12v fridge options

[Enigma]

I really like my ARB, but they are expensive to purchase. Unless of course you win one in a raffle

For those in the market for a 12v fridge, a less inexpensive option, they seem to get pretty decent reviews, is a refurbished Edgestar:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-outdoor-gear/788578-rolling-dice-fridge-63qqt-270-shipped.html

 

[AJAEbj42]

Get back to work, Steiger! and quit making us have-me-nots feel even worse. (but thanks for the link!)

 

[Enigma]

I am working. Watching the wheels spin as I wait for a render to complete.

 

[Antarctican]

I've heard the same thing, I'd have no problem with that brand

 

[Enigma]

Bump for an old thread since we were discussing prize options at last nights meeting. From the thread on 'mud, this brand has been working quite well.

http://www.compactappliance.com/FP430-Compact-EdgeStar-Portable-Refrigerator-Freezer/FP430.html

 

[Granite Grinder]

I still think the long term benefit of a swing motor style compressor is better, albeit more expensive. The guys in that thread had to immediately upgrade the handles, and lots of broken hinges. I would also suspect that bouncing it down FSR roads while running would shorten its life, the compressor used is very similar to a household compressor

 

[Tmax]

those units sound prety nice. i think Raz had the big one. its ok but not awesome. i think a good review would be to put one against a name brand and see if they are worth it or not.


here is my recent fridge experience. i picked up an ARB unit from Steve almost two years ago. it worked supper awesome for the summer but with no warning, the temp control got a bit goofy. it would sometimes just run too cold and would not stop working while the temp reading was rising. this happned mosty durning movement and honestly i never figured out the pattern.

steve asked me to send him an email explaining the problem and he will forward it to ARB so i did. my email was not jucy and i pretty much said i think there is something wrong but i cant tell what.

the next day (tuesday) steve tells me to bring the fridge in. he has to destroy it and a new one will show up. anyway by frinday, i had a brand new fridge in my hands. i think the new fridge was shipped out even before i got the old one to steve. LOL

i think its worth mentioning stories like this when it comes to items that you have to rely on. there was only 2 months left on the 2 year warranty.

 

[Enigma]

Nice! I love those factory customer service stories when they turn out like that. Trasharoo is right up there with service like that also.

 

[Tmax]

ya honestly now i have no choice to buy another ARB if i wanted a second unit. LOL

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

The Engels have the best world wide reputation for durability (call Saleem at Stevenson Marine 604-733-7031). I have had mine for 7 or 8 years and its taken a pounding in my 74, wheeling 40-50 overnight trips per year and still works great. I would buy another Engel but not ARB.

Milke McT bought a a cheaper 12 v fridge freezer which was 1/2 cost of the Engel a few years ago and he said the other night it died. So lets see 1/2 the cost, 2 x the power draw, less than 1/2 the life = Higher cost per year than the Engel.

 

[Antarctican]

Just noticed this: http://www.openboxdirect.com/FP430-...-Refrigerator-Freezer/FP430SD,default,pd.html

 

[Scalp]

I have to agree with Glenn; it pays to buy the better fridge. Considering the type of beating these fridges take on the mountain roads around here, a cheaper brand just won't stand up over the long haul. And Grinder is correct that the swing arm compressor motor is superior both in durability and in low current draw. You have to do a little research and make sure it has the swing arm motor, I'm not sure if ARB still uses that one, but I think Engle does.

 

[Tmax]

x3 on quality item. things like chainsaws, winches, or fridges can not fail as you depend on them. my friend broght his cheap fridge for our long distance trip last weeke and it barfed the on the first day. i think its a 3 year old unit.

i already got an arb but may give engle a try as well since one could never have enough fridges.

 

[Tmax]

Just noticed this: http://www.openboxdirect.com/FP430-...-Refrigerator-Freezer/FP430SD,default,pd.html

btw the fridge that failed looks exatly like the one shown but a larger unit.