Looking to buy a Trailblaza. Need some advice.

[Sawed-Off]

Finally decided to get a fridge. It will live in the tray of my ute while traveling. I know Engel/Waeco are good fridges, but I want something that doesn't live in a black bag while it's out in the sunlight.

Actually, I want to be off grid with it when I use it, probably stationary location for 1-2 weeks. I'm leaning heavily toward the 5" insulation models. Most likely a 60L job. Will use solar. Use will be mostly fridge, with occasional part freezer. Only really opening it at breakfast, and in the evening for tea/beers.

My main question is - what accessories and add ons should I get? Mainly I'd like the temp gauge and 240V adapter, and a different colour for the fibreglass (plastic?) top (I don't know why, but the light blue reminds me of a toilet seat). I'm considering the low voltage LED. $88 for a freezer separator seems over the top. Same for the 4x $55 handles, and 4x turnbuckle kit. What about the different finishes?

What do you like about yours, and what would you have done differently? Did you add things afterwards, like fridge baskets?

http://www.norcoast.com.au/ for the uninitiated.

[alnjan]

Our Trailblaza is about 20 yrs old and still going strong.  We have a 60 litre model with the 75mm insulation.  We got a volt meter and the 240v kit.  We have never worried about baskets etc and after playing around with the fridge and how you pack it makes a big difference. What you want frozen, pack on the bottom and using thick cardboard as you pack up the fridge go from what you want frozen to what you want kept cool on top with the cardboard between the layers. 

[Shane083]

hey mate, I've got the 60 and a 40 for the camper. I would get the voltmeter, 240v power pack and I put a gas strut on the lid myself. I would seriously think about the digital thermostat as it gives you more precise control, I think mines within 2 degrees as opposed to about 4 with the normal dial thermostat. As for baskets, we found some at a $2 shop that sit on the fibreglass at the top of the fridge inside the insulation of the lid. We use this for fruit and veges to stop them freezing if they come into contact with the sides of the fridge. All in all they are a top fridge.
Cheers Shane

[DaveR]

Got my 100 litre in 1990.
Just  the plane model which is scratch friendly, with the blue (Dunny) color top. For me, it is a fridge, no bling required.
I have just had a digital control fitted as the old lucky guess manual dial type failed, I would recommend not having the dial type if there is an option, even though it is far more reliable.
I don't have the volt meter etc, no need as I have this mounted else where.
You wont regret it, good gear for sure.
Dave

[jclures]

I have a 60L standard insulation unit, it lived in the back of a steel tray nissan ute for months working in the bush out from Mt Garnet, never had a problem keeping cold even in the sun.
I have always planed on a divider, one that sits clear of the bottom, as this is the coldest part, to keep things frozen better.

[ivan]

I have 75mm 60l and use 2 plastic square mop buckets for vegi's etc.The lip of the of the bucket sits on the edge of the "dunny seat" so you don't have to take every thing out to get to the freezer then pack it all in again,just lift out bucket then replace. My fridge just failed in the Simpson and will be getting a full rebuild after 23yrs.I think I will add a temp gauge already have 240volt (to freeze down before we leave home) and volt meter just to keep an eye on power.

[DaveR]

I have 75mm 60l and use 2 plastic square mop buckets for vegi's etc.The lip of the of the bucket sits on the edge of the "dunny seat" so you don't have to take every thing out to get to the freezer then pack it all in again,just lift out bucket then replace.

Thanks Ivan, that is the best idea, I have tried all sorts of dodgy half arsed bits of rubbish to only end up on the camp fire.

[Sawed-Off]

Really appreciate the feedback. Thanks! Now I just have to actually make a decision. 

[fuji]

I would love one, but there is no room in the CT.  >:(so looking at the Bute Ute range to sit in the back of the cruiser.

[Chesapeake]

I've got a 60 litre standard Trailblaza on the tray of my ute.Reckon if I were to buy another I would go for the U Beaut style as the lower profile/height makes it easier to reach into the fridge .Also run mine on 2 unisolar 64  panels mounted on top of canopy ,and 2,100 a/hour batteries.Looks after itself power wise. Must be near 10 yrs old now,never missed a beat.
Luke.

[ivan]

By the way when the fridge broke down I rang Trailblaza and they tried to help with over phone diagnosis and offered to send out second hand parts to keep me going.Try and get that from other fridge manufactures.

[Matto]

Hi Matt,

If I wanted a fridge to live in a ute, Trailblazer is about the only one I would consider. They'd survive the zombie apocalypse. Probably a good combination with your shotgun skills.

I wouldn't go for the 5" insulation model, just because it would be super bulky for the amount of fridge space. If your'e that concerned about power usage, you might be better with an AutoFridge. I think Teabag has one of them, and rates it very highly for battery usage.

If it were me, I would go for :
* $1,573: 60L fridge, with the 75mm insulation
* +$510 : MEA Pack - Black capping, 240v, electronic thermostat, standard voltmeter, low voltage indicator
* +$130 : Inside Light
* +$130 : Gas strut

$2,343 . Not cheap, but would last you a lifetime and easily cope with living in the back of a ute. The only other options I'd consider is the checkerplate or Platinum (I like this one) finish, just so it's a bit more scratch-proof. I like the VM special edition range too. And you'd sort of have to get the customised name plate - I mean, how often do you have a chance to have your own name on your fridge? Can't do that to a Waeco.

Ahhh - it's fun spending someone else's money!

Good luck,
Matto

[fuji]

Id go for the 105 litre

[cruisindub]

At $2343.00   National Luna have also got to be there with that price?

Thats a fair amount for a fridge.           Though if its going to last 20+ years!   Failry big outlay in one hit, guess they are worth it?

[Sawed-Off]

You guys are hitting the nail on the head. I think the MEA pack is probably going to be the go. Everyone seems to be going OK with the 75mm insulation, although an extra 2 inches in each direction won't really worry me much. My main thought is I'd drop the fridge off and run it from the single camper battery while at base camp. That way I can charge everything in one place while I'm off shooting, etc. I don't want to have to rely on occasional charging from a genset, so efficiency is one of my main concerns. Also, the noise from gensets attracts the zombies. I need a silent solution! 

The Ute range is a good idea. My truck is lifted, and my wife and I are both short at one end. We already use one of those wheel step thingos. Also, I like the idea of the checker plate so it looks more like a tradie toolbox than a fridge while it's on the back. A bigger one would be nice, but there's only two of us, so I doubt we'd fill it. We currently use a 92L esky, and most of that is taken up with ice.

It will certainly be a lifetime investment, which is probably why I'm finding it hard to nail down exactly what I want. 

As an aside, has anyone put theirs in an MSA Drop Slide? They say a STD60 fits, but the dimensions seem a little bigger than the slide.

[Barrabart]

Ahhh - it's fun spending someone else's money!

Good luck,
Matto

Yep, i once had a workmate who right into American Classic Cars, however he wasn't too familiar with Ebay, we were on nightshift together on a mine site in Central Qld, and at about 3am i showed him how to get that all too important last bid in on a sweet Cadillac that was just sitting over there in the good ol' US of A waiting, wanting for him to buy......... Anyway, 7 weeks later he has a big ol' yank tank that can't quite fit in his garage, and a Mrs that still won't talk to him or me, for that matter............. But geeeeeeeeez it was thilling spending his money, so i know where you're coming from Matto 

[Barrabart]

Sorry to go off topic.............. anyway, back to the Trailblaza's......... as they are a great fridge.