School me on the ARB cooler

[Chrisjeep7]

i was looking on arb's website for info on there little fridge, well they dont have shit about it on there site. just wondering if anyone has specs on these little suckers. like amp draw, how cold it will get when its 110*+, stuff like that...anyone have one? do you like it? WTF dont you like about it...

Thanks :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

[ironpig70]

search its out there :D

[Chrisjeep7]

thanks.....

[camo]

all I know is they cost alot and they work great. my buddy has the large one and we were eating ice cream bars on the rubicon after 3 days.......bad ass

[Chrisjeep7]

how hot was it? never been to the rubicon...

i live in Ok were it gets 110* and 99% humidity.

[Rockcrusher]

i was looking on arb's website for info on there little fridge, well they dont have shit about it on there site. just wondering if anyone has specs on these little suckers. like amp draw, how cold it will get when its 110*+, stuff like that...anyone have one? do you like it? WTF dont you like about it...

Thanks :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

They draw 8-10 amps and they will cool your stuff down to about 30-40° below the outside temperature. They're also way overpriced considering the cooling parts (a single peltier chip, a fan and a cheapo thermostat) probably cost less than $30.

[cdarthvader]

coleman makes a cooler thats powered that seemed to work great for me.

[woooody]

I don't know about the little ones, but my 60 liter will freeze anything in 100+ weather. Mine is set up on my winch battery. You need to run the vehicle every day to keep up with the draw. Normally, we turned it down once it got dark, and turned it back to full cool during the day.

Expensive? yes. They are identical to ENGEL brand. But the nice thing about the electric fridge is that you don't have to deal with melted ice sloshing around. You also can pack more food than in a regular cooler.

Here's the specs from ARB's site (http://www.arbusa.com/):

Model: MT35FARB (Australia)
MT35F-AL (USA)
Weight: 21 kg (46 lbs)
• Capacity: 32 litre (33 quart)
Dimensions: H408 x W631 x D360mm
(H16 x W24 7/8 x D14 1/8")
*Average DC Power Consumption:
0.7 to 2.7 amp hr

Model: MT45FARB (Australia)
MT45F-AL (USA)
Weight: 24 kg (53 lbs)
• Capacity: 40 litre (42 quart)
Dimensions: H508 x W631 x D360mm
(H20 x W24 7/8 x D14 1/8")
*Average DC Power Consumption:
0.7 to 2.7 amp hr

Model: MT60FARB (Australia)
MT60F-AL (USA)
Weight: 32 kg (70 lbs)
• Capacity: 60 litre (63 quart)
Dimensions: H441 x W790 x D490mm
(H17 3/8 x W31 1/8 x D19 1/4")
*Average DC Power Consumption:
0.7 to 4.7 amp hr

So max draw on the largest is less than 5 Amps.

[ForestCam]

They're also way overpriced considering the cooling parts (a single peltier chip, a fan and a cheapo thermostat) probably cost less than $30.
Tried making one once, a freind gave me a few peltier chips to play around with.
Ever get frostbite forefinger and a 2nd degree burn on your thumb AT THE EXACT SAME TIME?! :laughing:

[rusted]

My dad's a truck driver, been using the same coleman-style powered cooler 5 days a week for about 7 years. Probably cost 1/5th what ARB wants, I *ASS*ume the ARB is outrageously expensive.

[dieseltoy]

As far as I know ARB fridges are made by Engel.

I got my Engel light 30 a few years ago.
http://clean4x4.com/engell30.jpg

It's like the MRFD15, except it's twice as big, and 12V only. draws a little over two amps, has thermostat, two setting, 40 deg and 0 deg. it was 350$ from sailnet.net. Too bad they don't make this model any more, it's the perfect wheeling size for a day or three.

IMD is the main dit. for Engel in the US, but you will get a much better deal on ebay, if you keep your eye on it. (check the completed listings) you will definately save 50% off a retail "ARB".
http://www.i-m-d.com/engel/1products.htm

[LordRatner]

ForestCam- Yes, but we were making a CPU cooler.

[Simon]

If anyone knows anything about an off the shelf solar panel setup that will run one of the ARB freezer/fridges, please let me know. The idea has been at the back of my mind for the last year since I bought the medium size ARB. I love it. Took it for a week long trip in temps up to 100-105 (at the highest) last summer, adn I had to kep it turned down to about 1/3 of the way up the dial to keep from freezing stuff.

Simon

[dieseltoy]

So max draw on the largest is less than 5 Amps.

Yes, plus there is a thermostat so the unit turns off after reaching temp. Obviously, the lower the temp setting, the less current they will draw.

The cheapo Colmans and Igloo's don't have a thermostat, so they suck juice non-stop (like 4 amps constant), and only get 40 deg below ambient, so if it's 110 outside, your beer will be 70 deg if you are lucky.

