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how noisy are 12v fridges how noisy are 12v fridges
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  #1  
Old 1 Jul 2011
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how noisy are 12v fridges
I am thinking of buying a 12v fridge either a coolbox style, or a built in to replace my gas one. I am specifically looking at the Waeco ones as I can get a good deal. Has anyone got experience of them and how noisy they are? I like cold but don't like noise!

Graeme
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  #2  
Old 2 Jul 2011
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They are very quiet like most 12v fridges.
If on a budget get the Weaco but I have thrown two of them in the bin. They don't last if worked hard.
I now have an Engel 3-way (12v,240v & gas). Freeze on 240v at home then 12v when travelling and gas when camped.
The main problem for 12v only fridges is the battery drain (twin batteries help). I went through a few batteries before the light dawned and I paid a little more for a good 3-way fridge.
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  #3  
Old 2 Jul 2011
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Hi graeme

There is a certain amount of noise from a compressor fridge when the compressor runs (30-59 % of the time)

But it doesn't keep me awake at night - some switch them off overnight if its a low enough ambient

If you want a front loader, keep a lookout for engel front loading fridges, lots of boat people sell them on ebay for not a lot

Chest ones go for alot more both in national luna, engel , minus 40 etc but they are all rugged - the plastic cased waecos use the same hardware - not sure they are insulated aswell

Also look at shoreline shoreline,marine,boat,fridge,canal,river,yacht,fre ezer,danfoss,barge,motorhome,campervan,galley,litt lehampton,sussex,acc,cubigel,cruiser,inlander,low, voltage,batts,ranger,waterways,portable - you get between 10-15 % off if you join the self build motor caravan club

Or Vitrofrigo - Home | Marine Refrigeration, Vehicle Refrigeration and Hotel Refrigeration | Frigoboat, Climma & Vitrifrigo

Rich
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  #4  
Old 3 Jul 2011
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there are two types, absorbtion and compressor. The compressor type are noisier. The absorption type are near silent ,but they are a battery killer on 12v , so you use gas or mains when stopped. The compressor type are not that noisy but its a personal judgement thing, how close you are to unit, sound deadning, in vehicle etc .
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  #5  
Old 3 Jul 2011
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i'd forget the absorption types for an overlander, they need to be level and will only reduce to around 25 degrees below ambient (check specs) so its compressor or swing motor (engel) ones you want to look at
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  #6  
Old 4 Jul 2011
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fridges
hi i have found that by sitting our engel on foam rubber mats the type that clips to gether [aldi] it cut the noise/vibro down by 50%,,befor that i used to turn it off at night but stopped that as you would soon have 1cm of water in the bottom from condensation hope this helps
steve
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  #7  
Old 4 Jul 2011
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I'll second that opinion on absorbtion type fridges - huge power drain on 12v and still not very effective. I have an ancient engel compressor driven fridge in my Land Rover and it only wakes me up if I sleep with my head on it! Turning it down rather than off also allows you to get to sleep before it fires up while keeping things cool inside!
Make sure if you surround it with sound deadening that there is still ventilation to the heat exchanger area (point it away from where you're intending to sleep)
In terms of volume, I'd say Engels are no louder than a domestic fridge. Waeco I can't speak for.
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  #8  
Old 5 Jul 2011
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I've got an old (1984) Electrolux absorbtion 3 way fridge, tropical rated, and its a little ripper. Use 240V when available to cool down before a trip, 12V whilst travelling, gas whilst stationary and travelling when I forget to switch it over. It freezes on gas and 240V, keeps cool but wont cool on 12V.

I think a lot of problems with absorbtion fridges come from camper/caravan builders who know so much more than the manufacturer when it comes to building the fridges in. I've seen a few fitted with 1/8" ply side insulation, no rear vents, no rear baffles to exit heat from the vehicle, a chimney not fitted - a killer!! But if you follow the fitting instructions you get a long lasting fridge with low running costs, can easily be used while parked for days/weeks as long as you have gas. Downsides are levelling, but we bought a set of levellers more for sleeping comfort than the fridge.

Horses for courses I guess.
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  #9  
Old 6 Jul 2011
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Hiya

Our camper has a 12/24v Vitrifigo compressor front opening fridge which is really good.

The previous camper owners travelled for a solid 5 years with it, presumably on all the time, and its been on since Oct 08 for us. We have about 200W of solar and 2x255Ah batteries, sized to run a since removed microwave, and power has never been an issue.

I wouldn't want to sleep with my head next to it, but its a gentle noise so you could get used to it. There is no sound proofing between the bed and us and its never been loud enough to bother us.

I have heard that if a fridge gets noisy it possibly could do with recharging the gas system??
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  #10  
Old 18 Jul 2011
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Hi Graeme

Engel has a gentle hum and can thoroughly recommend them. Don't know about Waeco, but cold is vital!

Bruce
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  #11  
Old 21 Jul 2011
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Thanks for all the replies, I have just ordered a waeco cr80. I have been lucky enough to get a very good deal on it and also 160w off solar panels. I will let everyone know how I get on, hopefully I will get it fitted in time for our 3 week trip to southern France.

Graeme
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