Portable Fridge...actual application?

[swampthing]

Hey Guys

Janet bought me a Black & Decker small portable fridge for my bday @ Marshalls - Amazon.com: Black & Decker 12 Volt Thermo-Electric Cooler/Freezer/Warmer: Automotive

Seems to cool well, and holds a fair amount for it's size.
I'm debating on if i want to keep it or not.

I know there a lots of guys out there with ARB fridges and the like (which this definitely isn't.) But my question is what are they doing with them when the car is off/overnight?
I assume running an "always on" circuit with a dual battery system??
Hoping it stays cool?
They do sell an AC adapter - so if you were somewhere with power that would work...

It's pretty neat, but might not be best for my use (camping etc) without re-wiring, or extra wiring for my FJ. What's the feeling out there?

 

[lt1fire]

Hey Guys

Janet bought me a Black & Decker small portable fridge for my bday @ Marshalls - Amazon.com: Black & Decker 12 Volt Thermo-Electric Cooler/Freezer/Warmer: Automotive

Seems to cool well, and holds a fair amount for it's size.
I'm debating on if i want to keep it or not.

I know there a lots of guys out there with ARB fridges and the like (which this definitely isn't.) But my question is what are they doing with them when the car is off/overnight?
I assume running an "always on" circuit with a dual battery system??
Hoping it stays cool?
They do sell an AC adapter - so if you were somewhere with power that would work...

It's pretty neat, but might not be best for my use (camping etc) without re-wiring, or extra wiring for my FJ. What's the feeling out there?

The ARB and the Engel type fridges have a very low draw to them. I guess it would depend how much power this actually draws from the battery when the car is off.

 

[southerncruiser62]

Jared, why not consider hard wiring a inverter in the rear of the FJC and running it on a variable circuit or even running it only when vehicle is on that is granted the cooler maintain's a steady temperature for a period of time. That wy you also have the availability to run other "plug in" items wether camping or tailgating. I have an inverter and though the wattage isn't what I'd like it to be it is still nice to have for low voltage items.

 

[Mtbcoach]

The new ARB allows you to set the "draw" such that it won't drain your battery if the voltage gets too low. It shuts the fridge/freezer off so you don't wake up with a dead battery, just a warm fridge.

The FJC's with all the options came with an inverter in the rear, not sure if Jared has that option. But, I do have a couple extra 12v outlets and have a 4kw inverter that I plug in to charge things that don't have a direct 12v plug.

And, yes, doing the dual battery thing as we speak, that's the best way to go if you plan on having something like this as a regular companion on trips. Got a red top Optima as the primary and a yellow as the backup...

 

[swampthing]

Thanks for the input...
I do have the inverter in the back of truck - it's awesome I use it all the time - typically for charging my laptop. I've even used it for running some power tools once.

The cooler does have a low voltage sensor/alarm...but not sure about how much current it draws - I'll have to read the manual

 

[GarnerFJ40]

Let me know Jared, I bought one for the same reason (but from TJMaxx for $29). I figured I would always have a cooler with me for long trips, but I like the idea of keeping drinks cold and inside while I'm driving, then could move the more important stuff to the cooler as the ice melts/amount of items get smaller.

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

I've got a dual batt set up on the 80 and am in the process of running the wires for the ARB 63qt freezer/fridge. As soon as I get the DC plug from Kurt, I'll be in business.

Once I get it all wired in, I'll let you know how much I get before I kill batt #2 at the "keep the beer cold" setting that Reffug scratched into the fridge before I bought it

 

[77cruiser]

I have the engel fridge and put it in my chevy truck last year when we went to GSMTR. it stayed plugged in the whole time we were there and I only started my truck once so I can vouch for the low battery drain. If its cold out, i just typcially run the fridge cold all day on the trail when its in my 62 and its cold enough outside and insulated well enough to keep things cold overnight. I love having it overall though.

 

[rutbeer]

Having seen the Edgestar 42 in action on the Rubicon, I can vouch for how well the compressor units work, and how little draw they have. We typically parked around 4 to 5 and didn't start the trucks again until 8 or 9 the next morning. Once in camp at the springs, I don't think the trucks moved for two days. Longer than that, and I think you should start or plug it in with the 110volt ac.
I would really like to have one....would be sweet for keeping your food cold and non-soggy and I would even take it with me to costco or the grocery. Sometimes it's nice to be able to run other errands after the store and you could just pop that stuff in there and let it ride.
I don't know about your thermoelectric unit, but most of them (at least a few years ago) pulled more amps than these current generation swing compressor units. The Edgestar seems to go around $400 on ebay but I only see them on compact appliance at the moment. FP430 Compact EdgeStar Portable Refrigerator Freezer

I actually inquired to be a dealer on these things, but never heard back. Slackers....
Let us know how your thermo unit works out. I'm really curious since there is such a huge price difference.