What freezer / fridge to get?

[mtnracer]

Hi All,

I am considering getting a proper freezer / fridge to replace my Coleman Thermoelectric cooler. The coleman works okay but it kills a car battery running overnight and there is always a lot of condensation water after only a few hours.

I have read about the ARB units and they are the obvious and most expensive choice but I was wondering what else is out there. I remember a thread about another brand but can't seem to find it.

Recommendations are welcome. Thanks.

 

[davegonz]

I used to have a Norcold (60L). It was huge, but offered tons of storage. I recently sold it and got one of the new ARB units. It's quiet, cools fast, and is smaller. I like it so far. Here's a pic of my fridge slide/drawer setup (still need the left side drawer).

The other brand you are looking for is called Edgestar.

 

[mtnracer]

Nice setup with the slider. What size is the ARB? Thank you.

 

[davegonz]

It's the 50qt model.

 

[arndog123]

I'd like to get a National Luna fridge/freezer but they're kind of pricey. EQUIPT Expedition Outfitters - Fridge / Freezers The two brands I've been considering are an ARB or Engle and have been sending hints to my wife that it would make a good B-day/Christmas present.

 

[firetruck41]

Norcold, Engel, ARB, Edgestar, National Luna

I think there was a comparo from an Expedition magazine, that was linked in this forum within the last year, might do a search on that. I think there were one or two other brands that haven't been mentioned in this thread yet.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I think there were one or two other brands that haven't been mentioned in this thread yet.

Waeco and the one made out of diamond plate who's name I can never remember.

 

[mtnracer]

I'd like to get a National Luna fridge/freezer but they're kind of pricey. EQUIPT Expedition Outfitters - Fridge / Freezers The two brands I've been considering are an ARB or Engle and have been sending hints to my wife that it would make a good B-day/Christmas present.

Kind of pricey is an understatement. The National Luna fridges are double the price of an Engel at similar capacity. Are they really twice as good?

I looked at the Edgestar FP430 but the current draw seems too high compared with ARB and Engel. I want to be able to run it for at least 24 hours on my Optima Blue Top.

Looking at price and performance statistics it seems that Engel is the best deal. Any thoughts?

 

[calfj60]

Only done tests with my Edgestar in the house but stoked to have a cooler without ice...

Getting my drawer on Thursday then will be wiring up a plug and getting it setup...the real first test will be Pismo in November...can't wait...

 

[davegonz]

Looking at price and performance statistics it seems that Engel is the best deal. Any thoughts?

How much did you find it for? I've seen TRDPARTS4U selling the 50qt ARB for $750 SHIPPED.

 

[Peluo]

engel MTF45 $696 from Roadtrucker.com Engel 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator & 12 Volt Freezer, Low Power Consumption & Long Life no afiliation and its not an ih8mud contributor but seem to have all the accesories i bought mine from sierra expedition becuase i bought other stuf

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Looks like there's another one I haven't heard of, Compact Appliance has one now made by ATC. Looks decent too.

 

[davegonz]

engel MTF45 $696 from Roadtrucker.com Engel 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator & 12 Volt Freezer, Low Power Consumption & Long Life no afiliation and its not an ih8mud contributor but seem to have all the accesories i bought mine from sierra expedition becuase i bought other stuf

Looks like it comes out to $733.83 shipped.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

If cost is an issue, the ARB is probably the best bang for the buck out there, and Daves obviously looks very nice sittin there in his Cruiser. If I have my druthers, I am going for a National Luna. In the Overland Journal tests, the National cooled the fastest from a dead start, and overall won their contest for best overall. I haven't read the comparison in a while but you should read that article.

I'm getting divorced and am forced to start living out of my Cruiser so I am going to order up a NL from Equipt pretty soon.

 

[mtnracer]

If cost is an issue, the ARB is probably the best bang for the buck out there, and Daves obviously looks very nice sittin there in his Cruiser. If I have my druthers, I am going for a National Luna. In the Overland Journal tests, the National cooled the fastest from a dead start, and overall won their contest for best overall. I haven't read the comparison in a while but you should read that article.

I'm getting divorced and am forced to start living out of my Cruiser so I am going to order up a NL from Equipt pretty soon.

Do you know where I can find a digital / online version of the fridge comparo test? That would be interesting reading.

 

[exrsa1]

The other one that was tested by Overland, and the one I have FridgeFreeze portable 12-volt refrigerator and freezer for vaccine, medical, recreational, and marine use - Home

Pricey as well, but I like the rugged build. Made is the USA.

Ex

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Do you know where I can find a digital / online version of the fridge comparo test? That would be interesting reading.

Call Overland and order the back issue, simple.

The other one that was tested by Overland

That's the diamond plate one I can never remember.

 

[firetruck41]

The overland journal has a free issue on their website, it has a followup on the National Luna (I think), it also mentions that the FridgeFreeze ended up being the one that did not get used by staff members. I did a quick google search last night, and there was a pretty good review of various freezers on an Australian magazine website.

 

[spressomon]

The fridge/freeze review, in Australian 4WD Action issue 136, is the most comprehensive review of same I have seen to date.

Australian 4WD Action. Dedicated to 4WD, 4x4, SUV, Truck, 4 wheel drive and off road community, loaded with tips, tests, reviews, travel, gallery and forum.

Some of the units are not available to us here in NA but many are...and its a good read for anyone looking into buying a fridge/freeze.

 

[davegonz]

This might be the article that Spresso mentions:

Australian 4WD Monthly dedicated to 4WD, 4x4, SUV, Truck, 4 wheel drive and off road community, loaded with tips, tests, reviews, travel, gallery and forum