Topic: Fridge/Freezers

[Jeffy]

Anyone have one?  I'm really considering the ARB one.  I've though about the Edge Star but the quality is a little iffy.  Not to mention it has a higher amp draw then the ARB or Engel.  I was originally looking at a 37L model but I might just go with a 50L.  I think it will fit in the back but not take up all the room in the back.  I think I might add tie downs on the wheelwell and strap my toolbox to allow for more room.  Then I can build some drawers for the other side.

[Mozman68]

One of the mags just did a pretty good comparison of all of them...can't remember which one, but it was recent.  Maybe check their websites.

I think ARB always comes out on top for amp draw and effectiveness...and in price...

[jfrabat]

Looks like you'll be spending over $700 for that fridge...

[Jeffy]

One of the mags just did a pretty good comparison of all of them...can't remember which one, but it was recent.  Maybe check their websites.

I think ARB always comes out on top for amp draw and effectiveness...and in price...

Yeah the ARB is expensive but I haven't seen any complaints.  Cooler won't last more then a few days.  Then you're carrying smelly water and have waterlogged food.   I could have easily used it on this last trip.

Looks like you'll be spending over $700 for that fridge...

Yes, it's expensive but I do some convention's where I could use the fridge as well.  It's AC as well as DC.  I could use it at home as a AUX place to store some food too.

[neale_rs]

I recently saw a Coleman fridge.  Have no idea of the quality or price, just that it was in a store.

[Jeffy]

I recently saw a Coleman fridge.  Have no idea of the quality or price, just that it was in a store.

The difference is that fridges like the Edge Star, Engel, ARB, etc...  are freezers.  They can make ice.

Most of the cheaper ones use peltier coolers which are very different.  They can only drop the temp a few degrees from ambient temp.

[Jeffy]

Here's a little info on what these are for anyone else watching.  There are several units out on the market.  The cheapest is from China.  It's been rebadged under a few names like Edge Star and Whynter.  The 43/45QT ranges in price from $450-520. The best on the market for a long time was Engel.  They market theirs to boaters, truckers and RV'ers.  It's also the most expensive.  At around $870 for a 34QT model.  But you get better construction and a lower amp draw.  They were so good that ARB teamed up with Engel to make their first generation fridges.  ARB is on the second generation which are even better. They are priced about $100 lower then the Engel and have a lot of features specific to 4x4 use.



Brand: Whytner
Model: FM-45G
Capacity: 45 Quarts or 60 Cans (12FL oz) Capacity
Operates as a refrigerator or freezer
Compressor Cooling System
Voltage power AC (115V/ 60Hz - 65W/ 0.75A) or DC (12V/24V - 4.5A /2.5A Car Lighter Socket)
Wattage: 65 Watts
8' AC power cord and 5' DC power cord are included
"Fast Freeze" mode rapidly cools to -8°F
Adjustable temperature range: -8°F to 50°F
LED temperature display
Power low indicator
Insulated lid and walls
Two removable wire baskets
Side handles for easy mobility
Functions even when tilted 30°
Tough and solid outer casing
ETL approved
Internal dimensions: 18.5" W x 11"L x 15" H including a compressor step with 7.5" W x 11.25"L x 8" H
External dimensions: 23.5" W x 16.5"L x 20.5" H
Package dimensions: 26" W x 20"L x 23" H
Net weight: 45 LB
Gross weight: 49 LB
UPC 891207001675
* This unit comes with one year warranty.



Brand: EdgeStar
Model: FP430
Operates as a portable freezer or refrigerator
Flash Freeze function
Rounded edges make it safe around the family
Capacity: 43 qt. (equivalent to 60 12oz. cans)
Easy-to-use control panel
Temperatures: -8 to 50 degrees F
Voltage power (AC or DC)
6 foot 12/24 volt detachable power cord
8 foot 115 volt detachable power cord
Warranty: 1 year parts; 90 days labor
EdgeStar 43 Quart 12V DC Portable Fridge/Freezer
Durable and rugged design
ETL approval
Insulated lid
Side-grip comfort handles
Compressor-based cooling method freezes fast
Input voltage: 115 V/60 Hz
Power: 65 W/0.75 A
Weight: 45 lbs
Internal Dimensions: 11" H x 11 7/16" W x 14 15/16" D (large basket) / 7" H x 11 7/16" W x 7 1/16" D (small basket)
External Dimensions: 20 13/16" H x 24 11/16" W x 17 11/16" D



Brand: Engel
Model: MT35F-U1
Volume: 34 Qt.
AC/DC Compatible
Variable Temperature Control
Incline Operation up to 30° off level
Automatic Voltage Selection between AC and DC power
Highly Efficient Swing Motor - Low Amp Draws (even at start-up)
Solar Compatible
100% CFC-Free Compressor
Vibration Resistant for Extreme Conditions
Efficient Cooling (independent from ambient temperature)
AC and DC cord included
Interior Wire Basket included
Heavy-Duty Removable Handles
UL Approved
Galvanized Steel Outer Case with Melamine Coating
Vibration Resistant
Power Consumption: Variable from 0.7 - 2.5 Amps (12V DC)
Power Source: 12V/24V DC / 110V AC
Internal Dimensions: 15.4" x 10.8" x 12.4"
External Dimensions: 25.5" x 14.3" x 16" (excludes handles = 1.5” each)
Net Weight: 46.3 lbs
Warranty Info: 2 Years



