only tried it yesterday and today,fold up ur ground sheet and place it over the fridge.if its the mesh type itll shade and keep outside of fridge cool.going to buy a second ground sheet just for that task now.
I don't care how good a fridge is, it's useless if it gets unplugged. Check what type of plug you have on the car end. Mine both had the cigarette lighter/merrit combo. The merrit socket grips better than a cigarette lighter socket but the plug still managed to get dislodged on rough roads. I've changed both to the 2 pin Engel type with the locking ring. My neighbour put an anderson plug on his.
I cut the cord a bit shorter if it is long & add an Ando, nowdays I also leave the cig plug attached with an Ando inline as well, sometimes it is convenient to have the cig plug, but Anderson plugs are better.
Just came across this great video. I think I can offer an explanation as to what is going on. I don't have an Engel brand fridge but I believe the results will vary with the fridge design. It would be interesting to see where heat is being dissipated from this Engel fridge using a thermal imaging camera. If this fridge has hot spots extending well away from the vents, this means heat is moving by conduction into outer surfaces of the fridge. Once this adjacent surface area cannot radiate heat into the open air but gets trapped by the cover, you have reduced the ability of the fridge to dissipate this heat even though there is no real blockage of the vent area On the other hand, if your thermal camera shows the heat signature is well confined to the vent area, it is likely that a well designed insulated cover will work well and will isolate heat transference from the ambient temperature into the outer shell of the fridge. Note that a thin piece of protective material with inadequate insulation will heat up in the sun and transfer heat by conduction into the outer surface of the fridge and make things worse! One more factor to consider is if the cover is not tight fitting around the vents. Hot air tends to rise quickly as it comes out of the vents, if there is a big air gap between vent and the cover, hot air flows upwards into the gap between fridge and cover. Anyway in the end, it is all about the fridge/cover design and of course the $$. :)
Mate, what have you done to upset the TH-cam overlords? amazing content brother! no nonsense, no bullshit, just straight to the point and backed up - what bloke!
Always suspected covers were detrimental to fridge efficiency, thanks for doing the tests and proving so. 👍 He's another test I'd like to see which I believe has some merit.... Using a $10 reflective thermal camp bed roll from Kmart. Cut a piece to sit under the fridge and another for the top of the fridge. Reflective side up for under and down for top if under cover, up if exposed to the sun. Better if a lid is created by folding sides down past the fridge lid seals with tape and superglue. Doing this and leaving the sides and vents uncovered, it's theorised that up to and possibly over 10% fridge efficiency can be achieved dependent on environmental conditions. This is due to most car fridges only having the condenser pipework running around the sides and most temperature loss is through the lid and bottom, so the theory goes. 🤔
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Portable fridges are way overpriced for what you get, given the technology hasn't really changed for decades. I view the thermal bed roll theory basically adds insulation to where fridge insulation fails the most. I'd rather spend $10 than $285 if this is proven to be true.
I purchased a transit bag primarily to protect the fridge not for additional thermal benefit, so I'll give the bag a qualified 👍 Thanks for the video, very interesting result 👍👍👍
as ive always suspected and you've proven, transit covers are just that, they provide negligible insulating properties and are only there to minimise the knocks and scrapes.. nice job as always!! my best tip? keep it full!
Great myth busting for both videos, had suspicions about the mesh, I’ve noticed airflow difference with screen doors, tent and swag mesh flaps. Might split the difference and cut the mesh out and get some canopy ventilation. Only time I run low on solar power is in the tropics when it’s hot and overcast for days. Thanks.
Yes I have been waiting for this one! Excellent, I did not purchase the cover. Just do my best to park is shade ( more $ for adult beverages). Next test please- a combination frig/freezer of a separate frig and freezer (two units). Excellent job, thank you sir.
I have a MRF 45 Engel with transit cover, I found as you have that the cover doesn't really make any great difference. However I had some Kingspan under roof insulation which is about 8 to 9 mm thick and about R2 insulation value so I put 2 layers under the Engel not covering the compressor vents and one layer around 3 sides of the fridge box with the transit cover back on. that made considerable difference in time between compressor cycling. Engel seems to lose a lot of temp out of the bottom of the fridge for some reason. I wondered about air flow through the mesh problem which you have proven to be an issue. Thank you for the video
well I'm glad I got my transit bag for free in a deal but I have never run out so fast to rip something off. I was always sceptical of them but I got it for free so didn't care enough to question it further. Thank you for putting in the effort to quantify my suspicions.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing did you end up cutting the mesh out or just put it in the "shouldn't have bought" pile? I don't think there is a single one of us that doesn't have that pile xD
Good test, can't argue with those facts, although I could argue that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west in the northern hemisphere also ;oD
I came here to find if insulation decreases power consumption, can you test that? Fridges aim to maintain the same temp inside regardless of outside conditions. Your current test is like opening a window in the house with the air con running. It makes little difference because the AC will work harder to try to compensate (with an increased power bill). How much harder is the interesting question. You could calibrate as Wh/day per dT(outside-inside)
@LockyourHubs4WDing Agree, with a single stage compressor, it would be more precise to say it works "more often". How much more? Battery (energy) usage is watts x time.
