ARB sale and ARB informatipn

Verna

I plug it into my T@B’s dual 6V golf cart batteries when parked. It is only plugged into the Tacoma while driving. 

Fatman1966

Best purchase ever. We have used ours 2 years without issue

CanyonTravelers

I have seen a lot of positive reviews on the ARB, is anyone using a Dometic fridge. The cost is a little less than the ARB.  I thought I read that Dometic makes the compressors for the ARB.  Verna I cant remember do your leave the ARB in your truck or take it out when you are parked?

Verna

The ARB remains in my truck until I get home. I have an ARB extension cord that I route through the window to a Zamp plug on my tongue box. 

Verna

Also, the compressors are named Danfoss or something like that. To the best of my knowledge, Dometic does not manufacture them. If my memory serves me correctly, the same compressor is used on Engle fridge/freezers also. 

dsatwork

@Verna
 this has actually turned into a pretty decent discussion about electric refrigerators with comparisons and best practices and so forth. You won't hurt my feelings if you change the title or split this off and kill or close my original post It was a very time sensitive announcement about the sale I found online last year.

db_cooper

The Indel B is also using the Danfoss compressor.  I've avoided buying a fridge because I'm not sure how much use we'll get out of one until we retire in a few years, but the Indel B is down to a price point to really tempt me.  I don't like that the controls are  on the back,  but if I'm using it in my Xterra cargo area,  it just means I have to open a door to check the temp or adjust.  Not a big deal really.

jkjenn

Danfross is a type of compressor. The ARB fridges are made by Dometic for ARB.

4ncar

I ordere an Indel B. It arrives on Wednesday...free shipping! Yes, it has the Danfross compressor.  Gloria & I are heading to Florida (& stops in between) in March. I shall report! 2100 mile test of all systems; our first BIG trip.

dsatwork

4ncar said:

I ordere an Indel B. It arrives on Wednesday...free shipping! Yes, it has the Danfross compressor.  Gloria & I are heading to Florida (& stops in between) in March. I shall report! 2100 mile test of all systems; our first BIG trip.

No one will fault you for not doing your homework.....sounds like a great fridge and very affordable.

Geo

We purchased a 'WAECO' fridge/freezer with the Danfoss compressor in '07, the same unit is now the Dometic. It has performed perfectly for 10 years now. The Danfoss compressor is a 12 or 24VDC powered unit with a built in inverter to run off 120VAC. The 'relatively' low Amp draw is highly compatible with solar systems.
After years of tent camping and having to daily make an ice run for the coolers (concerns for food temp. safety), the fridge is a true blessing and the perfect accessory for our T@B.

Tabaz

I've only used my 50qt. ARB once on a 3 day campout.  I really didn't like the fact that the temperature in the smaller compartment was always 10* higher than the bottom of the main compartment.  Also, the temperature varied depending on where you placed the thermometer in the main compartment.  The smaller compartment sits on top of the machinery, so that may be why it is hotter.  I'll keep playing with it, but for now, I regret this purchase.

4ncar

Oooo I hate regrettable purchases.  FYI, “they”( whoever they are!), say the smaller compartment is for fruits and veggies, thus leaving the important larger compartment for the important stuff: meat & beer! Lol

dsatwork

@Tabaz sorry about that we have had pretty much the opposite experience and have loved bringing it along. We set it at 40 degrees and it will swing 5 degrees up or down but that hasn't been a problem for us. It cools down in 30 minutes with just the 12v connection. So, we never have to cool down the fridge before we go. I just plug it in load it and go. The only thing I have to do is remember to turn the car on every day or two if we're staying some were for a long time. But, the Kia Sorento comes with an 80ah AGM battery, so really its about as good of a system as you could hope for. Summer months we'll probable keep meat and anything the could spoil if the 3-way can't keep up, until we are comfortable that we can trust it to stay cool in hot temps. Just not there yet.

George101

4ncar said:

I ordere an Indel B. It arrives on Wednesday...free shipping! Yes, it has the Danfross compressor.  Gloria & I are heading to Florida (& stops in between) in March. I shall report! 2100 mile test of all systems; our first BIG trip.

