Everkool fridge drawer

[NAGG]

Hey all

I've been looking at fitting a drop down fridge slide in my canopy to take my 40lt Waeco - But these things aren't cheap with an ARB or Clearview slide (apparently the best) costing around $850-$1000 respectively . :o

I really do need to do something as getting stuff in & out of the Waeco is a pain.

There is an alternative & it will cost me less than the slide - 121937

https://www.snowys.com.au/40l-drawer-fridge-freezer?gclid=CjwKCAjwgdX4BRB_EiwAg8O8HXRT1mAJECqn orJQ5f119HvUio5fAbf9WFXiE0v7rvlO3jZStsgJ-xoCTRcQAvD_BwE


Not that I need a new fridge - but it's the same capacity (40lt) low profile ( need to raise it to get over the lip of the canopy.) will hold a 500ml bottle upright / 48 cans but can still be used as a freezer (-16)

Does anyone have any experience with these ?

Chris

PS - one for the wish list 121938 65 Lt Trailblaza ….. for a lazy $2K

[Tracker]

had access to one for a short trip.needed to hard wire but simple.a great bit of kit and the beer wasnice and cold.
power draw was about the same as old everkool.hard to go past for the price.(thats a yes from me)

[Dignity]

I was at Eva Kool last year, they had a dented low profile drop down one on special and would have bought it except the guy who walked in the door before me snaffled it. From memory the only snag I had was that I have a pull out drawer set up and would have needed major rework. To raise your unit over the lip just use an ally hat section.

I might go to eva kool next week and see what they've got as they are just around the corner, if I see anything of interest I'll let you know.

[NAGG]

I was at Eva Kool last year, they had a dented low profile drop down one on special and would have bought it except the guy who walked in the door before me snaffled it. From memory the only snag I had was that I have a pull out drawer set up and would have needed major rework. To raise your unit over the lip just use an ally hat section.

I might go to eva kool next week and see what they've got as they are just around the corner, if I see anything of interest I'll let you know.

Appreciate your feedback - I haven't seen one first hand so will be interested in what you have to say

Chris

[Dignity]

Will do. The one I saw was snapped so quickly I could only enquire about it. I've even given it more thought as it can sit on top of my drawers and the contents still easily accessible.

[NAGG]

Will do. The one I saw was snapped so quickly I could only enquire about it. I've even given it more thought as it can sit on top of my drawers and the contents still easily accessible.

What would be good to know is what clearance would be required to get over the lip of the canopy - I believe the slide is raised but not sure of how much

Chris

[Dignity]

What would be good to know is what clearance would be required to get over the lip of the canopy - I believe the slide is raised but not sure of how much

Chris

Will check it out Chris, do you know how high a clearance you need.

[NAGG]

Will check it out Chris, do you know how high a clearance you need.

About 30mm

[Dignity]

Sorry Chris, got caught up in a round of medical/physio appointments but I'll be popping around to Eva Kool tomorrow for a look.

[Dignity]

Got to EvaKool, they only open for 2 hrs a day due to CV19, there are none of those fridges in Australia and there is a new model on its way with improved slides, a new compressor etc. They couldn't tell me the clearance but it wouldn't be more than 15 mm. They said to have a look on their website, they also said they have a lot of pre orders.

[NAGG]

Got to EvaKool, they only open for 2 hrs a day due to CV19, there are none of those fridges in Australia and there is a new model on its way with improved slides, a new compressor etc. They couldn't tell me the clearance but it wouldn't be more than 15 mm. They said to have a look on their website, they also said they have a lot of pre orders.

Appreciated - yeh , everywhere I've looked they are a pre order (Sept)

[Dignity]

Appreciated - yeh , everywhere I've looked they are a pre order (Sept)

I pop in there every now and then, I'll keep an eye out for them. They often have refurbed ones where they've replaced under warranty and heavily discounted if your interested.

[NAGG]

Well I've installed the Evakool 40lt fridge drawer & I'm pretty impressed - lower power draw , cools quickly & quite functional.

The downside is that they are a bit bigger than a 40lt Waeco / Engel - though if you added a drop down fridge slide the foot print would be smaller.
This is a good option when you compare the cost of a fridge plus slide - you are around double the price & then some.

I've included a few photos 122397122398122399122400

[shortthenlong]

The next test will be how noisy is it to sleep next to?