I've seen a few of you're videos before, I really like the way your brain ticks 😉 Ive lived in the Pilbara for 19yrs. 8 in Karratha and 11 in Hedland. I've come to realise without any doubt that Heat cuts the life and efficiency of EVERYTHING by half. It sux so bad to live with this never ending problem! My focus since I was a kid has been improving things to make them more efficient. It still is. I'm not looking for the best set-up, I'm looking to improve the cheap and easily available set up. Keep the content coming mate 🤟
Fantastic, I completely agree! There's way too much emphasis on GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) rather than optimising what you already have. Sure, sometimes it is unavoidable, but most of the time, with a little knowledge, either simple mods or even just learning how to use what you already own, can make a world of difference.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I literally couldn't have worded it better myself mate, thank you for your great videos! You clearly think for yourself based on experience not brainwashing media. Please keep up the quality content. G'day from WA 👍
I rekon just put that reflective heat foil on top of fridge may help it and leave every other side alone, so at least direct sunlight to the top is reflect away extending ingredients its ability to cool as less heat it has to combat with. Maybe even work pit where the sun hits the fridge mostly a put reflective foil on that spot. Not totally covering the fridge to allow it to dissipate heat, but at least it doesn't get heat from the worst spots making it easier on the unit to stay cool.
The extra insulation does make a small difference, but the positives are outweighed by the negatives of blocking the flow from escaping the compressor section. The stick on foil solution may well be the best compromise.
Now you have opened the can of worms .. I would love to see 1 final test .. And that is with the mesh cut of abd the cover still on .. That would seal the deal ..
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Yes .. I know .. But I would love to see it before I jump in and do it as that would 100% prove it .. The fan blowing into the fridge may not be 100% prof as it may be helping in other ways .. I like the idea of the cover to protect the fridge as well as a bit of insulation from the sun .. So I think if your theory is 100% correct then cutting the mesh out and leaving the cover on would be ideal in both worlds...
The new Engels are dark grey and heat up quickly in direct sunlight so the light grey cover at least negates this as well as protecting the fridge from all that's packed next to it. So there are some positives. Just need to cut out the mesh on mine and ensure I leave space around the back of the fridge when packing the car as this is probably no.1 reason your Engel does not run efficiently.
Thanks for clarifying this mate. I did a test December sometime with my 40l Engel and definitely found “bag on” the fridge didn’t perform well (minus step up). I now have the step up for my oven so happy days for the fridge also Thanks for another awesome upload mate
I've got an old waeco 40L which is over 20 yrs old that I purchased when I was an Interstate truck driver and it's never had a cover and I always wondered if I should have got one... you answered my question.. I don't need one. Thanks. I would also guess that that cover is hindering the fridge from getting rid of the heat not only from the vent area but around the whole of the compressor area, keeping that heat in instead of letting it dissipate.
great video thanks for the effort! I wonder what the main test over the course of 24 hours would look like, ie include nighttime with lower ambient temps and no sunlight, would the insulation advantage help even out the poor daytime performance in terms of current draw over 24 hours?
This is why portable indoor air conditioners are not efficient. The hot compressor is inside where you are trying to cool. If you could put the hot part outside (i.e. the window box or split system), you'll use less energy cooling that space.
I'd like to see how things go when you keep the cover on, but remove the mesh from the vents to see if thats as good as not having the cover on at all.. if that yields positive results I'll remove the mesh from my fridge.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing yes us also, bought new cover just b4 I watched u first test on them & haven't bothered fitting it & now definitely won't be, have u done a show about using step up on fridges?
If you think about it, the mesh itself isn't the only issue. The surrounding canvas the mesh is sewn to will also be holding heat in as well. So to me the ideal cover would have a big cutout around the whole compressor end of the fridge.
I've just had a look at the test results for my TechniIce fridge. The mesh is very definitely getting removed. It got distinctly colder and get there very much faster without the cover. As that fridge will be inside the canopy and used as a freezer, I think it will worth my while to install a permanent blower fan for it.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I'd even go so far as to say the TechniIce performed much worse than your Engel with the cover on. That surprised me a lot because it has a very open mesh. Regardless, it's better to know these things before setting out for a year or more and I hadn't even considered it before I watched your test. Thanks very much for your efforts, on this and other stuff.
Well, I never saw that coming... transit covers hindering the performance of a portable fridge..time now to undertake some delicate transit cover mesh surgery.
Mate sent me this vid, very interesting! Good data and will definitely look at getting rid of my bag on my 40lt that is mounted in my canopy. Cheers mate 👍
@@LockyourHubs4WDingI cut out my Engel cover mesh due to this video. Great tests! Also if you do cut out the mesh blow on your hand and introduce/remove a cut out pice between your mouth and the hand you’re blowing on it feels like it blocks 90% of the air flow!
So my next thought is “what are the effects of covers on other brands?” Is it just Engel that have already got a well insulated fridge or is it more the covering of vents.
i played with this with my 100ltr fridge,i was annoyed to discover the amount of theremal leakage,i put to woolen blankets folded twiceover fridge,8 layers of blanket,cold could not be felt after layer 6,current draw wasn't bad,after your test im,probably getting bennefit by reduced cyclying.mm good test.
