Fridge Idée

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:46 pm

Lus om te speel?! of is dit Sukkel?

We all love driving your 4x4’s. What is more relaxing than to drive with a cold one in the hand (cold coke that is.) But how do you keep it cold? Well you can buy it cold or you try and keep it cold yourself.

So I bought myself one of these hot/cold cooler boxes. The inside is just big enough to keep 6 “coke” from boiling on the cold setting. And Small enough on the outside so that it will fit nowhere in the Hilux. And uses 5AMP’s Plus. No way to keep it running when the engine is switched off, unless you like to push or jump start your 4x 4.

Well I was thinking of removing my centre console between the 2 front seats and replace it with a compressor driven fridge. The idée is to extend it all the way to the back seat.

That will give you space for 10 x 500ml “Coke’s “ or +/- 20 cans or 2 x 2L cokes laying horizontal.

The compressor will be a 12v Danfoss compressor or one of the Engel swing motor types. Both of them use less than 3Amps. And will be mounted behind the back seat.

The Evaporator will be mounted between the cab and the loading bin. You should get enough ventilation to cool the refrigerant.

And if you fit 2 x 7a/h batteries you should get about 4 hours of cooling when the vehicle
is parked and dad have to wait for mom to finish her shopping. Or you went for a tour at Table Mountain.

Ok let me have it now. Good or Bad idée?

Post by **Mud Dog** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 11:14 pm

Gert, the idea itself might not be too bad, but I would be a little apprehensive about locating the condenser (the evaporator is the one inside the box) in the gap between the cab and load-body. This area is prone to becoming choked with leaves / twigs which would restrict airflow. I also think that a lot of heat rises through this gap, coming from the exhaust and under the cab from the engine. Ideally one would like to keep all the refrigeration components close together for efficiency, so that location would be good from this aspect. how big would this condenser be?

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:58 am

The idea is great and if you could make a smaller compressor (only big enough to run this size unit) it would be even better.
If planning to use the BD35F, it is a large compressor, coupled with all the electronics, I dont see how you would fit it in. :?

Knersus · Post by **Knersus** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 9:23 am

Wel Gert as dit werk sit ek my bestelling nou al in vir een....

Al nadeel is dat jy nie moet van plan wees om jou bakkie te verkoop nie

2.8 d/cab SFA · Post by **2.8 d/cab SFA** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:02 pm

:D someone can fit mine as a test

hentey · Post by **hentey** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 5:22 pm

ALTERNATIVE......... Buy a 200 cruiser.Standard equipment.But then ,who wants to drive a fuel guzzler like that.....

I think that is reason enough to try your idea.Go for it!!!!! :roll: :roll: :roll:

Dadz Toy BFI · Post by **Dadz Toy BFI** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:02 am

Gertc wrote:Lus om te speel?! of is dit Sukkel?

We all love driving your 4x4’s. What is more relaxing than to drive with a cold one in the hand (cold coke that is.) But how do you keep it cold? Well you can buy it cold or you try and keep it cold yourself.

So I bought myself one of these hot/cold cooler boxes. The inside is just big enough to keep 6 “coke” from boiling on the cold setting. And Small enough on the outside so that it will fit nowhere in the Hilux. And uses 5AMP’s Plus. No way to keep it running when the engine is switched off, unless you like to push or jump start your 4x 4.

Well I was thinking of removing my centre console between the 2 front seats and replace it with a compressor driven fridge. The idée is to extend it all the way to the back seat.

That will give you space for 10 x 500ml “Coke’s “ or +/- 20 cans or 2 x 2L cokes laying horizontal.

The compressor will be a 12v Danfoss compressor or one of the Engel swing motor types. Both of them use less than 3Amps. And will be mounted behind the back seat.

The Evaporator will be mounted between the cab and the loading bin. You should get enough ventilation to cool the refrigerant.

And if you fit 2 x 7a/h batteries you should get about 4 hours of cooling when the vehicle
is parked and dad have to wait for mom to finish her shopping. Or you went for a tour at Table Mountain.

Ok let me have it now. Good or Bad idée?

i think it's a great idea Gert, have a go

:!:

is there any chance you could increase the internal height a little to accomodate dumpies, they taste better than cans

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 10:48 pm

Thanks I’m already busy with the template for the fridge. I will try and get some pictures.
This is something I have to build.

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:01 pm

Great idea,
But after all the time, effort and money! Wouldn’t it be better to just go with an Engel? I know its hard work getting out your van for a beer, but think about it, it a proper fridge so it ice cold beer!!! And you don’t need a dual battery system. Fit a lighter plug in the back of your van connected to your main battery with a fuse. Job done!!!
I fitted a dual battery system in my old man’s Hilux for his Engel. Now I know that the Engel draws so little that we could have done without the dual battery system.

