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Author Topic: Trying to decide on a camping fridge!! Please help!  (Read 9953 times)
Timmers
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« on: December 02, 2013, 09,16:04 AM »

Over the last two weeks iv been ummming and aring over portable camping fridges, I cant really decide and iv filled my head with so much research and information iv given my self a headache over this whole situation,
I will be buying new. The contestants are...

Engle
Waeco
Bushman
Arb

Discuss! i wanna know what you've chosen? Size? and why!
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Ian Robinson
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« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2013, 09,25:37 AM »

We spoke about this. Just go buy a 40 litre Engel. Plenty big enough for work and a week away, will stand being permantly mounted outside on a ute tray and they just work.
In 20 years time you will be glad you bought an engel.
And buy a bag for it or the 50th anniversary model which is what I would buy if I needed a new one.
« Last Edit: December 02, 2013, 09,27:27 AM by Ian Robinson » Logged

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john t
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« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2013, 09,27:37 AM »

we have been running 2 bushman fridges for around 5 years
solid and I think the dealer in in Eltham  
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Timmers
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Posts: 276



« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2013, 09,47:33 AM »

We spoke about this. Just go buy a 40 litre Engel. Plenty big enough for work and a week away, will stand being permantly mounted outside on a ute tray and they just work.
In 20 years time you will be glad you bought an engel.
And buy a bag for it or the 50th anniversary model which is what I would buy if I needed a new one.

Yeh we have spoken about it, but im a careful buyer,i wanna more opinions.
Iv just read the 4wd magazine fridge review and the engle didn't even place, there's new technology and ideas that all these other fridges are running with now.

Yeh the bushman dude lives and operates out of research john
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Alwr
Full Member 2013/2014

Posts: 524



« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2013, 09,56:24 AM »

40ltr Engel with the transit bag!!!! Food for two for three days and a slab of beer. (Arh, the old days)
40ltr keeps the three of us going for food and enough drinks cold if you use the one in, one out policy for about a week. Low amp draw and better compressor than Waeco. But Waeco is leighter been plastic and has a turbo function and dairy bit. If you use the proper socket with an Engel you end up with a screw thread on the end of your lead so it never bounces undone whilst bush. And the basket means its easier to load you stuff inside and just drop the basket in when its time to go. Also the fact you can have your 240v plugged in without an inverter box, so when the car is in the drive awaiting your trip you run it from an extention lead un plug it when you leave, all whilst your 12v plug is still connected ready to go. No stuffen about.
Just my views, Al


As for the mags. 4wd Auction is always easy to workout which product will rate at the top of the list. Just look who's sponsoring Roothy's truck that month? Roothy has all the stuff and fridges at his disposal, yet still grabs his beers from a well travelled Engel?
« Last Edit: December 02, 2013, 10,05:01 AM by Alwr » Logged
David Smith
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« Reply #5 on: December 02, 2013, 10,54:23 AM »

Got an Engel myself,
14 years old been 3/4 the way round oz some with me some without me but its only the last 12 months ive had to keep an eye on the temp in it to check it doesnt frezze stuf on the bottom.

It proberly just wants a new thermostat but at its age ill buy another and have 2
a new one for the food
the old for the beer  Smiley

Waco's are nice because you can load them and them lift them into your car without breaking your back.

Rowens had his waco for about 6 years i think, no problems with it now but i think it flashed up a few codes when it was new.



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stewby
Full Member 2013/2014

Posts: 29



« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2013, 11,53:57 AM »

I've had a 40lt engle for about 8 or 9 years. I did have an issue with the power supply unit in it malfunctioning after a couple of years ( it started being a bit tempremental and not turning the compressor on). Had that replaced and it has run like a dream ever since. ( I think it might of been a bad batch as a mate bought one around the same time as me and had the same problem) I know a few people who have had an engle for over 15 years exposed in the back of their utes and have never had a problem.
Don't know much about the other brands when I bought mine the only real choice was either engle or Waco.
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Alwr
Full Member 2013/2014

Posts: 524



« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2013, 09,16:24 PM »

The other bit that matters more than the fridge you select? Is how well your dual batteries are done in your car, as this impacts how well the fridge runs and it performance. Most people spend $1200 or more on a fridge. But then save $20 on the cable to run it  Roll Eyes Im happy to park the cruzier for 4 days without starting it or tripping the second battery to help out.
Al
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Tim Dykes
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« Reply #8 on: December 02, 2013, 09,45:43 PM »


 Tim, I am a Waco man. The man reason is the plastic case, plastic does not transfer heat like metal does and the plastic of the Waco is a strong as the others.

When I brought my Waco they were the best performing power wise over time so total battery draw was less, I haven't looked lately to compare one to the other in power terms but I'd bet the Waco would still be one of the best. The fridge control unit on the Waco is easy to use and gives good info on how the fridge is going.

I think you get more fridge for your $$$$$ with a Waco.

My 35 litre one lives in the back of the 80 always on. I also have a 50 litre one is for when we are away on longer camps to carry the food while the 35 is the drinks fridge.

Someone at the last meeting said they were selling a 50litre Waco, was it Colin Boyd?
   
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« Reply #9 on: December 03, 2013, 12,09:51 AM »

Colin is selling a Wacko, check the gen meet minutes Tim W.

I run a 40 ltr Engle with a cover and touch wood it's been fine for 6 years. In the back of the Prado for about 60,000ks now including some off road and 40 plus degree days.
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Timmers
General Member
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« Reply #10 on: December 03, 2013, 05,50:17 AM »

Thanks for all the help everyone its all very much appreciated, still having trouble deiciding but iv knocked the bushman off my list as i dont like the design.

The new waecos are a brilliant piece of work with good features and uses the least power and its best insulated. so I'm leaning towards them also a 3year warranty and 2 year extended.
Engel are just plane old engel theres nothing special except they have been around for 5o+ years, which makes them so good but im leaning away now as they do use the most power and have the worst insulation.
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Ken R
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« Reply #11 on: December 03, 2013, 06,46:10 AM »

It's been a while since I looked at buying, but it sounds like Engle could be going the way of the British motorcycle industry.

Whatever you do Tim, it will be cool man Grin Grin
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Timmers
General Member
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Posts: 276



« Reply #12 on: December 03, 2013, 10,51:17 AM »

It's been a while since I looked at buying, but it sounds like Engle could be going the way of the British motorcycle industry.

Whatever you do Tim, it will be cool man Grin Grin

Haha!
Gone off the waecos now and looking at the arb one, it won the 4wd action shoot out. And I feel as though 47lt is spot on.
I also like the design, drain plug, usb charger, good display and a really nice locking mechanism.
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Football, Basketball and soccer all require one ball... Riding dirt bikes requires Two.
boots
Full Member 2013/2014

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« Reply #13 on: December 03, 2013, 11,32:07 AM »

Waeco, CF50 it can be a fridge or a freezer or both and it just works... Grin
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Ian Robinson
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« Reply #14 on: December 03, 2013, 07,42:45 PM »

If you really want the ARB one, ARB have an open day at their main Kilsyth store on Saturday. You may get a better deal on one if you show up. From memory it is from 9 am to 3 pm.
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