I like the idea of velcro around the vents/mesh in combination with cutting out the mesh. Also, after taking the housing off to check out the fan set up , I think it might be worth making a flange to bridge the 40mm gap between the fan and the housing vents. Perhaps a flange would make the most difference of all???
@noniksleft Did you try the velcro + cutting off the mesh? If so, did it help? I do wonder if it's mainly that heat is getting trapped between a loose cover and the fridge body, rather than the mesh, so the velcro idea seems like a good solution to tighten up the fit of the cover.
Very interesting - it's time to lose my transit bag - thanks The Dometic 3 way absorption fridges suffer from the same issue, there is a popular mod of using a couple of computer fans to draw the air out of the back of the fridge to increase efficiency
I wonder if the cover is holding heat in the body of the fridge around the compressor area and the heat spreading that way more so than the mesh slowing airflow. The added fan would assist with either.
Hi Simon, I was tossing up whether or not to buy a transit bag for my Evakool before watching your vids. My fridge lives in the backseat area of my ute on a purpose built stand. After seeing the results from the previous and current vids, I ended up using silver foil insulated bubble wrap on the inside of the glass. This reflects the direct sun and the fridge is free to breathe. As my fridge is always running when in use, no real point of the cover for me. Cheers mate.
Glad to help, I would love to test those sun screen window coverings, see how much, if any difference they make. I think they would, but then again I bought a fridge cover as well...
@@LockyourHubs4WDing well as the sun was beating down on the Ute and into the window, I felt the lid and it was red hot. As the sun has such a negative effect on plastic I figured that the reflective sunshade would help - which it does. I got the idea from the Cancer Council - slip slop slap etc.
Has a test been done with the mesh cut out of the transit bag, to see if that restores the cooling to the fridge ? I don't want to cut mine out for no result at all, but based on your "Transit Bag" testing, it should work... Cheers
bit of a problem for my fridge. it doesn't have handles so I cant mount it down to anything. I have to use a cover got no choice. I will wire a pc fan in for ventilation easy fix.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I love my pm2's, also love the manix2 , blade shape is just perfect, use everyday (chippie) on my remote sites in Tassie, they get thrashed but always come through. Keep up the great work.
I always thought any mesh over airflow was a hindrance. I guess you've proved that right, copper. I kinda feel sorry for those suckers and their fancy covers. lol
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Hey, Have you considered testing bunnings insulation foam board and Ametalin SilverWrap LD Reflective Wall Insulation? Would be a great DIY content if it's feasible.
@@MPUlberg I still think extra insulation is worthwhile and protection from solar radiation should definitely help as well. I might revisit it down the track, though I would have to wait for the warmer weather.
Yeh i was uming and r ing about on the other day. Ended up getting one. Should have waited but what ya gonna do. Was gonna go the elchepo free insulation foam around the fridge part whuch i had the foam setup.
Hey mate just watched your last episode I’m suspecting I have a head gasket leak, just asking if you could make a detailed tutorial of replacing one of them on a 1hdt it would help me out a ton and good content cheers mate love the vids
Just watched your video regarding running a fan to increase efficiency Is there a fan available for the rear of vehicle setup that can be switched on/off automatically dependant on ambient temperatures Thanks
Another very informative video from yourself, well done 👍 I wonder what the difference would be with removing the top, leaving sides for protection, with and without the mesh over fan exhaust area, or if the covers sat say 50 mm of top of fridge, with venting mesh all around that 50 mm gap ?
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I wonder if you used a good double sided tape to stick the cover to the fridge just behind the vents if that would help at all, I’d assume the heat is being trapped between the cover and the fridge body
Myth busted... for your Engel. However, this may or may not apply to other makes and models. I'm currently in the process of performing similar testing on our fridges, a TechniIce and a rebadged Waeco/Dometic (from Aldi). I'll let you know the results when I'm done. Regardless of test results, I think I'll remove the mesh and be done with it.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Yep, and the mesh size is quite different between our 2, so may also be different to the Engel. This may well give different results to those you obtained. Only testing will tell. This will be delayed a bit because my son has borrowed one of ours for a camping trip.
I've added additional velcro strips between the bag and the fridge along the edges of the mesh so that (in theory) warm air can only pass through the mesh, not back along the inside of the bag. Maybe you could test something like this set up?! :-)
I like the idea of velcro around the vents/mesh in combination with cutting out the mesh. Also, after taking the housing off to check out the fan set up , I think it might be worth making a flange to bridge the 40mm gap between the fan and the housing vents.
Another great video. Just wondering whether you tested the internal cold temperature retention with/ without the transit bag over time after power was removed. I know it defeats the purpose, given that normal use would involve it being powered on all the time to maintain temperature and to keep food cold....but what if there was a power failure/ outage? Would the transit cover insulation keep the Engel fridge/ food colder longer, or cause it to heat up quicker than an Engel fridge without the transit cover?
Yes I tested that over 24 hours, just to check if the insulation was actually doing anything at all. There is a slight benifet to the cover, but not alot.
