Portable Freezers

TomC · February 26, 2018, 01:22:31 PM

I now have a Norcold 2.1 cu/ft freezer/refer in my bus. It works great, mainly because it is R22. But, now looking for a portable freezer for my truck since I can use a taller one (up to 21"). I've seen that Norcold still makes portables, but are now all plastic. Other makes are Whynter, and Edgestar.
Any suggestions or experience with new portable freezers? Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · February 26, 2018, 01:30:05 PM

TomC I have owned a Engle for 18 years 12v/110v hasn't missed a beat,I believe they manufacture the Norcold,made in Australia mine uses 134A Freon like a house type

dtcerrato · February 26, 2018, 05:26:10 PM

Our first Norcold lasted 13 years, the 2nd one lasted 3 years the 3rd one took a crap in 1 year. No more Norcold for us. The current Dometic out performs the Norcold hands down IMHO..

Beluga Bus · February 26, 2018, 06:57:41 PM

My main fridge for my bus is an ARB 82qt unit. It can run off 12/24v or 110/220v, with the Danfoss compressor it claims to use less than 1.5 amps at 12 volts. It has a temp range from 0-50 degrees F. I have had no issues with it in the three years I have had it, and it make no noticeable noise with the fan and compressor running.
Matt

Brassman · February 26, 2018, 09:43:39 PM

Those 12/24 VDC Chest freezer/fridge's sure are nice, but they're a thousand bucks for a size I would want.

TomC · February 27, 2018, 08:02:34 AM

This is why I'm asking about Whynter and Edgestar-they are in the $550-650 range, rather than over $1,100 for Engle. Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · February 27, 2018, 08:50:40 AM

Look at the warranties some of the cheaper ones have very little warranty like 90 days on labor I love my Engle never been a problem "YET" I did blow a replaceable fuse in the DC cord one which was my fault

Brassman · February 27, 2018, 04:04:39 PM

My pick would be the ARB 63 qt. They seem to have really thought it out well. It has a three year warranty, and weighs 53 lbs. But priced at around a thousand bucks I'll have to think about.

dtcerrato · February 28, 2018, 12:44:34 AM

Another thing to think about with the portable dual voltage fridge freezers. The different sizes graduate up in compressor size/amperage draw. In most cases if you stay on the smaller size unit with the same compressor size/ amperage draw - the unit has longer service life.

luvrbus · February 28, 2018, 04:27:08 AM

The electronics are the bad part of the cheap models,I see those for sale all the time and owners say "only needs control board"

rusty · February 28, 2018, 05:59:27 AM

We have an ARB and like it. They were made more for the 4 wheel crowd and are built well. It worked well when we went to Alaska kept the fish nice and cold on the way home.

Wayne

luvrbus · February 28, 2018, 06:28:39 AM

The ARB and Engle are the same fridge they just wear different suits on the outside both are made by Sawafuji of Australia,the inside are identical

Oonrahnjay · February 28, 2018, 06:36:13 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on February 28, 2018, 06:28:39 AMThe ARB and Engle are the same fridge they just wear different suits on the outside both are made by Sawafuji of Australia,the inside are identical

Is "ARB" the same company that makes locking axles for off-roading, etc.? And Tom, what's your need for an additional freezer/cooler? Just need more (and flexible) space? These things look great, but spendy!

luvrbus · February 28, 2018, 06:47:58 AM

Same outfit Bruce lol welcome to the world of the peel and stick manufactures.I do like the SS ARB suit though you see a lot of Jeeps here with those,it is 2 grand option at the Jeep dealer here

Oonrahnjay · February 28, 2018, 08:13:59 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on February 28, 2018, 06:47:58 AMSame outfit Bruce lol welcome to the world of the peel and stick manufactures.I do like the SS ARB suit though you see a lot of Jeeps here with those,it is 2 grand option at the Jeep dealer here

Thanks, I thought so. We were getting into a lot of that when I worked for Land Rover; the company that's putting it's "peel and stick" sticker on a product has to be careful about quality -- like Forrest Gump "you never know what you're going to get"!