I stick a five litre bottle of frozen water in my fridge Mel the night before I leave. I then replace with another the day I leave. Three days of meat, milk, butter and cheese stay cold and fresh in summer. No electricity or gas needed. I fill a stainless steel box up with ice from Tesco or Asda when I need more fresh shopping and ice. The stainless steel box that holds a full bag of ice and hooks unto the cold plate on the top back of the fridge came from IKEA, part of a cleaning products storage thing lol. The round one I don't use is for washing up liquid. The stainless steel box gets really cold and works great, I can drive with it hooked on also as long as it's not full of water. I save gas as it's not even connected to it, I only use it electrically while on hook up. As you said Mel, "That's how I roll". Great saying 😂👍
I like the way you roll too Mel! Bottle of frozen water can be a substitute to help with the cooler, then you can just drink the water when its thawed out.....😀
Excellent. Answered my question. I don't need my fridge for anything other than cheese and Yoghurt. Will trade in my 3 way. Its getting to be unreliable. Thanks Mel.
Another couple of bonuses of having a fridge like this is that you can take it in the house and put it on 240v to chill down before you load up to go on a trip, plus you can move it around in the van if you do find it too noisy (we can put ours in the cab overnight) and of course you can also use it in another vehicle too - so great for picnics. 🙂🚐👍
Great video Mel. Regarding mains buy a mains lead with circuit breaker rcd like ‘One man and his Whippet, bung the lead through the back doors cushioned by rubber seal on door. Bobs your uncles 👍😂
Freeze bottles of water add salt to the water as it stays frozen for longer, also if you wrap your bottles in a bit silver bubble wrap, just a little tip for cool boxes, Atb Dave
I remembered this video, and have come back to it. I have a TCX35, or had one rather. It died, so I must be one of the very few with one that konked out. It just clicks. Before it died it was noticeably louder (basically not entering eco mode, and saving power when down to temp) so I knew something was up. I went out and came back and it just kept making the clicking noise with no lights or fan. It was bought in 2018, but only used for about 12 months maximum. About 3 months each year give or take. And had a very easy life. Never knocked or dropped. Still have the paper work and original box. What I have found out since ownership is that Dometic don't actually give their coolboxes any warranty. So I have opted now for a Alpicool 35L compressor fridge freezer, it is a bit cheaper (~£300) and comes with a years warranty, so I'll run it until it drops 😂 Poor experience with Dometic though, you would expect a thermoelectric to last longer, especially when they are comparably expensive. They are impressive when they work though, I will give them that, but I cant argue with Alpicool's price, warranty, temperature and minimal power consumption. I just hope the compressor fridge isnt too heavy 🤞
Before we owned the BIG OLD GIRL we ownes a Toyota Landcruisr with that exact Fridge and it was set up on the Drawers on a slider in the Back we Paid $1300AUD for it and it was great stayed on all the time never flatened the Leisure Battery but it did cut off at 11.9 Volts if your battery got that low they work well Mel ya won't go wrong with that one Mel
How things move on early 2022 reasonable electric cool boxes around the £100 to replace my 30l lidl one after soldering switch back to cool operation. just invested in alpicool compressor dual zone type from vevor just over £200. Been playing for several days freezer -6 fridge at 3 drawing around 2 amps 20 ish watts when running compressor, 0 when compressor off, with battery protection , eco mode blue tooth when I clear space on my phone. does do ice cubes. divider removable operate as one zone fridge or freezer. 50 and 60 litre types also available. ordered Sunday arrived tuesday over New years bank holiday from chester (America New Jersey ish) does do anicce cool cider in fridge section.
Had the same model Waeco as you have got. Packed up on me last week after ten yrs of constant use. Was looking to buy a new one. But at about £230 pound thought they were expensive. So went to Halfords with the intention of buying the £100 40l electric coolbox. But ended up with a 30l compressor fridge for £250. The compressor fridge does have the battery protection on it too.
I have a Waeco Dometic 50litre compressor fridge because it gets too warm here for a cooler at times - It is tied down in the back of my dual cab Isuzu ute. It has three battery cut out settings, Lo, Med, Hi, I think the Lo setting is just to protect the fridge because the cut out voltage is too low for an AGM battery in my opinion . Mine is set to Mid and I have never had it cut out yet (the battery is charged by solar and the engine). They seem pretty sturdy, mine is a few years old and has been over some very rough dirt roads. When I am de icing my 35+ year old home chest freezer I can use the Dometic as a freezer to store its contents.
Another great video. Was toying with the idea a fridge but seemed too expensive for my needs. Thank you so much for your upbeat, fun and down to earth advice. Lots of great advice from your fans too. Keep on rolling as you do. 👍👏
Mel i have a table top fridge 240v running on 110amp battery 100wat solar panel and inverter. the fridge is turned down low and ticks over just fine unless we get abnormal sweltering weather. check the wattage on rear of fridge as some are lower than others.
