Adventure Kings 110L Upright Fridge/Freezer

Probably a good fridge for a weekend away. It is not suitable for long term camping. When set on 00 degrees, The freezer pulls down to -24.8 the thermostat switches off, however it does not switch back on until the freezer is at -4.3. This is not a safe temperature for frozen food. Unfortunately at this setting as advised by Kings, your eggs, milk and salads all freeze in the fridge. When you set the fridge to 2, the compressor pulls the freezer down to -24.8, the thermostat switches the compressor off as it should, however it does not switch the compressor back on until the freezer is at 1 degree C and all your food in the freezer has defrosted. However the fridge compartment does not freeze your eggs and salads all and varies in temperature from 1 to 5 degrees. This is the second fridge as Kings replaced the first one and it does exactly the same as the first, however Kings does not want to replace the second one nor offer a refund as they should by Australian consumer law as the fridge does not work as advertised. The worst case scenario is Kings will be liable for killing some one from food poisoning.

I have struggled with the Kings 110 litre upright fridge since purchasing it in December 2024. It's nothing more than a glorified ice box. To get the freezer cold enough to freeze, the items on the top shelf freeze. Otherwise, approximately 10 cm of the right hand side of the fridge can't be used to allow air flow over the thermostat. The food in the photos is too close. If anything intrudes into this space, the fridge runs 24/7 meaning the power usage is astronomical and one 120amp battery and solar charger don't provide enough power. Even a generator charging the battery to full doesn't provide enough power and costs too much. Every time the fridge errors due to low battery voltage, the fridge must be disconnected from power for 15 minutes before reconnection. I explained to the salesman that we live off grid and rely on this fridge and he stated a 105amp battery and solar panel would run the fridge no problems. I previously ran a 75 litre Brass Monkey and 50 litre Kings Escape without issue.

The fridge is in the bottom section of a double story house - maximum 30 degrees ambient for a couple of hours on hottest summer days. Completely open around it.

The freezer requires defrosting at least weekly. This is excessive. Photos are one week's worth of ice in the freezer compartment, under the freezer and in the drip tray a solid sheet. I've tried a 5v USB fan to try to prevent ice build up, but that's only had minimal effect. When I purchased the fridge, I specifically asked about condensation and frosting as the Kings Escape had excessive condensation. The salesman went and asked someone else and came back with “it’s no different to any fridge”. I can assure you it is much worse.

There are 2 major design defects with the Kings 100 litre upright fridge - one is the absence of a fan, the other is the position of the thermostat. According to a fridge mechanic, the thermostat should be in the freezer compartment.

I understand that Kings tests the fridge empty. In two places in the manual, the fridge testing details the fridge being empty. “You can easily measure the average temperature of your fridge by placing a large glass of water inside an otherwise empty fridge. Set the fridge thermostat to 4°C and let the fridge run overnight. Measure the temperature of the water the following day.” and “For testing the unit should be empty, as a warm/large product load in the fridge can take more than 24 hours to completely come down to temperature.” That is not a true test. The only true test is when it is used as a fridge, with food in it, the door being opened and closed and food covering the thermostat. I want to make it clear that the fridge operates, but is not of an acceptable quality.

I questioned the salesman at length about the warranty for the fridge as I’d heard many bad stories about Kings not honouring warranties. He assured me it is a simple process and it would be honoured. I’m now testing his promise.

Because the food stored in the fridge and freezer isn’t kept at required temperatures, the fridge is not of acceptable quality, or fit for purpose and this is a safety issue. Given the safety issue and the conglomeration of issues, this is a major failure by Australian Consumer Law. I would not have purchased the product if I had known about the problems. Compensation should also be paid for spoiled food (both freeze damaged and melted) as allowed under Australian Consumer Law when the product fails to meet acceptable standards.

The ACL provides “It is my responsibility to return the goods unless the cost of doing so is significant (due to size), in which case the seller must collect the goods at their own expense and within a reasonable time.” I do not own a vehicle. To return the fridge will require me using a courier. This is an unacceptable cost to me.

Conversations with 2 people in the warranty call centre: The first person stated “It’s a change of mind”, nothing we can do and got a second person. This is not a change of mind! I just want a fridge that is of acceptable standard and operates as the salesman said it would. I don’t expect too much. Both people quoted the “policy” which seems to breach Australian Consumer Law but their website states (interestingly hidden under the tab “Returns” rather than “Warranty” which only contains a phone number, no email address):

“What does the warranty cover? Under normal usage conditions, this warranty covers; Any defect in design or manufacture which results in the product failing to perform substantially as described in authorised advertising or literature; and We will either repair or replace the product at our discretion This voluntary warranty is provided in addition to your other rights and remedies under the Australian Consumer Law and does not exclude, restrict, modify, limit or override your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

The warranty does not cover: Damage resulting from improper use Damage caused by faulty installation or modification made during installation, unless installed by 4WD Supacentre Damage caused by mould, insects, animals, misuse, incorrect operation, adverse weather, accidents and fair wear and tear Costs, losses or charges: *of removing and reinstalling the product *for travel and /or other expenses due to customer’s remote location *for transport charges and damage in transit. It is your responsibility to deliver and pick up your product, including any costs associated with the postage of your repair or replacement product. If you do freight your product we recommend that you insure against loss or damage *directly or indirectly associated with the product failing to operate

Important information relating to your rights under Australian Consumer Law Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.”

The second person stated Kings do not compensate for losses. While recording our phone conversation, they became extremely agitated when I said I’d recorded the salesman in the store (I live in Qld and can do that if I’m party to the conversation). They also stated that they would terminate the call because I suggested I may need to take the issue to QCAT. They said they can’t help me and I have to go to QCAT only. QCAT recommends negotiating with the seller for a resolution and will organise mediation as part of the tribunal process. She promised to send an email detailing what evidence was necessary to make a claim, but didn’t.

I will NEVER buy from 4WD Supacentre again. Their customer service equals that of the worst I’ve experienced.

A great alternative to the normal camping fridge – This little beauty fits perfectly into the canopy of my $wheel drive and holds a great amount of food and drink. because it is an upright fridge it is so easy to access the stuff inside, just like your normal home fridge. I highly recomend this product if you are looking for an alternative method of storing food and drink in. your 4 wheel Drive