Dometic, Engel, arb fridges your thoughts

[Bumbo]

So is the ARB 50… It's got two zones, but it’s not a true dual zone unit.

Over the years I have found some compromise temp settings that works to keep frozen stuff stays frozen enough and fridge stuff from really getting frozen, but given enough time it probably would. How you pack the cooler makes a big difference too.

Still, it’s not ideal for things like ice cream… for frozen meat or whatever its fine since it just very slowly defrosts which is what I need it to do anyway, and with enough time you can get a little slush in a can of soda which is also kinda nice.

Either way, it’s a nice first world problem…

 

[kolelt]

So is the ARB 50… It's got two zones, but it’s not a true dual zone unit.

Over the years I have found some compromise temp settings that works to keep frozen stuff stays frozen enough and fridge stuff from really getting frozen, but given enough time it probably would. How you pack the cooler makes a big difference too.

Still, it’s not ideal for things like ice cream… for frozen meat or whatever its fine since it just very slowly defrosts which is what I need it to do anyway, and with enough time you can get a little slush in a can of soda which is also kinda nice.

Either way, it’s a nice first world problem…

Even though arb is little more $. Dometic actually makes the ARB fridge. Then it’s rebadged to ARB.

 

[Bumbo]

Even though arb is little more $. Dometic actually makes the ARB fridge. Then it’s rebadged to ARB.

Well aware, thank you.

I also have a Precision Instruments torque wrench which is who makes them for Snap-On, identical to my friends... Even though I know it's the exact same thing, I still wish it said Snap-On on it.

It is what it is… sometimes you just gotta buy the name.

 

[mrblah]

I have a arb 50qt, and while I love it, I'd buy a fridge/freezer dual zone combo that wasn't available when I bought the ARB.

Also, know that if you live in a hot climate (as in las vegas), it will drain your batteries faster, and the built in battery fail safe is not really fail safe. Its a good idea to carry a jumper box, or a dual battery, or something in case you kill your battery.

I personally don't leave it in the vehicle 24/7 mainly because it eats up a lot of space and for theft/security purposes. Works great as a office fridge.

 

[wcjeep]

No info on the others. Use the arb 50qt in the 4runner. It also fits behind the passenger seat on the floor in my Dodge Megacab. Really happy with the performance. It's also been handy with relatives refrigerator emergencies. Bought mine used.

 

[RandyDaytona]

Don't overlook used fridges. I got an older Norcold Tech II on Craigslist for $175. Works awesome.

They're used a lot in sailboats, so if you're near the ocean or a large body of water, they can often be found in those communities as people upgrade.

 

[mae4_king]

The ARB is not an impressive cooler when stacked up against the competition. Its temperature control is lacking, its energy use is high, and its portability is a pain. And to top it all off, it's the most expensive model we tested! Though not our favorite compressor model, the ARB still does the job.