I am looking at a fridge. It is b/t Engel/ARB and Waeco. About a 42-45 quart. Which one to get and why? Both owners seems to love them equally. Lets here it... also where is the best prices for them? Thanks for you help. By the way I searched and did not find what I was looking for.:drool:
Which fridge and where???
- Thread starter ArmyTaco
- Start date
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Engel, National Luna and WAECO are the three main players in portable fridges
Unfortunately since WAECO was bought by Dometic their sales and service has suffered.
The Engel drawers less amps than the WAECO
There are a lot more after-market products for Engels, like transit locks, insulating bags and slides. National Luna fridges are bullet proof and reliable.
As far as best prices go, I would urge you to support the vendors who help make this forum possible. Yes Adventure Trailers sell fridges, but so does Wil at Sierra Expeditions, and Paul at Equipt1.
We all know our products, we know how they work in the field, and we stand behind them 100%.
Unfortunately since WAECO was bought by Dometic their sales and service has suffered.
The Engel drawers less amps than the WAECO
There are a lot more after-market products for Engels, like transit locks, insulating bags and slides. National Luna fridges are bullet proof and reliable.
As far as best prices go, I would urge you to support the vendors who help make this forum possible. Yes Adventure Trailers sell fridges, but so does Wil at Sierra Expeditions, and Paul at Equipt1.
We all know our products, we know how they work in the field, and we stand behind them 100%.
Corey
OverCamping Specialist
I have the ARB and like it very much.
I use it with the Engel Slide Lock.
Also you can modify these to have the lid open from the side.
I had to do this to get the lid to open up all the way.
Also there are baskets that fit it too.
Lid rehinged
Two Zone baskets
I have ran this fridge for five straight days during a long weekend at home as a test.
I had it set to about 35 degrees, and my rig started right up when it was time to go to work Monday morning.
Started it up with the main battery, not my 2nd battery.
Fridge runs off of the main starting battery.
These are pretty energy efficient.
Ran it for two days up at Mt. Rainier last summer in 70 to 80 degree outdoor tempts, and the fridge served ice cold food/drinks.
I have the Transit bag for it, but it is still in its bag, so I have never used it.
Have not needed it so far.
If I was to buy a fridge again today, I would get the same ARB model or the Engel 45.
What I like about the ARB is the built in temp gauge.
Other than that, Engel and ARB are the same.
PS, one thing I wish the ARB has was a dual temp gauge.
It comes in Celsius only.
I keep a conversion chart on the side of the fridge to know what temp it is at in Fahrenheit.
Got mine from Toyota of Dallas.
www.trdparts4u.com
Ordered it through them, and I picked it up at ARB in Renton, WA.
I work a few blocks away from ARB.
I use it with the Engel Slide Lock.
Also you can modify these to have the lid open from the side.
I had to do this to get the lid to open up all the way.
Also there are baskets that fit it too.
Lid rehinged
Two Zone baskets
I have ran this fridge for five straight days during a long weekend at home as a test.
I had it set to about 35 degrees, and my rig started right up when it was time to go to work Monday morning.
Started it up with the main battery, not my 2nd battery.
Fridge runs off of the main starting battery.
These are pretty energy efficient.
Ran it for two days up at Mt. Rainier last summer in 70 to 80 degree outdoor tempts, and the fridge served ice cold food/drinks.
I have the Transit bag for it, but it is still in its bag, so I have never used it.
Have not needed it so far.
If I was to buy a fridge again today, I would get the same ARB model or the Engel 45.
What I like about the ARB is the built in temp gauge.
Other than that, Engel and ARB are the same.
PS, one thing I wish the ARB has was a dual temp gauge.
It comes in Celsius only.
I keep a conversion chart on the side of the fridge to know what temp it is at in Fahrenheit.
Got mine from Toyota of Dallas.
www.trdparts4u.com
Ordered it through them, and I picked it up at ARB in Renton, WA.
I work a few blocks away from ARB.
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spressomon
Expedition Leader
I've had the Waeco CF50/51 going on 4-years now. It has survived the "Dan" test by proving to be reliable and tough. It offers a little more capacity in a slightly smaller package than the Engel/ARB. This was critical due to where I have it mounted in my LC. It also features a smaller 'shelf' of sorts that is approximately 5" wide x 8" deep x the width of the Waeco that is handy for smaller quick to access goods.
It already has a side opening lid that is quickly reversible for left/right hinge opening. Nothing to alter or mod here.
