Truckfridge

[jfarsang]

Fridge decision

We're looking for a fridge in our camper.

Looking at all of our options. We were leaning heavily towards the Engel 60 until I found these.

Now I'm really thinking about the Evakool one. Made for the auzzie outback and efficient.

I like the idea of the separate compartment for a freezer.

Opinions ?

Evakool 70L

http://www.icemate.com.au/Fridgemate Website/My Webs/fridgemate_fridgefreezers.htm


COMPRESSOR - Danfoss 12/24v DC Compressor - BD35
CABINET - One piece, tough, food grade high impact polyethylene walls - Averaging 45mm in thickness.
INSULATION - High quality ISO POLYOL Refrigeration Foam.

DIMENSIONS (Model FM70)
Length - 1020mm
Width - 460mm
Height - 480mm
Weight - 22 Kilograms
Compressor Size - BD35
Capacity - 70 Litre

 

[RoundOut]

We're looking for a fridge in our camper.

I would think if there is one, it would be easy to find in your camper. Sorry, I couldn't resist. :coffeedrink:

I have an Engle 45 that I use in my office when not overlanding and I love it. If I had a camper, though, having an upright fridge would be pretty nice. I don't have any knowledge of their claim that the Danfoss is better than the swing arm compressor. There was a great fridge article in Overland Journal a while back. Also, Wil Kuhns (FlyingWil) did a great article on Engle fridges for ExPo here.

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[jfarsang]

Also, Wil Kuhns (FlyingWil) did a great article on Engle fridges for ExPo here.

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Great article. :chef:

We have a year left to plan our interior so it's not a rush. :coffeedrink:

I just didn't realize there were other options similar to the Engels.

Unfortunately, the Engel's seem to be almost twice as expensive as it's competition over in Australia.

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

Great article. :chef:

I just didn't realize there were other options similar to the Engels.

Unfortunately, the Engel's seem to be almost twice as expensive as it's competition over in Australia.

There are three fridges with similar sizes, features and accessories that I know of that are readily available in the USA:

Engel (least expensive ~ $700USD for a 45L): Flyingwill can help you out there...however, they (Engel) have some fixes they need to make to get them up to ARB standards - transit bag (fridge door clasp access, hold down clips access), hold down clips, thermometer, etc.

ARB (most up to date, ~10% more than Engel) - recent entry with initial model fixing most Engel problems, newest model has more plastic - just entered market

National Luna (most expensive (> twice above) on the market) Considered top of the line, best of breed, commercial applications like organ transport, etc.

Having said this, the unit you mentioned may appear less expensive even in OZ $ (RRP $999 =~ $650 USD), however they are in OZ and they may not have a rep here (?) as yet. Given transport/freight costs, currency conversion, duty, taxes and distribution, mark up, they may well be more than the above. This all changes if you pick it up in OZ. The are larger in size and not only in capacity but over all size. Nothing wrong with a Danfoss compressor one of the best! I only see the one handle for a tie down point, where is the other? Great warranty, much better than the three above which are for about 3 years at best.

Now, there are others (coolers - much cheaper and work well for their market niche) but I do not know if they can take the beating of overland expeditions, etc. or if they can actually freeze foods or keep them frozen.

 

[jfarsang]

Good points.

Making more notes and doing more research :ylsmoke: