Engel/ARB Fridge/Freezer Settings???

[Robert Bills]

I have an Engel/ARB MT-45 in my Bantam trailer.

I have been running through the settings at "1/2" intervals from 1 and up to correlate the settings with real world fridge/freezer temperatures.

I'm curious where those of you who own an MT-45 set your fridges for refrigerator use and for use as a freezer, if at all. I'd like to have data with which to compare my results.

I set up a poll.

[Before I press my fridge into service as a temporary extra freezer for the holidays, I am recording the inside temp, outside temp, and setting each 24 hours with an empty fridge.]

Thanks

 

[tmac]

I just recently picked up a MT-45 so I haven't used it much. The few times I have used it as been for the fridge only. I keep it right around "1.5" or slightly less which seems to stay right around 33-34 degrees according to my temp sensor.
My fridge is mounted in the interior of my vehicle so the ambient temp stays fairly cool compared to your trailer.

 

[cnynrat]

We have been running our Engel at about 1.5. On a trip last week we found that some diary items partially froze at that setting if they were towards the bottom of the fridge. Probably going to try running at 1.

It was pretty cold out, and while I wouldn't think that should matter I wonder how sophisticated the thermostat and temp control logic is in these fridges.

 

[tdesanto]

1.5

 

[Corey]

1.5 seems to get my fridge at 35° or a tad lower, perfect for cold drinks and fresh food.

I also run the Engel wireless thermometer which I bought from Wil at Sierra Expeditions, it works great for keeping an eye on it.

 

[UNI]

Corey Posted: 1.5 seems to get my fridge at 35° or a tad lower, perfect for cold drinks and fresh food. I also run the Engel wireless thermometer which I bought from Wil at Sierra Expeditions, it works great for keeping an eye on it.

We run our Engel at 1.5 & also use the Engel Wireless Thermometer. That wireless unit works great!

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

I keep my MT-45 at about 34F for my beer (a bit past R on the dial), use a Acu-Rite wireless ($10 from Wal-Mart) with a transit bag. Works great!:costumed-smiley-007

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I'm curious, will the results of others dictate where you set your fridge at? I put stuff in the fridge, turn it on, if I go to get something out and its too cold or too warm I adjust the settings, then repeat. That said I voted 1.5 as it was the most popular setting.

 

[Corey]

I keep an eye on my Engel Wireless unit, and if it gets to cold or warm, then I adjust it +/- from 1.5 to get the temp where I want.

Much easier with the new ARBs where you set it and forget it with the new digital temp thing.

 

[WASURF63]

I'm curious, will the results of others dictate where you set your fridge at? I put stuff in the fridge, turn it on, if I go to get something out and its too cold or too warm I adjust the settings, then repeat. That said I voted 1.5 as it was the most popular setting.

x2........with an MT-45.

 

[off-roader]

Much easier with the new ARBs where you set it and forget it with the new digital temp thing.

Def easier but I also use a wireless thermometer from Sierra Expeditions as well as an off the shelf $2 alcohol thermometer purchased locally. The ARB temp can run anywhere up to 6 degree's off so it's good to know if your setting it to 36 it's not running at 30.:Wow1:

 

[Robert Bills]

I'm curious, will the results of others dictate where you set your fridge at?

Not at all. My own test results with my own freezer/fridge thermometer will dictate the initial settings.

My reason for asking where others set their units is to get a sense whether the performance of my unit is in the same general range as other units. So far there is no significant variance which gives me confidence that my unit is working exactly as it should.

 

[Sirocco]

Im surprised nobody has uttered the words 'ambient temperature'.

where you live will dictate the settings of your fridge.

It must be colder here in the UK (throughout the year) our MT45 is usually less than 1.

G

 

[Robert Bills]

Im surprised nobody has uttered the words 'ambient temperature'.

Funny you should mention that. I have been recording the ambient temperature each time I take an internal temperature reading.

So far, the ambient temperature has not affected the internal temperature unless above 85 degrees (F) or below 55, and then only by 1-2 degrees.

I will post my results when my test is complete. I have been taking readings at 7am and 7pm, changing the unit settings after 48 hours. The test will cover a 2-week period. Perhaps not the most accurate methodology, but good enough for empirical results.

 

[Corey]

Def easier but I also use a wireless thermometer from Sierra Expeditions as well as an off the shelf $2 alcohol thermometer purchased locally. The ARB temp can run anywhere up to 6 degree's off so it's good to know if your setting it to 36 it's not running at 30.:Wow1:

I could have sworn I read somewhere that the new gen ARB fridges digital setting is deadly accurate.

If not, I see no reason to upgrade in the future from my old school ARB fridge.