Which size did you order?

4ncar

George101 said:

4ncar said:

I ordere an Indel B. It arrives on Wednesday...free shipping! Yes, it has the Danfross compressor.  Gloria & I are heading to Florida (& stops in between) in March. I shall report! 2100 mile test of all systems; our first BIG trip.

Which size did you order?

41 liter...39 quart. Showed up yesterday!

jkjenn

FYI, if you are having temperature issues with the ARB, try calibrating the temperawture:

"...press the Temp + and - buttons at the same time for about 5 seconds. It will switch into calibration mode and using the same + and - buttons you can change your calibration. After you make the change just leave it and after a few seconds it will automatically save your new setting."

Source: http://www.6daysoverland.com/2015/08...rb-fridge.html 

arktech2

We're debating whether to go with an ARB or similar portable fridge or invest in a premium roto-molded cooler, like the Yeti or Grizzly.  Either is an investment and while the better cooler lessens the ice purchase frequency, not having to buy ice or deal with water in the cooler is appealing.
My TV is a Toyota Tacoma extended cab with a rolling toneau cover over the bed.  I'd been thinking that I'd haul the ARB in the back corner of the truck bed.  The 50 qt ARB is too tall to fit under the cover so we'd be limited to the 37 qt unit.  Initially, I thought I'd move it out of the truck while we were camping but that doesn't seem to be practical due to the weight of the unit loaded with food.  Are there folks out there who are regularly moving their ARB's in and out of their TV's?
If we leave it in the truck bed, I'm wondering how long it will maintain temperature with no power?  We often times drive to trail heads and other sites and are away from the truck for a good bit of the day and I'm curious how long the unit will "coast", unopened and without power?  
Verna's extension cord option seems like a good fix while we're in camp, as I've got plenty of battery storage in the trailer and solar.  I could run the voltage drop numbers but it sounds like #10 wire is working for 20' extension cords, which seems like an adequate length.
I mocked up a box to mimic the 50 qt size and can get it to fit behind the seats in the truck, although it appears to be too tight height-wise to allow the lid to hinge all the way open.  I saw on an ARB video that the lid can come off completely and am curious if that is how folks typically access these when they're in the backseat or cargo area of their vehicles?  

Verna

I do remove the lid when loading and unloading the ARB, to save bruised fingers and wrists. It’s easy enough to remove the lid, after you find the “sweet spot” that allows the lid to slid off, 

I leave my ARB in the back seat from the time I leave home until I get back. The seat is folded down, so no indentions are on the actual seat. I personally cannot lift the ARB in and out when it is filled up, so that is out of the question for me. 

I have left the ARB unplugged at night and it has never gained more that 4*, and the same results for site seeing or shopping.  I do have 3 quilted flannel dog blankets, and one heavy fleece blanket covering the ARB in the back seat to keep inquisitive eyes from seeing it, and to help insulate it. Plus, at my campsite, or when shopping, I try to make sure the ARB doesn’t get direct sun. 

And, the reason I don't keep the ARB in the truck bed is the same as you. It is too tall. I have a “shelf” of removable 1x6 white pine boards that allow me to have two levels of storage. I would have to pull the ARB out each time I need to access it. Plus the shelf would need to be raised about 1.25” to allow the ARB to slide out. It is easier to have it in the back seat.

db_cooper

We were doing the same debate,  until we actually picked up an empty Yeti cooler.  They're so thick you need a fairly large one, and then loaded it will be very heavy.  We'll probably go the fridge route, but for now we'll get by with food in the Norcold, and beer in the ice chest.  We have an SUV so inside plugged in will not  be a problem.  You'll probably want to wire a 12v outlet in your truck bed, or hardwire the fridge in if it won't fit inside.

arktech2

Yeah, if we go with the ARB in the back, I’ll run a direct, fused line from the battery to a 12V outlet in the bed to power it.  I know what you’re saying about the weight of the Yeti empty.   The 65 qt model will fit, but it’ll also weigh quite a bit when full.