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 9:23 am

WayneSchalk wrote:I fitted a dual battery system in my old man’s Hilux for his Engel. Now I know that the Engel draws so little that we could have done without the dual battery system.

Wayne, indeed they do draw a very small amount of power for what they are doing, but doing without a dual battery system to run it is probably the worst idea. That is unless you only plan on using the fridge while you are driving. Stop over somewhere for two days, in a place without electricity and oops you will be staying longer than expected with a flat battery and you wont have cold beers to make the time go quicker. :evil:

Post by **george** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 11:59 am

Just a question.
How much does the compressor cost?

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 9:57 pm

4 x 4 Mega world quotes me R.1200 on a Engel compressor

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:33 pm

Original centre console

Starting with the mould

Giving it shape

final template for bottom half of fridge.

still needs to be sanded to perfection

Hoppy · Post by **Hoppy** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:59 pm

I measured my small engel (20 L), it will fit in between my KZTE's seats if i move the two front seats 40mm each to the sides.
i've driven a few beetles, so the offset position won't scare me, but having my brandy, coke and ice so close certainly does!

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 5:39 am

I will start next week with the inside box then I will measure the capacity and let you know .

hentey · Post by **hentey** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 7:11 am

i've driven a few beetles, so the offset position won't scare me, but having my brandy, coke and ice so close certainly does!

Gee Hoppy, I had to read your post a second time.I agree,That must be scary tempting,specialy now that you get it mixed in a bottle.

Post by **Family_Dog** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 3:17 pm

Here come great things!

-F_D

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 9:07 pm

I calculated the inside of the fridge, and it worked out to round about 15l.

I also decided to get rid of the condenser between the cab and loading bin. I want to get brake line pipes. And run it next to the chassis of the hilux. Making use of 2 or 3 runs should be enough. No need to worry about ventilation or leaves blocking the condenser.

hentey · Post by **hentey** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:14 am

Gert are you going to install a fan for the condenser

If not what is cooling it down when you are not moving

Just curious

hentey · Post by **hentey** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:17 am

[quote="Gertc"]I calculated the inside of the fridge, and it worked out to round about 15l.

I also decided to get rid of the condenser between the cab and loading bin. I want to get break line pipes.
Do you mean brake line pipes

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:55 am

OOOoooops Yes should have been brake line pipes.

I tested my 40L Engel and the condenser doesn't really heat up. So I'm going to try running the BRAKE line pipes and by using enough pipe I don't think it will be a problem. The pipes will be spaced 2 or 3 cm apart. There shouldn’t be a problem of heat accumulating in one place sins the condenser will consist out of 3 pipes 1.4m long installed horizontally.

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:06 pm

Update.

I finished the outer box mould today of my fridge. The next step will be to start creating the final outer box from the outer box mould.

Then I want to start with the inner box. But still a little unsure how and what to use as an evaporator. Thought about 1.6 mm stainless plates spot weld some pipes to it and then mould it into the fiberglass box. But that is next weeks or the week after problem.

I will keep you up to date and post some pic`s .

Post by **Mud Dog** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 6:32 pm

Thought about 1.6 mm stainless plates spot weld some pipes to it and then mould it into the fiberglass box

Copper plate would probably be better, and easier to work with.
M2CW.

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:27 pm

Copper corrodes to easy. Stainless can take more punishment than copper and gives a better finish.

Post by **Mud Dog** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 12:11 am

Sorry, my misunderstanding. I assumed you were going to do a moulded plastic inner, but the stainless idea incorporating the evaporater and inner lining into one piece is definitely better. You'll probably have to silver-solder the copper tubing to the stainless, braizing could work if done carefully with the right flux.
Good luck all the same.

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 4:20 am

I'm thinking of securing the copper pipes to the stainless with straps that is being spotwelded onto the stainless plate.

Post by **Mud Dog** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:47 am

Yeah, probably better so that you don't weaken the pipes. There should still be enough heat transfer, but I was wondering if there is'nt a product like an epoxy / gel / paste / glue that has a high heat transfer rate, something like what was used on PC's between the CPU and heat sink. Then you could run that along the full length of the tube against the plates, for max efficiency.

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:38 am

Heatsink Thermal Compound! just don't know what the reaction would be when cooled down to -2 C

Post by **Mud Dog** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 6:34 pm

Test it and see .... should still work well, even if it's 'in reverse'. Just make sure it's non-corrosive, for the copper mainly.
Good luck and keep us posted as to how it all works out.

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 12:29 am

I finally finished the evaporator for my fridge. Looks small but can take 16 x 500ml cokes(Castle's) or 4 x 500ml coke's and 2 x 2L coke's. More than what I bargained for.

Used 0.6mm galvanized plate. Wrapped it in 6.35 mm copper pipe and soldered it together. Must still fit the capillary tube and filter before I can start mould it in its place.

