Dune 4wd/camping fridge-anyone own one ?

[Iretired]

Hi all,Looking at these at Anaconda fathers day specials,the prices are pretty keen for a 5 year warranty fridge but I've heard that spare parts are an issue ? I asked at the desk about warranty repairs and was told it has to be brought to them for assessment,sounds like a convoluted process to me.My dometic fridge had an issue,I took it straight to one of their service agents and a quick turn around.The rate stuff breaks down these days failure is a serious issue.
In the fridge manual,Anaconda state "TO CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY, PLEASE TAKE THIS PRODUCT TO THE ANACONDA WHERE YOU PURCHASED IT."
Not at all practical especially at the owners expense....So,has anyone had one of these fail ?

 

[Triton14]

To me sounds like any other warranty, take it back to place of purchase!

Im in favour of giving these cheaper fridges a go, I bought a 75lt dual zone Oztrail bought for $599 5 years ago & had no issues with it.
I know in other threads some guys say they had the same fridge & the thermostats went after a while but it can happen with any fridge.

I figured if this one lasts 8 years I would just get another one & still be in front, I think the same size Engel is 3 times the price.

Roll the dice or spend close to double or triple the amount on one of the other brands.

 

[smitty_r51]

I had a good run out of the oztrail version but yes spare parts even down to the cable/plug were not available. I ended up pulling the side off it and soldering a 15amp cable direct to the contacts and it went for another 4 years. Compressor gave out eventually after 9 years including two 3 month stints as the only house fridge while working interstate.

 

[Albynsw]

Pretty standard to have to take it back to them for service, every chance they don’t even bother to send it away for assessment to fix it but will try it in the back room overnight and replace it if necessary
A lot of the time parts prices make repairs unaffordable

 

[John U]

I agree with all of the above. The warranty is possibly written like that to align with Australian consumer protections, which aim to stop a retailer making you do all the legwork and hassle chasing up on a dodgy product. In theory the retailer should have all the correct contacts and processes in place, and be able to apply the correct amount of pressure to get the wholesaler or manufacturer to resolve any problems.

Being a chain store I reckon you'd be able to go to any Anaconda to get an issue resolved. I can't see any reason why they would turn you away because you purchased it at a different Anaconda. Be worthwhile just asking them to see what they say.

 

[Iretired]

I agree with all of the above. The warranty is possibly written like that to align with Australian consumer protections, which aim to stop a retailer making you do all the legwork and hassle chasing up on a dodgy product. In theory the retailer should have all the correct contacts and processes in place, and be able to apply the correct amount of pressure to get the wholesaler or manufacturer to resolve any problems.

Being a chain store I reckon you'd be able to go to any Anaconda to get an issue resolved. I can't see any reason why they would turn you away because you purchased it at a different Anaconda. Be worthwhile just asking them to see what they say.

Thanks ,I msg them and yes,they will accept it at any store so you were on the money.

 

[Iretired]

I'd still like to know if anyone has had a failure with a DUNE and how did the process go.
Not interested in info on other brands atm....

 

[smitty_r51]

I'd still like to know if anyone has had a failure with a DUNE and how did the process go.
Not interested in info on other brands atm....

You know Dune is just the sticker Anaconda put on the unit yes? BCF, supercheap, Anaconda, oztrail all sell the same unit with the same internals and components under a different sticker.

 

[Iretired]

You know Dune is just the sticker Anaconda put on the unit yes? BCF, supercheap, Anaconda, oztrail all sell the same unit with the same internals and components under a different sticker.

It's a bit more than that,different branded units are all different in build,some share the same compressor/condenser for example but all have different hardware,seals ,control panels,evaporators and the big one-warranty.You're overstating the situation.
Anyway my question is about DUNE and dealing with ANACONDA.

 

[Triton14]

It's a bit more than that,different branded units are all different in build,some share the same compressor/condenser for example but all have different hardware,seals ,control panels,evaporators and the big one-warranty.You're overstating the situation.
Anyway my question is about DUNE and dealing with ANACONDA.

My Oztrail fridge is the exact same fridge as the brass monkey fridge, except for the badging & the decals.

