Fridges....

[RedRoadRunner]

Howdy all.
I want to throw a fridge in the truck, keep my water cool and my packed lunches fresh.

Before I rock up to Rays Outdoors and give them all my money, what's the advice?
I know Waeco and Engel are the major brands (I guess?) but they seem to be a few $$$ more than anyone else- Do they rate it? if you had to pick what would you go for?

I'm after simplicity and reliability over any fancy functions. It doesn't need a built in GPS or play greensleaves or anything.

[paulyg]

I have 2 Waeco's both been good.
If i was going to buy something a bit cheaper I would still look for one with a Danfos compressor.

[mudski]

I can only recommend Engel. Only because I have two of them. One is 15 years old and has been running pretty much 24/7 and is still going great. Waeco's are supposed to be good too. ARB aswell...

[RedRoadRunner]

Hah, I suppose there might be a reason they sell everywhere and for the price they do.

I am sort of hoping someone will come by and persuade me the (slightly) cheaper ones are just as good.

Oh well. I think I like the look of the Engels better.

Does anyone use the covers? do they add much insulation?

[threedogs]

Ive had a 40ltr Engel running virtually non stop in two different 4x4s since about 1994.
Still going strong and unmarked as well, No little one's so its mounted behind the driver.
All Ive done is fit a small LED light on a tilt switch and an extra fan to cool the compressor.

[RedRoadRunner]

I've got a 12v outlet near the rear door, so it'll probably go there. Just means I have to stop and run around the truck if I want a snack.
I'm tempted to take out the passenger seat and put it there, but I'm not sure if that is a good plan in the long run (or even legal)

[LaughingBeagles]

The local Engle Guru I bought mine from said that if you are hanging out in moderate to cool climates, than pretty much any of the name brands will do the trick. It's when you head north into the hot stuff that a quality fridge makes a difference. I would have loved to have gotten a lunar (they use them on deployment in the Middle East) but are just way, way out of my price range. So far, the Engle has been great. Have a think about where you will use it and go from there.


Tap tap tap

[threedogs]

What do you want the fridge for long trips with cyro vaced food or just some cool ones for a weekend away.
That will determine what size you need , I only use my Engle for food if going fishing and drinks for day trips.

[RedRoadRunner]

I spend a bit of time in the central sort of region, so I should probably spend the coin on a good one (currently the esky with ice bricks is lucky to last a day).

I want to be able to keep cool for 5 days. I am looking at solar options to facilitate that.

[Winnie]

I have had an Engel for about 4 years now, my dad has had his Engel for nearly 30 years running non stop in the truck and has been repaired 3 times. Not bad I say!