Cheers Matt

[disorderly]

Looks great...and now you can start up a Pie van...;)


Is it as big as it looks in the photo's..?..I do like the idea of the drawer but thought the footprint might be too big for the capacity..but it also looks to make the fridge space more usuable...

However we just ordered one of these because it will be able to slide under my passenger seat in the boat once I remove the seatbox and bend up some aluminium tube for the seatbase to sit on.....122404

[NAGG]

The next test will be how noisy is it to sleep next to?

Cheers Matt

That's true Matt

When I started it the first time that's exactly what I thought .
There is no hum or vibration (unlike my Engel) just a fan when it's running ....
I just turned my Sirocco fan onto high & I can hear the fan over the fridge when the fridge is running ...... so I dont think it's going to be too bad .
I dont recall having an issue with the Waeco .

It does put out a bit of heat though

I guess I'll know in the next few weeks when I do a trip up to port Stephens

Chris

[NAGG]

Looks great...and now you can start up a Pie van...;)


Is it as big as it looks in the photo's..?..I do like the idea of the drawer but thought the footprint might be too big for the capacity..but it also looks to make the fridge space more usuable...

However we just ordered one of these because it will be able to slide under my passenger seat in the boat once I remove the seatbox and bend up some aluminium tube for the seatbase to sit on.....122404

59W x 84 D x 33 H


For me the width was good & because the compressor sticks out the back further on the RHS it left the perfect space at the back LHS for where the battery is located ....... which is brilliant . I've still retained a width of 90cm for my mattress . 122405

I would have had to relocate the battery if I went with a drop down fridge slide .

so it's worked out pretty good .

It's a shame but they released a double stacked one (2 x 40lt compartments / 2 drawers ) only 1 can be used as a freezer or both as a fridge ..... by the measurements it would have fitted under the pie oven :'( That would have been awesome.

Chris

[disorderly]

Chris, any reason you didnt consider a normal 2 or 3 way fridge..?

https://www.caravanrvcamping.com.au/waeco-coolmatic-cr-80-fridge-freez-acdc

[NAGG]

So nearly 3 years down the track & I can say I have a love hate relationship with this fridge

When it is working - it's great ....... keeps stuff cold (even in a hot canopy) I can freeze with it (-18 deg C) & the power usage is quite low. @ 40lt its bigger than anything from Engel or Kings which are only 30lts (too small IMO)

But with all of that - it is so unreliable ..... It's now broken down for the 4th time.

The first couple of times - it came down to poor connections & was fixed while I waited (FOC)

Then the fan went & I replaced it with a fan that I bought from Jaycar

Now it's broken down again ...... which I believe is the same failure as the first couple of times (connections)

Anyhow - I've just ordered a replacement fan from Evakool so when I remove the fridge from the car I will refit the proper fan & check those connections.

So there you have it ......... For all the good - it's just unreliable & I would not buy another - certainly not for the $1100 that they want for them .

Chris

[Corry]

We run the Engel version of this, albeit 30l but that was perfect for us as it was used as a freezer only (got a 40 on a drop slide). Unfortunately, it lasted until it was about 2 months out of warranty and died. Tried to get it fixed, but it was a compressor issue, and the compressor used in the draw fridge is different than other Engels and unable to be fixed.
I'm looking for another version now, I miss the draw. As a freezer, it was perfect for freezing fillets as they lay nice and flat, and was great for making ice. I wasn't keen that it was 12v only, but the camper set up made that easy to live with. I loved that the compressor side could be mounted anywhere, it wasn't attached to the unit.
I'm yet to find the right one to replace it with, at least now I've seen some feedback on the Everkool version.

[NAGG]

We run the Engel version of this, albeit 30l but that was perfect for us as it was used as a freezer only (got a 40 on a drop slide). Unfortunately, it lasted until it was about 2 months out of warranty and died. Tried to get it fixed, but it was a compressor issue, and the compressor used in the draw fridge is different than other Engels and unable to be fixed.
I'm looking for another version now, I miss the draw. As a freezer, it was perfect for freezing fillets as they lay nice and flat, and was great for making ice. I wasn't keen that it was 12v only, but the camper set up made that easy to live with. I loved that the compressor side could be mounted anywhere, it wasn't attached to the unit.
I'm yet to find the right one to replace it with, at least now I've seen some feedback on the Everkool version.

My fan arrived yesterday & I installed it ...... still doesn't work after checking all the wiring .

