Freezer/Fridge size for family ...

[RETROFIT]

We, the wife and two kids are embarking on an overland trip witch will take us 7 days out of reach of any food source on the Anticosti Island at the end of June (see here). I am about to pull the trigger on an Edgestar Freezer/Fridge and was wandering if 86qt overkill or is bigger better. I don't want to be doing this purchase twice so here I am looking for advice from more experienced people.

Thanks !

Pat

 

[Tucson T4R]

I run an 84qt Waeco fridge and love it. Many trips it's overkill for me but when I go out for a week and have others with me it's perfect.

 

[Superu]

If you have the room and the aux power to run the big one, it may not be a bad idea as kids only get bigger and eat more!

We have a 45l Engel and there are times when a 60l would be nice. We usually aren't more than 4 days out from resupply so it's not been an issue yet.

 

[Rev]

I have an ARB 45 and it is good for 3 days or so for 4 adults, but not 7 days unless you are an amazing packer.

 

[beernutmark]

I am about to pull the trigger on an Edgestar Freezer/Fridge and was wandering if 86qt overkill or is bigger better. I don't want to be doing this purchase twice so here I am looking for advice from more experienced people.

I don't really have any field experience with my 86 qt yet (just now having the mounting frame made) but I can't imagine going much smaller if using it as the dedicated fridge for a long trip. However, you could always use a large cooler and a smaller Edgestar set as a freezer to keep jugs of water frozen for the cooler. As a bonus you could take ice cream and keep some foods frozen. For me though the 86 qt looks to be perfect. I can survive without ice cream.

Mark
2005 Ford E350 S&K 4x4

 

[RETROFIT]

Well ...

You guys are going the same way I was thinking so it confirms my decision and appreciate you input.

So I will get this one

Hopefully enough room for everything including my son's insulin +++

Thanks !

Pat

 

[RETROFIT]

I don't really have any field experience with my 86 qt yet (just now having the mounting frame made) but I can't imagine going much smaller if using it as the dedicated fridge for a long trip. However, you could always use a large cooler and a smaller Edgestar set as a freezer to keep jugs of water frozen for the cooler. As a bonus you could take ice cream and keep some foods frozen. For me though the 86 qt looks to be perfect. I can survive without ice cream.

Mark
2005 Ford E350 S&K 4x4

I like the Idea of having an extra smaller cooler and keeping the fridge at freeze. I will probably look into that when we start planing a little closer.

Wow, appreciate all the input.

Thanks

Pat

 

[Photomike]

If you find that you are cutting the space too close what we do is to pack some frozen water bottles in a cooler along with some of the first foods that we are going to eat. We eat out of this source first leaving the longer storage items in the fridge/freezer to stay cold the longest. We can do about two weeks this way - 1 week in the cooler, second week in the fridge.

Plus the water bottles as they thaw are great for getting cold drinking water - even better if you use some for frozen juice as a treat for the kids ~~~ parents.

 

[datrupr]

I run a 45qt and so far it has worked well. There were at most three of us but now there are four. We will see how it works. With Tetris style packing of the fridge and rotation of beverages (we leave most out and rotate in when we take one out) it will house a supply for four for a good three days. I think 86qt might be overkill, but as someone above mentioned, the kids get bigger and tend to eat more so it may not be a poor choice.

 

[fj40_nut]

I run a 45 quart for five days with five people. However, I do take a bit of dry food and canned food to stretch it out. I only store what has to be cold in the fridge. Part of me wishes I would have gone with a 60 qt, but then part of me thinks that would take too much space and the dog won't fit then...sacrifices, I know.

 

[XJBANKER]

I am trying to decide between the edgestar 43qt or 63qt fridge. It is my wife and I and two kids do you think I would be ok with the smaller one or should I hold out for the larger one?

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

I have the 63..and wouldnt THINK of anything smaller for us big eaters...


its a 24pack down in there!!

 

[racingjason]

I am trying to decide between the edgestar 43qt or 63qt fridge. It is my wife and I and two kids do you think I would be ok with the smaller one or should I hold out for the larger one?

Come on Steve, you know which fridge you really want... I won't tell anyone.:sombrero: Give our best to the newest Burton.

 

[shogun]

I am trying to decide between the edgestar 43qt or 63qt fridge. It is my wife and I and two kids do you think I would be ok with the smaller one or should I hold out for the larger one?

Well, I dont have a lot of time with my 40qt but I would present for consideration;

1. Its like a safe, you will fill it regardless of size.

2. Proper use requires a completely different approach to planning (like a long-range fuel tank) that many may not be capable of. Given the non-consumable nature of the cold, you dont need to put everything in it from the start. For instance, you dont need a 24 pack in there unless you need to drink 24 cans inside of one hour. Rotate things in when needed. The cost of not understanding this is hauling around more weight and space than necessary. If you need expansion, add a supplemental cooler for things that dont care about wet (drinks). If you dont need expansion, you have more weight and space for other things (and less electrical load, longer run time).

3. See rule one.

 

[XJBANKER]

Come on Steve, you know which fridge you really want... I won't tell anyone.:sombrero: Give our best to the newest Burton.

How has that fridge been on your trip so far? Power consumption good? Having a second child is why I have to get the cheaper one. When are you heading home Jason?