CSI Fridge/Freezer Mega Thread

I have the old 52 qt version and I stress tested it by leaving it running in my garage for over a year. Never turned it off except when the power went out, then I turned it back on asap. Never an issue.

 

I had that one, too. Ran it 24/7 in the bed of my truck the whole time. It was perfectly fine until about 12 months in and the control panel broke followed two weeks later by the compressor. I was very happy with that one. Mike took care of me on those issues.

 

Any update on the voltage problem and possible fix?

 

What battery are you guy's using to power these (the old 52qt.) Fridges? I put mine on my optima yellow top, fully charged and set at 36° it was probably 70 in my shop. The battery was down to 50% after 8.5 hrs.

 

Northstar AGM 27F

 

Just a note about the optional battery pack and the new W53. I had trouble with the W53 voltage problem and bought the battery pack. I'm happy to report that it fixed my problems... I think I let it run for close to 3 days without starting my truck and no issues.

Edit: dual batteries

 

Hmmmm. I'll have to do some more checking, maybe I've got a bad battery or something. Thanks for the replies.

 

They're known to draw a lot of power. When I had the old 52 quart I upgraded to the AGM, which wasn't enough to run it 24 hours so I added solar to my setup as well.

 

I have a solar panel set up for mine also, I was trying to see how long it would run with just the battery, guess I need a bigger one.

 

Mine was good for about 2-3 days with solar and a 27F AGM in mild or cool weather.

 

Anyone have the W60? I know it has an LG compressor. Is that what the older ones had too? If so are they still holding up pretty well?

 

@Mike's Custom Toys is the original post costing kept current? Thanks

 

Yes prices on op are current.

 

Looking for something like the Iceco VL60D, or dometic CFX60DZ. would like to keep it all under my tonneau cover so under 19"height if possible. I currently have a lifetime 77Qt cooler, but lookign toget rid of ICE for cooling purposes. any deals? VL60D + insulated cover, and a slide that will work with it... thanks.

 

Any voltage problems with these anymore. How are those W53’s running?

 

Time for an update. Sorry its been so long to get back with any updates from CSI. My back and forth with them has been real "Heated" at times. Short story is the w55 could not handle shipping. We all know how freight carriers love big heavy boxes for home delivery. I have watched as a fed ex dropped one upside down trying to deliver to me and kicked it over with his foot before attempting to pick it up again. It was a Great fridge if it ever showed up undamaged however only a handful ever did. The rest had dented cabinets or internal problems, loose temp probes or rattling/shorting out electronics. Complete disaster, fedex the main carrier for CSI continued to delay any freight claims upwards of 180+ days, as well as all shipping on any defect unit was on my dime, since I was the one so "Crazy" to ship these all across the US. So in an effort to ship these with no damage CSI said they would only ship LTL on a pallet which proved to be more costly than it is worth. So ultimately I lost my shorts on the w55's. So if you were so fortunate to receive a working 55 congrats. We will continue to help with any issues that may arise but I will not be selling any more and yes there is still w55 repair parts and replacements if any member needs help.

Now on to the "Voltage Issue" we all agree that the unit see's lower voltage when the compressor kicks on most often resulting in an error code. Even when placed on the lowest battery protection we still may experience a fault code. Many of us use these Fridges for extended trips where we may be far off the beaten track or days from any forms of civilization. The last thing we need is to kill a battery and strand ourselves literally in the middle of no where. So after many of us started to have issues with alternative power sources including myself. I started to work with CSI to find a solution to what is going on. All the while the fridges have been selling all over the pacific northwest in all sorts of shops. Even the Lithia Dealerships out here are selling them in their parts department. All with no complaints or comebacks, and here I am trying to send a pallet of them back as defective. They pulled and inspected every fridge I send back and only had 1 w53 that was actually deemed defective/ broken.

"It must be you" Yes as many other stores and locations are having these fly off the shelf. It was deemed that ONLY my customers and I are having real problems with the w53. Csi does admit the voltage drop is an issue and has offered the following solutions.

Dedicated 12v plugs
W90 $25

Many of the factory installed 12volt plugs have too small of wiring resulting in too much voltage drop.

W90 Battery pack $200


This Battery pack helps with low voltage drop for those who will run consistently below 11.5v. Such as deep cycle or jackery or I have used it to run the Fridge overnight so I don't have to worry about starting the next day.

Or The Latest.
W60 with battery pack $600






Black Ice 100 QT Dual Zone Refrigerator/Freezer
CSI’s Black Ice 100QT Dual Zone Refrigerator/Freezer is built to handle those extended weekend getaways, constructed with advanced technology that is designed to keep your goods either chilled or frozen regardless of the outdoor temperatures. Features an internal compressor that eliminates the need for ice, convenient DC and AC connectors, and a backup battery compartment for when power is not available (W61 battery sold separately). Rugged heavy duty wheels and a telescoping handle make transport a breeze and the reversible and removable doors allow easy versatility to have the set up that suits you best. Add in the optional W58 Sliding Vehicle Mount (sold separately) for even further versatility. Dual zones let you control your chilled or frozen goods, and with enough room for up to 150 cans. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to change or monitor the temperatures from your phone without even having to get up out of your camping chair, making it the perfect companion for those gourmet campfire dinners or evening beverages.

• 100 Quart, dual zone
• Dual compartments with individual temperature control
• Heavy duty compressor for superior cooling performance
• Three stage battery protection system prevents vehicle battery drain
• Shockproof and durable design
• Removable wire storage baskets included
• Interior drain plugs for easy cleanup
• Digital display control panel and interior LED light
• CSI Black Ice Refrigerator/Freezer mobile app available for Android or iPhone
• Heavy duty wheels and telescoping handle
• Reversible / removable Refrigerator door design
• Compatible with CSI’s Sliding Vehicle Mount (Part #W58)
• 12/24VDC, 100-240VAC Power supply included
• Detachable battery (Part # W61) for operation when power is not available (sold separately)
• Zone capacity 59 Quarts and 41 Quarts
• Dimensions: 35.25” D x 22.5” W x 18” Height

So with the internal battery pack it will act as that buffer for the low voltage codes. The Case is more robust and shock/fedex resistant. Not a big fan of the handle and wheels but when trying to lug the old 55 around I wished it had them.

I know this does not solve every thing for everyone. @Beretta4x4 please pm me your address so I can send you a battery pack you have been very patient and helpful. Customer service and experience has top priority at Mike's Custom Toys and as we grow into more products and services we want that to continue. So keep an eye out for all the things we have to offer for your Toyota and outdoor adventure.

Feedback is always useful it lets me know how I am doing as well as how manufacturers are doing. So how are those 53's working out for you? If any want to comment directly to CSI here are a couple avenues.
http://csiaccessories.com/contact
Thanks Mike

 

Do you happen to have a link or the name of the thermometer that you used?
I got a error on my last weekend but i think my battery in in the crapper. Im running 8g to my bed with a blue sea 12v plug also.

 

Sure, it's this one.

$24 AcuRite 00782A2 Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer, Temperature,White, 0.4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009Y7RPS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8

I have the original 52 and its been giving me fits. I'm going to order Anderson plugs and see if that doesn't help -- wondering if the regular 12v socket and plug aren't making good contact.

 

So that probe works through the fridge?

 

Yes, its clipped to the side of the basket and the fridge is in the back of my 4Runner. The display is on the lower part of my dash -- works fine. I also took it out one time it was easily 20' feet away and still worked.

Used Anderson connectors and still no go. Keeps faulting when the compressor kicks on and the engine is off -- never did that before.