fix.

Track were unable to rectify excessive ballweight on the Tvan Murranji (with front box option) that was causing chassis flexing on our Ford Ranger. Eventually after trying many options the trailer was returned for a full refund.