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12v Fridge - what type ? 12v Fridge - what type ?
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Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #16  
Old 28 Mar 2008
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We bought an Engel from ENGEL FRIDGES UK but the size on the web doesn't allow for the handles on the side of the fridge or for the lead when plugged in... this was a problem for us as it was going in a specific space and it wouldn't go in! I would advise checking sizes to include handles if space is an issue.

I rang the company (MPS) and explained the position, they were very helpful and we exchanged the 32 litre for a 27 litre which fits like a glove! I can recommend MPS as they were very helpful and cooperative.

We have been running ours for about a month now and it uses very little electricity and purrs away in the background.

Kate
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  #17  
Old 7 Apr 2008
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Hi All,

I've got a waeco compressor fridge in my landy that's been brilliant - however am seriously considerng a 3 way absorption fridge for my new cheapo camper van - its only going to be used for a couple of weeks over the summer and the odd weekend away . . . .
I'd be running it on gas when parked, and 12v only when driving . . . .
if gas usage is not a problem (have a large propane bottle ready to go in the van) won't an absorption do the job? what are the other issues with them?

thanks!

Huey
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  #18  
Old 7 Apr 2008
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There a number of problems with absorbtion fridges. The first is that unlike compressor fridges, their cooling efficiency is dependant upon the outside ambient temperature; in other words, if it's very hot outside the fridge may not cool the inside suffiently. I think they will only cool to something like 30C below outside temperature. The second (and related) problem is that if you're going somewhere hot you will almost certainly have to add an electric cooling fan to provide the necessary airflow to achieve effective cooling. This can require you to uprate your leisure battery set up. The third problem, though modern fridges are better at this, is that absorbtion fridges are very sensitive to pitch; in other words if you're at an angle (as little as a few degrees) they won't light or stay lit. The fourth problem is that these fridges are very sensitive to even minor damage/displacement of the gas safety features, in other words they can require quite a lot of maintenance.

To be honest, in this day and age compressor fridges are the way to go. You needn't have to go down the Waeco or Engel (expensive) route. I fitted an Indel 12/24V fridge which was far cheaper and does the job perfectly well.

Q
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  #19  
Old 9 Apr 2008
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Just a quick note on mistres kates prob with fitting the Engel in - and appologies if I'm stating the bleedin obvious, the handles come off easily, and to be honest are a bit of an un-necessary appendage. I just whipped mine off to fit in the back of the truck and it's still easy enough to move without them.
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