Great video. I notice that my 40l waeco has a inbuilt fan in the compressor section to dissipate heat. Do you know if the engle has a fan and if it does is yours working?
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I travel to the west for work once or twice a fortnight I’d be really interested to see the results if I should leave my cover on or not
My testing so far indicates that the cover on the fridge under test is indeed helping. It has a much more open mesh than Engel covers. Testing is incomplete however due to a fridge problem. Can anyone suggest a reliable car fridge repairer in Melbourn's eastern suburbs, preferably somewhere near the Lilydale area?
I have used Peter in Eltham, his company name is Petka, he is very knowledgeable and helpful... I think he is a waeco service agent but works on all brands.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing "Adventureridge", which is manufactured by Dometic and sold by Aldi. I learned that when I had to make a warranty claim when I first got it a few years back. It's never been a great unit but works well enough as a fridge. It's useless as a freezer but we use our second fridge for that purpose.
hang on - you got me confused now. "Because we are in the Southern Hemisphere the sun rises from the East and sets in the West"....ummm does the sun not rise from the East where ever you are ?
What's you best tip for car fridges?
only tried it yesterday and today,fold up ur ground sheet and place it over the fridge.if its the mesh type itll shade and keep outside of fridge cool.going to buy a second ground sheet just for that task now.
I don't care how good a fridge is, it's useless if it gets unplugged. Check what type of plug you have on the car end. Mine both had the cigarette lighter/merrit combo. The merrit socket grips better than a cigarette lighter socket but the plug still managed to get dislodged on rough roads. I've changed both to the 2 pin Engel type with the locking ring. My neighbour put an anderson plug on his.
@@SirFuseable Yep first thing I do with a new fridge cable is cut the end off and stick an Ando plug on!
refletic wrap. make a cover yourself. Place bottles against walls to freeze faster.
I cut the cord a bit shorter if it is long & add an Ando, nowdays I also leave the cig plug attached with an Ando inline as well, sometimes it is convenient to have the cig plug, but Anderson plugs are better.
Just came across this great video. I think I can offer an explanation as to what is going on. I don't have an Engel brand fridge but I believe the results will vary with the fridge design. It would be interesting to see where heat is being dissipated from this Engel fridge using a thermal imaging camera. If this fridge has hot spots extending well away from the vents, this means heat is moving by conduction into outer surfaces of the fridge. Once this adjacent surface area cannot radiate heat into the open air but gets trapped by the cover, you have reduced the ability of the fridge to dissipate this heat even though there is no real blockage of the vent area On the other hand, if your thermal camera shows the heat signature is well confined to the vent area, it is likely that a well designed insulated cover will work well and will isolate heat transference from the ambient temperature into the outer shell of the fridge. Note that a thin piece of protective material with inadequate insulation will heat up in the sun and transfer heat by conduction into the outer surface of the fridge and make things worse! One more factor to consider is if the cover is not tight fitting around the vents. Hot air tends to rise quickly as it comes out of the vents, if there is a big air gap between vent and the cover, hot air flows upwards into the gap between fridge and cover. Anyway in the end, it is all about the fridge/cover design and of course the $$. :)
After watching this video. I went and removed the cover from my fridge. Thank you for a great informative video
Glad it helped!
Mate, what have you done to upset the TH-cam overlords? amazing content brother! no nonsense, no bullshit, just straight to the point and backed up - what bloke!
Cheers!
Mate , that was a lot of hard work you put into that, a Massive Thank You !
You're welcome!
Always suspected covers were detrimental to fridge efficiency, thanks for doing the tests and proving so. 👍
He's another test I'd like to see which I believe has some merit.... Using a $10 reflective thermal camp bed roll from Kmart. Cut a piece to sit under the fridge and another for the top of the fridge. Reflective side up for under and down for top if under cover, up if exposed to the sun. Better if a lid is created by folding sides down past the fridge lid seals with tape and superglue. Doing this and leaving the sides and vents uncovered, it's theorised that up to and possibly over 10% fridge efficiency can be achieved dependent on environmental conditions. This is due to most car fridges only having the condenser pipework running around the sides and most temperature loss is through the lid and bottom, so the theory goes. 🤔
That would be an interesting one. I still think most fridges could do with better insulation and more efficient heat management.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Portable fridges are way overpriced for what you get, given the technology hasn't really changed for decades. I view the thermal bed roll theory basically adds insulation to where fridge insulation fails the most. I'd rather spend $10 than $285 if this is proven to be true.
I purchased a transit bag primarily to protect the fridge not for additional thermal benefit, so I'll give the bag a qualified 👍 Thanks for the video, very interesting result 👍👍👍
Thanks!
as ive always suspected and you've proven, transit covers are just that, they provide negligible insulating properties and are only there to minimise the knocks and scrapes.. nice job as always!!
my best tip? keep it full!
It helps, I've look at that in the previous video, you do save a little battery capacity keeping it full.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing throw in the beers and chuck it on the generator then once cold switch back to 12 v
Great myth busting for both videos, had suspicions about the mesh, I’ve noticed airflow difference with screen doors, tent and swag mesh flaps. Might split the difference and cut the mesh out and get some canopy ventilation. Only time I run low on solar power is in the tropics when it’s hot and overcast for days. Thanks.
