Got solar - now need a compressor fridge. Recommendations?

[MrJonPayne]

I'm new to this Bongo-ing and totally loving it. We've bought an unconverted M reg Bongo and the only modification we've made so far is to add a slimline solar-panel. This was inexpensively and brilliantly installed by Roger at Solar Camper Solutions ( http://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk/i ... /bongo-kit ). He gave a total newbie like me invaluable advice and it's so nice having a leisure battery that keeps topped up for free! I'd defo recommend him.

On to my question. We don't want to do a conversion (the flexibility suits us just now), but it would be nice to get a compressor fridge that can plug into the standard cigarette lighter type power outlet that Roger installed. Any recommendations? Ideally, it would be cool if it could slide under the back seat when the seats are made into a bed but would love other ideas if you guys have 'em.

Thanks!

[g8dhe]

I don't think you will get a compressor with a plug on the end! They are intended to be wired in direct to avoid problems with being left out and also the switch on surge, but its not a difficult thing to do!
We have a Vitrifrigo C42 and with the 100 Watt Solar Panel its been on 24/7 ever since.

[Tony x]

Before considering a fridge, consider an Iceytek http://www.coolboxesuk.com/shop-online/ ... sure.html/
Having had a range of cool boxes before, this was a revelation. Ideal for a weekend away but you need ice packs and it's best to put a few frozen ones in it the night before you go anywhere, then put fresh ice packs in with your food / beer / whatever.
I agree with solar panels being brilliant - you just don't have to worry about electricity (well, within reason)
However, even a good set up will struggle to keep one of the £40 or so cool boxes going 24/7.
You need a proper camping fridge / coolbox
Not tried it but maybe something like this
http://www.mgdonline.co.uk/products/wae ... wgodJiwAvQ

[MrJonPayne]

Good point Geoff! Thanks - I am now definitely going to claim I meant a *Compressor Cooler* not a fridge

I'll have a look at those Iceytek things, Tony - But I'm worried that they might not actively cool stuff down. Any thoughts?

Those Waeco coolers do look good - I think I'd stumbled across them before and am even more tempted now that I see the CDF 18 model uses this image in the gallery:


Not only will this cool my drinks, it'll make me grow all my hair back and it knocks 10 years off my wife too! All for under £320! Amazing stuff.

[the1andonly]

John
the ezetil ezc35 is a compressor fridge/ freezer with a waeco compressor.
It can be set down to -18C. I use +2C, ie as fridge and works very well. Quiter than i expected during the night.
It has the option to plug directly in 240v mains or into a 20A cigar socket with the very beefy supplied cable.

for details see
http://www.grassroutesleisure.co.uk/pro ... sor-fridge

[Tony x]

John - the Iceytek wont actively cool.
however, if say you remove a can of coke or something and replace it with a warm one, it'll come out cold, even after 24 hours use. however, it looks like you need something that's powered

[francophile1947]

Waeco compressor fridges are excellent, but expensive. I have never seen a fridge that would be small enough to slide under your seat.

[janie]

Clearcut conversions do this:http://clearcutconversions.co.uk/produc ... idge/...at £525 I think it's bit steep, but it looks fantastic. I did once read that someone didn't like theirs though (you can't get to the milk when your bed's up for a morning cuppa)!

[mikeonb4c]

For energy efficiency, top loading fridges are the way to go. The best T5 California conversions I've seen have them. The problem of not being able to use them when the bed is pulled out also disappears. I'd always opt for one that can be put in the side awning when camping if that's my living/cooking space.

[Dodgey]

I'd agree with the Waeco option (thanls for the reecommendation btw )

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waeco-Dometic ... 3f4cf1f37f

Though this is on offer and at £200 is a bargain in 12v compressor fridge terms

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compressor-Fr ... 2c9c0b2a30

[Puma931]

Would something like this work with a 12v to 24ov converter?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Fridge-C ... 3f4d915ca3

[g8dhe]

It may well work but its not very efficient at all and the selection of inverter is critical as it has to handle the switch on surge and the waveform shape is also very important you may need to use a genuine sinewave rather than a simulated sinewave inverter.

[mikeonb4c]

I'd agree with the Waeco option (thanls for the reecommendation btw )

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waeco-Dometic ... 3f4cf1f37f

Though this is on offer and at £200 is a bargain in 12v compressor fridge terms

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compressor-Fr ... 2c9c0b2a30

Typical, just like buses, you watch ebay for years looking for a bargain price compressor coolbox then one comes along just after you gave up and bought a Waeco Tropicool 2nd hand (still not that cheap either!). Mind you the Ezetil looks like a biggie - more space than I'd want to give up in the Bongo I think.

[Dodgey]

I never pass up a fridge bargain. Got a coolmatic compressor fridge in my garage I snapped up for £70 last year

[Nogob]

Hi, after reading this thread I took the plunge and ordered one of the ezetil ezc35's.

I've not had much of a play with it yet, but it appears to be struggling to get down to 4°c and I'm wondering if the Bongo wiring might be too weedy to deliver the power it needs? It's plugged in to the socket in the back.

I know less than nothing about electrics but have read comments on the forum before about the the writing to the 12v sockets being a bit below par. Does anyone know if this could be something I need to look at?

Thanks