Best 12v cooler/fridge
#1
Posted 22 August 2020 - 11:00 PM
#2
Posted 23 August 2020 - 12:20 AM
I use a 40 qt top opening Engel, and am happy with it. Others use Dometic and Truck Fridge, but if you have the budget, National Luna is considered very good.
I am haunted by waters
#3
Posted 23 August 2020 - 01:03 AM
ARB, the temp display is not accurate, but it's consistently inaccurate so I know what the numbers mean.
There are quite a few comparisons and reviews online, I researched a lot before buying.
2012 Eagle Shell on 2006 Dodge Quadcab CTD 4wd 6-speed
#4
Posted 23 August 2020 - 05:04 PM
The 12v compressor chest fridge market has expanded wildly in the past few years: Engel/ARB, Indel B/Truckfridge, Waeco/Dometic, Snomaster, National Luna...with price points that range from about $500 on up way past $1k. Uprights, also, many coming over from marine applications. I used to have an ARB 52 but now run a Dometic 75DZ (dual zone, freezer & fridge). Your data points will include interior/exterior dimensions, capacity, features, and price, of course. Watch for specials; typically, overlanding shows had fair discounts but in the absence of them, there are internet specials popping up.
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, lightly lifted, ARB bumper/Warn winch, BFG AT/KO2, Snugtop shell. SOLD! But not forgotten!
2002 Chevy 2500HD XC LB 6.0L 4X4, Leer Hi-Rise shell, completely stock...for now!
#5
Posted 23 August 2020 - 06:06 PM
Only have experience with one, Engle MR 40.
Low power consumption, been on its side couple times. Have been using as extra freezer since March in the House.
Running 24/7.
I know there are other good product’s out there, this is ours with Engle. Thought the lack of digital temp would be a problem. When I got the dial settings figured-in with pocket thermometer, it’s easy.
Russ
#6
Posted 23 August 2020 - 08:19 PM
I have an excel spreadsheetiI made in 2018 comparing a number of different 12 v refrigerators (dims, current draw, etc) mostly in the 30L - 40L range. I added some 40L - 50L units to it in 2019.
If interested send me a PM and I will reply with the spreadsheet.
I'm not sure if there is a way to upload it here.
From on-line research I did it seems that several if not most of the brands are made by and bought wholesale from a a couple or a few Chinese companies and then branded and sold retail. Housing and internal compartment materials (stainless vs plastic), style (handles & lid opening external features) and perhaps insulation are the biggest differences since they all use the same compressor.
Regards,
Craig
Edited by ckent323, 23 August 2020 - 08:28 PM.
1993 Dodge Cummins W-250 Club Cab long bed, 2007 FWC Keystone
#7
Posted 23 August 2020 - 09:25 PM
ARB & Engel, solid performers, were more expensive in 2018 than Dometic. Maybe this has changed? I removed the Shell bunk carpet, installed a deck, & drilled an entry down to the electrical station. I stacked another fuse box & hardwired a pigtail to accommodate the Dometic. It is a tough (rugged build style) unit. So far, so good, I sure hope for a long life.
My $.02, don’t look at the Costway. You want good insulation, u want durable & u want less noise in a small camper.
https://www.outdoorg...dometic-cfx-50w
Edited by Stokeme, 23 August 2020 - 09:42 PM.
#8
Posted 24 August 2020 - 03:51 AM
Thanks
#9
Posted 24 August 2020 - 11:56 AM
My Truckfridge TB41 stays in the camper now and runs 24/7 on the Battleborn 100 Ah and a 170Watt solar panel.
When I used it in the truck itself I plugged it into the 12 V socket when I was driving but used a home made 50Ah battery box for overnight.
I'm sure my truck battery would run it but I felt better letting that battery do what its intended purpose is and using a second source of energy when the engine was not running for hours.
YMMV
2018 Ford F-250. Customized Bundutec Sable
#10
Posted 24 August 2020 - 03:43 PM
My Truckfridge TB41 stays in the camper now and runs 24/7 on the Battleborn 100 Ah and a 170Watt solar panel.
When I used it in the truck itself I plugged it into the 12 V socket when I was driving but used a home made 50Ah battery box for overnight.
I'm sure my truck battery would run it but I felt better letting that battery do what its intended purpose is and using a second source of energy when the engine was not running for hours.
YMMV
Thanks. Good insurance.
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users