[Rockcrusher]

Tried making one once, a freind gave me a few peltier chips to play around with.
Ever get frostbite forefinger and a 2nd degree burn on your thumb AT THE EXACT SAME TIME?! :laughing:

We had the same idea but we couldn't find a suitable temperature controller at a reasonable cost. Our plan was to custom build coolers to fit the oddball spaces in a rig and still keep the cost within the realm of the average wheeler's wallet.

Woooody . . . ARB's numbers are for average current draw over one hour after the cooler temperature stabilises. Peak draw is a lot higher than their advertised figures.

[dieseltoy]

If anyone knows anything about an off the shelf solar panel setup that will run one of the ARB freezer/fridges, please let me know. The idea has been at the back of my mind for the last year since I bought the medium size ARB. I love it. Took it for a week long trip in temps up to 100-105 (at the highest) last summer, adn I had to kep it turned down to about 1/3 of the way up the dial to keep from freezing stuff.

Simon

I usually take a unisolar 64 watt solar panel camping w/me, just in case the tent is too far from the truck. A charge reg and a deep cycle batt will run an engel/arb for quite some time. (I tried to use two 64 W panels with the colman cooler and they could barely keep up).

Lately I have been thinking about getting some of the smaller more flexible modules though.

http://www.uni-solar.com/cons_products_tech.html

[woooody]

Woooody . . . ARB's numbers are for average current draw over one hour after the cooler temperature stabilises. Peak draw is a lot higher than their advertised figures.

Yeah, I think the fuse on the large one is a 12 Amp. Small one is a cigarette lighter (8 Amp?).

[Chrisjeep7]

well there not overpriced when you figure i spend 300 bucks a summer in ice at the jobsite.

how well made are they, can your abuse them?

[redramsport]

Here is an article from Off-Road.com, thought they had an ARB cooler, but its a Fridge/Freeze: http://www.off-road.com/dodge/deserttank/index6.html

This is supposed to be a ARB vs. Fridge/Freeze thing, but sounds kinda biased to me. Didn't see any info about amp draw or anything in either of these articles though
http://www.off-road.com/dodge/deserttank/2002_07/

Another one here: http://www.off-road.com/dodge/deserttank/2002_08/

[woooody]

well there not overpriced when you figure i spend 300 bucks a summer in ice at the jobsite.

how well made are they, can your abuse them?

Had a guy at Rubithon 2 years ago roll off the base of Big Sluice, with his big ARB hanging off the back of his rack. Bent the cooling area a little, a couple of dents in the side, but the lid closed and continued to work just fine. He moved it inboard last year, still dented, still working fine.

[woooody]

Here is an article from Off-Road.com, thought they had an ARB cooler, but its a Fridge/Freeze: http://www.off-road.com/dodge/deserttank/index6.html

This is supposed to be a ARB vs. Fridge/Freeze thing, but sounds kinda biased to me. Didn't see any info about amp draw or anything in either of these articles though
http://www.off-road.com/dodge/deserttank/2002_07/

Another one here: http://www.off-road.com/dodge/deserttank/2002_08/

The reason the fidge/Freeze is better is that it is 2 " thick, where as the ARB is less than 1" thick. That extra 2" can make a world of difference on your ability to pack it in your rig.

In my FJ 40, I can load a large Action Packer and the 63 Qt ARB side by side (long ways) between the wheel wells. If it was a Fridge/Freeze, I'd have to go to the next size down. They are a bit more expensive than the ARB as well, and don't let you plug into 110V

[Simon]

ARB makes a blanket for theirs, and a guy I was on a trip with last year had one. Another guy, with the same ARB unit, didn't have the blanket. The one with the blanket cycled on a lot less than the one without.

Simon

[Haole]

They draw 8-10 amps and they will cool your stuff down to about 30-40° below the outside temperature. They're also way overpriced considering the cooling parts (a single peltier chip, a fan and a cheapo thermostat) probably cost less than $30.


Not the same thing. The ARB is a true fridge not a cooler.

It draws 2.7 amps at full freeze mode. Gotta have a battery bank or run the engine on a regular basis to keep it running. That's four hours on my Heep and 36 hours on my PSD.

I got mine for 40% off. It was dropped by the shipper. :D

[RockTonka]

I've had the 42 qt. ARB for a couple years now in the back of my open CJ. It gets sand, mud, leaves, pine needles, dust and dirt, every bit of trail debris you can imagine throughout it. My kids will climb/stand all over it. It'll then get rained on before I take it to the carwash and blast the hell out of it. It has always worked, and like mentioned previously, will freeze items if left on the higher settings continuously.
But................it takes a few hours to get down to temp unless you pre-chill items. Another issue I have is that water will leak down between the inner/outer shells and become stagnant. No biggee, just have to turn it upside down and let it drain out. Current draw can be excessive though, draining a yellow top down overnight when set high. I've blown that in-plug 8-10-12? amp fuse a couple times.
Knock on wood, but this thing has impressed me given the abuse its received.

