Camping Fridge, Sub $800 to Fit in The Back of a Station Wagon Running on 12v

goingDHfast on 20/12/2022 - 16:18
Last edited 20/12/2022 - 16:38

As per title, looking for something I can pick up this week (in stock in Melbourne, prefer south east suburbs.)

Below options I'm considering so far. Having trouble choosing between the various options. Don't need a freezer and it will run on either 240v in the house or 12v from the car boot. Will be used once or twice a month and not on the back of a ute or through red dust etc.

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/739600

https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/power-cooling/…

Find Me A Bargain Portable Refrigerator

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goingDHfast on 20/12/2022 - 16:25

Old design compressor vs new. Worth paying $$ for CCP model MyCoolman?

Comes with an insulated bag vs no. Old model compressor with a bag might be a good compromise for $600 (Dometic CF50).

Wouldn't use Bluetooth/wifi.
nicktork on 20/12/2022 - 16:38

+1

I can recommend the Brass Monkey fridges from Jaycar or Road Tech Marine. They come in all sizes, with optional extras like built-in lithium batteries. They are still on sale at Road Tech Marine, a couple of hundred dollars off some models. They have them all on display at Road Tech Marine in Bayswater.

https://www.roadtechmarine.com.au/brass-monkey/brass-monkey-…
- goingDHfast on 20/12/2022 - 16:51
  
  Cheers mate these do look very good. Have you got the lithium battery pack too? How does the compressor tech/efficiency compare to others?
  - goingDHfast on 20/12/2022 - 16:58
    
    Reading the latest reviews this looks pretty awesome. Does Jaycar still have the 50% off sale mentioned earlier this week?
    
    https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/brass-monkey-50l-d…
  - nicktork on 20/12/2022 - 17:14
    
    I didn't get the lithium battery pack model, as I have it connected to a separate 100Ah lithium battery box in the car boot. I run the fridge at 2 degrees and the freezer at -10 degrees and can easily stay off grid for 3+ days, more with solar.
CurlCurl on 20/12/2022 - 16:47

+1

How long will you be camping and how will you power the fridge when parked up?
- goingDHfast on 20/12/2022 - 16:53
  
  Mostly overnight but up to three nights once a year. Will try to find powered sites where possible or plugin to the car battery I guess.
  - AustriaBargain on 20/12/2022 - 17:41
    
    +1
    
    What about a high quality esky and some ice?
    - simplystu on 20/12/2022 - 21:12
      
      reminds me of a science experiment I did way back in year 10 … roughly 1994.
      
      Testing out different esky models/constructions + ice blocks + melting time + overall temp inside/etc.
      It was very interesting results …
      
      Some models could even last 4 days with ice still fairly well formed (this was without opening lid inbetween mind you) … others barely made it past 24 hour mark.
      
      As to OP …
      it's been many years (I went on a 4WD adventure early 2000's) - so technology possibly changed - eg. lithium battery packs weren't available back then.
      
      running a fridge purely just off your car battery - even overnight could cause issues.
      1.) check rated ampHours fridge pulls.
      2.) deep cycle battery? … or even a dual battery setup?
      
      But for just overnight … ice does REALLY REALLY well at keeping things cool (even frozen).
      Esp - only looking at so roughly 3 nights a year.
      
      Is it really worth the $$$ layout to buy fridge in firstplace?
      I guess I am a little "old school" these days.
CurlCurl on 20/12/2022 - 17:00

Some cigarette circuits cant handle the draw from a fridge. Also, if the fridge doesn't have a low voltage cut off you could end up with a flat battery.
- goingDHfast on 20/12/2022 - 17:10
  
  That's a great point thanks. I'm driving an MY22 Skoda Superb will double check if the draw is ok.
Ulysses31 on 20/12/2022 - 17:40

The 80L version had a ripper special over the weekend, but probably way too big for your needs.

https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/power-cooling/…

$119 jacket for free, plus free $100 gift card. I don't believe it's ever been that good.
https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/power-cooling/…
porterble on 21/12/2022 - 15:55

See if you can get one of these still: https://www.jaycar.com.au/74l-brass-monkey-portable-fridge-a…

Based on the previous model its a solid fridge and at a very good price.
brad1-8tsi on 21/12/2022 - 16:18

Stay away from the OzTrail. I took an Oztrail 57L on my NT trip and it didn't cope once the ambient temp reached 28c.

I believe MyCoolman are owned by the guys that used to own Waeco (which was bought by Dometic).

Both Dometic and MyCoolman are good fridges as are Brass Monkey.

You'll need a PowerPack to run them overnight. Off the top of my head they draw around 70 watts which is about 6 amps.

Make sure you leave room around ALL the vents.

If you can, insulate the windows.
dwillia on 22/12/2022 - 00:38

I bought this for $450 last week, maybe wait and see if they have any post xmas sales

https://www.jaycar.com.au/115l-brass-monkey-dual-zone-fridge…

Camping Fridge, Sub $800 to Fit in The Back of a Station Wagon Running on 12v

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