You definitely want canopy ventilation, filtered positive pressured fan feeding air into the canopy. I'm looking at that at the moment.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I’m putting a small solar powered marine vent and inlet vent in the canopy roof just to help it breathe a little.
Yes
I have been waiting for this one! Excellent, I did not purchase the cover. Just do my best to park is shade ( more $ for adult beverages).
Next test please- a combination frig/freezer of a separate frig and freezer (two units).
Excellent job, thank you sir.
Probably your best bet, especially in a wagon!
Who would have thought cover V no cover at least we found out the winner Thanks for the Video. 😃
Cheers, glad you liked it! Seeya next weekend.
Good one !! Always threatening to buy cover for my 40L Engel - mind made up. No need for it. Best.
You're welcome, if I can prevent 1 person from making the same mistake as I did, it was worth it.
I have a MRF 45 Engel with transit cover, I found as you have that the cover doesn't really make any great difference. However I had some Kingspan under roof insulation which is about 8 to 9 mm thick and about R2 insulation value so I put 2 layers under the Engel not covering the compressor vents and one layer around 3 sides of the fridge box with the transit cover back on. that made considerable difference in time between compressor cycling. Engel seems to lose a lot of temp out of the bottom of the fridge for some reason. I wondered about air flow through the mesh problem which you have proven to be an issue. Thank you for the video
You're welcome!
I think you're right, the Engel can definitely benefit from better insulation, I never thought about the bottom though!
Legend! you definitely saved me wasting a couple of hundred bucks on the cover, at least based on performance.
I was stung, if I can save another person, then it's all been worth it.
well I'm glad I got my transit bag for free in a deal but I have never run out so fast to rip something off. I was always sceptical of them but I got it for free so didn't care enough to question it further. Thank you for putting in the effort to quantify my suspicions.
No worries mate, I had to order mine, wait and pay for it :(
@@LockyourHubs4WDing did you end up cutting the mesh out or just put it in the "shouldn't have bought" pile? I don't think there is a single one of us that doesn't have that pile xD
Good test, can't argue with those facts, although I could argue that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west in the northern hemisphere also ;oD
Yes got that wrong! Must have been thinking of the Coriolis effect!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I figured so, gave me a good laugh anyway 😆 Keep up the good work 👍
Cheers!
I came here to find if insulation decreases power consumption, can you test that? Fridges aim to maintain the same temp inside regardless of outside conditions.
Your current test is like opening a window in the house with the air con running. It makes little difference because the AC will work harder to try to compensate (with an increased power bill). How much harder is the interesting question. You could calibrate as Wh/day per dT(outside-inside)
The fridge uses a set amount of current (they don't work harder, or less hard) only the duration of the cycle changes.
@LockyourHubs4WDing Agree, with a single stage compressor, it would be more precise to say it works "more often". How much more? Battery (energy) usage is watts x time.
I've seen a few of you're videos before, I really like the way your brain ticks 😉
Ive lived in the Pilbara for 19yrs. 8 in Karratha and 11 in Hedland.
I've come to realise without any doubt that Heat cuts the life and efficiency of EVERYTHING by half.
It sux so bad to live with this never ending problem!
My focus since I was a kid has been improving things to make them more efficient. It still is. I'm not looking for the best set-up, I'm looking to improve the cheap and easily available set up.
Keep the content coming mate 🤟
Fantastic, I completely agree!
There's way too much emphasis on GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) rather than optimising what you already have.
Sure, sometimes it is unavoidable, but most of the time, with a little knowledge, either simple mods or even just learning how to use what you already own, can make a world of difference.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I literally couldn't have worded it better myself mate, thank you for your great videos! You clearly think for yourself based on experience not brainwashing media. Please keep up the quality content.
G'day from WA 👍
GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) 🤣😂🤣
I'm gonna use that for sure 😅
Test with the mesh cut
I might do that down the track, though wanted to test as supplied by the factory.
With the cover the fridge is not cycling off
Imagine the extra current draw
Good to see data on this, confirmed my thoughts
I’ve never used my cover
I don't think I will be from here on in either!
This is why I love my eutectic Autofridge. A white fibreglass Aussie made legend.
I'm not familiar with them, are they a compressor fridge?
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Yes mate. Unfortunately no longer made.
Bugger.
I rekon just put that reflective heat foil on top of fridge may help it and leave every other side alone, so at least direct sunlight to the top is reflect away extending ingredients its ability to cool as less heat it has to combat with.
Maybe even work pit where the sun hits the fridge mostly a put reflective foil on that spot. Not totally covering the fridge to allow it to dissipate heat, but at least it doesn't get heat from the worst spots making it easier on the unit to stay cool.
The extra insulation does make a small difference, but the positives are outweighed by the negatives of blocking the flow from escaping the compressor section. The stick on foil solution may well be the best compromise.
Well explained in proper scientific way....
Thanks!
Now you have opened the can of worms .. I would love to see 1 final test .. And that is with the mesh cut of abd the cover still on .. That would seal the deal ..