[Serious One]

Have three of 'em. One medium and two large. I've beat the medium size one to death for over 4 years, no problems.

The large ones are mounted in my trailer occasionally. I"ve also use them on job sites for months at a time plugged into the wall (one as a freezer, one as a fridge). Did the same thing when we moved into our new home and had to wait 2 weeks for our real fridge/freezer to show up. :D

http://www.tawayama.com/gear/trailer/4786.jpg

:flipoff2:

[4x4Poet]

With the possible exception of inner capacity vs. outer dimensions, the Fridge Freeze (http://www.fridgefreeze.com/) units are superior to ARB units in every way. Less draw, better cooling, and, according to their website, they also plug into 110v. I believe the FF units draw less if only because their cooling method requires no fan unless you get the vaccine upgrade. They might cool better off camber, as well. I'm still in the research stage. Not to mention the finance stage.:grinpimp: The FF units cost over $1k. :shaking:

FF vs. the "competition." (http://www.fridgefreeze.com/prod-features.html)

[Haole]

With the possible exception of inner capacity vs. outer dimensions, the Fridge Freeze (http://www.fridgefreeze.com/) units are superior to ARB units in every way. Less draw, better cooling, and, according to their website, they also plug into 110v. I believe the FF units draw less if only because their cooling method requires no fan unless you get the vaccine upgrade. They might cool better off camber, as well. I'm still in the research stage. Not to mention the finance stage.:grinpimp: The FF units cost over $1k. :shaking:

FF vs. the "competition." (http://www.fridgefreeze.com/prod-features.html)


The FF has an amp draw of 2.3 to 3.8 Amps. That's higher than the 2.7 of the ARB. Most of their points on that page aren't in comparison to the ARB.

[ukjeeper]

coleman makes a cooler thats powered that seemed to work great for me.

x2 (:flipoff2: MD) on the Colemans. We have the big cooler. Worked fine across Mojave road, Big Bear, etc. And we also used it as a fridge when we moved.

[ozarkjeep]

Do these ARB and Engel coolers use a vapor/gas cooling system or is it a peltier device?

[woooody]

Do these ARB and Engel coolers use a vapor/gas cooling system or is it a peltier device?

From www.arbusa.com

Advanced swing motor design. The swing motor feature is an electro dynamic reciprocating device which connects directly to the piston of the compressor providing great economy, therefore allowing compact size, light weight and efficient power consumption.

Unique internal evaporator for more powerful & even cooling throughout the food storage area.

Operates at extreme angles (up to 30 deg) without affecting operation or reliability

[woooody]

With the possible exception of inner capacity vs. outer dimensions, the Fridge Freeze (http://www.fridgefreeze.com/) units are superior to ARB units in every way. Less draw, better cooling, and, according to their website, they also plug into 110v. I believe the FF units draw less if only because their cooling method requires no fan unless you get the vaccine upgrade. They might cool better off camber, as well. I'm still in the research stage. Not to mention the finance stage.:grinpimp: The FF units cost over $1k. :shaking:

FF vs. the "competition." (http://www.fridgefreeze.com/prod-features.html)

The fan the FF refers to is an internal fan.

I read the comparison page... They aren't comparing to an ARB/Engel.

And here's the killer - price. FF's are WAY expensive

ARB (4 wheel parts)
33 qt - 644
42 qt - 713
63 qt - 1027

FF
37 qt - 1295
47 qt - 1395
63 qt - 1495

So the smallest usable is twice as expensive. And the largest is ~50% more expensive. Kinda hard to justify the ARB's price, let alone the FF price

[4x4Poet]

...And here's the killer - price. FF's are WAY expensive...

So the smallest usable is twice as expensive. And the largest is ~50% more expensive. Kinda hard to justify the ARB's price, let alone the FF price
Can't argue with you there. :( That's why I'm still in the *research* phase. :grinpimp:

[4x4Poet]

The FF has an amp draw of 2.3 to 3.8 Amps. That's higher than the 2.7 of the ARB. Most of their points on that page aren't in comparison to the ARB.
That looks like a slam-dunk point until one realizes that it's not just how may amps the unit draws when operating/cooling, it's how long the unit draws amps, as well. Given the same ambient temps, I think a FF unit does not need to work as long to cool its contents compared to the ARB unit because the ARB unit blows air over coils while the FF unit doesn't need to. I believe the FF units don't even have coils. I'm confident that the FF units have a superior cooling system design compared to all air blown over coil units because they don't depend on blowing ambient temp air. They're less ambient temp sensitive.

