Club 80-90 Forums

I'm looking for a recommendation for a cool box to replace my fridge. The fridge works fine but i want something top loading, efficent and modern which can be removed when not in use. Really only need 12/240v and would consider gas but not a priority. I have a 37cm wide slot available in my camper kitchen so it can't be wider as I don't fancy reworking the kitchen again.

I've tried cool boxes and they just don't work well, ok for keeping stuff that's already chilled from warming up for a few hours but they're not like a fridge and they flatten your leisure battery in no time.
Best option I found was a top loading compressor fridge, expensive but worth it and only run for about ten minutes every hour so very efficient, quieter than a cool box and a 100w solar panel keeps up with demand in summer. (more solar is better though, 150w-200w is nice) but if you use hookup or drive every day you don't need the solar.
Check out the Chinese Alpicool top loaders if your budget doesn't stretch to the posh ones. I have an Alpicool one and it's the dog's danglies.

Thanks for the input, very useful, I did wonder about how efficient coolboxes actually are. I'll look at the Alpicool models as they sound quite good.

Just another vote for compressor fridges - actually keeps things properly cold even on very hot days.

I have 100w solar which seems to keep battery topped up fine - fridge obviously runs more when its hot, but then it tends to be more sunny hence more solar power!

Thanks for that ^^^ I'm looking at the specs for the Alpicool fridges, they look good!

Just wondered if you had found a supplier for the Alpicool fridges in the UK ??

They're available on fleabay and the China copies, as mentioned above, are also available online. I've been sidetracked with this project at the moment as I'm preparing my bus for its mot .

We have the Waeko Coolpro - its about 18Ltr capacity and is a top opener. It's great and easily removed when you want to - It's not to heavy when full.
I got this idea of Lloydy but when you are parked up, slide the drivers seat forward and it happily sits on top of the seat box.

Although not the same thing these are said to be very good, indeed one of the best coolboxes. Put it in the freezer at home before use and it it works.

https://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop ... gK-A_D_BwE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting, been served hot food and drinks out of these in various unsavoury places back in the day, they certainly seemed to work!

I just picked up a dometic CRE50 on a deal to replace the ancient 3 way: with these 12v compressor fridges you hook them up direct to the leisure battery I assume with a switch so you can turn it off when not needed?
I can see myself killing the leisure battery by forgetting and leaving it running for a week..

Yes, I have a switch for mine.
My solar olar doesn't keep up with demand in the winter and they're not as efficient when empty so it's worth having a switch.

We have a 3 way Dometic Combicool RC 1700. Boought 8 years ago and still works very well.
Will go 30 degrees below ambient IIRC.

Fantastic bit of kit. Cold beers on a campsite = happy me!!

S

Just thought I'd update on this thread. I ended up replacing my old fridge with a modern 24l top loading compressor unit. I refinished the 'hole' left by the old fridge where the new, removable, unit sits when camping.

I also replaced the 35 year old plumbing for the sink and drainer at the same time. The new unit uses little power on 12v and can be powered by 240v on hookup, both power supplies are fitted into the units and ready to be used. I can also use the unit in the awning and elsewhere and don't take it when not needed, theres also extra luggage space when its not on board.

So all together a flexible solution, thanks for all the input on here.

.

Any chance of a pic. Just been looking a those Waeco fridges but can''t justify the cost as I'll be selling this year. Be interesting to see how you've done it