Subsequent to chatting with Dave regarding the Engel Fridge/Freezer ( 40 litre) I went out to check prices and availability, of course the obvious happend, got spoilt for choice with all the different makes on the market, each extolling the benefits of their product over the competition. One brand however seemed to stand out from the others and it has now become a choice between the Engel 40 litre or a Bushman 35 litre that comes complete with all the gear to make it a 52 litre, pricewise the Bushman and Engel are comparable.
So has anyone any experience with the Bushman and if so how would you rate it compared to the Engel?
Thanking you all in anticipation.
John
mike and Judy said
02:11 PM Jan 8, 2009
Cannot speak for the bushman, but have a Engel 60 litre when first introduced 8 yrs ago, got the fold up canvas cover for as well, and not had a spot of trouble with it since, freezes like a rock in very short time, and have been in some very hot spots with it working in the back of the wagon recommend it over all else
dave06 said
02:16 PM Jan 8, 2009
yep fully agree with mike, after jaunting all over the place and having our engel 40 ltr operate very efficiently in temperatures of 45^ I cannot shout their praises high enough
however I have not tried nor heard too much about the bushmans so I really cant say that they are rubbish either, just watch the current draw and try to speak to someone that has one
ROAMIN said
08:07 PM Jan 8, 2009
As far as I my camping experience with Fridges/Freezers go it is.
ENGEL,ENGLE,ENGLE.
Roamin
Wombat 280 said
08:03 PM Jan 12, 2009
Have had a Finch 3 way Evap type fridge in a Kombi , Christ 38 + years back, had it in a number of vehicle since . got it down last week just to clear some garage space thought lets see how it goes after 5 years in storage . Put the thermocouple in and sure enough within 4 hours 3.9 after 6 hours 1.9, held between 1.5 and 1.9 over a three day test period . Not bad for a 38 year plus unit
Relevance to this story , not sure but Finch in my book is No 1, not even sure if they are still in business
xina said
08:28 PM Jan 12, 2009
Wombat 280 wrote:
Have had a Finch 3 way Evap type fridge in a Kombi , Christ 38 + years back, had it in a number of vehicle since . got it down last week just to clear some garage space thought lets see how it goes after 5 years in storage . Put the thermocouple in and sure enough within 4 hours 3.9 after 6 hours 1.9, held between 1.5 and 1.9 over a three day test period . Not bad for a 38 year plus unit
Relevance to this story , not sure but Finch in my book is No 1, not even sure if they are still in business
Hi Guys, Just Googled Finch, and they're made by Chescold, apparently still in production. Cheers, xina.
dave06 said
08:39 PM Jan 12, 2009
yep the 3 ways are good we had a jackaroo one for about a month, it has to be absolutely level and if temperatures went over 30 deg. then the temp inside went up as well, its only got to get to 5 deg for 20 minutes and your meat will kill you or make you very sick, in any case its off!!
we upgraded to a waeco 12 volt same thing so we sold that off at half the price after using it once at wilpena,
we outlayed the $1,200 (special with thermo cover and fridge accesories) and we have never looked back, I would have nothing other than a compressor fridge now, no thermal for me, although there is a "T" rated thermal that is supposed to work in the tropics, dont know anything about that though so cant comment
sorry folks but it has to be engel for me all the way
"googling" a finch, does that make you a "twitcher"
Smokeydk said
08:53 AM Jan 13, 2009
I saw one yesterday at Home of 12 Volt Mt Barker
http://www.bushman.com.au/
Dave
JRH said
04:19 PM Jan 13, 2009
G'day all, Many thanks for the info, am still contemplating my navel, will make a decision soon.
Best Regards and Safe Travelling.
John
Wombat 280 said
09:51 PM Jan 13, 2009
Mate recently purchased (Xmas 08 )the largest of the Engel unit . Has returned it it after one trip to Alice the compressor fagged out, maybe just a faulty compressor not sure until the dealer has a look. Will let you know if it's a general fault.
KJB said
12:13 PM Mar 29, 2017
We have had a Bushman 35/52 12 volt freezer /fridge in constant use for past 2 years (on tray of L/Cruiser ute) .Noticed recently that the on/off switch was seized. Rang the manufacturers in Melbourne and explained the problem and without any hesitation was told that a complete new circuit board incl. switch ,temp. guage ,wiring etc. would be sent to me immediately via Express Post . Only question asked was for our address.
THAT IS SERVICE.
I have been very impressed with the performance and efficiency of the Bushman in all sorts of conditions since we have had it after having had various problematic 12 volt freezers over the past 35 years.
Apart from the Bushman the only other freezer that I could recommend is the Trailblazer (80 litre) - has stood the test of time (30 years) and still performing excellently. Trailblazer also has excellent backup service if needed .
In both cases if you have a problem or need some info. you can phone and speak to the manufacturing company's owner. Not salespeople or agents.
KB
Bryan said
01:34 PM Mar 29, 2017
I don't have a bushman but I understand from people who have that they have a good rep. I'll certainly look at them when I replace or add to my small Engel.
Subsequent to chatting with Dave regarding the Engel Fridge/Freezer ( 40 litre) I went out to check prices and availability, of course the obvious happend, got spoilt for choice with all the different makes on the market, each extolling the benefits of their product over the competition. One brand however seemed to stand out from the others and it has now become a choice between the Engel 40 litre or a Bushman 35 litre that comes complete with all the gear to make it a 52 litre, pricewise the Bushman and Engel are comparable.
So has anyone any experience with the Bushman and if so how would you rate it compared to the Engel?
Thanking you all in anticipation.
John
Cannot speak for the bushman, but have a Engel 60 litre when first introduced 8 yrs ago, got the fold up canvas cover for as well, and not had a spot of trouble with it since, freezes like a rock in very short time, and have been in some very hot spots with it working in the back of the wagon
recommend it over all else
ENGEL,ENGLE,ENGLE.
Roamin
Many thanks for the info, am still contemplating my navel, will make a decision soon.
Best Regards and Safe Travelling.
John
We have had a Bushman 35/52 12 volt freezer /fridge in constant use for past 2 years (on tray of L/Cruiser ute) .Noticed recently that the on/off switch was seized. Rang the manufacturers in Melbourne and explained the problem and without any hesitation was told that a complete new circuit board incl. switch ,temp. guage ,wiring etc. would be sent to me immediately via Express Post . Only question asked was for our address.
THAT IS SERVICE.
I have been very impressed with the performance and efficiency of the Bushman in all sorts of conditions since we have had it after having had various problematic 12 volt freezers over the past 35 years.
Apart from the Bushman the only other freezer that I could recommend is the Trailblazer (80 litre) - has stood the test of time (30 years) and still performing excellently. Trailblazer also has excellent backup service if needed .
In both cases if you have a problem or need some info. you can phone and speak to the manufacturing company's owner. Not salespeople or agents.
KB
I don't have a bushman but I understand from people who have that they have a good rep. I'll certainly look at them when I replace or add to my small Engel.