Not sure there's any need, it's definitely the mesh block flow, the testing has proven that.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Yes .. I know .. But I would love to see it before I jump in and do it as that would 100% prove it .. The fan blowing into the fridge may not be 100% prof as it may be helping in other ways .. I like the idea of the cover to protect the fridge as well as a bit of insulation from the sun .. So I think if your theory is 100% correct then cutting the mesh out and leaving the cover on would be ideal in both worlds...
Great video ! I need to take the cover off my fridge !
110%!
The new Engels are dark grey and heat up quickly in direct sunlight so the light grey cover at least negates this as well as protecting the fridge from all that's packed next to it. So there are some positives. Just need to cut out the mesh on mine and ensure I leave space around the back of the fridge when packing the car as this is probably no.1 reason your Engel does not run efficiently.
Maybe a fridge cage?
Thanks for clarifying this mate. I did a test December sometime with my 40l Engel and definitely found “bag on” the fridge didn’t perform well (minus step up). I now have the step up for my oven so happy days for the fridge also
Thanks for another awesome upload mate
Cheers, mate glad to help!
Far out,I would've assumed in sun it'd be good
Initially me too, turns out we were both wrong!
I've got an old waeco 40L which is over 20 yrs old that I purchased when I was an Interstate truck driver and it's never had a cover and I always wondered if I should have got one... you answered my question.. I don't need one. Thanks. I would also guess that that cover is hindering the fridge from getting rid of the heat not only from the vent area but around the whole of the compressor area, keeping that heat in instead of letting it dissipate.
The condensor is where most of the heat is generated, but there'll be additional heat from the pump etc.
great video thanks for the effort! I wonder what the main test over the course of 24 hours would look like, ie include nighttime with lower ambient temps and no sunlight, would the insulation advantage help even out the poor daytime performance in terms of current draw over 24 hours?
You can see the results in the other video I did on fridge covers.
Great analysis. TBs are just sales products?
This is why portable indoor air conditioners are not efficient. The hot compressor is inside where you are trying to cool. If you could put the hot part outside (i.e. the window box or split system), you'll use less energy cooling that space.
I'd like to see how things go when you keep the cover on, but remove the mesh from the vents to see if thats as good as not having the cover on at all.. if that yields positive results I'll remove the mesh from my fridge.
It's on the cards, though still want to test a few more things first.
Cool, great to see this test, I bought a cover for my fridge, but wont be fitting it after all.
Glad you liked it, I'm suffering from buyers remorse from buying mine!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing yes us also, bought new cover just b4 I watched u first test on them & haven't bothered fitting it & now definitely won't be, have u done a show about using step up on fridges?
@@JMCKAY351 I covered the addtional performance from the step up in the first video.
Great vid mate! I always wondered what effect the cover had on the fridge, and now I know :)
I'm still regretting buying it! :)
🤣@@LockyourHubs4WDing
If you think about it, the mesh itself isn't the only issue. The surrounding canvas the mesh is sewn to will also be holding heat in as well. So to me the ideal cover would have a big cutout around the whole compressor end of the fridge.
Yep, the cover will insulate the metal grill as well.
I've just had a look at the test results for my TechniIce fridge. The mesh is very definitely getting removed. It got distinctly colder and get there very much faster without the cover. As that fridge will be inside the canopy and used as a freezer, I think it will worth my while to install a permanent blower fan for it.
@@SirFuseable thanks for letting me know that it's not just the Engel that suffers from this issue.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I'd even go so far as to say the TechniIce performed much worse than your Engel with the cover on. That surprised me a lot because it has a very open mesh. Regardless, it's better to know these things before setting out for a year or more and I hadn't even considered it before I watched your test. Thanks very much for your efforts, on this and other stuff.
Well, I never saw that coming... transit covers hindering the performance of a portable fridge..time now to undertake some delicate transit cover mesh surgery.
I didn't see it coming initially either, surprised the heck outta me.
Retested it three times as I though I must have stuffed something up.
Mate sent me this vid, very interesting! Good data and will definitely look at getting rid of my bag on my 40lt that is mounted in my canopy. Cheers mate 👍
Wait for the next video, we're comparing different voltages for the Engel fridge. I was surprised by the results.
@@LockyourHubs4WDingI cut out my Engel cover mesh due to this video. Great tests! Also if you do cut out the mesh blow on your hand and introduce/remove a cut out pice between your mouth and the hand you’re blowing on it feels like it blocks 90% of the air flow!
So my next thought is “what are the effects of covers on other brands?” Is it just Engel that have already got a well insulated fridge or is it more the covering of vents.
Also what are the newer models like?
You would have to independently test them to find out.
Awesome video cobber 🤙
Thanks mate!
i played with this with my 100ltr fridge,i was annoyed to discover the amount of theremal leakage,i put to woolen blankets folded twiceover fridge,8 layers of blanket,cold could not be felt after layer 6,current draw wasn't bad,after your test im,probably getting bennefit by reduced cyclying.mm good test.
I think most fridges would benifet from more insulation.
That's an easy fix. Cut the mess and tape the edges closed to keep it from obstructing the vent.
That way you get the best of both worlds!
I like the idea of velcro around the vents/mesh in combination with cutting out the mesh. Also, after taking the housing off to check out the fan set up , I think it might be worth making a flange to bridge the 40mm gap between the fan and the housing vents. Perhaps a flange would make the most difference of all???