Its not a rare case on generics, they exist all over the place including bulbar's, like with anything its about detail in the specs.

The LG compressor that is in this Dune fridge it probably the same one in my Oztrail & other brands as well.

What model is it your looking at in the Dune??

 

[Iretired]

DUNE 4WD 45L Single Zone Fridge/Freezer

Introducing the NEW Dune 4WD 45L Single Zone Fridge/Freezer built tough for Australian conditions. This portable car fridge freezer has been built to last and backed by a 5-year warranty

www.anacondastores.com

The 45lt probably does share the same compressor as the oztrail but the store didn't have one in stock so I couldn't really compare.The oztrail equivalent isn't the prettiest unit looking at the pics though and where it will be in my van I'll be looking at it a lot,besides that the warranty on the dune is 5 years vs 3 on the oztrail.So back to my question.....Anyone own a DUNE ? Been around for more than a year.......

 

[John U]

Another 'haven't purchased one' post. Sorry, couldn't help myself. I was checking that fridge out in January. The shape and construction makes me think it comes out of the same factory as the Dometic CFX3 fridges which I like the look of. Different compressor, which might effect the battery consumption, but having the similar thick sides and plastic outer has to be good for insulation.
5 year warranty.
Its $100 cheaper than when i was looking in January.
Post in thread 'The Daily Bargain And Deals Thread' https://4x4earth.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-daily-bargain-and-deals-thread.28562/post-719520

 

[Iretired]

Another 'haven't purchased one' post. Sorry

No worries,comments interesting anyway ! It does look a little like the Dometic but at the price of $499 considerably cheaper-that and the 5 year warranty got me in.Reliability is key for me that's why I started this thread to explore this.

 

[Iretired]

I ended up buying an Everkool "Tourer" 47 litre on a one day special from Repco for $168.These fridges are are plastic housing as are many ( read Dometic for one ) and have the same running gear as the Down under mark 1 47 litre fridge with the exception of no 240v and a shorter warranty ( 2 years ) and plastic housing vs metal.
I've run it,has the usual Everkool economy running mode,Secop compressor and on test in the recent warm weather on my patio ( one day was 33c there,used 15Ah per 24 hours at an actual 3 deg C.
Considering these started life 2 years ago at $700 ,then were run out at $500,I think it's worth a shot at the ridiculous bargain price I got it for.

 

[John U]

I ended up buying an Everkool "Tourer" 47 litre on a one day special from Repco for $168.

How did this not make it into the bargain buys thread?
Do you have a link to the fridge details? Sounds like a cracking deal.

 

[Iretired]

It was a one day thing and I apparently got the last one in captivity.They are on Repco's site now but at $299 with nil stock availability.Maybe it's a heap of junk,I don't know but seems not that different to my Dometic I just sold.It does have a warranty but researching online reviews someone said that an Evakool service agent ,ie fridgie,said Evakool wouldn't pay me the going rate so I'm not interested in doing your warranty job , may apply to other brands as well.It's something I hadn't thought of.

 

[John U]

It was a one day thing and I apparently got the last one in captivity.They are on Repco's site now but at $299 with nil stock availability.Maybe it's a heap of junk,I don't know but seems not that different to my Dometic I just sold.It does have a warranty but researching online reviews someone said that an Evakool service agent ,ie fridgie,said Evakool wouldn't pay me the going rate so I'm not interested in doing your warranty job , may apply to other brands as well.It's something I hadn't thought of.

That's interesting. My guess would be the purchaser would be due a replacement in that circumstance. It ain't the purchasers problem if evakool won't pay the going rate.

Cheers, I'll check it out.

 

[foxy223]

It was a one day thing and I apparently got the last one in captivity.They are on Repco's site now but at $299 with nil stock availability.Maybe it's a heap of junk,I don't know but seems not that different to my Dometic I just sold.It does have a warranty but researching online reviews someone said that an Evakool service agent ,ie fridgie,said Evakool wouldn't pay me the going rate so I'm not interested in doing your warranty job , may apply to other brands as well.It's something I hadn't thought of.

You managed to snag the last one in captivity, and now it's listed on Repco's site for $299 with no stock available. It does seem similar to your Dometic, but the warranty concerns are a valid point.