Explorer Fridge/Freezer

[Morty]

Anybody have experience with an Explorer Fridge/Freezer? I'm looking at purchasing one for a month-long trip from Utah to Alaska. Explorer appears to be the best built unit on the market, but I'm wondering if its worth the extra price over and above the cost of an Engel unit (probably $1500 U.S. to purchase and import the Explorer from OZ). Who has an Explorer?

 

[spressomon]

Where do you go to get one fixed if you have to?

 

[Montana Cruiser]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Norcold/Engel/ARB fridges, many have ones that are 10+ years old with no signs of stopping anytime soon .... no need to consider something else even if it is better built in my opinion. Also, you can new ones for waaay less then $1500, ouch!

 

[reffug]

That seems like way to much coin above and beyond what an Engel or ARB will run you. What does it do better/different? For the price I would just get an ARB, I don't know of anyone who has a complaint about them.

 

[Mickldo]

Where do you go to get one fixed if you have to?

I could drop it off on the way to work.Explorer fridges are made in Maryborough QLD, near where I work.

I'm really impressed with the Explorer fridges. When the wife and I have kids and need to upgrade from my 39L Engel I plan on getting about an 80L Explorer fridge/freezer. Until then the Engel is doing a great job. I leave it running 24/7 with a few beverages, water bottle and my lunches in it for work. As I travel about 80km a day the deep cycle aux battery stays charged all the time.

 

[reffug]

I'm really impressed with the Explorer fridges. When the wife and I have kids and need to upgrade from my 39L Engel I plan on getting about an 80L Explorer fridge/freezer.

OK Mick why?

What about it makes it worth that much more?

 

[LoneStar]

I think a Waeco, my personal choice, or a Engel/Norcold/ARB would be more than adequate. If you have exra cash and have to have the best look at FridgeFreeze :http://www.fridgefreeze.com I saw a comparison online somewhere where it definately outperformed a similar sized ARB, but it is an overkill for most situations. The Explorer did well in an Australian 4WD comparison, but I think you will have better luck with parts and service with the FridgeFreeze, since it is made and marketed in the US.

 

[spressomon]

I could drop it off on the way to work.Explorer fridges are made in Maryborough QLD, near where I work.

Exactly what I thought. To often we make purchases without due consideration to the "what if": What if it needs warranty/non-warranty service. How big of a hassle will this be? I have been down this road all too often...so you know the saying: "Once burned, twice shy". So unless there is a service center in the country you live...fogetaboutit.

 

[firetruck41]

I can't really see any reson to pay that much more for a freezer/fridge. My Norcold is about 15 years old and works great.

 

[Morty]

Thanks for the responses. I want a unit that has a separate fridge and freezer and that's why I was initially attracted to the Explorer, but I do worry about warranty/service issues and overall price. I have read nothing but good about the Explorer, but that doesn't necessarily justify spending 2x the money for a product similar to Engel.

 

[bigndn]

I have read nothing but good about the Explorer, but that doesn't necessarily justify spending 2x the money for a product similar to Engel.

For 2X the money, it better cook dinner for me, air up my tires after wheeling, and blow me before bed. Just my $.02.

 

[Montana Cruiser]

Thanks for the responses. I want a unit that has a separate fridge and freezer and that's why I was initially attracted to the Explorer, but I do worry about warranty/service issues and overall price. I have read nothing but good about the Explorer, but that doesn't necessarily justify spending 2x the money for a product similar to Engel.

I can see a seperate fridge and freezer coming in handy. For the price, you may also be able to consider one large and one small Engel, set one on freeze the other on fridge. That would allow you more flexability in how things fit in the truck, bring one of bring both, etc.

 

[firetruck41]

I can see a seperate fridge and freezer coming in handy. For the price, you may also be able to consider one large and one small Engel, set one on freeze the other on fridge. That would allow you more flexability in how things fit in the truck, bring one of bring both, etc.

That's what I was gonna say!

 

[reffug]

For 2X the money, it better cook dinner for me, air up my tires after wheeling, and blow me before bed. Just my $.02.

OK now I might be interested in purchasing that.......

 

[Mickldo]

The only reason I wanted to upgrade to the explorer was for the dedicated fidge/freezer part. I've found with the Engel it has just enough room in it for a weekend away but when I want to go away for longer or take more drinks I need to take an esky. My fridge slide would handle a bigger unit but it wouldn't handle two fridges. Plus on longer trips there is more of a necessity to keep the frozen stuff frozen than on a weekend trip.

 

[Morty]

The only reason I wanted to upgrade to the explorer was for the dedicated fidge/freezer part. I've found with the Engel it has just enough room in it for a weekend away but when I want to go away for longer or take more drinks I need to take an esky. My fridge slide would handle a bigger unit but it wouldn't handle two fridges. Plus on longer trips there is more of a necessity to keep the frozen stuff frozen than on a weekend trip.

So did you buy the Explorer then? If so, was it worth it?

 

[Mickldo]

Maybe I didn't word my reply properly, sorry. I still own my Engel and it will probably last for many years to come. I was just airing my opinions on what I would buy when the wife and I have kids and need to upgrade to a bigger fridge.

 

[alia176]

So unless there is a service center in the country you live...fogetaboutit.

In that case...is there a service center for Engels in the U.S.? Perhaps I should read my Engel docs closely...if I can find them

Ali

 

[Montana Cruiser]

In that case...is there a service center for Engels in the U.S.? Perhaps I should read my Engel docs closely...if I can find them

Ali

I dont know about Engel service centers, but you can find a Norcold Authorized service center by going to their website and looking one up;

http://www.norcold.com/service_centers.cfm?state=

- Nate

 

[firetruck41]

Norcold (same product as Engel/ARB in this case) is a very common brand for RV refrigerators, so there are a lot of repair centers.