Bushman Original Fridge Questions & Answers

Hi Market, Thanks for the message. The temp probe measures air temperature behind the plastic sleeve in the end of the fridge, so it can read overs. We usually recommend a setting of around -15˚C for long term storage, or as little as -12˚C for short term storage (a week trip etc). Hope this helps, Tommy

Hi Kerry, it sounds like the first battery is showing 12.8 volts, but is unable to supply enough load (amps) to start the fridge. It is also possible the wiring or lead connections are not quite 100% which is showing up only with the first battery, as ithat battery could be worn out. This is possible but less likely.

You should be able to get you battery load tested (10Amp load). Is it a few years old?

Your Engel fridge will just run slower and slower until your battery is flat as the y use a different type of compressor.

Thanks, Tommy

Tommy, Thanks for that. I double checked the 100 amp battery it was purchased in 2013!!. Local Battery World confirmed what you have suggested. It may show being fully charged but no longer has the capacity to kick over the Bushman compressor. I left it on the Engel and the whole thing died after about 30mins. OMG! A new 100 amp AGM at almost $400. Still thinking about that. Cheers from WA

Hi Kerry, Getting 12 years from a battery is amazing! Glad we could troubleshoot this with you. Tommy

Hi Phil, H1 is most likely a thermistor error. We can express post one to you, please let us know your best postal address info@bushman.com.au Thanks, Tommy

thanks have emailed my address

Hi Matthew, Thanks for the message. 2 flashes is low voltage. First thing to check is the power supply, wiring, plugs and lead, joins for 100% connection. You can try running from a different power source to see if this resolves the issue. Any further queries please let us know info@bushman.com.au Tommy

Hi Ian, Thanks for the question. HI is normally a thermistor error. It is possible the terminals are not making good contact or there is a tiny bit of surface corrosion on the pins. You can remove the 5 screws which hold the compressor cover in place, and on the back of the circuit board you will see a thin twin black wire with a white plug. Just try unplugging this and plugging it back in a couple of times to clean the terminals. If you have no luck, please contact us direct info@bushman.com.au and we can troubleshoot some more for you. Thanks, Tommy

Hi Stuy, Thanks for the question. The most likely issue is voltage supply fluctuation. This will cause the fridge to start and stop. First thing to check is the 12V lead and the internal connections. They can stretch over time. you can try running the fridge on a seperate, regulated power supply, like a 240V to 12V transformer to try and isolate the weak spot. Any queries, feel free to get in touch with us. Cheers, Tommy

Have you contacted Bushman direct ? That's the place to start.

Not yet was hoping for a simple solution but will contct them now

Hi Heather, you are welcome to contact us anytime 03 80809990 or info@bushman.com.au

Contact Bushman, their service is first rate.

Hi Steve, we can help you with this. Please call us 03 8080 9990 or send us an email with some photos to info@bushman.com.au. Cheers, Tommy

Hi Liam, HI usually indicates one of the following: 1. The temperature is set to Farenhiet (not Celsius), or 2. The override switch under the control panel is on the ON position (should be in the OFF position). You can check this by taking the 5 screws off from the top of the compressor compartment and checking under the control panel. Please let us know if this does not resolve, the issue. Tommy

Hey Tommy. I've tried flicking the override switch and any settings on the main display. I've also unplugged and plugged back in all cables running to the control panel and still displays HI.

Hi Liam, You might need to turn the fridge off and let it warm up for a few hours, as HI indicates the fridge is too cold. Before you turn it back on, put the override switch in the OFF position, and make sure the set temperature is in celsius.

I've had it off for a few months since it first done this and come back to it every now and then to muck around with it and always just says HI and runs flat out with no break with the switch in both positions. It has copped rain on a couple trips.

Hi Liam, can you please send us an email with your details to info@bushman.com.au Tommy

Best to contact Bushman

Hi Clicka, first check it is set to Celsius not Fahrenheit! (it happens to everyone once :))

If still no good, yes please contact us directly, us 03 8080 9990 or email info@bushman.com.au

That is not right Contact bushman fridges and they will sort it out

Hi Karen, thanks for the message. It sounds like the right amount of power is not being provided by the 12V system. Please use a dedicated, direct twin wire circuit from the fridge directly to your battery terminals with a 15A inline fuse in the positive wire (not via a buss bar, shared fuse block, shunt, BMS etc).

