Car/camping fridge recommendations

[Watchman]

I want a fridge when I go camping or when I go out for a day in the car. I know there are basically two types:

1. Cheapo Peltier fans - cool the insides to a set number of degrees below the ambient (outside temp), or

2. Compressor type


I believe the Peltier fan type use a lot of electricity as they are on all the time, whereas the compressor type switch on and off. I am intending to leave the fridge in a trailer with a leisure battery so I'd prefer one which was more efficient.

I also believe that a Peltier fan type can't freeze. I think I'd like that option.

Thing is, compressor types are expensive... Engel fridges are ~£400.

Any recommendations?

[therealpigdog]

2nd hand caravan fridge - can also run it on gas.

Remember to fit vents to the trailer though!

[Watchman]

Thought about that but they aren't cheap, I'll never need gas, and I'd prefer a top load configuration.

[PugwasHDJ80]

Have used an engel for overlanding for 5 years. Sold it 6m ago as we were using it less and less. Someone paid £25 less than i bought it for! so on those terms it cost me about £75 after inflation for 5 years hard use.

It was amazingly efficient even at -20 in the depths of the sahara (at 45 degrees!)

Know that they are expensive, but if you have the stomach for one they are very very good value.

[Watchman]

Ooh, offers both types of cooling for nearly half the price I've seen from Engel:

http://www.cooltechleisure.co.uk/mobicool_b40_1223...

I reckon this one might be the one.

[smifffymoto]

We have a Weaco 3way fridge,never needed to use it on gas.

It's. Damn near indestuctable.

[Watchman]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

Word of warning - they eat batteries.

That's interesting. Thanks. I've just looked at the specs for the Mobicool fridge I linked to above. When running on the mains (compressor) it uses 65 Watts but I understand that in this mode it's a stop/start use so *could* be more efficient than when running off the 12 Volt supply overall (if you don't keep opening and closing it).

I was wondering whether to power it off an inverter instead of using the 12 Volt supply (when I have no access to mains).

I'm going to buy it anyway - I'll experiment with different modes of use.

Thanks.

[Bill]

Paddynmurphy needs a better alternator

I've used Waeco fridges as a cheaper version of Engel and been very impressed. Engel are meant to be better and more efficient.