Engel vs. Coleman

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username? said:
How long can the ARB-type fridge run with the engine off before it drains the battery to a no-start? Could you let it run overnight, or do you just turn it off and let it coast?
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When I bought my ARB (which I consider to be just about the best money I ever spent, a lot of 3-5 day trips in the backcountry) I did a 48 hour test in the garage with a yellow top optima. I had over 11.5v after two days without charging the battery. When camping with other rigs I never turn it off, and have started the rig after two days no problem. When solo I turn it off at night though, cuz I'm a girly man! But it is really insulated and if well chilled will go all night w/o power.
As far as rugged, it's been Rubicon tested many times no problemo.
JonB
 
I've been using it w/ the stock battery-on trips, I never turn it off. It never has any trouble starting cold, overnight, two days... I think the fridge is really low draw and you only need it set at 1.5 for good refridgeration (2 started freezing stuff).

Best money I've spent for camping.
 
I have had some issues with excessive amp draw in really warm weather (I live in AZ ;) ), as the fridge runs almost constantly. One thing I found to be very helpful was one or two of the coleman gell ice packs. They do take up a little space, but make a big difference in cooling performance in hot weather.
 
also remember that a fridge works less when full. I usually keep mine full of water or other drinks then take stuff out to fit what I need as far as food. I have 2 yellow tops and Left the fridge on for 3 days continuous in the garage. I had pleanty of power to turn over the 3b and start. I am considering a solar charger for the batteries on a long trip. Anyone use one with dual batteries and a fridge? I noticed specific mention of not charging the battery with the fridge on. I would think the same thing applies to a solar charger??
 
Our Engel doubles as a garage fridge. Keeps the 86s nice and cold for those long wrenching sessions! If I used the coleman in the same capacity, then I think it'd just run forever and keep going colder and colder (open loop). Frozen pop and beer no good!
 
After our 2 week 3000 vacation my wife has stopped comlaining about the frivolous purchase of my 60qt Norcold. In fact there has been no more talk about ebaying it or even removing it from the truck while in town.

I got my scratch and dent model for $649 with shipping and it rocks. It was brand new but dented up on the compressor louver cover area. I don't care because it works great.

RVexit was the outfit where I got it. They had it drop shipped directly from Norcold. Chech the other thead for the contact info.

Dunbar
 
wesintl said:
also remember that a fridge works less when full.
snip
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errrr, that would be a violation of the first law of thermodynamics...?
 
Once the contents are cold it's easier to keep at temp right? I think of it like this. If I constantly open the fridge for a bottle of water if it's full it stays cold. If the there is hardly anything in it all the cold air escapes and has to work harder to get it back to temp vs maintaining temp?
 
wesintl said:
Once the contents are cold it's easier to keep at temp right? I think of it like this. If I constantly open the fridge for a bottle of water if it's full it stays cold. If the there is hardly anything in it all the cold air escapes and has to work harder to get it back to temp vs maintaining temp?
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yes, that is likely true, but that's cuz you opened the door.
 
full fridges are more efficient whether you open the door or not. The contents retain cold temps so the motor doesn't have to.
I learned that in 8th grade science (which makes me really stupid or really smart... but at least give me credit for remembering :) )
 
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