Posted 17 November 2016 - 01:12 AM
Ronin,
There are a number of different brands of chest style refrigerators, Truck Fridge, Engel, National Luna, Dometic and others. I believe they typically have a smaller current draw, and don't spill out the cold air when opened. We have an Engel 40 qt that will go into our new Bobcat. It can function as a refrigerator or freezer, and with some creative loading, it can keep things frozen on the bottom, yet fresh towards the top. When we use it on our boat, it is strictly as a freezer. We then transfer food from it into a small cooler to satisfy the daily needs. The Engel has a relatively low current draw, and it typically is not up against an aluminum camper skin that gets hot in the sun.
Another WTW member (jkidd) recently purchased a National Luna that has separate compartments that each can be used as refer or freezer on his boat or in his camper. Expensive, but very functional. Another Member has a Truck Fridge in their Bobcat, and finds it does a good job for them.
With a different camper and a Dometic 80L refrigerator, our batteries (2 12 volt group 24 AGM Exides) were taken quite low after 3 days parked in one spot. We had a 90 watt panel and were in direct Arizona sun. I asked Marty for the larger panel because of going with a single battery. The price difference between a 100 and 150 watt panel is not great, and I don't notice any difficulty raising the top. Marty did put put 40 lb gas struts on the front of our Bobcat. It goes in the air far easier than the roof on our previous camper using 80 lb internal struts.
I guess it's a matter of preference, but I like the option of being able to use our Engel in multiple places. I also believe the chest style freezer/refrigerators are more efficient than front loader types. I am losing some precious floor space , but for me it's worth it.
Regardless of your choice, ATC will build you a top quality camper. I enjoyed working with them.