Smittybilt Arctic 52qt Fridge, anyone have one?

[JCDriller]

Looking for a fridge, very limited on space due to my Frontrunner water tank and storage box (I have 23.5" in depth). The Smittybilt Arctic has a small enough footprint for my space. Plus it seems to offer a lot for the money. Anyone have one of these?

Here's the info I can find on it.

52 Quart
Outside dimensions: 22" long x 21" tall x 13.5" wide
Digital control panel with recessed panel for streamlined design
Adjustable temperature and power control
AC/DC power connection
3-stage battery preservation switch
No heat radiation and low power consumption
Large storage capacity with aluminum-lined interior and internal LED light
Removable storage basket and separate dairy section
Danfoss Compressor
Fast cool capability
NOTE: the additional insulation cover advertises it has a drain hole so I assume the cooler has a drain plug.

Anyone have on of these fridges yet? thoughts? I think I'm going to make the drive out to the closest 4WheelParts tomorrow to see if it fits.

 

[kojackJKU]

I am all for smittybilt products to get people into parts cheaper. But the difference in cost of this compared to more well known brands is like 100 bucks. I would go with an ARB in close to the same dimensions. if the smittybilt was say 300 dollars cheaper, pull the trigger.

 

[Comanche Scott]

I have not seen or used this fridge. Would be interesting to see who makes it for them (maybe Waeco? that would be a good sign).

Danfoss is a good compressor, and it "sounds like" they are using the newest version. I like the seal and the latch mechanism. Looks like it has about the same thickness of insulation as the Dometic/Waeco.
I'd want to know if the radiating plate is stainless or coated metal, and more info on the baskets for the same reason.
The chain for the top doesn't thrill me, but other than that the rest looks good.
Hopefully someone who has one will post up. :beer:

 

[JCDriller]

I have not seen or used this fridge. Would be interesting to see who makes it for them (maybe Waeco? that would be a good sign).

Danfoss is a good compressor, and it "sounds like" they are using the newest version. I like the seal and the latch mechanism. Looks like it has about the same thickness of insulation as the Dometic/Waeco.
I'd want to know if the radiating plate is stainless or coated metal, and more info on the baskets for the same reason.
The chain for the top doesn't thrill me, but other than that the rest looks good.
Hopefully someone who has one will post up. :beer:

Scott,

I'm going to go look at one today after work. I can take a magnet and test out the basket. Can I get to the radiating plate?? If so I'll see if the magnet sticks. I'll also look for other markings that give away its mfg.

For those saying go with ARB I would but the space doesn't allow. Unless this thing looks like a turd I'll probably wind up being a beta tester since its the only fridge I've found that will fit in my 23.5" space.

 

[Comanche Scott]

You definitely can. the radiating plate surrounds the baskets. It's the inside wall of the fridge section that isn't plastic.
Hope this works out for you. I know space is at a premium, and it seems like just the right size. :beer:

 

[hedmisten]

Can't wait for you to report back on your findings...I was looking at this too for my space in my JKU loaded out.

 

[kojackJKU]

Please keep us up to date on it. I am not saying its a bad product, Just going by smittybilts reputation in the past. but in the past, they priced as such. Interested in seeing how this product runs.

 

[ChadHahn]

They have one locally that I checked out. I was able to get a Dometic shipped to my house for something like $200 cheaper.

Chad

 

[JCDriller]

So I picked one up today at the local 4WP. Price with military discount was about 680 before tax. A little more than amazon, but it did come with the insulated cover. It really looks like a nice fridge, but I have seen exactly ZERO other brands. All the metal holds a magnet and there is no drain plug like I was hoping for. The body seems to be one piece except for the vented portion that covers the compressor. I'm not firing this thing up until I get a warm fuzzy from those in the know that it looks like it's worth giving it a shot.

So to my friends who own an ARB, Engel or Dometic, what says you? How does it compare (not that the others will fit)?

So here is the photo dump.

Smittybilt ARCTIC


How the lid opens inside the Jeep.


Sticker on bottom


Rear plug in


open


inside


AC and DC cables


Metal liner holds magnet


Basket holds magnet


Sticker on bottom of lid


Compressor


Cover, it's shiny insulated on the inside


Fit vs my door


Fit vs my wiper motor cover


In back of Jeep with cover on it


Addie thinking ****** is this thing taking up my space.

 

[Raul B]

looks good. all you need now is a drop down fridge slide to be able to access your goods.....

 

[JCDriller]

Yea, I've got a plan for a pull out tilt down slide. Should be pretty simple. Compared to everything else I've built for this Jeep.

 

[GFA]

Sure looks like an indel B with the controls relocated to the front handle. I don't like that they skimped out on not having 120-12v switching capabilities internally though. Id rather have the 120v cord and no adapter needed. The indel b is a good bit cheaper too through truck fridge or westy ventures. Been very happy with mine

 

[GFA]

http://m.truckfridge.com/site/store/page6.html?imz_st

http://www.indelb.com/products/automotive/boat_truck_cooler/tb51a

I'm certain it's a rebadged indelb with a few minor changes. Why they did away with the internal switching is beyond me, must be cheaper. I think you'll be happy with it though, my indelb has performed flawlessly for nearly two years now.

 

[JCDriller]

Sure looks like an indel B with the controls relocated to the front handle. I don't like that they skimped out on not having 120-12v switching capabilities internally though. Id rather have the 120v cord and no adapter needed. The indel b is a good bit cheaper too through truck fridge or westy ventures. Been very happy with mine

Dude you nailed it! It's a rebranded indel B TB51A http://www.equipt1.com/item/travel-box-50-liter-fridge-freezer I think Smitty gets the 52nd quart by calculating volume with the basket removed.

Looks like the Smitty is about $100 more, but you do get relocated controls. You're correct about the switching capabilities and external box for the 120v. However, I don't think I really care on way or another. wouldn't have even realized that if it wasn't pointed out. Also unlike the TB51A the smitty has a metal liner on the inside, don't know if that's a benefit or not.

best news is now I know what slide to order

 

[GFA]

Good luck finding that slide in the states... Haha.

I'll check the liner in mine tomorrow if you'd like as I don't think it's steel but enameled stainless instead. I've scratched it to the metal and there's still no rust.