Portable Refrigeration

This site compares just about every make and refrigerator type currently available in Australia and is well worth a quick visit  http://www.portable-engel-chescold-more.com.au/default.htm. Those with the smaller Electrolux in their camper will find that it is a bit on the small side when touring in sparsely populated areas with little shopping opportunities. You can supplement your Electrolux with any of the units above. You can use some units as a freezer. In our case we use a Chescold, but things can get very iffy if travelling at night as the current draw from two units puts a lot of strain on the alternator. The Engel's draw less than half the current.

The Engel 30 is a med/large unit capable of  keeping food frozen.  It is extremely light weight and is easily transported from place to place. As a refrigerator it can hold a steady interior temperature. They are great for people on the move - as this unit can be taken anywhere over your shoulder! - all you need it a 12 Volt power supply.  With a converter it can also run off household 240 Volt power supply.

Chescold. Model F400. This is a 39 litre three way refrigerator/freezer in the Chescold Range. The new models current June 2000 have several improvements. 

1. The lids have a new strong hinge system and also a closing restraint on each side of the lid which helps to hold it closed. 

2. The 12 volt fitting has changed with a probable more resilient connection to the refrigerator with a locking tab to hold it in.

It works on 12 volt (used only while driving and from a dedicated heavy duty supply line) 240 volt and L.P. Gas.

These appliances work some what differently to the compressor appliances. The initial cooling period in the tropics is 5-12 hrs to achieve it's minimum possible temperature.

These three way appliances provide an enormous advantage for the person who intends to stay or camp at a location for an extended period without running a vehicle every day. Providing you have a bottle of L.P. Gas the appliance will provide refrigeration until the L.P. Gas is depleted.

Gas consumption varies but allow three weeks from a 9 kg bottle.

Price of this refrigerator is AUD$879 including GST. Freight to be added to price shown.

Your 12 volt will work well if you run a twin sheathed 6mm cable from the battery direct to the refrigerator using a 30 amp inline circuit breaker.

Any other wiring forget it. On a single battery vehicle put this supply line in with a ignition operated relay so the fridge drops off when you turn the vehicle off.

Most of the above info was taken from the Keepitcool Refrigeration site in the Northern Territory. It would probably be the best site to use to research Electrolux as the guy seems to be a dedicated specialist.

Phone, 08 89843733 Fax 08 89470483