Waeco 12v Fridge/Freezer -- keep or sell?

[Suanne]

I'm expecting to outfit a van sometime in my future. As a result, I'm keeping some of the stuff that I have for that purpose.

A couple of years ago I got a used 12v Waeco Fridge/Freezer to put in a small travel trailer. As it turned out, the trailer was too small for my husband. We got rid of the trailer, but kept the Waeco.

So, my question is if it makes sense to keep it for my vandwelling future. I want a very efficient fridge/freezer. And, based on some of the conversations here, I'm thinking the newer chest fridge/freezers are more efficient.

If you would, please let me know if my assumption is correct.

This is a small fridge/freezer w/a front door, freezer on top. The compressor is a Danfoss BD35F.

I have it for sale right now at our garage sale ($175, what I bought it for), but I'll not sell it if it's efficient enough.

If needed I'll take and post some pics.

Thanks, Suanne

 

[Suanne]

Here are some pics of the Waeco -- front, inside back:

 

[Reducto]

Are you sure you need a freezer? The chest models I've seen are all one compartment so you'd need to get two. That might undo any efficiency gains you get. It will leave you with more versatility though - turning off one if you only need the fridge for a while, running both as a freezer if you are go nuts fishing, etc.

You might want to look up the numbers on what you have to see how efficient it is. It might not be that bad as long as the seal is in good shape.

 

[Suanne]

I'm pretty positive that I don't need a freezer. And my refrigeration needs are very small. In fact, I don't even have refrigeration now when I travel (in my Prius). But, when I think about full-timing, refrigeration would be a nice amenity to have for keeping produce and dairy fresh ... eggs and some meat too.

As for looking at the numbers, I'm a bit confused about how to estimate how much electricity refrigeration uses, especially when I try to figure out how much a unit will need to cycle on and off. And, if I'm just comparing units, do I need to even consider the impact of cycling ... *scratches head* ...

 

[SternWake]

if you don't keep that fridge, I would encourage anybody on this site to buy it from you.

The Danfoss 35bd is the most desirable compressor, and that one is a genuine made in germany Danfoss. The newer ones are Secop, Made in china, but One hopes that the newer Secops are made to the same high standard.

As far as consumption for that fridge, battery consumption, about 25 to 30 Ah per day to keep the fridge portion sub 36f, that is without extra insulation and not being very concerned about ventilating the condenser as well as possible..

Lots of variables, like ambient temps, and how often the door is opened, and how often warm things are placed within.

A chest style one will be more efficient, but a new one is 450 to 750$, and yous gots the German made Danfoss.

I do not need another fridge, but I'd snap that up for $175 in a heartbeat.

And probably double my money when I sold it........

 

[Willy]

DON'T SELL IT!! It sounds perfect for your future needs and, from what I gather, it has the 'better' non-chinese made compressor unit. ..Willy.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

If we were closer I'd snap it up at that price.

 

[Suanne]

You all are great ... Kept me from selling it! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 

[Willy]

You're welcome and, here's something to consider, it wouldn't be hard to convert that fridge into a 'portable' unit that you could utilize like a chest cooler, though upright. It's got the same 'guts', just different packaging. ..Willy.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Suanne...You've got what sounds to me to be a good unit and should you find it doesn't suit your needs you can always shift gears later.
From prices I've seen, you could easily double the price and it would bring you closer to the unit you might want, should that time come.

(just in case, I'll hold some savings for RTR )

 

[Suanne]

Sold

 

[caretaker]

you will regret that