Fridge/Freezer - Convince Me

[DallasTRDPro]

I found a Dometic CFX50 for $700 with cover locally. Taking a look at it tomorrow. If nice i will probably pull the trigger. I like the size better than the smaller ones. I also like the side opening inside of front.

 

[N6WRV]

My ARB fridge has been on for pretty much the past 5 years. If it dies I'll get another one.

I own an ARB 2-way compressor fidge and I am very pleased with it. It is very efficient on 12 VDC power. On 115 VAC power, it chills down to 39 degees in lass than 20 minutes. Have run it for up to 5-1/2 days on 12 volt DC battery power (with battery protection turned on) without running down my starter battey.

Be sure to connect it directly to your vehicle's battery with the ARB heavy-duty wiring kit.

 

[Doclivingston]

Currently have an RTIC 45 qt. cooler. My usual camping trips are only 2-3 days so its been working fine so far in terms of cooling and capacity. However, now that I'm venturing out a little more frequently, it's starting to get annoying going out to purchase a sacrificial bag of ice to pre-chill the cooler, dump it out, go back to store and get more ice. Eventually, I'll be going out for longer than 2-3 days and the capacity of my current cooler wont cut it anymore. Rather than purchasing a bigger cooler, I'm considering a fridge/freezer, but not sure if it's worth the high upfront cost.



While nice to have a fridge/freezer combo with dual zone temperature settings, how likely are you guys needing a side dedicated to keep items frozen versus chilled? Ice cream while grocery hauling sounds nice, but how often does this happen?

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[N6WRV]

Got any pics of your setup? I assume while driving, you have the fridge plugged into Jackery and the Jackery is plugged into the rear cargo next to the outlet? Is the solar hooked up to the Jackery and routed on a roof rack?

The OEM wiring on the right side of the 4Runner is way too small. You need a dedicaled 12 volt connector with 12-gauge wire connected directed to your starting battery. The ARB wiring harness is ideal.

 

[N6WRV]

Think I've decided to go with ARB or Dometic. Now the question is which size I should go with. Would like it to still be able to fit under the OEM cargo cover.

The ARB 37 quart is plenty big for me. Plus, it fits underneath the OEM cargo cover.

 

[Chilow]

Thanks for all the input. I went ahead and ordered a 50qt ARB and their wiring kit. I will just unplug it when it's not used for grocery runs and camping trips.

 

[BlakeA]

Thanks for all the input. I went ahead and ordered a 50qt ARB and their wiring kit. I will just unplug it when it's not used for grocery runs and camping trips.

Sounds good. I looked at the ARB 37 against the Dometic 35 when I was shopping. Seemed like a toss up. I went with the Dometic only because the warranty was longer IIRC.

 

[Chilow]

Sounds good. I looked at the ARB 37 against the Dometic 35 when I was shopping. Seemed like a toss up. I went with the Dometic only because the warranty was longer IIRC.

I was also leaning towards Dometic, but just saw that their new CFX3 series had a recent recall for some sort of power issue and they don't have a real fix for it. They offered a warning sticker, which isn't acceptable to me. I would love to get my hands on their previous CFX line, but they're discontinued.

 

[Chilow]

Does anybody leave a thermometer inside their fridge to make sure the displayed temps are accurate? If so, please recommend the one you're using.

 

[Bumbo]

Does anybody leave a thermometer inside their fridge to make sure the displayed temps are accurate? If so, please recommend the one you're using.

I have been using one of these indoor/outdoor weather meters. It's got a remote sender I just throw in the fridge.

They also make similar versions specifically for fridges and freezers.

 

[Chilow]

My ARB fridge is scheduled to be delivered today. Do these portable fridges need to sit for 24 hours to allow the freon to settle before turning it on for the first time?

 

[SlickTRD]

from what i read dometic and arb fridges can be tilted up to 30 degrees without issues. however, it wouldnt hurt to let it sit for 24-48 hours for the refrigerant to settle.

 

[Bumbo]

from what i read dometic and arb fridges can be tilted up to 30 degrees without issues. however, it wouldnt hurt to let it sit for 24-48 hours for the refrigerant to settle.

It was a selling point to me. I believe that spec applies to the fridge during operation… which could be a likely scenario when driving off-road. I have used it off-road at odd angles and when parked on a very steep driveway and never had an issue with operation.

 

[Chilow]

It was a selling point to me. I believe that spec applies to the fridge during operation… which could be a likely scenario when driving off-road. I have used it off-road at odd angles and when parked on a very steep driveway and never had an issue with operation.

Thanks for the replies gents. I will let it sit for a day and a half just to be safe.

 

[Bumbo]

Thanks for the replies gents. I will let it sit for a day and a half just to be safe.

After receipt of shipping... I think that is a good idea.

 

[29ftw]

Sounds good. I looked at the ARB 37 against the Dometic 35 when I was shopping. Seemed like a toss up. I went with the Dometic only because the warranty was longer IIRC.

Are you able to open these smaller fridges in the cargo area, without pulling out on a slide?

 

[Chilow]

Are you able to open these smaller fridges in the cargo area, without pulling out on a slide?

From what I've researched, most fridges that open upwards, like the ARB, will hit the ceiling unless you put it on a slide. I know the ARB fridges have a detachable lid so you can pull it off, grab what you need to and put it back on.

 

[Jetboy]

Are you able to open these smaller fridges in the cargo area, without pulling out on a slide?

Should be no problem opening. At least it's not on mine. Most of the lids are also fully removable. My lid has a latch/hinge setup on both sides, so it can open either way or use both opening latches and the whole lid just comes off so you can access pretty easily.

Not similar to mine in model - but this random amazon product shows how the lid opens. Mine opens the same way. I usually remove the lid when I'm lifting out the entire basket of food.

 

[Bumbo]

From what I've researched, most fridges that open upwards, like the ARB, will hit the ceiling unless you put it on a slide. I know the ARB fridges have a detachable lid so you can pull it off, grab what you need to and put it back on.

I haven't had a problem operating without a slide... it can touch the ceiling but still plenty of room to get items in/out.

The detachable lid is very useful as well. Provides some additional convenience and clearance if needed.

 

[BlakeA]

I can’t remember how well that worked when I got my CFX3-35 because I immediately put it on a DFG Offroad slide (which works great BTW).