I'll drop it over the the 12 volt fridge guy (Liverpool refrigeration ?) in the next couple of days for a look .

Yeh mate - I too like the fridge drawer concepts - very easy access (good capacity 40lt) - user friendly storage ....... & my pie oven fits above it - just wished it was reliable.

Chris

PS - my fridge guy did say that Evakool fridges were problematic ( I saw a few being repaired in his shop)

[Lovey80]

My fan arrived yesterday & I installed it ...... still doesn't work after checking all the wiring .

I'll drop it over the the 12 volt fridge guy (Liverpool refrigeration ?) in the next couple of days for a look .

Yeh mate - I too like the fridge drawer concepts - very easy access (good capacity 40lt) - user friendly storage ....... & my pie oven fits above it - just wished it was reliable.

Chris

PS - my fridge guy did say that Evakool fridges were problematic ( I saw a few being repaired in his shop)

was that all Evakool types or mainly the drawer types?

[NAGG]

was that all Evakool types or mainly the drawer types?

No - mine was the only Fridge drawer there ..... both times I went there

But I did see a couple of the steel cabinet ones , a plastic one & upright ....... & all of them looked quite new

I'll be interested to see what they have there now


Chris

[NAGG]

Called into Liverpool refrigeration to drop off my Evakool

This time there were 6 Evakools being repaired (incl mine) , 6 Dometics (2 still in the boxes) , 1 Kickass

At least my one will be fixed under warranty - 3 major components are cactus

Chris

[Dignity]

Called into Liverpool refrigeration to drop off my Evakool

This time there were 6 Evakools being repaired (incl mine) , 6 Dometics (2 still in the boxes) , 1 Kickass

At least my one will be fixed under warranty - 3 major components are cactus

Chris

It all turned to crap when they stopped manufacturing them in Australia and went to Malaysia

[NAGG]

It all turned to crap when they stopped manufacturing them in Australia and went to Malaysia

I think you will find that these days Evakool fridges are assembled in Qld

The other thing is regardless of where it is assembled - it's the design of the unit & the quality of the components used .

In my case it was the failure of the fan that has caused 2 other components (incl compressor motherboard) to also fail.

that's one of the cool (excuse the pun) things about my guy - he stripped / tested & swapped out various components while I was there .


Chris

[NAGG]

A couple of photos

126631 126632


Just in case you are wondering what brands you shouldn't buy

Chris

[Dignity]

I think you will find that these days Evakool fridges are assembled in Qld

The other thing is regardless of where it is assembled - it's the design of the unit & the quality of the components used .

In my case it was the failure of the fan that has caused 2 other components (incl compressor motherboard) to also fail.

that's one of the cool (excuse the pun) things about my guy - he stripped / tested & swapped out various components while I was there .


Chris

I live only a couple of blocks away from the factory in Caloundra, i got to go there and talk to the staff when I was hunting for eskies and fridge freezers. The drawer fridge was one when it first came out I was told by one of the workers that in the short time they'd had them there was a high return for repairs so I stayed clear. As to where they're made, that's another issue, I believe their fibreglass fridge is still assembled there but virtually every other model is imported.

Edit: They do a lot of rebranding. On another note I bought a cheap Brass Monkey for the shed and it has outperformed other brands. Don't know how it would go on the road, so to speak.

[NAGG]

I live only a couple of blocks away from the factory in Caloundra, i got to go there and talk to the staff when I was hunting for eskies and fridge freezers. The drawer fridge was one when it first came out I was told by one of the workers that in the short time they'd had them there was a high return for repairs so I stayed clear. As to where they're made, that's another issue, I believe their fibreglass fridge is still assembled there but virtually every other model is imported.

Edit: They do a lot of rebranding. On another note I bought a cheap Brass Monkey for the shed and it has outperformed other brands. Don't know how it would go on the road, so to speak.

Mine was the second generation of their fridge drawer - I actually pre ordered mine . At the time there was very little negative press about the drawer fridge & because it was 40lt vs 30lts for the Engel - I took a leap of faith ....... wrong move . If it dies again over the next 9 months - I'll look elsewhere.

According to Evakools website - it looks like their whole 12 volt fridge lines are assembled in Qld


The Glacier Xtreme is the ultimate companion for your family camping trips and adventures. Constructed from a heavy duty metal cabinet, this modern fridge has dual zone functionality which means you can run it as a fridge and freezer at the same time. It features a sleek, satin black finish and has a generous 80L capacity.
Plus, this model is assembled and commissioned locally in Australia at EvaKool’s HQ on the Sunshine Coast in QLD.