I had the exact same fridge as you in my lorry but as you said it couldn't keep at 5 Celsius was 9/10 in italy in the summer. In the end the control panel stopped working so i got a smaller 18 litre indel b TB18 compressor fridge £300 new, 12/24 volt but no mains (use brick inverter for that). Can get down to -18 and be used as a freezer but i set it to 5 Celsius, is very good on power because no constant fan, also has low volt cut off which you can set the voltage for.
Domestic under counter fridge and an inverter cost me under a ton uses less than 3ah. Running 2 years now no problems and only 60 for a new one. That waeco is a goodun 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld To be honest Mel my solar seems to keep everything topped up. But I do have a Victron battery protector inline with the leisure batteries. It's this one Victron Energy BPR000065400 Battery Protection 12/24 V-65 A
I had a Waco 28lt that I used IN the truck for well over 8 yrs 5 days a week 24 7 lovely bit of kit when I got a truck with a fridge I put it in the van another 2 years running but managed to break it in the new forest I've now got a mobicool NO way near as good it doesn't have a temperature cut out but it runs 24 7 as I now live in the van 😁😁😁
Coffee mate, never bother with milk for coffee! powdered milk for tea! if you put ice to help the cooling use those ice packs, put them at the top as as you said cold air drops. I never knew you could turn them into heat boxes, very interesting.
My 3 way was so temperamental and as I'm a big foody I needed a fridge. So went with a compressor fridge, crx50 too expensive for a small fridge and now have a shoreline, but big but so far brilliant
Good Vid Mel. Interesting review. I bought 2nd hand a Waeco cfx65 compressor fridge approx 5 yrs ago. Cant fault it. Paid £250, new Approx £900. I Travel in hot places so unfortunately require the fridge but if i could get away with what you have there i would! - due to cost. (was looking at the Engel fridges for next purchase.....Then saw the price of those!!!). Good Work....
Hi Mel I have a 3 way abosorbtion fridge and runs it on gas most of the time, it cost 220 euros brand new on amazon. Can get it below - 0 on a hot day. I got it cheaper because it had a couple of small scratches. If you set up your position of the fridge and vents right they work a treat.
Love the way you roll Mel 🤣 I bought a very cheap cool box from Aldi but it wasn't very energy efficient. So I just did what others do and fill it with ice (or ice packs or frozen water bottles) and then switch it off. As long as the Milk, Chardonnay & Beer is cold that's all that matters. If I was a full time van dweller then perhaps I'd invest in a proper 12v Dometic or Alpicool fridge. Were you powering everything in that particular van off your Jackery and Poweroak power stations?
I bought a mini compressor fridge and the price is eye watering I must admit but they are very good and will keep us people who enjoy eating things like meat and cheese happy. Also I heard those coolboxes only keep the inside temp 20 degrees C below the ambient temperature is that true? If so a campervan can probably get up to 40 degrees C sometimes making the coolbox next to useless.
This is my issue, too get a refrigerator good enough but economically enough as well. Thanks for this video Mel.... it gives me an idea..... keep safe mate! Regards Rickard from Sweden
You should buy a compressor fridge from Aussie, start at about 200 pound for 50 litre 1. high demand cause you gotta keep beer cold here. love the vlogs and the info.
Brought back some bad, bad, BAD memories Mel, our compressorfridge broke down last summer in France. So we bought a 50 euro fridge in a supermarket nearby and while we were there bought some lovely steaks, which we couldn't eat that same day. So I thought we could eat that steak next day and stuck them in that new 50 euro "fridge" So the next day I wanted that steak well done but my wife didn't trust it and said it had a funny smell. From that day on, I swear I'll listen better to her as I ate that whole steak which came out in every imaginable form that night. The next morning she just said: Told you so😋
@@BigVanSmallWorld This year we'll go to Germany with our repaired compressorfridge and have no anxiety for getting sick on a nice piece of meat or fish as it will remain cooled sub zero. But we can do without meat or fish for a few days, as I was a vegetarian for almost 30 years. Nice fridge that you have there Mel, it's from the same brand as our repaired one, Weaco. It'll last you a lifetime. 👍🏻
Hi Mel. Do you know how to service these waeko cool box. I’ve just bought one second hand after watching your video and it doesn’t seem to be cold compared to my truck fridge.
Hi again Mel. I’ve a very similar cooler and wondering about using it on 240 as well. Am I ok to hardwire the unit to the rear of a plug socket to switch on when plugged into 240 hookup? Will it just switch from 12 to 240 automatically? I’m ok on the 12v side just the 240..... keep up the good work chap
Since you asked; my CFX35 compressor fridge box has the same low voltage cut off capability as your coolbox. This can be set to different (3 presets I believe) voltages for car and leisure battery use. The best function is the WiFi remote monitoring and alarm should things get too warm in there. The only other option is mine can also work as a freezer down to -18C - did somebody say ICECREAM! 🍨🍦🍨🍦🍨🍦
Thanks, a helpful video in my decision making process about my fridge! I am looking at a waeco coolfun one, says it’s 65w consumption and my current absorption fridge uses about 65w but tends to drain the battery! I take it yours doesn’t use too much power?!
