I had completed my research for a good compressor portable
fridge/freezer and I decided on the Engel 35 (34 quart) which has the
same swing motor (not necessarily the same exact model) as this fridge.
I was originally quite impressed with the Coolmatic which uses the
Danfoss reciprocal compressor. At the end I really like the simplicity
of the swing motor as well as it 35+ years of excellent track record.

BTW, for those who are interested. The swing compressor works like a
solenoid but takes advantage of the resonance characteristic of the
springs and moving mass. It requires an electronic circuit to keep it in
swinging motion. Evidently Engel has created a very efficient drive
since early 60's. It appears the drive design is largely unchanged over
all these years though the newer units are more efficient.

I can't wait to test it out but the shipping out from Florida is slowed
by the recent hurricanes.

- Vince

http://gipsyflies.home.comcast.net
1989 Vanagon GL Camper
1993 Mazda Miata (for sale)
1996 Land Rover Discovery
2005 Mini Cooper S

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Westy Man
Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2004 10:07 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Karl's Norcold Fridge

The fridge fits fully against the fascia board of the original. The only
item I had to move was the receptacle for the old fridge, which of
course is no longer needed. The minimal vibration only cause rattles
when I put things on the stowed table behind the kitchenette, or on the
stovetop without a towel under them. Really no big deal, given the
upsides fo the unit.

Karl

On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 15:29:08 -0700, Vince S <gipsyflies@COMCAST.NET>
wrote:

>Thanks for the link.
>
>I am surprised that it does not stick out more. When I looked at it at
>the Boater's World it seemed it would stick out about 6 inches total.
>The photo looks like just the door and the fascia are stick out about
>2.5".
>
>I went back to the store today to confirm that the compressor is indeed

>Engel and sure enough, 3 of 3 of the Norcold in the store has the
>Sawafuji compressors in them. Sawafuji makes the Engel fridges and
>portable fridge/freezer that also sold under the Norcold brand.
>
>The quality of this refrigerator is top notch and I suspect it is
>entirely made by Sawafuji. Karl got a killer deal for around $300.
>There are a couple of them on eBay today bid to about this level.
>
>http://www.sawafuji.co.jp/html/index_e.htm
>
>Due to the significant size of the actuator assembly of this swing
>motor design I wonder how much vibration it generate. Karl mention that

>the vibration caused movement of some small bits in the drawer to shift

>and start to rattle.
>
>Karl, can you please share your experience?
>
>- Vince
>
>http://gipsyflies.home.comcast.net
>1989 Vanagon GL Camper
>1993 Mazda Miata (for sale)
>1996 Land Rover Discovery
>2005 Mini Cooper S