Small Car Fridge - Using Of Single Car Battery When Mobile
Vic41 said
10:39 PM Feb 10, 2014
I am looking at buying a small car fridge, don't need a big one, just to keep cool a couple of cans, some milk and butter.
Because of the size of the car, I do not want to run it off an auxillary battery, just the car battery while mobile and possibly 240V when available on site (compressor fridge?).
Also toying with the idea of possibly having a gas function (absorption 3 way) if free camping with a 2KG gas bottle.
Don't like the idea of a thermo fridge, had one once and it was next to useless (at least the one I had was).
See these comments by Choice on the three types, also has anyone had any experience with the "mini fridge"?
Any feedback appreciated bearing in mind my restrictions as to size, weight etc. Thanks.
hako said
10:56 PM Feb 10, 2014
I think if you got a 3 way absorption unit you'd find it slow to cool plus much larger externally. Also need to be level to operate whilst compressor units can run on an angle.
Compressor units are available in a greater ranges of sizes with different lid hinge setups to suit your needs. They draw less power and can freeze if desired.
A small 25 litre model would probably suit you - will draw about 3.5 amps when running.
No matter what you buy remember it will be heavy.
Good Luck.
Vic41 said
02:07 AM Feb 11, 2014
Thanks Denis, much appreciated, that makes good sense, I'll check them out (bearing in mind the weight factor).
johnno02 said
03:50 AM Feb 11, 2014
We have a Waeco TC 35,in the car at all times,also an old Chescold 3 Way,as a Camping Fridge/Freezer,when needed.
The Waeco is used ,to hold our cold food when we go Shopping,and current draw averages out at about 2 Amps/HR
the TC series are supposed to get down to 1 deg above Ambient,great for NSW,not so great for really hot Climates,
but we don't go there anyway.
I believe the specs,it works that well,we bought a TC 21,as a spare.
The Main trick with,any Non Compressor fridge,is to put Ice Packs in it a couple of hours before use,
This is Absolutely Mandatory.
We use Techni-Ice Sheets kept in our home freezer.
Without some form of Pre Cooling,you are wasting your time,on both types.
Either type will take hours,to pre cool.
With Sheets/Ice,they are cool in a couple of hours,and ready to use
Turn them on first,then remove Ice,if you need the room,once cold,unless it's really hot they will stay cold.
Like you we had one of the early cheap Thermoelectric coolers............bloody hopeless,
you would have to pry the TC series coolers from my cold dead fingers,to get them off me....IN NSW Temps!
However,if I was trying to use them in Really hot Climates,I would probably give them to you,
But not the Chescold 3 way,it will Freeze to 10 deg Below,on a 40 deg day,if you turn it right up,
again turn it on,and pre chill,with "Ice" before you pack it.
One Very Important thing to remember with,any type of "Non Compressor" fridge,
Only pack it with Cold Items First.
John
-- Edited by johnno02 on Tuesday 11th of February 2014 04:01:12 AM
Bunkerbob said
10:52 AM Feb 11, 2014
Good on you for posting this. We have, obviously, our Van Fridge which is a 12 volt Waeco 220 litre Compressor Fridge. Because we upgraded from a Camper Trailer we also have 2 Waeco Compressor Fridges. 1 CF 50 as well as a CF32. We have found that 1 is superfluous to our needs and is actually for sale. We have opted to sell our 32 litre as the 50 is a good size for freezing and storing.
We intend upgrading to a new van later in the year and where still deciding whether to incorporate a fridge/freezer in the new van. If we sold the 32, that would make the decision easy.
CF 32 has 12/24 volt as well as a 240 volt lead for when you park up in those cabins you like so much. Comes complete with a cover. COuld be yours for $600 or near offer. Had it in the tug when I saw you a couple of weeks ago.
Call me - Bob
Vic41 said
11:44 AM Feb 11, 2014
Thanks for the feedback Johnno, the dud thermo one I had I put out on the verge it was so useless, someone claimed it quickly which got rid of it for me.
Is the one you have now absorption or compressor?
Is there any danger from fumes using a fridge freezer inside the vehicle when closed up (eg; hot day, all windows closed and A/C on)?
Bob, thanks for the thought I am looking for something smaller at this point in time, just to keep a few small items cold, I don't eat meat so mainly looking at milk, a couple of cans or small bottle of drink and margarine. I want to have a look around first also.