And it has one corner that runs colder than the rest of the space. This has proven to be a benefit to me: I use this space for ice-cubes. On #3 or #4 temp setting it will keep ice-cubes frozen but still allow veggies...even lettuce which is more temp sensitive...to be stored atop with great results. Or if not carrying ice-cubes, like on a 5-day journey, I will put frozen meats in this space to keep for the last days of the journey.
It has very stout handles: You can anchor this fridge/freeze directly from the handles without worrying about bending nor do you need any special adapters for anchoring from the handles.
In the 4-years of ownership and use I have only had one issue: Last year I broke the latch mechanism...actually I didn't break it a clumsy handed "bull in a china cabinet kinda guy" buddy broke it for me
I had a replacement from Waeco's USA dealer in a few days. That is the only issue I've had to date.
I vacillated for months whether to spend this kind of coin on a portable fridge/freezer. Friends swore it would become my favorite overlanding accessory. Once I got over the cost shock (Jeez...you can go buy a full size home type refrigerator/freezer for what one of these relatively puny versions cost...but as I justified a Kenmore refrigerator isn't going to do you any good in your rig) In the end it is truly my favorite accessory purchase: No more worrying about replenishing ice on trips; no more soggy sandwiches; you are able to go with a smaller unit since ice won't be occupying space; and the list goes on and on. My only regret: Not getting one sooner than I did (seriously!!!).
Which ever brand/model you select will give you years of satisfaction! Go for it ASAP!
BTW: The "Dan" test is anything that survives my hard overlanding use! Just ask Martyn for confirmation on that one :coffeedrink:
'Spresso Dan
It already has a side opening lid that is quickly reversible for left/right hinge opening. Nothing to alter or mod here.
And it has one corner that runs colder than the rest of the space. This has proven to be a benefit to me: I use this space for ice-cubes. On #3 or #4 temp setting it will keep ice-cubes frozen but still allow veggies...even lettuce which is more temp sensitive...to be stored atop with great results. Or if not carrying ice-cubes, like on a 5-day journey, I will put frozen meats in this space to keep for the last days of the journey.
It has very stout handles: You can anchor this fridge/freeze directly from the handles without worrying about bending nor do you need any special adapters for anchoring from the handles.
In the 4-years of ownership and use I have only had one issue: Last year I broke the latch mechanism...actually I didn't break it a clumsy handed "bull in a china cabinet kinda guy" buddy broke it for me
I had a replacement from Waeco's USA dealer in a few days. That is the only issue I've had to date. I vacillated for months whether to spend this kind of coin on a portable fridge/freezer. Friends swore it would become my favorite overlanding accessory. Once I got over the cost shock (Jeez...you can go buy a full size home type refrigerator/freezer for what one of these relatively puny versions cost...but as I justified a Kenmore refrigerator isn't going to do you any good in your rig
) In the end it is truly my favorite accessory purchase: No more worrying about replenishing ice on trips; no more soggy sandwiches; you are able to go with a smaller unit since ice won't be occupying space; and the list goes on and on. My only regret: Not getting one sooner than I did (seriously!!!).Which ever brand/model you select will give you years of satisfaction! Go for it ASAP!
BTW: The "Dan" test is anything that survives my hard overlanding use! Just ask Martyn for confirmation on that one :coffeedrink:
'Spresso Dan
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Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Yes, Dan is one of Adventure Trailers Official "Crash Test Dummies"
If we have any doubt about the quality, reliability, or longevity of any product we send a sample to Dan. Most arrive back to us in small pieces or shards.
Here is a picture of Dan and his wonderful family
Attachments
Last edited:
spressomon
Expedition Leader
Yes, Dan is one of Adventure Trailers Official "Crash Test Dummies"
If we have any doubt about the quality, reliability, or longevity of any product we send a sample to Dan. Most arrive back to us in small pieces or shards.
Here is a picture of Dan and his wonderful family
Hey...I resemble that remark :elkgrin:
sundaypunch
Observer
I have to agree. I love mine. I searched thread after thread about them in multiple forums and never found a negative post.
01tundra
Explorer
I just recieved an Engel MT35 I bought from Will, now I just have to fab up a mounting plate on my cage....can't wait to try it out!
www.SierraExpeditions.com
www.SierraExpeditions.com
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
LandCruiserPhil
Expedition Leader
Camping World sells Norcold with some large discount from time to time.
Tucson T4R
Expedition Leader
I've been running an 84 qt Waeco for the last 2 years. No problems and it seems to be well made.