Flanges definently help a car's radiator, so would probably help here too.
@noniksleft Did you try the velcro + cutting off the mesh? If so, did it help? I do wonder if it's mainly that heat is getting trapped between a loose cover and the fridge body, rather than the mesh, so the velcro idea seems like a good solution to tighten up the fit of the cover.
Unfortunately not.
Very interesting - it's time to lose my transit bag - thanks
The Dometic 3 way absorption fridges suffer from the same issue, there is a popular mod of using a couple of computer fans to draw the air out of the back of the fridge to increase efficiency
I might look at that on the Engel in an upcoming episode.
I wonder if the cover is holding heat in the body of the fridge around the compressor area and the heat spreading that way more so than the mesh slowing airflow. The added fan would assist with either.
I think the mesh is the party stopper.
That's pretty convincing. Thanks.
Cheers!
Hi Simon, I was tossing up whether or not to buy a transit bag for my Evakool before watching your vids. My fridge lives in the backseat area of my ute on a purpose built stand. After seeing the results from the previous and current vids, I ended up using silver foil insulated bubble wrap on the inside of the glass. This reflects the direct sun and the fridge is free to breathe. As my fridge is always running when in use, no real point of the cover for me. Cheers mate.
Glad to help, I would love to test those sun screen window coverings, see how much, if any difference they make. I think they would, but then again I bought a fridge cover as well...
@@LockyourHubs4WDing well as the sun was beating down on the Ute and into the window, I felt the lid and it was red hot. As the sun has such a negative effect on plastic I figured that the reflective sunshade would help - which it does. I got the idea from the Cancer Council - slip slop slap etc.
Has a test been done with the mesh cut out of the transit bag, to see if that restores the cooling to the fridge ? I don't want to cut mine out for no result at all, but based on your "Transit Bag" testing, it should work... Cheers
I haven't, and don't know anyone who has on the Engel and tested it.
I'm eventually going to, but want to test some extra fans first though.
1 of my Evakools thru a fault on a 35 degree day and I thought that the transit bag may have been the culprit as my 2nd fridge was not covered
May well have been!
Excellent video!!
Thanks for making it
You're welcome!
bit of a problem for my fridge. it doesn't have handles so I cant mount it down to anything. I have to use a cover got no choice. I will wire a pc fan in for ventilation easy fix.
What sort of fridge?
Thumbs up for the Spyderco knife, and of course the mass of work put into this...thank heaps.
It's a PM2 in S110V, great little knife and a fantastic steel (bit of a sod to sharpen though....) thanks mate.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Gotta love the sprint runs, well done.
@@ozcampnhuntdan7858 I would like to collect all the various PM2 sprint run steels, and when I win lotto, I'll make a start!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I love my pm2's, also love the manix2 , blade shape is just perfect, use everyday (chippie) on my remote sites in Tassie, they get thrashed but always come through. Keep up the great work.
I always thought any mesh over airflow was a hindrance. I guess you've proved that right, copper. I kinda feel sorry for those suckers and their fancy covers. lol
Unfortunately, I'm one of those suckers!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Hey, Have you considered testing bunnings insulation foam board and Ametalin SilverWrap LD Reflective Wall Insulation?
Would be a great DIY content if it's feasible.
@@MPUlberg I still think extra insulation is worthwhile and protection from solar radiation should definitely help as well.
I might revisit it down the track, though I would have to wait for the warmer weather.
Yeh i was uming and r ing about on the other day. Ended up getting one. Should have waited but what ya gonna do. Was gonna go the elchepo free insulation foam around the fridge part whuch i had the foam setup.
Thank you great work
Cheers!
I’d like to point out this is specifically related to Engel. Would love to see the same test done on ARB classic series for example with their cover
Hmmmmm..... If I can get hold of one, I would love to test it!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing what state?
@@Snook_ Victoria
Hey mate just watched your last episode I’m suspecting I have a head gasket leak, just asking if you could make a detailed tutorial of replacing one of them on a 1hdt it would help me out a ton and good content cheers mate love the vids
I think it's on the cards!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing cannot wait mate cheers
Great video mate
Thanks!
Just watched your video regarding running a fan to increase efficiency
Is there a fan available for the rear of vehicle setup that can be switched on/off automatically dependant on ambient temperatures
Thanks
Any programmable thermo fan should work!
Another very informative video from yourself, well done 👍
I wonder what the difference would be with removing the top, leaving sides for protection, with and without the mesh over fan exhaust area, or if the covers sat say 50 mm of top of fridge, with venting mesh all around that 50 mm gap ?
Probably be easier just to cut out the mesh.
Another very Interesting video cobber I wonder if I cut the mesh out of the bag would that make a difference in the performance or not cheers mate
That might be the answer!
Looks like I’ll be taking my cover off my Engel 😂🤦🏼♂️
I think this video might have turned sales of transit covers for the worse......