Hi since making this video I have moved into my van full time and updated my fridge to a compressor fridge I have to say one of the most single expensive perches in my van it uses very little power and works great I would say buy the best you can afford at the time good luck with your build 😊
Depends how far your going as well, big trips and living in them and so forth it's good to have something you can stash a nice load in...My Dometic CoolMatic CRX 50 is a cracker, little freezer and enough room for a week...Can press a button and turn the lot into a freezer if needed and runs off (AC) 100-240 and (DC) 12/24 V..
every week ya make me smile....cheers bab....another great video,, iv always had just a cool box ( very old now) n also use it for step onto me bed !! ;)
Compressor fridge v cooler coolers draw power all the time and only work on outside ambient temperature compressor fridges only draw power when needed that's why most truckers have compressor fridges
That’s about rite except the decent coolers like mine do actually cut in and out and are quiet and last a life time unlike compressor fridge it’s all down to personal preference and budget not every one can afford the outrageous cost of a 12v compressor fridge 👍😊👍
I just noticed that you got a minelab metal detector I've just started metal detecting my self got the garrett at pro have you got photos of your finds much appreciated 👍
I would just go with a cool box for keeping milk fresh, a few bags of ice inside would keep it cool for 5 days. I thought you were building your van out for van life, then I saw your video that your job is a truck driver. Those cats are always hungry, our cat hardly eats anything. Lol.
Yes that's true Mel, most van lifers do work on the road making jewellry or online consultants etc. I just thought you were going to travel in a van throughout Europe without a main base or job. Must have been because I came across your channel at the start of lockdown, thought you were parked up at a mates house fitting out the van. Lol. 👍
I was planning on doing a trip with my metal detector all down the west cost of Europe to Gibraltar but that’s going to have to wait till next year 👍🤓👍
Andrew Gilbride yep it’s really well insulated no heat get down to the fridge though the bass trust me I did many experiments with different materials it’s all good 👍
My original idea was to use the space for storing the wood in the winter months and put the cool box under my seat the good thing is I can move the cool box to anywhere it will fit in the van so I may still do that 👍
No worries bud. I’m researching what fridge to get. I just wanted to know the main temperature differences and power consumption difference between the compressor fridge and the cold box
I don't wanna spend that sorta money but I'm the kinda person that lives off home made ready meals so I'm eyeing up a Dometic Dual Zone fridge freezer which unfortunately costs more than my car. Realistically I think I'll end up just improving the insulation in my old cool box and buying some ice :(
Sorry to inform you but the Waeco/Dometic coolers do not have a battery protection Shut off and unless you have a 100w+ of solar these units will eat your battery, I have One of these plus 2 other brands and 5 Compressor fridges, If you want you Cooler to shut down to protect the battery Dometic sell an inline battery protection lead that you plug the cooler into and plug the other end into a 12v socket, Sorry but who ever told you that it has a built in cut off was wrong. The Compressor Fidges have a 3 level voltage cut off so you can select which one you want it to cut off at, Also you Cooler will use up to 4Ah where as a Compressor fridge will use between 0.380Ah to 1.5Ah depending on how it is set and what the Ambiant Temperture is, Hope that helps.
A decent cheap compressor alternative are Alpicool fridges from AliExpress or Bangood. Budget on £200, but if you fall lucky like I did, then £130 could get you sorted.
Right now you're actually finished with your campervan now if you have what you gonna do now okay now are open I was going to see what you do for a living driving
If someone uses a Peltier module inside their computer then they are (CORKY, FROM LIFE GOES ON) it’s utterly ridiculous! You want to dissipate the heat from your computer, not add more. It would be like you digging a hole, while someone behind you is filling it in. Peltier modules are extremely inefficient! You’d be lucky to get 10% energy from the power it takes to cool them! Don’t get me wrong, they work and have their uses, like little coolers and to chill a couple of glasses of liquid. But, that’s about it. Not for A/C units or using it for your cpu.
I have been watching you for months now and enjoy your channel. I see the Minelab headphones ....are you a metal detectorist? If you are check out my channel when you get the chance. Cheers Bro.
I stick a five litre bottle of frozen water in my fridge Mel the night before I leave. I then replace with another the day I leave. Three days of meat, milk, butter and cheese stay cold and fresh in summer. No electricity or gas needed. I fill a stainless steel box up with ice from Tesco or Asda when I need more fresh shopping and ice.
