Rolling the dice on this fridge 63QQT $270 shipped (11 Viewers)

[Waorani]

I finally got sucked into this a couple of days ago when I saw 2 in stock and thought I'd lucked out. But after seeing the continuing discussion about backorders I checked mine and sure enough - it was backordered as well so I'd planned to cancel. Then I just got this:

"I am emailing you in regards to the above reference purchase order and would like to inform you that the item you placed an order for on our website is currently backordered.


The “Scratch and Dent” item you placed an order for did not pass final quality testing prior to shipping. And unfortunately we do not have a replacement in our inventory to ship. Due to occasional limited inventory for some of the SD and OB units, there is no way to anticipate when we would have the exact same item you want. We have had to cancel your order and will issue a full refund to your PAY PAL account within 2-3 business days. We apologize for any inconvenience. We more than likely still sell the same item brand new. If you wish to place an order a new unit please feel free to call me directly. Depending on the item I may be able to save you money on the purchase."

I particularly noted the last few sentences given the earlier comment about bait and switch. I think I can resist the temptation next time - especially given I've been wondering what I need with a fridge when I rarely even use the Yetis I have.

 

[TXLX100]

Has anyone experienced their power supply fan not shutting off? My fridge seems to be running fine, but the power supply side of the fridge feels warm and it seems like the fan has been on for quite a while. This is a little concerning for summer use, I don't really want to have to run the fan constantly on 12v when parked.

Update: The power supply fan finally turned off, I guess it just got hot in the hot vehicle and cooling down some hot adult beverages.

 

[murf]

look what I found in my office this morning upon returning from a couple days off

 

[murf]

Found only this little dent on one of the bottom corners which wilol be covered up with a blanket anyways. Just plugged it in, set for 40*, and will check how it cools ~

 

[warezdog]

Sweet, make sure you check DC power ASAP too and set it to FF for fast freeze to make sure it comes down quick. I tossed in some cheap bottled water to make sure the fast freeze function worked as advertised when I got mine.

 

[warezdog]

80qt in stock now for $365
http://www.openboxdirect.com/Edgestar-80-Qt-Portable-Fridge-Freezer-FP861SD/FP861SD,default,pd.html

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

80qt in stock now for $365
http://www.openboxdirect.com/Edgestar-80-Qt-Portable-Fridge-Freezer-FP861SD/FP861SD,default,pd.html

In the past we had a Norcold 84 it was too big to get in our pop-up and was sold but it claimed to hold 102 - 12oz beverages

 

[warezdog]

That thing must be a monster, I originally was holding out for the 43 but when the 63's came up at the price we got them at I couldn't resist any longer.
Phil do you have a RTT? And what model of popup did you have? I'm torn between going RTT, popup, or something like a scamp, calista, etc.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

That thing must be a monster, I originally was holding out for the 43 but when the 63's came up at the price we got them at I couldn't resist any longer.
Phil do you have a RTT? And what model of popup did you have? I'm torn between going RTT, popup, or something like a scamp, calista, etc.

The popup wins with a family hands down (back to the when mommys happy...) from our experience and over the years we have tested pretty much everything.

In the past I have owned a reg RTT and now with the BEST RTT a CampTeq my wife stands firm with Im not climbing down a ladder in the middle of the night to p. So to off road with my my wife and daughter its either our Lightway trailer or the Jayco POP-up.

Weight is a big consideration with an 80 for me
CampTeq - 135lbs
Lightway trailer - 600lbs loaded
Jayco 10RT - 1500lbs loaded

 

[warezdog]

Yes weight concerned me too, the fiber shells like the Calista, Scamp, or burro all came in at under 1000lbs, the benefit from that versus a popup was no setup time if you were caught in bad weather, I just hate towing a trailer because it limits you to where you can go in your 80 without dumping the trailer off somewhere, that was the allure of a RTT for me.

You got a link for the lightway? Never heard of it but would love to check them out and what made you choose the Campteq over the Maggy?

 

[warezdog]

Ah looks like Keystone bought them? Liteway spelled diff than you did but they were aqquired by Keystone, is that the one?

 

[murf]

I originally was holding out for the 43 but when the 63's came up at the price we got them at I couldn't resist any longer.

