Decisions on a 12v fridge

[bigskypylot]

So, going to buy a fridge here in the next month and trying to decide which route to go. I have friends with the Whynter and they have nothing but good things to say about them for the most part. Mind you, they've had them for a while. However, I talked to Will down at Sierra Expeditions today and he said that they quit selling the Whynter brand due to QC issues and would not trust them any longer (as of three years ago was apparently when they started going downhill).

So, that leaves me with ARB, NL, Engel, Indel B and Dometic. Obviously, I like NL, all except for the price. I'm sure it will outlive me and you can't go wrong with the quality. I was curious if anyone has purchased a Whynter in recent months and if you could speak to your experiences with it so far. I'm looking at the FM-62DZ specifically. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Fireman78]

I have had an ARB 50 for many years. It's basically been plugged in since I bought it. In the back of my truck. In my Jeep. At camp. In a trailer. At home. Never had an issue. Love it. One of the best designs out there I feel.


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[craig333]

Happy with my indel. Its not the most efficient but 250 watts of solar take care of that.

 

[NJLDMM]

I have a 40L Engel Combi (has a divider so 1 part fridge and one part freezer or remove the divider and have a bigger fridge) and love it. We are just finishing up a 3 week trip and having frozen supplies was perfect because we travelled quite remote.

 

[SnoViking]

+1 for Indel B.

I have an Indel B (41L) and it's been working great. I've been running it for the past year with absolutely no issues. It's a good outer-size to inner-size ratio, feels solid, and didn't break the bank. Check out Paul May's review over on Equipt1.com. They're a great value.

I run it on my main chassis battery (no 2nd battery) and it hasn't seemed to phase my group 24 AGM voltage.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

I have had an Indel B for about three years and love it. When I needed more occasional capacity for my buddy's fishing trips, I bought two Whynters because they were cheap as scratch/dent units at about $225 each. The Whynters have been fine, a little loud when running and a little heavy, but a real bargain.

 

[JCDriller]

I had a smitty ARTEC, failed in <6 months. 4wheel parts replaced it and then I sold the new unit. My understanding is it was made by Indel B. I have an ARB 50 now, but haven't had it long enough to eval it.

 

[outdoornate65]

Have you seen the latest Overland Journal? They did a review of fridges.

 

[Corey]

I ran an old school ARB for years in my FJ.
This past September I bought the National Luna Weekender 50 Twin from Paul May at Equipt.
Yes, they are spendy, but also why Overland Journal has consistently given them the Editors Choice award twice now.
I do not mind spending more if I know the product has a great track record.

 

[kpredator]

Have had good luck with our Engel 60

 

[moabian]

I've had a couple of Waeco's (Dometic), a Fridgefreeze, and an ARB. All have performed perfectly for years. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the same brands again. The only reason I switched fridges was for size or fitment constraints in different vehicle setups. My first Waeco purchased 15 years ago still works great in my girlfriend's SUV. I currently have a 63-qt ARB in the truck.

 

[catzuk]

I bought the 45 quart Whynter a couple months ago. Its been flawless so far, super quiet. No rattles. Holds constant temps, easy to operate, seals tight, similar in weight to a cooler of similar size packed with ice. Price was great so I ordered off Amazon. I don't have the travel bag yet for it, but even then It lasted 2.5 days on the deep cell battery over the memorial weekend out in Moab, and that included going in and out of it for cold beer. I am super happy with the purchase.

Would I like a similar fancier one? Sure. some of the others like the dometic and arb's seem to be a bit better on the exterior size, but not for the 200-400 additional dollars. At least for me. Maybe one day.

Like many others, not sure why I waited so long to go the fridge route. Was nice not worrying about buying ice and not having anything in the cooler water was another bonus. The 2 baskets made for easy loading. burgers, dogs, sandwiches on the shallow side, drinks on the deeper side. Fit so much more than I am use to as there is no need to worry about room for the ice.

 

[bigskypylot]

Thanks for the info, everyone. I think i have made a decision to go with the NL 60 Dual Zone. Now I don't have a dual battery but I have a Yeti400 (not the new one) a Renogy 100W solar briefcase (no controller) and I have a Yamaha ef2000is generator if I need it. I plan on being out on an extended outing from the end of June til end of August. Thinking about the NL Power Pack

 

[Corey]

Did you see the new video Expedition Overland uploaded last night?
They uploaded 30 videos from Expo West, and here is the fridge you mentioned.


I just got the newer Yeti 400 Lithium last week, and the Goal Zero 100 watt Boulder solar panel shows up today.
This is replacing the ArkPak I have been running for a few years.
It is 100 lbs. verses 17 lbs. for the Yeti.
The Ark will be retired to in home duty for power outages.

I also have that Renogy 100 watt suitcase one, but mine has the charge controller.
I use it for my aux. battery that runs the fridge, so it will keep it topped off while camping for longer periods.

 

[bigskypylot]

Did you see the new video Expedition Overland uploaded last night?
They uploaded 30 videos from Expo West, and here is the fridge you mentioned.


I just got the newer Yeti 400 Lithium last week, and the Goal Zero 100 watt Boulder solar panel shows up today.
This is replacing the ArkPak I have been running for a few years.
It is 100 lbs. verses 17 lbs. for the Yeti.
The Ark will be retired to in home duty for power outages.

I also have that Renogy 100 watt suitcase one, but mine has the charge controller.
I use it for my aux. battery that runs the fridge, so it will keep it topped off while camping for longer periods.

Thanks, Corey! I thought about getting the 1400 w/my REI 20% Coupon but timing wasn't right. I like the NL PPP and may end up with that.