The stainless steel box that holds a full bag of ice and hooks unto the cold plate on the top back of the fridge came from IKEA, part of a cleaning products storage thing lol. The round one I don't use is for washing up liquid.
The stainless steel box gets really cold and works great, I can drive with it hooked on also as long as it's not full of water. I save gas as it's not even connected to it, I only use it electrically while on hook up.
As you said Mel, "That's how I roll". Great saying 😂👍
Well done 👍 sounds sweet setup to me 👍🤓👍
Building a transit high roof camper atm. Hands down, it wouldnt be anywhere near as nice if it werent for your vids. Keep up the good work
Wow thanks that’s a real complement really appreciate your encouragement and support 👍🤓👍
I like the way you roll too Mel! Bottle of frozen water can be a substitute to help with the cooler, then you can just drink the water when its thawed out.....😀
Thank you that’s really appreciated and yes I used to do that in my old VW 👍🤓👍
Unfortunately I have a fridge similar, but no temp cut off.. drains battery alot, looking for an upgrade now after using it for a year.
Best review on UA-cam👍🏻 it’s a no brainer for me now I’m going for this instead of a fridge. X
Excellent. Answered my question. I don't need my fridge for anything other than cheese and Yoghurt.
Will trade in my 3 way. Its getting to be unreliable.
Thanks Mel.
You’re absolutely welcome but since making this video I have fitted a compressor fridge for ice cream ☺️👍
got a cooler, it done the job, just, just got a comp fridge, the cooler is now in the bin, wish i got one last year, £120 :)
Another couple of bonuses of having a fridge like this is that you can take it in the house and put it on 240v to chill down before you load up to go on a trip, plus you can move it around in the van if you do find it too noisy (we can put ours in the cab overnight) and of course you can also use it in another vehicle too - so great for picnics. 🙂🚐👍
That’s so true also can take it out completely if I need the room 👍🤓👍
Great video Mel. Regarding mains buy a mains lead with circuit breaker rcd like ‘One man and his Whippet, bung the lead through the back doors cushioned by rubber seal on door. Bobs your uncles 👍😂
Sounds good to me 🤓👍
Ace vid Mel. Loved it
This morning I crouched down, put my head between my knees and leaned forward...
It's just the way I roll 😂
Haha that’s golden thank you 😊
Freeze bottles of water add salt to the water as it stays frozen for longer, also if you wrap your bottles in a bit silver bubble wrap, just a little tip for cool boxes, Atb Dave
Thanks Dave 👍🤓👍
You need to add the salt before freezing, cos it works by lowering the freezing point.
@@PhilPassmore yes that's what I ment👍
I paid £35 for mine on eBay.. it's almost the same as yours!! Great bit of kit!
Oh well done you lucky fella 👍🤓👍
I remembered this video, and have come back to it. I have a TCX35, or had one rather. It died, so I must be one of the very few with one that konked out. It just clicks. Before it died it was noticeably louder (basically not entering eco mode, and saving power when down to temp) so I knew something was up. I went out and came back and it just kept making the clicking noise with no lights or fan. It was bought in 2018, but only used for about 12 months maximum. About 3 months each year give or take. And had a very easy life. Never knocked or dropped. Still have the paper work and original box. What I have found out since ownership is that Dometic don't actually give their coolboxes any warranty. So I have opted now for a Alpicool 35L compressor fridge freezer, it is a bit cheaper (~£300) and comes with a years warranty, so I'll run it until it drops 😂
Poor experience with Dometic though, you would expect a thermoelectric to last longer, especially when they are comparably expensive. They are impressive when they work though, I will give them that, but I cant argue with Alpicool's price, warranty, temperature and minimal power consumption. I just hope the compressor fridge isnt too heavy 🤞
Sounds like a good bit of kit I’ll have to have a look at them thank you 👍😊👍
Before we owned the BIG OLD GIRL we ownes a Toyota Landcruisr with that exact Fridge and it was set up on the Drawers on a slider in the Back we Paid $1300AUD for it and it was great stayed on all the time never flatened the Leisure Battery but it did cut off at 11.9 Volts if your battery got that low they work well Mel ya won't go wrong with that one Mel
Thank you Mark that’s a real confidence boost always nice to get positive feedback 👍🤓👍
How things move on early 2022 reasonable electric cool boxes around the £100 to replace my 30l lidl one after soldering switch back to cool operation. just invested in alpicool compressor dual zone type from vevor just over £200. Been playing for several days freezer -6 fridge at 3 drawing around 2 amps 20 ish watts when running compressor, 0 when compressor off, with battery protection , eco mode blue tooth when I clear space on my phone. does do ice cubes. divider removable operate as one zone fridge or freezer. 50 and 60 litre types also available. ordered Sunday arrived tuesday over New years bank holiday from chester (America New Jersey ish) does do anicce cool cider in fridge section.
