ARB Fridge 50qt vs 63qt - Opinions Wanted

[Saragato]

I went with the 62L unit for my 80 series....atop the ARB Outback drawers with reefer slide....it's a big unit, but not TOO big....they both take up a "block" of rear space regardless.

The 50L units actually looks faintly too small for my long term needs....i store more than just cold food & cold drink inside the units....often, i place dry goods such as powerbars, soup cans, rice, whatever...it holds plenty....price difference in a non issue if you plan to keep it and use for a long time...

No regrets for the 62L

 

[nape77]

How many beer cans can it hold? This is a tailgating must!

 

[roscoFJ73]

I went with the 62L unit for my 80 series....atop the ARB Outback drawers with reefer slide....it's a big unit, but not TOO big....they both take up a "block" of rear space regardless.

The 50L units actually looks faintly too small for my long term needs....i store more than just cold food & cold drink inside the units....often, i place dry goods such as powerbars, soup cans, rice, whatever...it holds plenty....price difference in a non issue if you plan to keep it and use for a long time...

No regrets for the 62L

Nice set up in the back there. I like to have some reserve capacity in my fridges. Its great being able to find things without having to dig to the bottom all the time like you do in a full fridge.
The way the prices are dropping on fridges ,it wont be long before I have 2 x40 or 50 litres.
One for long term storage and the other for day to day use.

 

[RobRed]

Posting from a forest in California right now... Been testing the ARB 50qt and it's surprisingly large in capacity. I do like the height of the 63qt. It's a bit of a tough call since I'm on day 8 with my GF and we haven't had issues with the 50 in terms of size. I originally wanted the 63 but now I'm uncertain.

Sent from my iPad 2 using IH8MUD

 

[scrowley]

The arb 50 qt. has worked great for me. I dont do extended trips so it is plenty of room for a few day trip. Usually beer takes up half the space.

 

[drewmax]

I am looking for a good brand that consume less electricity. Any suggestion from this group? My refrigerator broke, and I knew that meant I did not have much time until my food went negative. I employed a serviceman to come out immediately and fix it. Sadly it is unrepairable.

 

[TexasD90]

We have the 50qt. Me, wife, 4 year old and 2 year old. Lived out of ours for 22 days this summer. It is plenty big if you use your brain when packing. We used it for food and milk and enough drinks for each day. W would add another drink when we took one out. I think the space is valuable in a camping vehicle so I try not to over kill anything. Just my $.02

 

[ABQIRONPIG]

I'm ordering the ARB 50qt....great and informative thread!!

Now, who uses a solar panel to charge their batteries?

 

[maxdog1969]

63 qt. for me and my wife. Will adapt a sears Platinum group 31 as main battery to power rig and fridge.

Love the size, damn heavy when loaded... Loved the purchase though.

 

[tag3]

I'm ordering the ARB 50qt....great and informative thread!!

Now, who uses a solar panel to charge their batteries?

Use an 85 watt, forgot the amp rating, a few more than fridge at full freeze on a third battery.

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

ARB has the name. engle has the compressor, I have used both, ARB is great, quiet, low discharge on the battery, Engle not so much it will drain a poor battery overnite, ARB will shut down. Just a couple thoughts.

 

[e9999]

as said before, a too big fridge can be a plus if you have to store non-perishable food someplace anyway: just put the extra food in the fridge. Cleans the truck storage area up and having it cold in the fridge does increase the cold thermal mass in the fridge which will protect the perishable stuff if the fridge or battery conks out or if the fridge is struggling under high temps. I have done several multidays trips where deep-frozen water bottles I put in the fridge when leaving came back partially frozen still.

 

[hoser]

I've been running the ARB 63qt for a couple months now. I like the short/wide dimensions. Costco sized products fit better and it is easier to locate food without digging as much. Two complaints though. As suspected, I MUCH prefer the sideway opening lid on my Waeco. The ARB lid will hit my 100's ceiling before standing upright on it's own. Therefore, it either becomes a two handed operation to get anything out of the fridge or it requires removing the lid.

Secondly, the interior light is powered even when the on/off switch is in the off position. When my fridge is off, I like to keep the door ajar to let it air circulate and not form any mold. So now when I'm not using the fridge, I either need to unplug it or wire in a power disconnect switch.

 

[spressomon]

Good feedback hoser! I seriously considered moving up to the ARB 63qt but as you mentioned the lack of a side-hinge and/or way to modify it like prior gen Engels/ARBs, makes it a deal breaker for me.

The light switch issue, as you know, is the same on the Waeco...so I have to unplug it when the lid's in the vent position when not being used. Don't know if the light in the ARB fridge is any less anemic than our Waeco's...but wow what an incredible upgrade the LED light is in mine.

 

[maxdog1969]

Hoser,

Do u have a fridge cover from ARB? Reason I asked was I got the cover and I just can't seem to drive the corner metal holding tabs without scratching the fridge.

If u have the cover, any tips to make it easier? My corner tabs are still left not inserted.

I know it's off topic but thought I asked.

Thnx much

 

[hoser]

No, I don't have the cover and don't plan to use one. On a related note, I have noticed the ARB lid scuffs a bit easy.

 

[maxdog1969]

Thanks

 

[Will Van]

I went with the 62L unit for my 80 series....atop the ARB Outback drawers with reefer slide....it's a big unit, but not TOO big....they both take up a "block" of rear space regardless.

The 50L units actually looks faintly too small for my long term needs....i store more than just cold food & cold drink inside the units....often, i place dry goods such as powerbars, soup cans, rice, whatever...it holds plenty....price difference in a non issue if you plan to keep it and use for a long time...

No regrets for the 62L
View attachment 650563

Reviving an old thread. @Saragota - Do you find the height of the fridge difficult to access with it mounted on top of the slide? I'm considering the same setup with a SnoMaster. Thanks!