Brand: ARB
37 QUART FRIDGE - PART NO. 10800352
CAPACITY:   37 Quarts (35L) (50 x 12 oz cans)
COOLING CAPACITY:   +10°C to -18°C (50°F to 0°F)
WEIGHT:   45.6lb  (20.7kg)
EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS:  H 16.9” x W 15” x D 27.8” (H428mm x W380mm x D705mm)
INTERNAL DIMENSIONS:   
Dairy/Fruit Compartment:   H 5” x W 11.2” x D 6” (H126mm x W285mm x D151mm)
Main Compartment:   H 12.6” x W 11.2” x D 13.3” (H321mm x W285mm x D337mm)
POWER:   Built-in 12/24V DC and 100-240V AC power
Integrated battery protection system
100% CFC free
Low amp draw
Ice free operation
Three year warranty
Powder coated zinc steel cabinet shell. Zinc steel provides excellent corrosion resistance
Recessed powdered coated steel fixed carry handles
Two piece injection molded lid, UV stable
Convenient on/off power indicator
Solar panel & generator compatible
Deep storage capacity for large upright bottles
User friendly, forward facing thermostat control
Rounded corners & edges to protect vehicle upholstery
Fully removable lid & basket for easy access & cleaning
Ventilation grills allow operation even in the most confined cargo areas
User friendly, right angled plug-in point from cord to fridge
Operates at extreme angles (up to 30°) without affecting operation or reliability
Recessed front mounted digital control panel
Internal LED cabinet light

[jfrabat]

What exactly is "Low amp draw"?  The EdgeStar states 0.74A (65W), and the Engel states "Variable from 0.7 - 2.5 Amps (12V DC)" (which I trust more than the previous one!).  So what's ARB's consumption?

[Jeffy]

You're looking at the wrong numbers for the EdgeStar.  Those are AC not DC.  The EdgeStar is rated at 5.4A DC.

ARB say's 0.7 to 2.3A 12VDC.

[sharpxmen]

The difference is that fridges like the Edge Star, Engel, ARB, etc...  are freezers.  They can make ice.

Most of the cheaper ones use peltier coolers which are very different.  They can only drop the temp a few degrees from ambient temp.

i have a peltier cooler, keeps cold well but you need 2 batteries (should do that with any of course), won't make ice but had beer, bbq meat and cheeses on 3 day long trips with no problems - i have to recharge the aux battery couple of times/day but it works. The trick is to start with the things cold already. Only problem i had with it was that the fans broke, replaced them with low power computer case fans.

[Jeffy]

i have a peltier cooler, keeps cold well but you need 2 batteries (should do that with any of course), won't make ice but had beer, bbq meat and cheeses on 3 day long trips with no problems - i have to recharge the aux battery couple of times/day but it works. The trick is to start with the things cold already. Only problem i had with it was that the fans broke, replaced them with low power computer case fans.

I'm thinking along the lines of a week minimum.  Supposedly the fridges have no problems running that long without draining the battery.  The ARB and I think Engel have cut off voltage so it will turn itself off when it's hit as well.

[sharpxmen]

I'm thinking along the lines of a week minimum.  Supposedly the fridges have no problems running that long without draining the battery.  The ARB and I think Engel have cut off voltage so it will turn itself off when it's hit as well.

there's no way, if you open it  a few times you'll end up usingthe batt and will eventually drain but it's easy to recharge, i don't think you can get away with only one battery, pretty sure you need to have a dual setup. would be easy to figure out though, by the input amps and a rough estilmation on how long your house fridge goes on and off, then calculate the Ah over a 24hr period - but unlike the peltier which can run down to 3 or 4 volts (so if you have a deep cycle you can just let it drain and recharge) these ones will only probably go down to 9v or so which could be a few hours depending on the capacity of the fridge. I've never had a compressor one for the car so i can't really tell exactly but i'd be interested to find out more if you come across that info.

[Jeffy]

there's no way, if you open it  a few times you'll end up usingthe batt and will eventually drain but it's easy to recharge, i don't think you can get away with only one battery, pretty sure you need to have a dual setup. would be easy to figure out though, by the input amps and a rough estilmation on how long your house fridge goes on and off, then calculate the Ah over a 24hr period - but unlike the peltier which can run down to 3 or 4 volts (so if you have a deep cycle you can just let it drain and recharge) these ones will only probably go down to 9v or so which could be a few hours depending on the capacity of the fridge. I've never had a compressor one for the car so i can't really tell exactly but i'd be interested to find out more if you come across that info.

Wel,l a Colman Powerchill which is a thermoelectric/peltier uses 10.2 amps and like all peltiers can only cool to 30-40* below ambient.  After 28hrs it killed this guy's battery.  He's got an Odyssey Battery.  Lots of people run the ARB with a single battery.

Week long is if you don't open it vs, two days.

[FourbangerYJ]

If your doing expo type trips your driving daily. So the battery would charge. If your doing a single camp spot you would need to run the motor or do some driving.
I think I would not run the fridge at night. I wouldn't bring ice cream so I don't think it would be a problem.
 It should keep the temps down all night without it running wouldn't it?

[Jeffy]

If your doing expo type trips your driving daily. So the battery would charge. If your doing a single camp spot you would need to run the motor or do some driving.
I think I would not run the fridge at night. I wouldn't bring ice cream so I don't think it would be a problem.
 It should keep the temps down all night without it running wouldn't it?

If you set it to something above freezing it shouldn't cycle too much if any.  I've got plans for doing a dual battery as well as maybe a solar panel but that's for another day.

But I think I've mentioned in other threads that I can use it in hotels as well as an emergency like when power goes out or we happen to get the "big one".  (ie, earthquake.)  I think the unit would pay for itself with a year though.