Just spotted the Minelab Ear Phones are they for the Equinox 800 Machine I’ve got same to matey 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Yes they are well spotted 👍😊👍
Had the same model Waeco as you have got. Packed up on me last week after ten yrs of constant use. Was looking to buy a new one. But at about £230 pound thought they were expensive. So went to Halfords with the intention of buying the £100 40l electric coolbox. But ended up with a 30l compressor fridge for £250. The compressor fridge does have the battery protection on it too.
Wow bargain well done 👍
I have a Waeco Dometic 50litre compressor fridge because it gets too warm here for a cooler at times - It is tied down in the back of my dual cab Isuzu ute. It has three battery cut out settings, Lo, Med, Hi, I think the Lo setting is just to protect the fridge because the cut out voltage is too low for an AGM battery in my opinion . Mine is set to Mid and I have never had it cut out yet (the battery is charged by solar and the engine). They seem pretty sturdy, mine is a few years old and has been over some very rough dirt roads.
When I am de icing my 35+ year old home chest freezer I can use the Dometic as a freezer to store its contents.
God I miss Oz!!! well done 👍 sounds like a sweet setup 👍🤓👍
it's a good idea too to insulate the place where fridge is
I have the same coolbox ,had it about 3yrs now and it’s been great.
That’s brilliant thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍🤓👍
Have you found it good for fresh food or is it borderline?
Can recommend Sainsburys dried powdered milk, nice. About £1.20, cheaper than a cool box!
🤣🤣🤣
Just so happens I have some for backup 👍🤓👍
fly bobbie ...but I wouldn't put fish in it!
I found cheaper powdered milk at ASDA.....I used it quite often when I lived in the uk!
@Anthony Taylor That's what black coffee was invented for, useful back up if you run out of tea and got no milk.
Ya can't best the old marvel lol
Another great video. Was toying with the idea a fridge but seemed too expensive for my needs. Thank you so much for your upbeat, fun and down to earth advice. Lots of great advice from your fans too. Keep on rolling as you do. 👍👏
Thank you once again I have to admit that the cooler is struggling in this heat but my milk is staying fresh so must be ok 👍😊👍
Every single video is just bloody brilliant, laughing an learning every time 😂. 🚐👍
Thank you for your positive feedback 👍🤓👍
Mel i have a table top fridge 240v running on 110amp battery 100wat solar panel and inverter. the fridge is turned down low and ticks over just fine unless we get abnormal sweltering weather. check the wattage on rear of fridge as some are lower than others.
Brilliant 👍🤓👍
Thank you. You look different from earlier videos
Older lol 😂
I had the exact same fridge as you in my lorry but as you said it couldn't keep at 5 Celsius was 9/10 in italy in the summer.
In the end the control panel stopped working so i got a smaller 18 litre indel b TB18 compressor fridge £300 new, 12/24 volt but no mains (use brick inverter for that). Can get down to -18 and be used as a freezer but i set it to 5 Celsius, is very good on power because no constant fan, also has low volt cut off which you can set the voltage for.
Sounds brilliant don’t worry I’ll not be going to Italy anytime soon 👍🤓👍
Domestic under counter fridge and an inverter cost me under a ton uses less than 3ah. Running 2 years now no problems and only 60 for a new one. That waeco is a goodun 👍
I’ve heard of people doing this and flatten there battery’s what inverter do you use to stop the constant draw 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld To be honest Mel my solar seems to keep everything topped up. But I do have a Victron battery protector inline with the leisure batteries. It's this one Victron Energy BPR000065400 Battery Protection 12/24 V-65 A
Cheers for the info Mel.
Stay well and stay safe.
Ash 🏴
Please can you tell me what is the difference between Dometico TCX35 vs Dometico TC35? Which would you recommend me to buy? Thanks for your help!!!
I’d google it if I was you
I had a Waco 28lt that I used IN the truck for well over 8 yrs 5 days a week 24 7 lovely bit of kit when I got a truck with a fridge I put it in the van another 2 years running but managed to break it in the new forest I've now got a mobicool NO way near as good it doesn't have a temperature cut out but it runs 24 7 as I now live in the van 😁😁😁
That’s fantastic 10 years use not bad at all 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I was happy with it
Coffee mate, never bother with milk for coffee! powdered milk for tea! if you put ice to help the cooling use those ice packs, put them at the top as as you said cold air drops. I never knew you could turn them into heat boxes, very interesting.
I’ve got powdered milk as back up too 👍🤓👍
I've got the Dometic TCX35 coolbox and it's brilliant
That’s brilliant thank you for the positive feedback 👍🤓👍
My 3 way was so temperamental and as I'm a big foody I needed a fridge.
So went with a compressor fridge, crx50 too expensive for a small fridge and now have a shoreline, but big but so far brilliant
Well done 👍
Would lining the inside of your cabinet with reflectix help keep the fridge cool in summer ?