Post by **george** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 8:07 am

Lyk goed Gert.

P.S Wanneer maak jy klaar met die kombuis

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:41 am

Is jy en my vrou Familie?

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:27 pm

Kan nie meer wag nie. een van die dae!

Dadz Toy BFI · Post by **Dadz Toy BFI** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:31 pm

Nice work Gert

I'm watching this one with interest nê

BenHur · Post by **BenHur** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:53 pm

Hey Gert

Loop teel nou klaar daai kombuis en as jy klaar is kom doen sommer myne ook!!

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:55 pm

Jy is nie veronderstel om so vroeg op n Donderdag te begin drink nie.

Jy sien jy praat baie as jy so vroeg begin drink.

BenHur · Post by **BenHur** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:57 pm

Maar dis dan nou eers woensdag

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:08 pm

SSSSSSSo jy het begin! HHHHHHHIK.

Hhhhhhik

:roll:

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:43 pm

Dis nou mooi! Dis nou baie mooi.

Ek het by n 4 x 4 plek prys gekry op n Engel 40 l kompressor R1200 +/-. en nou dat ek hom 2 maande later wil bestel nou se HOOF kantoor van engel hulle mag nie compressor los verkoop nie. moet yskas instuur en dan vra hulle R.2695 vir n compressor en evaporator.

Genoeg om al jou toys uit die kot tewil gooi. Ek teel sommer my kombuis klaar so kwaad is ek nou.

Post by **george** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:58 pm

Teel jou kombuis en loop kry vir jou 'n Danfoss kompressor

Uys · Post by **Uys** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:59 pm

Sit 'n Danfoss BD50 in. Ek verstaan hulle is so R2200 met die black box.

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:01 pm

Danfoss BD35F beste prys en dan moet ek 180km agter hom aan ry. R3100 + petrol

Uys · Post by **Uys** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:02 pm

Is dit by Reco? www.reco.co.za

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:07 pm

jip Vereeniging is goedkoper as JHB R.233 goedkoper.

Uys · Post by **Uys** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:11 pm

Hmmm.....

Skielik raak 'n koue bietjie baie duur!

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:12 pm

Sou baie snaakser gewees het as dit met iemand anders gebeur het.

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:15 pm

Skoolgeld bra-Gert, skoolgeld...

Nice friets anyway... en jou koue biertjie gaan baie lekkerder smaak as hy eers in daai friets koudgemaak is...

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:18 pm

Sal maar my haal geweer moet gaan uit grawe en kyk waar ek kan gaan geld trek.

maar glo my my fridge gaan werk. ni vandag nie nie more nie maar glo my hy gaan werk.

Hou maar dop

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:04 am

Sorry to hear that Gert. Was that price for the compressor and control box? The way I understood reco the last time I enquired was that the comp and control box were sold seperatley and cost about the same?

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:07 am

Reco in Vereeniging R3100 that is for the compressor and control box.

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 2:24 pm

Ok you guy's convinced me to can my fridge idèe So I desided to go for the cheaper version.

: new fridge.jpg (14.88 KiB) Viewed 8399 times

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:39 am

Gert, you may have read this already but have a look here on the community forum. One of the guys there seems to think a compressor from reco is only 2K. I wonder if he gets discount because he buys from them all the time or maybe he just hasn't called for the latest price.
Perhaps you should contact him and find out.

http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sho ... hp?t=32192

Post by **Family_Dog** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 9:41 am

Gert,

I don't know how these prices compare:

BD35 @ R2200 excluding VAT

BD50 @ R2460 excluding VAT

In both cases the control box is included and features 24/12V DC input.

Courier fees from JHB are probably around R100 or so.

-F_D

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 2:57 pm

The final product.

Still waiting for the compressor

Post by **Family_Dog** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 5:28 pm

Hey Gert... you did first check that a six-pack or two does fit in there, didn't you...

Looks velly lekker! I like the colour-coding.

-F_D

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 7:47 pm

I designed the fridge with a 6 pack in hand. I ment in mind.

end up with more space than 6 pack at the end of the night.

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 1:16 pm

The original centre console

The new fridge console

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:30 am

Mooi man. Well done Gert.

Have you ordered a compressor, if so, what did you go for and end up paying?

Gertc · Post by **Gertc** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 3:35 pm

I went for Danfoss BD35F. Reason, Availability.

Prices R. 3078.00

Yes the fridge is expensive. But I think it is worthwhile. It is a 16 L fridge that is out of the way. And always ready to be use. If you compare it to the engel 16L fridge that is on the market of R 5400 and it is bulky. You will have to keep it in the back of your load bin.

Post by **Family_Dog** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:12 pm

That is expensive. I phoned Hussein twice since speaking to you - last time was 30 minutes ago, but was still unable to get hold of him. Left a message for him to phone me, but you have already ordered?

-F_D