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What are folks experiences with 12v fridges? Looking to put one into a shed that's wired up off solar, it may go in the truck occasionally but not too worried about space.
Have heard first hand from someone the companion ones go well and use very little power. Online reviews say otherwise so seeing what others experiences are
Like the idea of 1 half fridge and 1 half freezer (have the same with my icey Tek chilly bin)
I have a 50/50 fridge freezer that is 95 ltr capacity. Dometic brand from Bursco when on special. It is hard wired into my wee solar system and is simply awsome. 3 Years and no issues at all
Model is CFX 95DZW (Dometic/Waeco).
Ok, will keep an eye on them.
Guy on that I spoke with talked about how little power his companion one used, from the reviews they seem to be very hit and miss with quite a few having problems with the lid handle deign.
Am happy to pay for good quality (cheaper the better as the pockets aren't bottomless) as long as it's going to last.
Is there any point in looking at second hand ones?
most are pretty power hungry
Get an Engel.
:thumbsup:
12/24/240v Fridge freezers are buy once cry once items. A good 'un should last 10-20 years. An Engel will:)
Ok so a couple of votes to the Engel, @gonetropo which ones do you see that need fixing..... No reason I couldn't go 12/240v I guess. No point in having an internal battery (for my uses), if it's going anywhere it will be in the truck
If it's staying in the shed get a 255ltr Samsung inverter fridge for $800 (or considerably cheaper second hand) and a 350w PSW inverter to run it, way cheaper than specialist 12v ones and more efficient.
It's what I did in my caravan, works a treat off of my solar/lithium setup.
If its going into a sleeping space be aware some are pretty noisy when you are trying to sleep
https://www.burnsco.co.nz/pure-sine-...hoCWcUQAvD_BwE
https://www.harveynorman.co.nz/white...zer-white.html
I saved so much doing this it paid for my solar setup and I think most of my batteries too. Kept the wife happy having a full size fridge and a point of envy from others at the camp grounds.
Already have an inverter so running a 230v one is a valid option, noise isn't going to be a problem (bloody penguins are back, not to mention the morepork kiwi and kaka keeping us awake)
be it running off 12 or 240 the wattage consumed will be the same 1 am at 240V = 20 amps at 12VQuote:
Originally Posted by 223nut
dometic/electrolux would be a could start point
I think some of the issue is the 12v ones don't have variable speed compressors like the Samsung Digital Inverter ones. Something like that anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by gonetropo
Engel if it is going to bounce around in the back of the 4X, Or look into Brass Monkey ones. A few more electronicals on the Mrass monkey, temps etc can be controlled by a ph app. But they aren't too power hungry going by one a mate has. I'd say it is as good as my engel for cooling capability, and probably better on power consumption of 12V.
I agree with @Savage1 as my bach has a 319L Samsung fridge freezer. Certainly not transportable but much better value than the super expensive 12V fridge of similar size. It's been running 6yrs now year round on 300W inverter. Have 3 x 250W PV. The 255L litre version has got a massive following amongst camper van and bus people. 5-10% losses in the inverter the variable speed compressor is so good it more than makes up for it
I have the 40L Waceo / Dometic fridge or freezer. Draws bugger all, ran for a long time just off the start battery. With a drive morning and afternoon it would last all day in mid summer. Now with a 120ah house battery and a 120w solar panel it never runs out. Had it in for over a year without turning it off. Can set a turn of voltage for in the vehicle so it didn't drain start batt. Had it turn off at 11.8v worked a treat.
Would load it up in Southland with venison and drive back to Auckland dropping meat off to family along the way. Cools a box of beers as quick as a normal fridge.
Having a good 12v one would be handy for trips up the mainland have an icey Tek but only good if it stays closed / things go in cold or top up with bags of ice...
Guessing no one here is looking to sell a 12v fridge / freezer... Worth a shot before I pull the gorse out of my pocket
Hello. After reading all the recommendations, evaluating space in my car, counting savings, adjusting for high gas prices :) I bought the 42Qt Vevor refrigerator for pretty much 1/5th of the main brands (ARB, Dometic, Engel) and about 1/2 of the other brands (Iceco, Wynther). The refrigerator is running constantly for over a week in my garage cooling water and beer. I was a bit concerned about the lid with no latch but it is magnetic so shouldn't open or bounce even when off-roading. Will have it strapped anyway. So far, all is good. Hopefully, it survives two week long camping/off-roading trips this August and continues to server as a backup refrigerator in the basement/garage till next summer adventures.Quote:
Originally Posted by 223nut
Google & compare the compressors as they are the main components .
See u already bought
I own a waeco, Dometic nowadays, and en Engel , Engel is better
Not wanting to spend 2k here for something temporary I bought a brass monkey, excellent value for money 70% saving
A couple of people I know got their waecos at about 45%below list off trade me ,just put a search and found people selling them ,one was a courier firm who hardly used it. FWIW
Pretty happy with my brass monkey.
Got one with a removable divider so the whole thing can be freezer or fridge or split fridge freezer.
If having the freezer super cold the fridge bit can start to freeze if not being opened ocasionally.