Not really because the fridge needs air flowing through the vents but I can see your logical thinking 👍
This video was extremely useful for me as I haven’t sussed the fridge or cooler problem out yet but you have made my mind up. Cooler it is 👍🏻
Thank you and good luck with your build 👍🤓👍
Just came across your video. What kind of solar setup and how much battery power did you have at this time to run the fridge?
Hi and welcome to the channel I think I had 400w of solar and 200aph led battery’s at this time
Good Vid Mel. Interesting review. I bought 2nd hand a Waeco cfx65 compressor fridge approx 5 yrs ago. Cant fault it. Paid £250, new Approx £900. I Travel in hot places so unfortunately require the fridge but if i could get away with what you have there i would! - due to cost. (was looking at the Engel fridges for next purchase.....Then saw the price of those!!!). Good Work....
Thank you for the positive message really appreciated safe travels 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel I have a 3 way abosorbtion fridge and runs it on gas most of the time, it cost 220 euros brand new on amazon. Can get it below - 0 on a hot day. I got it cheaper because it had a couple of small scratches. If you set up your position of the fridge and vents right they work a treat.
Thank you that’s rite I’ve used them in the past and they work great on gas 👍🤓👍
Love the way you roll Mel 🤣 I bought a very cheap cool box from Aldi but it wasn't very energy efficient. So I just did what others do and fill it with ice (or ice packs or frozen water bottles) and then switch it off. As long as the Milk, Chardonnay & Beer is cold that's all that matters. If I was a full time van dweller then perhaps I'd invest in a proper 12v Dometic or Alpicool fridge. Were you powering everything in that particular van off your Jackery and Poweroak power stations?
Thank you buddy I’m powering my van using Jackery it’s much better than Poweroak 👍
I bought a mini compressor fridge and the price is eye watering I must admit but they are very good and will keep us people who enjoy eating things like meat and cheese happy. Also I heard those coolboxes only keep the inside temp 20 degrees C below the ambient temperature is that true? If so a campervan can probably get up to 40 degrees C sometimes making the coolbox next to useless.
Well I’ve never had a problem with mine yet but like I say I only keep milk and drinks in it and sometimes butter and cheese 👍🤓👍
This is my issue, too get a refrigerator good enough but economically enough as well. Thanks for this video Mel.... it gives me an idea..... keep safe mate! Regards Rickard from Sweden
Thank you mate 👍🤓👍
You should buy a compressor fridge from Aussie, start at about 200 pound for 50 litre 1. high demand cause you gotta keep beer cold here. love the vlogs and the info.
I’ll get one when I’m next back there to build out a van 👍🤓👍
Given my fridge has just stopped working, I would say one that works! 😁🙄
Oh dear god you are not having much luck are you bless 👍🤓👍
Brought back some bad, bad, BAD memories Mel, our compressorfridge broke down last summer in France.
So we bought a 50 euro fridge in a supermarket nearby and while we were there bought some lovely steaks, which we couldn't eat that same day.
So I thought we could eat that steak next day and stuck them in that new 50 euro "fridge"
So the next day I wanted that steak well done but my wife didn't trust it and said it had a funny smell.
From that day on, I swear I'll listen better to her as I ate that whole steak which came out in every imaginable form that night.
The next morning she just said: Told you so😋
Oh dear god that’s really not good and that’s why I don’t eat steak 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld
This year we'll go to Germany with our repaired compressorfridge and have no anxiety for getting sick on a nice piece of meat or fish as it will remain cooled sub zero.
But we can do without meat or fish for a few days, as I was a vegetarian for almost 30 years.
Nice fridge that you have there Mel, it's from the same brand as our repaired one, Weaco. It'll last you a lifetime. 👍🏻
Waiting for the second channel to appear with the truck. It's got to be called "Trucking Hell Mel"
Hahaha brilliant 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel. Do you know how to service these waeko cool box. I’ve just bought one second hand after watching your video and it doesn’t seem to be cold compared to my truck fridge.
I’m sorry I don’t know 🤷♂️ good luck with it
@@BigVanSmallWorld just asking again on this type of cool box. Does your milk or water freeze up if you left it on highest cooler setting. Regards joe
Hi again Mel. I’ve a very similar cooler and wondering about using it on 240 as well. Am I ok to hardwire the unit to the rear of a plug socket to switch on when plugged into 240 hookup? Will it just switch from 12 to 240 automatically? I’m ok on the 12v side just the 240..... keep up the good work chap
Just bought one of these myself do you know if freezer blocks are suitable to be used with them? Thanks
Yes absolutely 👍
Since you asked; my CFX35 compressor fridge box has the same low voltage cut off capability as your coolbox. This can be set to different (3 presets I believe) voltages for car and leisure battery use. The best function is the WiFi remote monitoring and alarm should things get too warm in there. The only other option is mine can also work as a freezer down to -18C - did somebody say ICECREAM! 🍨🍦🍨🍦🍨🍦
Oh you flash bugger lol sounds great 👍
Thanks, a helpful video in my decision making process about my fridge! I am looking at a waeco coolfun one, says it’s 65w consumption and my current absorption fridge uses about 65w but tends to drain the battery! I take it yours doesn’t use too much power?!
