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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: GeeTee on September 25, 2013, 11:31:38 AM

Title: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: GeeTee on September 25, 2013, 11:31:38 AM
I'm doing a design/layout for a special build vehicle that, due to space restrictions, will require a small (less than 40L) fridge. I know what I need to know about the 40L+ size fridges, but not smaller ones: I guess 15 to 30L will be around right.

System requirements and dimensions TBA...

So, folks, gimme a crash-course in small fridge brands and features - compressor units and thermo jobbies. And drawer types, too, if anyone has some experience...?


Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: achjimmy on September 25, 2013, 11:52:39 AM
I'm doing a design/layout for a special build vehicle that, due to space restrictions, will require a small (less than 40L) fridge. I know what I need to know about the 40L+ size fridges, but not smaller ones: I guess 15 to 30L will be around right.

System requirements and dimensions TBA...

So, folks, gimme a crash-course in small fridge brands and features - compressor units and thermo jobbies. And drawer types, too, if anyone has some experience...?

Don't waste your time with Thermo units IMO. Engel do a 15l & 21L both using the same swing compressor as the bigger units.

Waeco do some smaller 15, 25s etc that use the Danfoss compressor (or Chinese licensed version) I was keen on the 25l but the problem with the smaller waecos is they have no handles or brackets to hold them down! You need this hold down kit which is $70-80 an ordinary as well.
Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: britts on September 25, 2013, 12:42:25 PM
Primus do an 18lt compressor fridge that runs a danfos I think.
Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: JCOJ on September 25, 2013, 01:18:20 PM
I have one of the little Waecos and love it - we use it as a freezer.

In theory you need a Hold Down Kit - but it is just a theory.  We just use a strap and strap it into the slide and have had absolutely no issues with it moving around.
Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: GeeTee on September 25, 2013, 01:29:33 PM
the fridge will be an install/permanent so I will try to screw-into the base as I do with the normal GT campers stuff 
hey thanks folks, keep the suggestions/experiences coming
Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: chester ver2.0 on September 25, 2013, 01:39:34 PM
Try the iron man 30l i like it cause it is one of the few smaller ones that has dedicated 240 and 12 plugs most of the others i looked at only had a 12v plug and you had to use the supplied inverter for 240 volts adding another connection that could work its way loose
Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: Traveller on September 25, 2013, 07:57:21 PM
I have been looking at Trailblaza to add as freezer. They come in 20, 25, 30, 35 litre models.

They are expensive but seem to get good reviews. I just need to take the step at buying one.
Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: fuji on September 26, 2013, 12:16:00 PM
I have been looking at Trailblaza to add as freezer. They come in 20, 25, 30, 35 litre models.

They are expensive but seem to get good reviews. I just need to take the step at buying one.



Definitely my next fridge. Unfortunately the biggish one won't fit into an Aussie Swag. If you email them they will send out a DVD and brochure foc. Selling my Engel too.
Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: Nomad on September 26, 2013, 06:52:36 PM
I have a 37l Waeco fridge and it goes good.
Its about 55cm long by 35cm wide.
I couldnt find a small fridge slide anywhere, well that didnt take up a third of the 150's cargo space, so made a small one 600mm long.
That still allows me to fit a battery in an ark pack behind it if I want or more storage space.

I was going to bolt it onto the battery slide but decided to use straps as one of the great things about these smaller fridges is there portability. I didn't by a handle kit, I just strap through the normal ones and have had no problems so far.

Look forward to seeing your end product on this one.
Title: Re: small fridges - what's out there?
Post by: Dion on September 27, 2013, 02:23:06 PM
I have an 18L Waeco in a slide out drawer in the camper tub.  This has the drinks/stuff you grab most often.  The 40L fridge is inside the camper and contains the stuff you get once or twice a day (i.e. to prep a meal).

I also have a 20L Trailblaza that gets used in our sedan (long and low, so you can open it up while in the boot).