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I wonder if you used a good double sided tape to stick the cover to the fridge just behind the vents if that would help at all, I’d assume the heat is being trapped between the cover and the fridge body
Myth busted... for your Engel. However, this may or may not apply to other makes and models. I'm currently in the process of performing similar testing on our fridges, a TechniIce and a rebadged Waeco/Dometic (from Aldi). I'll let you know the results when I'm done. Regardless of test results, I think I'll remove the mesh and be done with it.
You mean other people make fridges other than Engel? Well I'll be.... :)
@@LockyourHubs4WDing Yep, and the mesh size is quite different between our 2, so may also be different to the Engel. This may well give different results to those you obtained. Only testing will tell. This will be delayed a bit because my son has borrowed one of ours for a camping trip.
Under a roller Shutter
Roller shutter tonneau?
Informative and helpful, thanks.
You're welcome!
I've added additional velcro strips between the bag and the fridge along the edges of the mesh so that (in theory) warm air can only pass through the mesh, not back along the inside of the bag. Maybe you could test something like this set up?! :-)
I think the main issue was the mesh blocking the convection cooling from the compressor section of the fridge.
I like the idea of velcro around the vents/mesh in combination with cutting out the mesh. Also, after taking the housing off to check out the fan set up , I think it might be worth making a flange to bridge the 40mm gap between the fan and the housing vents.
Another great video. Just wondering whether you tested the internal cold temperature retention with/ without the transit bag over time after power was removed. I know it defeats the purpose, given that normal use would involve it being powered on all the time to maintain temperature and to keep food cold....but what if there was a power failure/ outage? Would the transit cover insulation keep the Engel fridge/ food colder longer, or cause it to heat up quicker than an Engel fridge without the transit cover?
Yes I tested that over 24 hours, just to check if the insulation was actually doing anything at all. There is a slight benifet to the cover, but not alot.
I just brought a cover before watching this ahaha, just going to wore in a pc fan
I think that's on the cards for me too!
huh I don't understand. Are we talking about old Engels here? My 60L engel which is 3 years ol came with a computer fan ... @@LockyourHubs4WDing
@@brucetyron still not enough unfortunately.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing ah ok
So use a cover but cut the mesh out before installing it
There's gotta be a better way!
@@LockyourHubs4WDing but is there?
It’d be interesting the different current draw to achieve those temps with and without the covers.
I covered current consumption in the previous video so didn't want to cover old ground.
Great video. I notice that my 40l waeco has a inbuilt fan in the compressor section to dissipate heat. Do you know if the engle has a fan and if it does is yours working?
The Engel is one of the few things I haven't had apart! I'm not sure.
What if you use a cover and just cut out the panels over the vents?
That may work, I wanted to test the standard setup.
have you tried taking the mesh out of the cover? does that make a difference?
I haven't, though I did a 24 hour warm up comparison between with and without the cover, and the cover does provide some insulating properties.
Thanks for the info.....was about to drop $275 on an Engel cover. Makes you wonder what their R&D team get up to over all this time.....
Not testing them I assume..... :)
Why havent you cut the vents out then tested again
I should do, but the evidence is all there, it's definitely the mesh.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing my mesh is gone but i will leave bags on
That's the best compromise.
Hey mate great video. Have you tested any weaco fridges and covers?
Unfortunately I don't own a Waeco.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing whereabouts are you located I have a cfx95 and cover you could use for the test. Im in Berwick vic
@@martymouneimne2293 thanks for the offer, I'll keep it in mind. I'm in Melbourne's west.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing I travel to the west for work once or twice a fortnight I’d be really interested to see the results if I should leave my cover on or not
So remove the mesh then??
Either that or some sort of forced ventilation.
Great video and info mate.🇦🇺🍺👍❤
Cheers!
Any chance of a video test on having the screen mesh cut out? Before I hack my transit bag up?
I've got a couple of ideas up my sleeve before I take a knife to the bag.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing i will be waiting with anticipation.
I would like to look at computer fans for extra ventilation and better control of the temperature in the fridge section.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing yep, my thoughts as well.. i just happen to have some here from a previous life 🤔
Me too!
My testing so far indicates that the cover on the fridge under test is indeed helping. It has a much more open mesh than Engel covers. Testing is incomplete however due to a fridge problem. Can anyone suggest a reliable car fridge repairer in Melbourn's eastern suburbs, preferably somewhere near the Lilydale area?
What brand of fridge?
I have used Peter in Eltham, his company name is Petka, he is very knowledgeable and helpful... I think he is a waeco service agent but works on all brands.
@@filthylucre351 Thanks for that. If I can find no recommendations for anyone closer to home I'll give him a call.
@@LockyourHubs4WDing "Adventureridge", which is manufactured by Dometic and sold by Aldi. I learned that when I had to make a warranty claim when I first got it a few years back. It's never been a great unit but works well enough as a fridge. It's useless as a freezer but we use our second fridge for that purpose.
Freakin legend
Thanks!
Cut the mesh
That might be the solution!
hang on - you got me confused now. "Because we are in the Southern Hemisphere the sun rises from the East and sets in the West"....ummm does the sun not rise from the East where ever you are ?
Another beaut video. Love to see myths debunked. Loving your channel. Cheers PP
I had to wait a while for this one, being a Victorian, we don't have all that many hot days!