By the way, GN has a free for sale section on the main page, see;
Regards the cabin, first time I have ever used on on a rally, however as the weather was unpredictable for February heat wise and having no aircon (unlike you lucky people) felt it was worth it for a couple of days. Was ok camping at Pumphrey's overnight later as very mild weather.
-- Edited by Vic41 on Tuesday 11th of February 2014 11:45:46 AM
johnno02 said
01:23 PM Feb 11, 2014
Hi Vic,
We only use the Thermo Waeco in the car,and the Absorbtion Chesney when set up,
also have a 12 Volt power supply to run the Thermo,if needed.
Due to my limitations we only use powered sites.
John
Vic41 said
05:54 PM Feb 11, 2014
johnno02 wrote:
Hi Vic,
We only use the Thermo Waeco in the car,and the Absorbtion Chesney when set up,
also have a 12 Volt power supply to run the Thermo,if needed.
Due to my limitations we only use powered sites.
John
Thanks John, much appreciated,
Vic
Rip and Rosie said
09:27 PM Feb 11, 2014
we got a Jackaroo from Kmart many years back... yes, does have to be level to work well, but keeps stuff cold in the car, works on gas when camping, and 240 volt when at home (makes a great extra fridge at christmas). Once when camping and out of gas and 12 volts, we filled it with ice and it worked that way too!
On most trips we run it from the 12 volt outlet on the car while travelling, and have no issues.
I have read lots of comments about them, but ours works great.
-- Edited by Rip and Rosie on Tuesday 11th of February 2014 09:28:41 PM
Delta18 said
11:29 PM Feb 11, 2014
For info of anyone in WA, Battery Force on Pinjarra Road Yunderup have brand new 38L plastic body Engel fridge/freezers for $680 at present.
They are selling at cost to get people in the door of the new business premises.
Vic41 said
01:23 AM Feb 12, 2014
Rip and Rosie wrote:
we got a Jackaroo from Kmart many years back... yes, does have to be level to work well, but keeps stuff cold in the car, works on gas when camping, and 240 volt when at home (makes a great extra fridge at christmas). Once when camping and out of gas and 12 volts, we filled it with ice and it worked that way too!
On most trips we run it from the 12 volt outlet on the car while travelling, and have no issues.
I have read lots of comments about them, but ours works great.
As long as it suits you R & R and you are happy with it, that's all that counts
Vic41 said
01:27 AM Feb 12, 2014
Delta18 wrote:
For info of anyone in WA, Battery Force on Pinjarra Road Yunderup have brand new 38L plastic body Engel fridge/freezers for $680 at present.
They are selling at cost to get people in the door of the new business premises.
Thanks for the info Neil, I settled for a 12V Compressor Eva Kool Travel Mate 30L, came with a cover and 240V power inverter/transformer included in the price of $599. Bought it from Getaway Outdoors at Balcatta. Eva Kool (in Coolangatta) sell them for the same price but you have to pay for delivery on top of that. The prices for the same model on Ebay was much higher and did not include the cover and transformer.
Vic41 said
03:48 PM Feb 12, 2014
Just a question on compressor car fridge setting.
I don't want the freezer function, just the fridge only, I have set it on 5+, is that too high or about right for normal fridge only stuff
baute said
07:52 PM Feb 12, 2014
Hi, I had similar dilemma, running a 30 litre fridge from main battery. I initially ran mine from my starter and it worked well whilst driving, I did run my battery down over night running it. I then changed my starter battery to an Allrounder MRV48, 60ah deep cycle and 550 cranking battery. This successfully ran my fridge for up to two days parked. I did this continuously for 5 weeks, so I am assuming I have found my solution. By the way this solution only cost me $135. I also have a 12v outlet in back of car with heavy duty wire and had no voltage drop issues.
Baz421 said
08:05 PM Feb 12, 2014
Vic
Waeco used to have an 18L model, not on sale now. We have had one for 11 years now no problems.
Fitted behind front seat in Pajero,, low current draw about 3 - 3.5 amps when running (has Danfoss CF 35 compressor I think).
Maybe a second hand one would suit,, try Gumtree of Ebay maybe?
-- Edited by Baz421 on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 08:08:46 PM
Baz421 said
08:08 PM Feb 12, 2014
Baz421 wrote:
Vic
Waeco used to have an 18L model, not on sale now. We have had one for 11 years now no problems.
Fitted behind front seat in Pajero,, low current draw about 3 - 3.5 amps when running (has CF 35 compressor I think).
