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12 Volt Fridge/Freezers

smurfblue40

smurfblue40

Baconologyst
Joined
May 30, 2020
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1676
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Sloughhouse Ca
I mentioned in the Snlc thread that I was going to do a little comparison of 12 volt fridge/freezers. HillbillyDeluxe was interested in my findings, I figured others may be interested too.

I looked at what I would consider a midsize portable fridge. I searched for dual zone 40 to 50 quart units. Reviews were all over the place as you can imagine. The three I have marked with an “X” look the same except for color. All come with cords for 12 volt (cigarette lighter plug), and a cord for 120ac. Some come with baskets, and some have drains in the big compartment.

I am leaning toward the 48 quart Alpicool

FB76A0E0-6D1A-43C8-BBC8-58C078484E07.jpeg
 
I have 2 IceCo 50 quart fridge/freezers. I've had one for almost 5 years with no problems or complaints, I liked it so much I bought a second one. They go on sale from time to time for about $525 or so. The sale usually has a cover and an extra cord too.
 
Weasel said:
couldn't have tied this into the existing 12v cooler thread?
Click to expand...
No :flipoff2:

I need one bad for my semi. I only spend 4-5 days in my truck at most, and this could be a dual function set up that would work for camping for me as well.

I like Alpicool. They've been around for a bit and I can't really find anything bad about them.
 
RunningProblem said:
Slightly bigger

www.summitracing.com

Summit Racing SUM-P01061 Summit Racing™ Portable Refrigerators/Freezers | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Summit Racing™ Portable Refrigerators/Freezers with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Refrigerators at Summit Racing.
www.summitracing.com www.summitracing.com
Click to expand...
That looks like a good deal.
Check out Whynter brand also. A freind had this model running in his boat 24/7 for many years, no issues. Whynter FM-452SG Elite 45 Quart SlimFit Portable Freezer/Refrigerator
 
The ARB 50 quart is $1,000 so for $325 it’s probably worth risking it. When it breaks in 4 months just take it back.
 
Are you looking to replace the Engel? If so, why? I’ve toyed with replacing mine for a dual zone one with a true fridge and freezer but can’t justify it to myself.
 
Looks down his nose at peasants running anything other than ARB. :flipoff2:



Seriously though if it has a true compressor and not one of those exothermic plate coolers in it then it should be fine. Having all the space for food and drinks in a "cooler" is pretty damn nice.
 
korda said:
Are you looking to replace the Engel? If so, why?
Click to expand...
I’m not looking to replace the Engel, just looking at a second option for town runs, and short road trips. The Engel saved us and a family member big time when our garage freezer took a shit.

My town runs have always been on a planned route. We live out in the county. Town is slowly encroaching on us, but I still need to go where everything is ( Home Depot, Gun store, Costco, Tractor Supply, etc..). Once I hit the grocery store I need to head home, especially in the summertime.
 
I have the ICECO VL60 (single). Have yet to try it on a hot summer day because it showed up in the fall. So far it kicks ass when testing it out in the house. Im looking forward to not having everything sit in a puddle of ice water. The cabin is off grid so I'll be testing different battery backups to run it when the generator isn't fired up for Grandma to watch her gameshows.
I could have really used this cooler to get an elk in an ice box last fall faster. Hunting is the main reason for buying the electric cooler. It was so warm we couldn't keep ice in any cooler and we're worried about losing meat. Getting the elk down shortened the trip by a few days because I had to run to town (hour drive) to get more ice and rush home (6hour drive) to get the meat in a freezer.
For an elk I will probably need 2 or 3 of these coolers but buying the first is a start.
 
The big advantage the Engel and ARB models have is the swing motor for the compressor. Much less in-rush current required to power the compressor which is important when running on 12v.
 
No input on Summit Racing one.
I chose ARB 50qt, bought it last summer.
Ran it off of an inverter in work box truck, now its plugged into a power outlet at home.

So far, so good.
For a bit there I used bluetooth connection to change settings - that worked decent too. Just no need as the unit was strapped to the passenger seat.
 
Just to update.

This is what I ended up buying-


It has a digital display, but no internal battery, so I added a Jackery 400 watt battery backup. I plug the Jackery into the truck, then the fridge into the Jackery. I can run my errands and the fridge never loses power as I go from stop to stop.
 
I bought one last summer but it's a Makita version. Runs on 40 or 18 v batteries and wall plug and 12 v. Battery bank will run it for few days. Will freeze, cool, or heat. I'm happy with it. Had to order from Japan though as they weren't here yet. 45qt I think.
 
Weasel said:
I bought one last summer but it's a Makita version. Runs on 40 or 18 v batteries and wall plug and 12 v. Battery bank will run it for few days. Will freeze, cool, or heat. I'm happy with it. Had to order from Japan though as they weren't here yet. 45qt I think.
Click to expand...
Dang..... 45qt is nice! That would keep me going for at least 5 days! :smokin::smokin::smokin::smokin:
 
Weasel said:
Those don't run on batteries so I would guess it has a smaller footprint per volume?
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The compressor and what not take up some of the internal space, but the exterior footprint is roughly the same. I think they are a little taller to make up for the lost internal volume.
 
Uggh, summit website still says "Ready to Ship (Verifying)"
Not looking good for getting it by thursday.
 
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