Hi since making this video I have moved into my van full time and updated my fridge to a compressor fridge I have to say one of the most single expensive perches in my van it uses very little power and works great I would say buy the best you can afford at the time good luck with your build 😊
Great work on the video do you know what the WH is for my solar generator thanks
Thank you 🙏
@@BigVanSmallWorld Hi mel DO YOU KNOW THE WH TO RUN OFF MY SOLAR GENERATOR ?
Depends how far your going as well, big trips and living in them and so forth it's good to have something you can stash a nice load in...My Dometic CoolMatic CRX 50 is a cracker, little freezer and enough room for a week...Can press a button and turn the lot into a freezer if needed and runs off (AC) 100-240 and (DC) 12/24 V..
Sounds great 👍🤓👍
Got the mannerisms of Austin powers
Haha that’s a first
Hi Mel you could freeze a plastic bottle of water to help keep you fridge cool if you loss power
That’s a fantastic idea 👍🤓👍
What is the temperature range possible with these as I am still trying to decide of I should get one or a small compressor fridge? Thanks.
If you can afford it get a compressor fridge much better 🍻👍
would a sliding platform be more convenient? so you dont have to drag it in and out.... 🤔 just an idea 😁
Yes probably just one of them jobs I haven’t got round to doing yet 👍🤓👍😬
I'm learning something new today.
I’m pleased to hear that 👍🤓👍
every week ya make me smile....cheers bab....another great video,, iv always had just a cool box ( very old now) n also use it for step onto me bed !! ;)
Chirpy Cheza Nomad that’s brilliant I could probably do the same with mine makes perfect sense to use it as a step stay safe 👍🤓👍
Is it enough for Summer to cool Beer ??? Please reply me
Yeah it is
Hi Mel been looking for your vid on refilling a campingaz 907 bottle but could not find it, could you please advice parts needed thanks magic mel
If Kenny Everet had a campervan... great video though
We like the £500 to cool a pint of milk analogy.Just going to check out the Coolbox's on Ebay
Thank you that’s kind of you to say 👍🤓👍
Well done 👍
I just use a cool bag and get bags of ice. Only use it to keep cider cold
Ohh just love a cold cider on a sunny day 🤓👍🍻
Compressor fridge v cooler coolers draw power all the time and only work on outside ambient temperature compressor fridges only draw power when needed that's why most truckers have compressor fridges
That’s about rite except the decent coolers like mine do actually cut in and out and are quiet and last a life time unlike compressor fridge it’s all down to personal preference and budget not every one can afford the outrageous cost of a 12v compressor fridge 👍😊👍
Yay!!! Totally worth the wait! 😊 thank you mel! Gonna go and look on ebay now 😁
Hi Tracy you’re absolutely welcome 👍🤓👍
I just noticed that you got a minelab metal detector I've just started metal detecting my self got the garrett at pro have you got photos of your finds much appreciated 👍
Hi Matthew i do have a metal detector well spotted I will make some videos about this soon 👍🤓👍
I would just go with a cool box for keeping milk fresh, a few bags of ice inside would keep it cool for 5 days.
I thought you were building your van out for van life, then I saw your video that your job is a truck driver.
Those cats are always hungry, our cat hardly eats anything. Lol.
Living in a van doesn’t mean that you don’t have to work 👍🤓👍
Yes that's true Mel, most van lifers do work on the road making jewellry or online consultants etc.
I just thought you were going to travel in a van throughout Europe without a main base or job. Must have been because I came across your channel at the start of lockdown, thought you were parked up at a mates house fitting out the van. Lol. 👍
I was planning on doing a trip with my metal detector all down the west cost of Europe to Gibraltar but that’s going to have to wait till next year 👍🤓👍
What a great review thank you
You’re welcome
Hi Mel another good vid I’ve been looking for your vid how to re fill a 907 camping gaz bottle but can’t find could you repost it please
I decided to delete it because it was dangerous sorry 😐
I have a Bluetti rebate 70 what’s the WH how long would the cooler last or if you know the WH I can work it out myself thanks
Let me check
@@BigVanSmallWorld thank you
You keep your fridge under a wood burning stove?
Andrew Gilbride yep it’s really well insulated no heat get down to the fridge though the bass trust me I did many experiments with different materials it’s all good 👍
I suppose heat rises and if it's warm you won't be using the stove, it just seemed a strange place
My original idea was to use the space for storing the wood in the winter months and put the cool box under my seat the good thing is I can move the cool box to anywhere it will fit in the van so I may still do that 👍
Hi Mel, are you into Metal Detecting, couldn’t help notice a set of Mine lab headphones hanging up in Video
Well spotted yes I am 👍🤓👍
Mel’s Van World me too, equinox 800 🏆
Your driving me crazy. What temperature does it get too???