Hi Peter, it could be a few different things. Can you please call us 03 8080 9990 or email with some more info to info@bushman.com.au and we can troubleshoot with you. Thank you.

I am sorry Karissa, I don’t know the answer to your question. Possibly a thermostat problem. It would be interesting to put a thermometer in the fridge to monitor the temp. Once again, sorry to not be able to help.

Hi Karissa, the thermostat is designed to cycle 2 degrees either side of the set temperature. If it is set on 3˚C, it will fluctuate from 1˚C to 5˚C which keeps the internal items at almost exactly 3˚C. If the fridge is getting above this differential I think it is cutting out maybe due to voltage, but it would be unusual for it to go lower than this. Can you call us 03 8080 9990 when you are with the fridge? Or email us info@bushman.com.au and we can troubleshoot with you. Thank you

Hi Venesser, EE code measn the control panel cannot read the thermistor (temperature sensor). Please take the 5 phillips head screws off from around the top of the compressor compartment and gently open the lid. On the back of the control panel is a thin, twin black wire with a small white plug. If you unplug it and put it back in, sometimes that is all that is needed to get the connection back. If this does not work, please email me info@bushman.com.au and we can express post a new one to you, Tommy

Thanks Tommy. I managed to get a call through the other day and have done some phone guided testing. Parts are in the post which will hopefully resolve the issue. For the moment we've got it working so I can do the rest of the month's shopping this weekend as planned.

To use for frozen food I recommend to remove the extension and run it in the 32ltr not the 45 or 52ltr and you shouldn't have a problem.

In the 52ltr format the fridge is designed to freeze the lower level and work as a fridge at the upper level hope this helps

Understood, however, in the hotel, I ran it at 32l, and it made no difference. On 240v, still would not get below - 16, and in the car with flat lid and collar, it got down to - 13. Of which I have learnt simply shortens the life span. Of food. - 12 food (I assuming previously frozen in another freezer) will be good for up to a month, - 6, only 1 week.....

Hi Chris, thanks for the message. in 35L or 45L configuration you can use the Original Bushman fridge as a freezer. The minimum temperature will be ≈ 50 degrees below ambient, depending on good air flow and and no direct radiant heat from sunlight. All 12V Danfoss compressors have this level as a maximum refrigerant output. The thermostat is set to +/- 2˚ of set temperature, measuring air temperature behind the plastic sleeve inside the wall of the fridge, at the compressor end. Most travelling customers keep food frozen for much less than a month at a time, as they want to utilise the space efficiently and keep the items turning over as needed. Any queries please let me know, Cheers, Tommy.

Hi Mick, Thanks for the question. How is it going now?

Hi Terence, We sell new leads online. If you just need the red, bit, I can post you one for free, please email me info@bushman.com.au Tommy

Talk to the Bushman people direct. They are very helpful and will work to solve3 your proble.

Hi Mike, thanks for the question. Which size configuration are you using, how big is the ice brick and how hot is the area where the fridge is? Cheers, Tommy

Hi Tommy, 35 litre (smallest) and Ice brick is maybe 250ml. The fridge is inside. It's gone all night and still not frozen.

Hi Mike, We have a phone message here too, I will call you.

Thanks Tom it's working well. Cheers

Hi Mike, what was the solution? I having similar issues

Hi Gordon, Try running the fridge from a different 12V source, or in a different vehicle to see if you can replicate the issue there. You can also try running a different appliance from that car socket to see if it is a socket issue. Finally, you can also try a 15A fuse. If it blows that, please call us 03 8080 9990. Cheers, Tommy.

Hi mate tried it in a different car and tried a 20a fuse

Hi Gordon, Thanks for your reply. That is really unusual. If it has a short, then it should also blow the 240V transformer. I wonder it if has something to do with the lead being used. Can you please email me some photos of the lead and connections you use for the 12V, and for the transformer to info@bushman.com.au and I will review and come back to you. Tommy