Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: christchurch uk
Posts: 299
how noisy are 12v fridges

I am thinking of buying a 12v fridge either a coolbox style, or a built in to replace my gas one. I am specifically looking at the Waeco ones as I can get a good deal. Has anyone got experience of them and how noisy they are? I like cold but don't like noise!

Graeme
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NSW Australia
Posts: 139
They are very quiet like most 12v fridges.
If on a budget get the Weaco but I have thrown two of them in the bin. They don't last if worked hard.
I now have an Engel 3-way (12v,240v & gas). Freeze on 240v at home then 12v when travelling and gas when camped.
The main problem for 12v only fridges is the battery drain (twin batteries help). I went through a few batteries before the light dawned and I paid a little more for a good 3-way fridge.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Leicestershire,UK, or in my Iveco Daily 4x4
Posts: 474
Hi graeme

There is a certain amount of noise from a compressor fridge when the compressor runs (30-59 % of the time)

But it doesn't keep me awake at night - some switch them off overnight if its a low enough ambient

If you want a front loader, keep a lookout for engel front loading fridges, lots of boat people sell them on ebay for not a lot

Chest ones go for alot more both in national luna, engel , minus 40 etc but they are all rugged - the plastic cased waecos use the same hardware - not sure they are insulated aswell

Also look at shoreline shoreline,marine,boat,fridge,canal,river,yacht,fre ezer,danfoss,barge,motorhome,campervan,galley,litt lehampton,sussex,acc,cubigel,cruiser,inlander,low, voltage,batts,ranger,waterways,portable - you get between 10-15 % off if you join the self build motor caravan club

Or Vitrofrigo - Home | Marine Refrigeration, Vehicle Refrigeration and Hotel Refrigeration | Frigoboat, Climma & Vitrifrigo

Rich
__________________
Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
there are two types, absorbtion and compressor. The compressor type are noisier. The absorption type are near silent ,but they are a battery killer on 12v , so you use gas or mains when stopped. The compressor type are not that noisy but its a personal judgement thing, how close you are to unit, sound deadning, in vehicle etc .
__________________
Current : 2007 Mowag Bucher Duro 6x6 Motorhome , 2006 Sedici 4x4, 2007 Range Rover supercharged
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Leicestershire,UK, or in my Iveco Daily 4x4
Posts: 474
i'd forget the absorption types for an overlander, they need to be level and will only reduce to around 25 degrees below ambient (check specs) so its compressor or swing motor (engel) ones you want to look at
__________________
Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: cheshire/england
Posts: 57
fridges

hi i have found that by sitting our engel on foam rubber mats the type that clips to gether [aldi] it cut the noise/vibro down by 50%,,befor that i used to turn it off at night but stopped that as you would soon have 1cm of water in the bottom from condensation hope this helps
steve
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 268
I'll second that opinion on absorbtion type fridges - huge power drain on 12v and still not very effective. I have an ancient engel compressor driven fridge in my Land Rover and it only wakes me up if I sleep with my head on it! Turning it down rather than off also allows you to get to sleep before it fires up while keeping things cool inside!
Make sure if you surround it with sound deadening that there is still ventilation to the heat exchanger area (point it away from where you're intending to sleep)
In terms of volume, I'd say Engels are no louder than a domestic fridge. Waeco I can't speak for.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
I've got an old (1984) Electrolux absorbtion 3 way fridge, tropical rated, and its a little ripper. Use 240V when available to cool down before a trip, 12V whilst travelling, gas whilst stationary and travelling when I forget to switch it over. It freezes on gas and 240V, keeps cool but wont cool on 12V.

I think a lot of problems with absorbtion fridges come from camper/caravan builders who know so much more than the manufacturer when it comes to building the fridges in. I've seen a few fitted with 1/8" ply side insulation, no rear vents, no rear baffles to exit heat from the vehicle, a chimney not fitted - a killer!! But if you follow the fitting instructions you get a long lasting fridge with low running costs, can easily be used while parked for days/weeks as long as you have gas. Downsides are levelling, but we bought a set of levellers more for sleeping comfort than the fridge.

Horses for courses I guess.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Jul 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
Hiya

Our camper has a 12/24v Vitrifigo compressor front opening fridge which is really good.

The previous camper owners travelled for a solid 5 years with it, presumably on all the time, and its been on since Oct 08 for us. We have about 200W of solar and 2x255Ah batteries, sized to run a since removed microwave, and power has never been an issue.

I wouldn't want to sleep with my head next to it, but its a gentle noise so you could get used to it. There is no sound proofing between the bed and us and its never been loud enough to bother us.

I have heard that if a fridge gets noisy it possibly could do with recharging the gas system??
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 147
Hi Graeme

Engel has a gentle hum and can thoroughly recommend them. Don't know about Waeco, but cold is vital!

Bruce
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: christchurch uk
Posts: 299
Thanks for all the replies, I have just ordered a waeco cr80. I have been lucky enough to get a very good deal on it and also 160w off solar panels. I will let everyone know how I get on, hopefully I will get it fitted in time for our 3 week trip to southern France.

Graeme
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
fridges - waeco or engel rclafton Equipping the Overland Vehicle 11 9 Oct 2010 13:39
Shoreline fridges graysworld Equipping the Overland Vehicle 3 23 Apr 2009 16:53
I know these are noisy but... chopper511 Yamaha Tech 6 3 Apr 2008 15:16
Travel fridges: Engel vs. Waeco? Dan Equipping the Overland Vehicle 5 15 May 2002 15:21
Diesel Fridges nickt Equipping the Overland Vehicle 2 11 May 2002 23:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:21.