Two Waeco's, One Engel or other options - We have a winner!

[HEM19X]

Well after just over 9,000ks, over 8 weeks, through 4 states, SWMBO has advised that our current fridge/freezer set up needs to be improved - and I tend to agree.

Currently we have a 32L Engel in the CT which, for longer trips is used as a freezer while the 60L ARB lives in the BT50. This works well, except when the vehicle is away from the CT for any length of time - when we need to keep fridge stuff in a cooler bag or esky. Trust me, Ice bricks don't cut it for keeping the beer cold and ice is too hard when travelling.

The fridge slide in the CT is big enough to have 1 large fridge [up to 80L] or 2 smaller ones so, we have a few options:-

1. Buy a "Combo" fridge/freezer - say 60L Engel - Actually 57L when you get technical

2. Buy 2 smaller fridge/freezers - say Waeco CF35's [which are 31L - go figure] which are small enough to fit sideways in the fridge slide. Could go smaller in the Engels but even there 21L's are higher than the 32L, so would need to get a 15L model which is waaay too small.

3. Buy a true fridge/freezer with separate compartments/controls

The height of the unit is also an issue as we want to add storage above the fridge as these items won't fit around & behind the fridge currently fitted with the new set up.

None of the options are cheap but "Happy Wife, Happy Life" I guess.

I'm leaning towards option 2 which will be more flexable but are there any other suggestions?

What other brands are there that offer a true fridge - freezer option?

What issues can you see? - I might need to get a solar array to run them even!!

Thanks

Hem






 

[99disco]

I think the issue you may need to address is how you are powering the fridges. If power is no issue then maybe an 80l waeco fridge freezer or similar could be the go but unfortunately which ever way you go could be quit power hungry.



Shane

[Silvo]

if your current setup is OK, have you thought about adding a little Waeco 10L just to keep your day stuff cold while away from the camper ?

i have this setup - ARB 78L in the camper and a Waeco 10L in the car and we do day trips quite easily with this arrangement.

i've never heard of a good experience with a single fridge/freezer option like the waeco 80/110L setups. if i wanted a true  fridge / freezer option i would buy separate waecos - around 30L, and set one to freeze and one to fridge.

dan

[Matto]

Hemi,

My money is on option 2, I'm afraid. It's the more expensive option, but you don't lose any capacity in the CT (OK, you lose 1L, I'm sure you can deal with it) and you get your fridge in the CT. As Dan says, I'm a fan of seperate units vs a single combo one.

As far as a unit that functions as a proper fridge/freezer, I think National Luna do one with proper seperate compartments with each having it's own temp control. Probably not cheap, and the freezer compartments on the ones I've seen have been pretty small, which might be no good for you. I'd say definately not cheap, but this new model might suit you : http://www.nationalluna.com/NLR90.htm. 50L fridge compartment, 40L freezer compartment. Seperate thermostat for each compartment, the duck's guts.

If you want to go this way, it might be worth talking to someone like EvaKool or Trailblaza (Norcoast) - they might be able to build you a unit with seperate temp control and circuits for each compartment.

But your Option 2 above is probably going to be cheaper than that, especially if you sell the Engle to fund the 2 x Waecos.

EDIT - GetAWaeco currently have  2 x CF35's left as seconds - $745ea : http://getawaeco.com.au/default.asp?id=416&catId=6 .

I've found myself wanting to pick up a little Waeco to use as a seperate freezer myself. Would come in handy.

Good luck!
Matto

[swanny]

option 2 for me, in fact i have that option at the moment, a 40 ltr and a 21 ltr engel, which i use when we head of in the patrol only, usually though i have the CT fridge, and the 40 ltr in the car.

I would defo be leaning toward option 2

Just my 2c worth.

Swanny

[Nomad]

I am looking at option 2 myself at the moment. I have a Waeco 35l fridge / warmer that works really well and want to add a freezer........so no need to buy two fridge/ freezers at $700 each just buy the fridge one for $350 odd and then get a freezer and your in for around  $1150 ish.............

Cheers
Nomad.

[HEM19X]

I am looking at option 2 myself at the moment. I have a Waeco 35l fridge / warmer that works really well and want to add a freezer........so no need to buy two fridge/ freezers at $700 each just buy the fridge one for $350 odd and then get a freezer and your in for around  $1150 ish.............

Cheers
Nomad.

Thanks for the reply's guys, unfortunately Nomad, the ones we are looking are [lower in height] are listed as $949 on Waeco's web site.

Matto, the 2nd's might be worth a look, thanks.

Hem

p.s. not sure why the Strikeout is running through some of the post???

[Nomad]

How low do you need to go?

You can get them better than $949.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Waeco-CF40ac-verb-37l-fridge-freezer-/200763950229?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ebe76c495#ht_1278wt_905

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Waeco-CF40ac-verb-37l-fridge-freezer-/200763950229?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ebe76c495#ht_1278wt_905

Cheers Nomad

[Silvo]

i would also consider other brands like matson, and the ARB ones. which are all similar in design and a little cheaper than waeco.

