Fridge/Freezers
- Thread starter mountainpete
- Start date
BajaTaco
Swashbuckler
Scott, regarding rooftop solar, that would require you to pass up perfectly good shady parking spots in favor of direct sun (with your fridge and gear inside the cabin, suffering as a result), not to mention the breakage liability, and also constantly having to clean the panels (dirty panels don't won't get you maximum charging). How about a portable panel that could be stored on a slide-out tray mounted under your tent? You could use some cables and a lightweight stand to set it on the ground and also be able to track the sun as the day wears on. the roll-up panels are very cool, but not sure they will produce as much power as the conventional panels for the same price and area.
freightdog
Observer
Scott Brady
Founder
I have said this before, but after a good quality set of tires, the freeze/fridge is the next best mod for an exploration rig.
Only those without them disagree with me... :shakin:
I am really looking forward to having the second battery installed (with the isolator), temp gauge installed and the transit bag. After talking with Engel at SEMA last year, I really need to make getting one a priority! The transit bag not only protects the unit, but improves its efficiency with additional insulation.
Only those without them disagree with me... :shakin:
I am really looking forward to having the second battery installed (with the isolator), temp gauge installed and the transit bag. After talking with Engel at SEMA last year, I really need to make getting one a priority! The transit bag not only protects the unit, but improves its efficiency with additional insulation.
Desertdude
Expedition Leader
I set up the Engel with the transit bag and slide lock about 3 months ago- It has made a hugh diff in the amount of work the unit has to perform. Especially in the over 100 degree heat. It is a nice fit, and not to hard to get used to opening and closing. I would like to monitor the inside temp - Scott what have you found?
Scott Brady
Founder
Great feedback Pasquale, thanks.
I am going to use a cyberdyne temp guage, most likely set in the dash (passenger side). The air pressure and outside temp guages will be next to it. That is the next project
I am going to use a cyberdyne temp guage, most likely set in the dash (passenger side). The air pressure and outside temp guages will be next to it. That is the next project
blupaddler
Conspirator
Really, fridge/freezer that soon?
I am currently thinking about snorkel vs. fridge/freeze.
I know Vince has the Waeco (coolmatic) model. The rest of you all have the Norcold versions with the ARB/Engel brand stamped on them correct? Does anyone else have any feedback on the Waeco models? They sell reconditioned models on their website for about half price. But I am weary of the quality and long-term reliability. And the little voice in the back of my head keeps saying something about GoodTimes once sig., Price is soon forgotten, quality is not.
I am currently thinking about snorkel vs. fridge/freeze.
I know Vince has the Waeco (coolmatic) model. The rest of you all have the Norcold versions with the ARB/Engel brand stamped on them correct? Does anyone else have any feedback on the Waeco models? They sell reconditioned models on their website for about half price. But I am weary of the quality and long-term reliability. And the little voice in the back of my head keeps saying something about GoodTimes once sig., Price is soon forgotten, quality is not.
Attachments
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
One thing I like about Vince's fridge opposed to the engle/ARB/norcold/whatever is the exterior case is plastic vs steel. This is one of the few applications where I think I prefer plastic. It will probably prove more durable in the long run if you tend to have stuff floating around in the back of your rig. The steel will dent, paint will scrape off, etc., where the plastic won't. Granted, the steel shell isn't going to get a few dents and fall apart...the functionality won't be diminished....but I think they will show the wear and tear much more than the plastic, cooler-esque outer shell of the Waeco.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy more ice for my cooler....
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy more ice for my cooler....
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Scott Brady
Founder
BajaTaco
Swashbuckler
blupaddler said:I am currently thinking about snorkel vs. fridge/freeze.
Get the FRIDGE!!!! Hands down. You can avoid deep water crossings easier than you can avoid soggy sandwiches
blupaddler said:The rest of you all have the Norcold versions with the ARB/Engel brand stamped on them correct? Does anyone else have any feedback on the Waeco models?
Yes, I have a Norcold. I can say it is a very robust piece of equipment thus far, and from all of the comments I have read on the aussie forums, they are fairly bulletproof. It is not uncommon to see reports of 20+ yr. old units still in operation. I agree on the handsome and durable appearance of the Waeco that Vince has. It is NICE! My Norcold was a "freight damaged" unit, whereby the thin sheetmetal grill that encloses the compressor/motor assy. was dented in. So yes, I agree that this particular part of the unit is easily dented (but is only cosmetic). The body with the ridgid cooler box would be a little harder to dent, but again, I think the plastic would be very durable providing it never cracks. At least I know the metal will not crack, so that is good. Robb, I would have do some searching on the http:www.exploreoz.com forum to get some reports and opinions from long-term waeco owners. There are lots of people using them there.
Regarding temperature monitoring, here is what I ended up doing . A fairly simple setup/install that works good.
BTW, if by any chance, anyone out there is reading this thread that has a Fridge-Freeze or Artique fridge (sold in Tucson!), it would be fun to hear from you.
blupaddler
Conspirator
Regarding the Fridge-Freeze. There is a dealer here on Mission Bay, selling them primarily to boat owners. The guy producing them is in San Diego too. Apparently he is from South Africa. The people I have talked too so far have had nothing but positive comments.
There were rumors flying around for a while that they might be putting them on the fire trucks to keep drinks cold, etc.
There were rumors flying around for a while that they might be putting them on the fire trucks to keep drinks cold, etc.
blupaddler
Conspirator
Yeah, that is kinda pricey. But the stainless steel is a good option for the marine environment.
There is also a guy on craigslist, in the LA area, selling two Norcold 40's for $500 each. Maybe someone can bargain with him.
There is also a guy on craigslist, in the LA area, selling two Norcold 40's for $500 each. Maybe someone can bargain with him.
cshontz
Supporting Sponsor
Sorry to dig up an older thread, but I run an Engel/ARB 32L fridge. I can get at least 24 hours out of it at a moderate setting with an Optima Yellow Top, and an otherwise stock electrical system.
My only complaint is the exterior construction is prone to bumps and bruises. You're going to want to make absolute certain that this unit is strapped down at all times.
A good fridge-freezer is definately one of those things that once you have, you'll wonder how you ever lived without, expedition or not.
My only complaint is the exterior construction is prone to bumps and bruises. You're going to want to make absolute certain that this unit is strapped down at all times.
A good fridge-freezer is definately one of those things that once you have, you'll wonder how you ever lived without, expedition or not.