Hi everyone would like some help we are about to sign on the dotted line next week have everything sorted (we hope) but are unable to decide on brand of fridge/freezer must be about 190 + litres in size and 2 way not 3 way they are selling in their vans at the moment the vitrifrigo dp2600 any comments , help, advise or what you have would be appreciated so much we are vanning full time so a large fridge is a must
cheers once again Roger and Gabriele

Hi there and congratulations on your investment. I'm sure the 3-way fridge would be your best option. There is a 2-door fridge freezer in use now. Is that what you're looking at installing? A large fridge is handy, but if you're on the road full time, free camping or van park, you're never really far from some sort of shop to top up stores. I have the small 3-way fridge with ice box in the van, but I use a Waeco as a deep freeze. I prefer to do big cook-ups instead of cooking from scratch every day. Then I freeze what I don't need in the next day or 2. I usually have 2 or 3 choices of my own cooking on stand-by. Fruit and veg don't keep very long anywhere, but especially in the northern reaches of this vast land. So unless you're growing them, you'll have to top up with fresh either at roadside stalls or at the shops once again. Fresh is best. I also buy a few frozen meals when they're on special, for a bit of variety. I guess you have to determine how much fridge/freezer space you're going to need, how much room the beer and "essential" stuff will take up, and decide, based on the known factors. Good luck with your decision. Safe travels when you get going.

Whatever you get just make sure that the warranty can be claimed anywhere in OZ and repairs can be effected without undue delay by a standard fridge mechanic . Look at you contents insurance to see if it cover fool spoilage should there be a malfunction. If you intend to free camp you may wish to reconsider the gas option but if not then leave it out . If using a genset to power the fridge make sure the set is big enough to start and run the fridge many fridges take more amps than you think they should or the manufactures claim Upright 2 door fridges today are 6 of one and 1/2 doz of the other, not a great deal of difference in them only the price

Can't help with the brand selection but Wombat's comments above make a lot of good sense. It appears you have decided on 2 way rather than 3 way so you are most likely familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of both types.

If going for 2 way, the main issue is recharging the van's battery(s) if camping without "shore" power for more than a couple of days. Options include solar, generator, from the tow vehicle while on the move, or more likely a combination of some or all of these. There are technical issues with all of these so it pays to do your homework if you haven't already done so.

2 way (compressor) type fridges are much more efficient than 3 ways and are uncritical to being off-level and/or the constant movement while travelling. (probably the reason for your decision)

Something else that may or may not be a consideration is the noise level of the fridge and its effect (if any) on your sleeping during the night.

-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 10th of April 2010 07:26:36 AM

me myself im an engel girl all the way nothing but engel have tried so many others all a load of rubbish . we have two engels one is ready to be picked up on nsw central coast from hubbys mum she passed away last year and had a very old engel she used for a freezer for her meat, she never ever turned it off and it never stopped on her and that engel is now 25 years old. we also have a newer one we purchased for 700 dollars at rainbow beach ,an old man had it for sale and it was like brand new when we bought it we couldnt say no. so yep engel for us cheers for now

As above I'm an engel convert as well.
They do make upright fridges for caravans of many sizes.
Just make sure you have the battery capacity to run the fridge when free/bush camped.

good onya dodge