I've been looking into purchasing a mobile fridge but can't seem to find a recent comparison between the ARB and Dometic. I'm thinking a 50 size would work good for my needs. Any advice is appreciated.
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
James Bentley
SILVER Star
@Trailguy this is from 2016, but may give some insight to pros/cons
Buyers Guide: Portable Fridge-Freezers
Hope this helps, I have yet to make a purchase
A link in the above URL (1st Paragraph, last sentence) has a Head to Head test
Head to Head: Refrigerator or cooler
Buyers Guide: Portable Fridge-Freezers
Hope this helps, I have yet to make a purchase
A link in the above URL (1st Paragraph, last sentence) has a Head to Head test
Head to Head: Refrigerator or cooler
Last edited:
I went with my decision based on dimensions and lid access. I went with an ARB 63 because it wasn't as tall. See the ARB dimensions below. I have it sitting on top of my ARB Drawers with the sliding top. I'm happy with it, but I do like the dual temp control of the Dometic. Both are good options.
- 37 Quart / 35 Liter: H 16.9” x W 15” x D 27.8”
- 50 Quart / 45 Liter: H 20" x W 27.76" x D 14.96"
- 63 Quart / 60 Liter: H 16.9” x W 17.7” x D 33.3”
- 82 Quart / 78 Liter: H 20” x W 17.7” x D 33.3”
Having worked out of several fridges the #1 for me is a side opening lid. Second is a compartment in the fridge that sees warmer temps than the main compartment for greens and fruit.
- Thread starter
- #6
I have already read the review you listed but figured after 2 years the manufacturers have made improvements. I know the designs externally have changed some.
I went with the ARB (50L) in large part because we have a local ARB dealer in Cruiser Outfitters should something ever go wrong. A dual zone would be cool, but it's not something I needed. Whatever you pick, look to how easily you can get it serviced should something ever break (hinges, handles, etc.).
I totally agree with this. If looking at a 50 quart, you may want to look at the Dometic CFX 50W. It is actually even shorter than the ARB at 18.5"H x 28.5"W x 17.9D. I have the 65W (not the dual zone) and have had no issues. When not in camping duties, it holds our beverages so is in use 365 days a year.
+1 on the ARB. Had one for almost two years. 50 quart. Runs great. You can plug it in at home as well for a backup fridge.
I bought the expensive ARB fridge cozy as well. You can feel a little bit of cold bleed through the metal case, so I lined the cover with reflectix as well. Seems to help cut down on energy use, but no actual data. Interior storage is similar to having a Yeti cooler.
The only downside is that it's a bit harder to keep food organized if there are no shelves. Not a big deal for us. We can store 3-4 days of food in our 50qt.
I think the big advantage of an ARB or similar is that you don't dump out all the cold air the second you open the fridge. In a traditional 12V RV fridge, all the cold air spills out immediately. Not a big deal if plugged into shore power. A big deal if you are trying to be a power miser.
I was just starting to write a blog post long term review on the ARB. Will get it posted this week, need some better pics of it.
Hope,that helps.
I bought the expensive ARB fridge cozy as well. You can feel a little bit of cold bleed through the metal case, so I lined the cover with reflectix as well. Seems to help cut down on energy use, but no actual data. Interior storage is similar to having a Yeti cooler.
The only downside is that it's a bit harder to keep food organized if there are no shelves. Not a big deal for us. We can store 3-4 days of food in our 50qt.
I think the big advantage of an ARB or similar is that you don't dump out all the cold air the second you open the fridge. In a traditional 12V RV fridge, all the cold air spills out immediately. Not a big deal if plugged into shore power. A big deal if you are trying to be a power miser.
I was just starting to write a blog post long term review on the ARB. Will get it posted this week, need some better pics of it.
Hope,that helps.
- Thread starter
- #10
Thanks for the advice. I was looking to pick up the Dometic at REI with my Co-Op distribution. However, the 50ct is sold out and currently on back order. I think the local 4Wheel Parts carries the ARB.
I have ordered several items from ARB and they do seem to backorder quite a bit. It usually takes a few weeks. I got mine at REI and I have been happy with it. There was a guy on here that had issues with Dometic customer service. I have talked to ARB several times for various products and I have always been satisfied.
REKCUT
SILVER Star
Rei also carries ARB. I have seen several in their store in denver. Can use your 20% off coupon they issue each year also
Dometic makes the ARB units so it really just comes down to size. The Dometics are easier to get into because they open from the side and the door is reversible.
Tapage
Club 4X4 Panamá
My ARB was working underwater for about 20 mins .. and still there ..
REKCUT
SILVER Star
Tapage
Club 4X4 Panamá
Well all I have it's this one and my ARB fridge was inside in the back of Tencha ..
REKCUT
SILVER Star
Sucks to have that much of an adventure and no good photos to go along.
Do you have yours directly hooked to the battery or through a cigarette port?
Noone has voted for the Engel fridge?? Lowest current Japanese motor to match your Toyota.
