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Fridge Recommendation Poll Included

Which Fridge is Best?


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Rumblefish

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Rumblefish

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Would you be able to post up a picture of it in the cargo area of your Jeep? I'm trying to get a feel for the size of these things. Thanks!
As everyone has already stated, the bump on the driver side makes it kind of tight, ultimately I will add a slide at some point. I will see if I can grab a pic or two in the morning.
 

Johnhinesaz

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I can confirm that the 37 will fit on the drivers side. Tight, but will work. I like it better on the passenger side. I have it sitting about 1.5" from the subwoofer. I can't tell any difference in sound, but I am definitely not the right person to ask about audio. As for internal size, I've been happy. Not sure any fridge would ever be big enough (i would just cram more stuff in there if it were bigger). I just store extra drinks in the back and swap out as I use them. That's what's awesome about a fridge. Also can't say ARB is any better than others. It's just the one I ended up buying and have been happy for several years now. Hope that helps.

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DanW

DanW

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I can confirm that the 37 will fit on the drivers side. Tight, but will work. I like it better on the passenger side. I have it sitting about 1.5" from the subwoofer. I can't tell any difference in sound, but I am definitely not the right person to ask about audio. As for internal size, I've been happy. Not sure any fridge would ever be big enough (i would just cram more stuff in there if it were bigger). I just store extra drinks in the back and swap out as I use them. That's what's awesome about a fridge. Also can't say ARB is any better than others. It's just the one I ended up buying and have been happy for several years now. Hope that helps.

372B3181-E90F-454F-A8ED-94FC8A14718F.webp
Thanks for the pic! That's exactly what I needed to see! Hey, if you've had it several years with no trouble, I'd say it is exactly what anybody would want!
 

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American Adventurist

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Engel. The OG that all others copy. Sawafuji swing motor. All metal case and latch. Efficient. Bulletproof.

I ran an MT45 for 10 years with zero issues, a buddy is at 15 years and going strong.

Buy once. Buy an Engel.
 

Martindfletcher

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Thanks for the pic! That's exactly what I needed to see! Hey, if you've had it several years with no trouble, I'd say it is exactly what anybody would want!
I will get a pic of the 50 Sunday. I suspect it needs to a few inches to the right.
 
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DanW

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Engel. The OG that all others copy. Sawafuji swing motor. All metal case and latch. Efficient. Bulletproof.

I ran an MT45 for 10 years with zero issues, a buddy is at 15 years and going strong.

Buy once. Buy an Engel.
I really like the Engel MR040F-U1 Marine fridge, but I am not sure about its footprint and I don't like that it doesn't have a divider in the basket. I also don't like the latch system. It is still in play, though, because the compressor appears to be one of the best.

Man, this is tough because there are so many options. Right now, I'm favoring the ARB 37 and the Dometic CF40. The CF40 has the smallest footprint and is about 12 pounds lighter than the ARB. For some reason, Dometic puts a 3 year warranty on their CF line, while the more rugged looking CFX gets 2 years. Not sure why, because I believe they have the same compressor. I've written them an email to see if they can explain. If I don't get a response, then that will tell me about their customer service.

Anyone had good experience with customer service from ARB, Dometic, Engel, or Snoman? Heck, even Smittybilt? It looks like Smittybilt's fridge is badged as a Costaway on Amazon and is 415 bucks and is identical, including a Danfoss compressor. It is a distant 4th or 5th place, but man, 400 bucks? The Costaway gets as good a rating on Amazon as any other, including Engel. WTH??
 
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DanW

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Rumblefish

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For size comparison the black box is a 32ltr "really useful box"

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DanW

DanW

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For size comparison the black box is a 32ltr "really useful box"

IMG_20180721_084822.jpg


IMG_20180721_084809.jpg
I like the narrow size of it. I also like that it comes with the cover, a bottle opener, and the solar powered remote. Do they ever run sales? Also, how long have you had yours?
 

Rumblefish

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I like the narrow size of it. I also like that it comes with the cover, a bottle opener, and the solar powered remote. Do they ever run sales? Also, how long have you had yours?
Not quite sure if they have sales, and I got mine in May at Overland Expo West. I have been aware of them for quite some time. There are lots of folks on social media, that use Snomaster. They are of South African design. There are other higher end fridges out there, and I would have liked to have gotten a dual zone fridge/freezer, but I could not beat the deal I got on mine. My old Edgestar works great, even though it may be a bit power hungry, but it got the job done.

http://4xoverland.com/12v-fridge-freezer-buyer-guide/
 
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DanW

DanW

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Not quite sure if they have sales, and I got mine in May at Overland Expo West. I have been aware of them for quite some time. There are lots of folks on social media, that use Snomaster. They are of South African design. There are other higher end fridges out there, and I would have liked to have gotten a dual zone fridge/freezer, but I could not beat the deal I got on mine. My old Edgestar works great, even though it may be a bit power hungry, but it got the job done.

http://4xoverland.com/12v-fridge-freezer-buyer-guide/
If they ran a really good deal I'd probably order it. $1100 is a bit north of my ceiling. What a nice fridge, though, both in size and features! I'm going to see if they have something a little smaller and less expensive.
 
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Rumblefish

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If they ran a deal and knocked at least 10% off that thing, I'd probably order it. $1100 is a bit north of my ceiling. What a nice fridge, though, both in size and features!
For comparison, the ARB Fridge $800, Transit bag $127ish, Remote monitor $70, and you are almost at the same price. I am not dinging ARB, or any other fridge for that matter, but when you distill it down they really are comparable. Everyone likes something different, there are many reasons as to why I chose to spend my money with Snomaster, but your choice may be different. With that being said, the first time I used my Edgestar for the first time it was "life changing" not having to worry about soggy food or ice is simply awesome. I am just trying to add some more to the conversation.
 
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DanW

DanW

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For comparison, the ARB Fridge $800, Transit bag $127ish, Remote monitor $70, and you are almost at the same price. I am not dinging ARB, or any other fridge for that matter, but when you distill it down they really are comparable. Everyone likes something different, there are many reasons as to why I chose to spend my money with Snomaster, but your choice may be different. With that being said, the first time I used my Edgestar for the first time it was "life changing" not having to worry about soggy food or ice is simply awesome. I am just trying to add some more to the conversation.
True, if I pay full price for the ARB. There are sales, though. I've already found it for 750. I'll add the cover and monitor later, although I may decide I don't need the monitor. Right now, the difference would be 350 bucks. I've got time to find a deal. Maybe Snomaster will have a sale or discount between now and then. I don't have to purchase until probably mid September. I could wait longer, but I want to try it out a little bit before we leave on October 18, just to understand how it works and identify the temperature that works best for my needs. Who knows, they may do a deal. I'm going to email them to see. I can always ask!
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