Platinum Drawer Fridge Freezer

In a league of it's own, the fan-favourite 40L Platinum Drawer Fridge Freezer is now proudly assembled and commissioned locally at EvaKool's HQ on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. With a whopping 48 can capacity, this drawer is a great alternative to an upright or chest style fridge freezer!





Down Under Portable Fridge Freezers

Taking the world by storm, the legendary Down Under Portable Fridge Freezer Series is an epic piece of 12V gear. Running down our production lines at the EvaKool HQ in Queensland, this series is built tough to last and take your family on adventures around Aus for years to come.



Platinum Upright Fridge Freezers

Stylish, modern and reliable. The Platinum Upright Fridge Freezer Series now features a low ambient heater, ensuring effective operation even in cooler climates. Now running down the assembly and commission production lines at the EvaKool HQ in Queensland.





As for your brass monkey - my fridge guy 18 months or so ago said he was surprised at how good they were - specially for the price paid .

On another other note ......... I was speaking to my fridge guys partner - while he was working on the fridge ....... She has been working with National Luna for 20 years & she said that she had seen only 1 unit returned for repair .......... I felt kind of chuffed & told her that I bought one on the recommendation of her partner.

The other thing of note was the lack of Engel fridges in the work shop ....... In 3 trips there over the last 18 months - I've seen 1 (from memory) ....... sometimes it's about what you dont see . Reminds me of a visit to a boatyard back in 2006 & seeing a whole row of ETECs with their powerheads removed ....... didn't buy an ETEC - Guess which fridges I wont buy again ? ;)

Chris

[Lovey80]

Nagg, next time you’re in there can you ask them what the issue is with the Dometics? Are they the newer CFX range?

[NAGG]

Nagg, next time you’re in there can you ask them what the issue is with the Dometics? Are they the newer CFX range?

Hi Chris

The very first Dometic I saw is a newest model . The 2 in the boxes never worked from the outset .

From what I gather it's a raft of failures - incl compressors ......but it's the electronics mainly . The motherboards that control the compressor , the power circuitry & the LED display.

Apparently they don't test these things before they are packaged . Not only do they need to be tested - they need to be run for a few hours . ..... If the fan stops / doesn't work - the circuitry will fail . This is what has happened with mine.

Chris

[Dignity]

Chris, the definition around "assemble and commission" has not much meaning these days. Changing a badge and labels then turning them on to see if they run fits that description. Mine does not say where it's made, you'd think if it was made in Australia they'd be proud to say so.

[NAGG]

Chris, the definition around "assemble and commission" has not much meaning these days. Changing a badge and labels then turning them on to see if they run fits that description. Mine does not say where it's made, you'd think if it was made in Australia they'd be proud to say so.

Since you live near by - go & see for yourself ....... ask - I'm only going off their website .

Chris

[Dignity]

Since you live near by - go & see for yourself ....... ask - I'm only going off their website .

Chris

Been there a few times.

[NAGG]

Well - the thing is fixed

Evakool did pull back - citing 2 year warranty but as a show of good faith supplied all the parts FOC

It cost me $200 for Labour

Pretty well all electronics have been replaced with the exception of the compressor.

Now .... that's better than buying a new fridge but is a line in the sand ($200) - If it cost me more than that ..... I would have taken this up with the ACCC & cited our consumer laws

lets see how long it lasts

Chris

[Dignity]

Still seems hexy for replacing a few parts, lets hope it keeps running.

[NAGG]

Still seems hexy for replacing a few parts, lets hope it keeps running.

I spent well over an hour with him as he tested / swapped out various components ....... so when he said 2 hours labour - I was ok with that .

I also know that this bloke will look after me - if it decides to crap itself again .

Chris

[Lovey80]

That’s sad. These drawer fringes, if they could make them robust and really reliable would fit a load of applications in boats.

[NAGG]

That’s sad. These drawer fringes, if they could make them robust and really reliable would fit a load of applications in boats.

Oh they are available ........ absolutely magnificent stainless steel models in varoius sizes / configuration - there are a couple out of Italy - Unfortunately they cost $2500-$4000

my fridge guy mentioned them - fitting them into big cruisers / game boats.

Look up Vitrifrigo

Chris