Maybe a second hand one would suit,, try Gumtree of Ebay maybe?
Thanks Baz, yes they are still on sale new, I saw one yesterday. I have since bought a 30L Evakool Travelmate for around the same price, I have given details of my purchase further down the page. Yours sounds like a good buy and as long as you are happy with it that is fine. I very nearly bought one but opted for the larger one which came with cover and transformer for 240V included.
Thanks again
Vic
-- Edited by Vic41 on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 09:20:20 PM
Vic41 said
09:22 PM Feb 12, 2014
baute wrote:
Hi, I had similar dilemma, running a 30 litre fridge from main battery. I initially ran mine from my starter and it worked well whilst driving, I did run my battery down over night running it. I then changed my starter battery to an Allrounder MRV48, 60ah deep cycle and 550 cranking battery. This successfully ran my fridge for up to two days parked. I did this continuously for 5 weeks, so I am assuming I have found my solution. By the way this solution only cost me $135. I also have a 12v outlet in back of car with heavy duty wire and had no voltage drop issues.
Thanks baute, I didn't know you could get an allrounder I'll certainly look into that. Sounds like a good compromise.
Vic41 said
09:24 PM Feb 12, 2014
Vic41 wrote:
Just a question on compressor car fridge setting.
I don't want the freezer function, just the fridge only, I have set it on 5+, is that too high or about right for normal fridge only stuff
In answer to my own question, a google bought this info up;
I am looking at buying a small car fridge, don't need a big one, just to keep cool a couple of cans, some milk and butter.
Because of the size of the car, I do not want to run it off an auxillary battery, just the car battery while mobile and possibly 240V when available on site (compressor fridge?).
Also toying with the idea of possibly having a gas function (absorption 3 way) if free camping with a 2KG gas bottle.
Don't like the idea of a thermo fridge, had one once and it was next to useless (at least the one I had was).
See these comments by Choice on the three types, also has anyone had any experience with the "mini fridge"?
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/travel/outdoors/camping-and-hiking/portable-fridge-buying-guide.aspx
Any feedback appreciated bearing in mind my restrictions as to size, weight etc. Thanks.
Compressor units are available in a greater ranges of sizes with different lid hinge setups to suit your needs. They draw less power and can freeze if desired.
A small 25 litre model would probably suit you - will draw about 3.5 amps when running.
No matter what you buy remember it will be heavy.
Good Luck.
Thanks Denis, much appreciated, that makes good sense, I'll check them out (bearing in mind the weight factor).
We have a Waeco TC 35,in the car at all times,also an old Chescold 3 Way,as a Camping Fridge/Freezer,when needed.
The Waeco is used ,to hold our cold food when we go Shopping,and current draw averages out at about 2 Amps/HR
the TC series are supposed to get down to 1 deg above Ambient,great for NSW,not so great for really hot Climates,
but we don't go there anyway.
I believe the specs,it works that well,we bought a TC 21,as a spare.
The Main trick with,any Non Compressor fridge,is to put Ice Packs in it a couple of hours before use,
This is Absolutely Mandatory.
We use Techni-Ice Sheets kept in our home freezer.
Without some form of Pre Cooling,you are wasting your time,on both types.
Either type will take hours,to pre cool.
With Sheets/Ice,they are cool in a couple of hours,and ready to use
Turn them on first,then remove Ice,if you need the room,once cold,unless it's really hot they will stay cold.
Like you we had one of the early cheap Thermoelectric coolers............bloody hopeless,
you would have to pry the TC series coolers from my cold dead fingers,to get them off me....IN NSW Temps!
However,if I was trying to use them in Really hot Climates,I would probably give them to you,
But not the Chescold 3 way,it will Freeze to 10 deg Below,on a 40 deg day,if you turn it right up,
again turn it on,and pre chill,with "Ice" before you pack it.
One Very Important thing to remember with,any type of "Non Compressor" fridge,
Only pack it with Cold Items First.
John
-- Edited by johnno02 on Tuesday 11th of February 2014 04:01:12 AM
We intend upgrading to a new van later in the year and where still deciding whether to incorporate a fridge/freezer in the new van. If we sold the 32, that would make the decision easy.
CF 32 has 12/24 volt as well as a 240 volt lead for when you park up in those cabins you like so much. Comes complete with a cover. COuld be yours for $600 or near offer. Had it in the tug when I saw you a couple of weeks ago.