[Desert lover]

We run two Waecos.  A 50 Ltr and a 40 Ltr.  Normally only need one (50Ltr) as we use the cryovac system for meat and it keeps well just chilled.   The 40 Ltr we normally have on the boat.  It draws about 1.6amp and we can run it and all the boat electrics for a week on a 100ah deep cycle before having to recharge the battery. I'm not sure what the 50 Ltr draw on the power is.

This next trip we will take both the 50 ltr as the fridge and 40 ltr as the freezer - both fit in the back of the Patrol along with a fair bit of gear.

Good luck with your choice.

[SUPA105]

To help with your option 3, checkout Norcoast Refridgeration in Caloundra.....they do a 2 in 1 fridge/freezer starting at 40ltr freezer/50 ltr fridge with a danfoss compressor for each compartment, you will pay a pretty penny for one......but you will do it right and never do it again.

I will probably get flamed but here goes......if you want the gold label of rugged 12/24 volt Refridgeration, Trailblaza fridges and this company are a worthy option.


Cheers

[Silvo]

I will probably get flamed but here goes......if you want the gold label of rugged 12/24 volt Refridgeration, Trailblaza fridges and this company are a worthy option.

Cheers

no flaming from me.. those things are bulletproof - they actually mount them to the outside of tanks.. i wish i could afford one.

[HEM19X]

Bugger, bugger, looks like we have a problem.

The CF35 specs are different to those displayed at BCF!! The length of the CF35 is 580mm, while BCF said 560mm. Seems that the specs were for the CDF35, but these don't run the Danfoss compressor nor do they have 240v [without the need for an adapter].

The problem is the shelf is only 590mm.. and the 240v power cable sticks straight out - about 40mm! I don't suppose an Engel plug will fit?

Another option is to modify the plug and also [maybe] the shelf!

i would also consider other brands like matson, and the ARB ones. which are all similar in design and a little cheaper than waeco.

Nomad, I've checked out the but they are also 580mm long, plus they are 445mm high, which is what I'm also try to avoid.

Thanks Silvo, I open to any & all options - have looked at ARB but will check out the Matson's also

To help with your option 3, checkout Norcoast Refridgeration in Caloundra.....they do a 2 in 1 fridge/freezer starting at 40ltr freezer/50 ltr fridge with a danfoss compressor for each compartment, you will pay a pretty penny for one......but you will do it right and never do it again.

I will probably get flamed but here goes......if you want the gold label of rugged 12/24 volt Refridgeration, Trailblaza fridges and this company are a worthy option.


Cheers

SUPA105, I'm already looking at big $$'s for this so I will look at anything - p.s. SUPA, I hope I don't need a tank to be able to buy a Trailblazer!!

Thanks again for the reply's & suggestions.

 

[SteveandViv]

The problem is the shelf is only 590mm.. and the 240v power cable sticks straight out - about 40mm! I don't suppose an Engel plug will fit?

Just looking at my 60 and 50 and it seems the handles stick out as far as the 240 plug which would mean you need to consider that as well - I think. Is that the same as the 35???

[HEM19X]

The problem is the shelf is only 590mm.. and the 240v power cable sticks straight out - about 40mm! I don't suppose an Engel plug will fit?

Just looking at my 60 and 50 and it seems the handles stick out as far as the 240 plug which would mean you need to consider that as well - I think. Is that the same as the 35???

Steve, the plan was to remove the handles, havent had a chance to check the Engel plugs yet.

Have checked out the The Trailblazer's but they are 600mm high and the Matsons might be OK but  with the lid being "sideways"it might not clear the side of the CT.

Why are things never simple??

[HEM19X]

Problem solved..

Bugger, bugger, looks like we have a problem.

The CF35 specs are different to those displayed at BCF!! The length of the CF35 is 580mm, while BCF said 560mm. Seems that the specs were for the CDF35, but these don't run the Danfoss compressor nor do they have 240v [without the need for an adapter].

The problem is the shelf is only 590mm.. and the 240v power cable sticks straight out - about 40mm! I don't suppose an Engel plug will fit?

Another option is to modify the plug and also [maybe] the shelf!

Thanks Silvo, I open to any & all options - have looked at ARB but will check out the Matson's also

SUPA105, I'm already looking at big $$'s for this so I will look at anything - p.s. SUPA, I hope I don't need a tank to be able to buy a Trailblazer!!

Thanks again for the reply's & suggestions.

 

Took the plunge and bought 2 Waeco CF35's..eventhough there was an issue with the 24ov plug. The option was to drill out a hole in the back of the shelf to allow it to fit however, surprise surprise surprise..I tried an Engel 240 plug [that fits sideways] and IT WORKS! Actually the cable comes out downwards but there is enough room to allow it to fit inside the shelf!

Happy Days, no drilling etc etc.

Thanks again to everyone who helped with this, I will post some pics soon, when I have completed the rest of the mods to the CT.

Thanks again

Mark

[Matto]

Nice work Hemi. That's a top setup. Nice to know about the Engel plug - that's a good trick.

Can't wait for the pics - already know I'lll be very jealous  .

Cheers!
Matto