Sorry about that 4 C 👍😊👍
No worries bud. I’m researching what fridge to get. I just wanted to know the main temperature differences and power consumption difference between the compressor fridge and the cold box
@@andrewsimpson2808 I’ve now got a compressor fridge and have to say that it’s well worth the extra money
@@andrewsimpson2808 this is the one I have now amzn.to/3oI2hRs
Interesting video MEL well done mate.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘
Thank you 👍🤓👍
The internal fan went in mine and got no idea how to get to it
I think the screws are under the band that’s around the cooler 🤞
Great vid nice to see u back
Thank you 😊
Hope your safe Mel.
Thank you all good 👍🤓👍
Cheers Mel ❤💙❤💙
You are absolutely welcome 👍🤓👍
Do more outtakes Mel! Lololol
I try lol 👍🤓👍
I don't wanna spend that sorta money but I'm the kinda person that lives off home made ready meals so I'm eyeing up a Dometic Dual Zone fridge freezer which unfortunately costs more than my car. Realistically I think I'll end up just improving the insulation in my old cool box and buying some ice :(
That’s the problem they are just so expensive good luck 👍🤓👍
Great video mel maybe the sealed ice packs can keep it cool as well ?
Thank you and yes that’s a great idea 👍🤓👍
did younhear back off dvla about ur application to convert to camper
Not yet but don’t worry about it you will all know when I do 😂🤓👍
Fab Mel, lush video. Just wanted to know if I put ice in there or ice cream would it stay frozen? 👍👍🍻
Hi Bex you can but as much ice cream in my cool box as you like but it won’t stay in there long lol 😋😜👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld 🤣🤣 lol everyone should buy u one
I’ll take that 😂😂🤓👍
Sorry to inform you but the Waeco/Dometic coolers do not have a battery protection Shut off and unless you have a 100w+ of solar these units will eat your battery, I have One of these plus 2 other brands and 5 Compressor fridges, If you want you Cooler to shut down to protect the battery Dometic sell an inline battery protection lead that you plug the cooler into and plug the other end into a 12v socket, Sorry but who ever told you that it has a built in cut off was wrong.
The Compressor Fidges have a 3 level voltage cut off so you can select which one you want it to cut off at, Also you Cooler will use up to 4Ah where as a Compressor fridge will use between 0.380Ah to 1.5Ah depending on how it is set and what the Ambiant Temperture is, Hope that helps.
You are completely wrong the fridge in this video definitely had battery protection built into it
@@BigVanSmallWorld Well I have one of those also and it does not have that feature.
Get freezer packs Mel rather than mess about with ice cubes
Thank you 😊
What about this then if you cool one side and heat the other them peltier things will produce electricity
I’m not sure if that would work 🤷♂️
@@BigVanSmallWorld it does it works on the different temperatures of each side and that's the hardest bit worked on them about 15 years ago
Mell did you feed ur 2 cats
10.02 Dry Ice?
...cool ..😁
Dude 😎
A decent cheap compressor alternative are Alpicool fridges from AliExpress or Bangood. Budget on £200, but if you fall lucky like I did, then £130 could get you sorted.
Nice one 👍🤓👍
Right now you're actually finished with your campervan now if you have what you gonna do now okay now are open I was going to see what you do for a living driving
Oh I’m not finished with it yet there’s always something to do 😊🤓👍
💙
Frish 🤔🤣🤣🤣💜
Don’t forget the chips 😂🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld 🤣🤣🤣🍟
❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙
do you not cook food then Mel just drink coffee
Exactly if you don't eat meat and cheese what do people eat lol?
That’s about rite 😂🤓👍
If someone uses a Peltier module inside their computer then they are (CORKY, FROM LIFE GOES ON) it’s utterly ridiculous! You want to dissipate the heat from your computer, not add more. It would be like you digging a hole, while someone behind you is filling it in. Peltier modules are extremely inefficient! You’d be lucky to get 10% energy from the power it takes to cool them! Don’t get me wrong, they work and have their uses, like little coolers and to chill a couple of glasses of liquid. But, that’s about it. Not for A/C units or using it for your cpu.
I have been watching you for months now and enjoy your channel. I see the Minelab headphones ....are you a metal detectorist? If you are check out my channel when you get the chance. Cheers Bro.
All that just for milk, what about bacon and sausages??????????? If you dont put food in it then just buy milk everyday.
Exactly that 👍🤓👍
yay ... but im late :(
Just a tad bit not to worry 👍🤓👍
no good down here in Aus , don't get cold enough and we like cold beer not that warm stuff you poms drink