Expedition fridge

[TheOverlanders]

Hi everybody

I am looking for a new expedition fridge..
Something around the size of 50-60L. It needs to cope from -30 (prob best leaving the lid off) to +40. Ideally be a compressor fridge with low electrical draw.

I have narrowed it down to 3.

ENGEL
ARB
NATIONAL LUNA

I have heard some great things about National Luna & Engel setups, but the ARB has the lowest power consumption.

So my question to you lot is ... Which one and why?!

 

[ebg18t]

We have been using an Engel MT40 for a while with no issues. For extra insulation I suggest the fridge jackets. The ARB is nice since it has a digital readout built in for temp. The Engel requires us to use a separate remote thermometer. Which we like since we keep the readout up in the cab to make sure things are staying at temp.

National Luna was out of our price range. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

 

[MANUCHAO]

NL cause it has the fridge freezer compartments...

 

[AndrewP]

I doubt many have more than one, so everyone can only quote their experience. My experience is with Engel. Perfect for 10 years. Seriously, I don't even think about it before a trip. The beauty is the simplicity. It works, but it doesn't have fancy readouts or digital displays. It just always works perfectly.

Anyway, a 12v fridge is one of the most expensive camping bit you will ever buy, but, it is also the best. Decide what features you value, and what you can afford and then buy.

Regarding power consumption, these differences are not huge. Your average truck, with the average battery, can run any of these fridges no problem. I have run 2 Engels in tandem, in Death Valley on a single battery. If you are moving every day, this is not a problem. Just be smart and monitor your battery voltage. Drop below 12.1 volts and either restart your truck or shut off your refrigerators.

 

[hoser]

I have an ARB and Waeco/Dometic. But from everything I've seen and heard, the undisputed, most reliable fridge is the old style Engel.

 

[Fireman78]

I have owned an ARB 50qt for years. It have been running since I bought it, non stop. (When not on adventures in a vehicle it is the house beer fridge.) Tough, smooth lines, super easy latch, easy temp controls, heavy duty handle/lash tie points, best piece of equipment I own. I have also ran it in a stationary camp for two weeks straight on solar/batt set up. Taken it tailgating/soccer tournaments/family roadtrips, etc. Love it.

Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk 2

 

[4x4tripping]

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I use a 15l Engel as Fridge, another Engel 15l as Freezer.
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For two devices I use a Boardbattery with 92AH. This way I can also stay two days at a place, without have to move or start the engine. Two devices eat more energy... These devices with Fridge&Freezer combined looks better for the energy consumation. But then you have also no failover, if one device fails. Failover dont count for weekend trips, for crossing africa it was more important ;-)
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Now I plan a solar solution, to be more self-sufficient for the next trip...
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4x4tripping

 

[BigSwede]

I have an Engel that I got a great deal on, and it is an excellent fridge. But if I was shopping for one now without any special deals, I would probably get ARB, simply because their customer service is second to none. But as above, all are excellent choices.

 

[dddonkey]

My vote is for the ARB only because it was my first choice when I was looking. I ended up with a truck fridge do to cost and my budget and am very pleased. The fridge runs 24/7 and had been on almost since I got, it is set to 28 to keep my beer perfect.

 

[highdesertranger]

I have a 5 year old engel and a 4 year old engel. I keep them running 24/7/365. no problems at all. I plan on getting one more in the future. yes I need three. I stay out for months at a time. oh btw I have the 40qt engels with the plastic case. some say the engels make to much noise. they do make some noise but it doesn't bother me I find it acceptable. I do believe you would be happy with any of the brands you polled. good luck, you will be happy with not having to deal with ice. highdesertranger

 

[hoser]

Just some food for thought...

Engel uses the Japanese designed and built, Sawafuji compressor that has endured the test of time (50 years). Danfoss compressors, used in the ARB and National Luna, also has a great reputation. But the DF reputation is based on when the compressors were manufactured in Germany. Several years ago, DF moved it's main production to China and in 2011, Danfoss was bought out by Secol.

It is my understanding, the ARB fridges use the China manufactured DF compressors. DF also has manufacturing in Europe. National Luna, on their website, states they use European manufactured DF compressors and controllers.

Dometic/Waeco used/uses DF compressor for years too. In their latest, "improved" CFX series of fridges, they chose not to go with the Chinese manufactured DF compressors but rather their own brand, made in Germany... for reasons unknown.


My ARB 63 w/ DF China compressor has been a solid performer. But I have only had it two years and in comparatively mild climates.

 

[STREGA]

I voted for the ARB mainly because that is the one I have personal experience with, although I really like the National Luna. I have one of the first of the new style ARB's and it has pretty much been running 24/7/365 the 5+ years It's been in the FJ. The only issue it's had is the coating on the basket is cracking in a couple of places and showing a little rust.

 

[silvElise]

I have been looking at the same due to the Engel 35 I use to have sold with my old rig. It was a great fridge and no real complaints other then not included readout on temp and the dial sometimes got tweaked by moving stuff. This round I have been looking at ARB mainly because the NL may be just out of the range I want to spend on a fridge. Also not a fan of the arb coloring\looks compared to Engels muted colors

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices.

 

[stephaneD]

Just some food for thought...
It is my understanding, the ARB fridges use the China manufactured DF compressors. DF also has manufacturing in Europe. National Luna, on their website, states they use European manufactured DF compressors and controllers.

Not true National Luna now use SECOP 12V compressor division of Danfoss and they are made in China. Got this from NL direct

 

[Utah KJ]

Not true National Luna now use SECOP 12V compressor division of Danfoss and they are made in China. Got this from NL direct

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