AROUND-OZ MOTORHOMES

Electrolux Tropicalised Refrigerators

It is EXTREMELY hard to research this subject as the fridges sold in Australia seem to be unique to Australia models. Last year Electrolux for the first time in years released new models called TROPICALISED. These came out with zero fanfare and to our knowledge there are no specific brochures. Now the really odd thing is we have only come across three models. So how do you tell which ones are Tropicalised? Have a look at the picture below (this label is inside the door edge) - look along the bottom line until you see CLIMATE. If this fridge is tropicalised it will have a "T" in a square box. The unit pictured on the left has one. Older ones are just blank like the picture on the right. Look at the wattages. These have gone up by 20/25 watts - 15 amps on 12 volt. The complete unit has been redesigned and is very tilt tolerant - ours will go below zero with the bubble off the scale in one direction - rather amazing! These also come fitted with the rectangular roof vent. Interestingly on the European Dometic site again all the info on the site is nothing like what we are sold here in Australia!!!!!! Haven't a clue why this is so! Can anyone shed some light on this? The European "Tropicana" models as they are called over there stop at 105 litres. Our fridge is 150 litres. The mechanism is completely different. There is no room to fit a fan but you do not need one as you have the opposite problem of trying to run hotter. Ours is NEVER set above thermostat 2. Oh yes - there is a thermostat probe in the cabinet now and the door seals really tight. It is impossible to open for 5 minutes after closing - a great move. In summing up this is rather drastic but after trying all other "fixes" it is worthwhile selling your fridge if you are having troubles and getting a Tropicalised unit, as the difference is truly unbelievable as they work fantastically well even in 40 degree + heat. The old models would only hold 5 degrees in a 34 degree test chamber (we have been in the test chamber so we have got this right!). On 12 volt ours easily holds just below zero on the move all day - very impressive stuff. Electrolux have come of age with the tropicalised models and in our view it is simply the best choice for motorhome use as there are none of the problems associated with getting enough power for electric fridges. You NEVER need a generator with an Electrolux!