The funny thing is, looking at the specs the only difference is that the 63 is 4" longer. Width and height are indentical

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Yes weight concerned me too, the fiber shells like the Calista, Scamp, or burro all came in at under 1000lbs, the benefit from that versus a popup was no setup time if you were caught in bad weather, I just hate towing a trailer because it limits you to where you can go in your 80 without dumping the trailer off somewhere, that was the allure of a RTT for me.

You got a link for the lightway? Never heard of it but would love to check them out and what made you choose the Campteq over the Maggy?

Lightway Trailer - I looked for a couple years for a Venturcraft trailer and could not find one for sale so I used a motorcycle version of a Venturcraft Trailer and built one to work with my LC.


What CampTeq has that Maggy does not-
We can stand on it
More dent resistant then your LC
Lower profile
All your bedding stays
More travel in the bed/mattress
Faster set and take down
Less weight
More aerodynamic
Nothing for branches to catch
Etc

 

[TXLX100]

Yep essentially the same but for that. 63 is a pretty big unit. 43 weighs 12 lbs less. If packed right, you can put a lot in the 63. I'd only go for the 80+ quart if I had a trailer to put it in or an Excursion / van.... It just seems too big for a land cruiser application.

 

[LFD2037]

Just read all 18 pages & now I'm really wanting one! I have a 27F AGM battery w/no solar or inverter or anything else. Would I be ok using this via the cig lighter w/out killing my battery if it ran all night?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Just read all 18 pages & now I'm really wanting one! I have a 27F AGM battery w/no solar or inverter or anything else. Would I be ok using this via the cig lighter w/out killing my battery if it ran all night?

I cant remember if my Edgestar has a low voltage cut off if so you would be safe. But running your battery below 12V shorten the life.

Another option - Cool the fridge down to 33.3° and shut it off when you shut your veichle down. I have done this in the past and only gain ~10 -15 degrees. I would rather drink 40° beer for breakfast then not have my Land Cruiser start.

 

[LFD2037]

Thanks. My rig not starting can be a bad thing depending where I am. Makes sense to drop temp. lower then cut it off.

 

[tag3]

Just killed my Lifeline batt. Lasted 6 years. Was on the solar/fridge duty only.

 

[murf]

I cant remember if my Edgestar has a low voltage cut off if so you would be safe. But running your battery below 12V shorten the life.

Another option - Cool the fridge down to 33.3° and shut it off when you shut your veichle down. I have done this in the past and only gain ~10 -15 degrees. I would rather drink 40° beer for breakfast then not have my Land Cruiser start.

I'm going to do this method not having solar or dual batteries. Unfortunately, there is no room for second battery in my 80 with my methanol set up in same space. I'll get a micro jump box like someone suggested for good measure (those things are amazing).

To get a leg up, I can chill it down the night before a trip off 110 and keep a couple frozen jugs of water for longer term temp retention.

I did test the 12 volt set up this morning for the first time and it cooled down 8 degrees in the 15 minute drive to work this am. While the stock cig lighter worked fine, I did notice the end of the charging plug was rather hot when I unplugged it. This tells me I will definetly need to wire in dedicated 12 v power ports with heavy guage for the fridge power source in both my LC's.

For the fridge itself, I will follow Waredogs suggestion to purchase the metal handles - these plastic ones are not going to last and pull out when any kind of side force is applied. For $11 bucks and some drilling, another great and inexpensive MUD solution!

For my FJ40, I like fellow CSC member Stepmurr's good idea for best use of space by removing the passenger seat and mounting the fridge in its place. I'm working with a metal fab guy here at the shop in making a frame that will mount using the existing bolt holes and have side ears to securely hold the big 63 qt. In place. Then strap the metal handles down for extra safety. I'll post up the pics when we get around to building it.
Great thread, thx to all who've shared experiences and ideas

 

[bmac1996acc]

I cant remember if my Edgestar has a low voltage cut off if so you would be safe. But running your battery below 12V shorten the life.

Another option - Cool the fridge down to 33.3° and shut it off when you shut your veichle down. I have done this in the past and only gain ~10 -15 degrees. I would rather drink 40° beer for breakfast then not have my Land Cruiser start.

It shuts off at 11.5V.