Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a compressor, a condenser and a eutectic plate adapted to be mounted in the refrigerated space in place of, or in heat-conducting relation with, cooling coils. The compressor is of a type operated by a battery which is recharged by a generator. In turn, the generator is powered by any convenient external power source, such as an internal combustion engine. The refrigeration apparatus also includes a control device which senses the voltage at the battery terminals, thereby determining whether or not the engine is running. The control device chooses between two different cooling levels. A low (warmer) cooling level is chosen if the engine is not running. A high (cooler) cooling level is chosen when the motor is running.