Call me - Bob
Thanks for the feedback Johnno, the dud thermo one I had I put out on the verge it was so useless, someone claimed it quickly which got rid of it for me.
Is the one you have now absorption or compressor?
Is there any danger from fumes using a fridge freezer inside the vehicle when closed up (eg; hot day, all windows closed and A/C on)?
Bob, thanks for the thought I am looking for something smaller at this point in time, just to keep a few small items cold, I don't eat meat so mainly looking at milk, a couple of cans or small bottle of drink and margarine. I want to have a look around first also.
By the way, GN has a free for sale section on the main page, see;
http://thegreynomads.com.au/classifieds/for-sale/
Regards the cabin, first time I have ever used on on a rally, however as the weather was unpredictable for February heat wise and having no aircon (unlike you lucky people) felt it was worth it for a couple of days. Was ok camping at Pumphrey's overnight later as very mild weather.
-- Edited by Vic41 on Tuesday 11th of February 2014 11:45:46 AM
Hi Vic,
We only use the Thermo Waeco in the car,and the Absorbtion Chesney when set up,
also have a 12 Volt power supply to run the Thermo,if needed.
Due to my limitations we only use powered sites.
John
Thanks John, much appreciated,
Vic
we got a Jackaroo from Kmart many years back... yes, does have to be level to work well, but keeps stuff cold in the car, works on gas when camping, and 240 volt when at home (makes a great extra fridge at christmas). Once when camping and out of gas and 12 volts, we filled it with ice and it worked that way too!
On most trips we run it from the 12 volt outlet on the car while travelling, and have no issues.
I have read lots of comments about them, but ours works great.
-- Edited by Rip and Rosie on Tuesday 11th of February 2014 09:28:41 PM
For info of anyone in WA, Battery Force on Pinjarra Road Yunderup have brand new 38L plastic body Engel fridge/freezers for $680 at present.
They are selling at cost to get people in the door of the new business premises.
As long as it suits you R & R and you are happy with it, that's all that counts
Thanks for the info Neil, I settled for a 12V Compressor Eva Kool Travel Mate 30L, came with a cover and 240V power inverter/transformer included in the price of $599. Bought it from Getaway Outdoors at Balcatta. Eva Kool (in Coolangatta) sell them for the same price but you have to pay for delivery on top of that. The prices for the same model on Ebay was much higher and did not include the cover and transformer.
Just a question on compressor car fridge setting.
I don't want the freezer function, just the fridge only, I have set it on 5+, is that too high or about right for normal fridge only stuff
Hi, I had similar dilemma, running a 30 litre fridge from main battery. I initially ran mine from my starter and it worked well whilst driving, I did run my battery down over night running it. I then changed my starter battery to an Allrounder MRV48, 60ah deep cycle and 550 cranking battery. This successfully ran my fridge for up to two days parked. I did this continuously for 5 weeks, so I am assuming I have found my solution. By the way this solution only cost me $135. I also have a 12v outlet in back of car with heavy duty wire and had no voltage drop issues.
Vic
Waeco used to have an 18L model, not on sale now. We have had one for 11 years now no problems.
Fitted behind front seat in Pajero,, low current draw about 3 - 3.5 amps when running (has Danfoss CF 35 compressor I think).
Maybe a second hand one would suit,, try Gumtree of Ebay maybe?
-- Edited by Baz421 on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 08:08:46 PM
Vic this is what they look like
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbourne-cbd/fridges-freezers/waeco-coolfreeze-cf-18-240-volt-rectifier-by-waeco/1038285334
Thanks Baz, yes they are still on sale new, I saw one yesterday. I have since bought a 30L Evakool Travelmate for around the same price, I have given details of my purchase further down the page. Yours sounds like a good buy and as long as you are happy with it that is fine. I very nearly bought one but opted for the larger one which came with cover and transformer for 240V included.
Thanks again
Vic
-- Edited by Vic41 on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 09:20:20 PM
Thanks baute, I didn't know you could get an allrounder I'll certainly look into that. Sounds like a good compromise.
In answer to my own question, a google bought this info up;
http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/household/kitchen/fridges-and-freezers/fridge-temperature-feature.aspx
http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/science/science-in-focus/home-fridge-temperatures/#.UvtLlu9WEqQ
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Food_safety_storage?open
I know it says home fridge but both the home and portable are compressor types so I assume both the same ?
-- Edited by Vic41 on Thursday 13th of February 2014 02:56:38 AM