This is what I'm still researching: Do the FF units work less hard to cool than other quality units (like the ARBs) even if the FF draw amps at a higher rate for a shorter time? All thing being equal, would the total amp draw over each day be less with the FF units? For the price, they better draw less overall, even if they draw amps at a higher rate while cooling for a shorter period. Tough question to find the answer to.

[Haole]

That looks like a slam-dunk point until one realizes that it's not just how may amps the unit draws when operating/cooling, it's how long the unit draws amps, as well. Given the same ambient temps, I think a FF unit does not need to work as long to cool its contents compared to the ARB unit because the ARB unit blows air over coils while the FF unit doesn't need to. I believe the FF units don't even have coils. I'm confident that the FF units have a superior cooling system design compared to all air blown over coil units because they don't depend on blowing ambient temp air. They're less ambient temp sensitive.

This is what I'm still researching: Do the FF units work less hard to cool than other quality units (like the ARBs) even if the FF draw amps at a higher rate for a shorter time? All thing being equal, would the total amp draw over each day be less with the FF units? For the price, they better draw less overall, even if they draw amps at a higher rate while cooling for a shorter period. Tough question to find the answer to.


That fan is not a heavy load, it's the compressor that draws the amps. Just about every point given on that page isn't about the ARB.

Point one: Others struggle. I have had zero problems with my ARB in Death Valley with the temps closing on 120F. Next.

Point two: Painted steel case that will rust. I've had my ARB for four years now. I have lived within four miles of or on the ocean and exposed my ARB to the salt air and it hasn't rusted yet. Next.

Point three: Plastic or thin metal handles. The handle isn't thin and isn't a problem. Next.

Point four: Less foam. Since my amp draw is low and it works great in the desert, I don't care. Next.

Point five: Higher amp draw. As discussed, the ARB is rated lower. Next.

Point six: Plastic or cheap hardware. Nope, just like the handle it's just fine. Next.

EDIT: And in regards to ambient temp effects. It's a simple deal. Heat transfer coefficient and area. Increase either and your more efficient.

[4x4Poet]

My budget makes me wonder if one could sew up an insulated cover with proper fan exhaust holes to make the ARB work less hard in the sun. Just something to enhance the unit's capable performance.

If money ever becomes no object, I'll get a FF unit.:D

[dieseltoy]

My budget makes me wonder if one could sew up an insulated cover with proper fan exhaust holes to make the ARB work less hard in the sun.

I would not be suprised if the engel or Norcold covers are less expensive. Not only does Sawafuji make the ARB and Engel fridges, but they also make the identical Norcold models (MRFT-415, MRFT-40, MRFT-460).

So if you are looking at an ARB/Engel fridge or cover, you might also look at Norcold fridges and covers also. (the cover will be interchangeable between brands, since all the fridges are the same except for name brand)

http://i-m-d.com/engel/TBAG45_-_front-l.jpg

[4x4Poet]

Excellent suggestion, dieseltoy.:)

[Haole]

My budget makes me wonder if one could sew up an insulated cover with proper fan exhaust holes to make the ARB work less hard in the sun. Just something to enhance the unit's capable performance.

If money ever becomes no object, I'll get a FF unit.:D


Honestly, I see a use for the FF, but based on its cost and my experience with the ARB, I'm not gonna save my pennies to get one.

[dieseltoy]

Got this in today, bought it off ebay a few days ago.
Norcold MRFT60. Supposedly a factory refurb, looks and works like new!

Identical in every way to the large ARB/Engel, since it's the same manufacturer (Engel)

$500 shipped to my door. Saved at least 50%.

http://clean4x4.com/norcold.jpg

[Moab Austin]

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:8w0wik0Vas8J:ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACEBW-1046032reg.jpg


99 cents plus ice :flipoff2:

[dieseltoy]

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:8w0wik0Vas8J:ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACEBW-1046032reg.jpg


99 cents plus ice :flipoff2:

Man, your right! What was I thinking. you inspired me. Since Ice is sooo much cheaper, I decided to convert it to a regular cooler. :flipoff2:

http://clean4x4.com/norcold1.jpg
http://clean4x4.com/norcold2.jpg


Edit: Just kidding. Some folks on another forum are wanting to just buy the electronics and make their own fridges out of large coolers. I doubt they would save any money, or if it would be worth the trouble, because of the cost of the refrigeration tools.

I am doing my part to help them out though, by taking a couple pics of the innards.

[KYOTA]

Anyone tried the $70 Coleman fridges?

[Ben W]

Has anyone used the Koolatron F-86? http://store.yahoo.net/koolatrononline/arfreez.html

[dieseltoy]

There's another Norcold Tek 2 on ebay, this would be the same as the mid-size ARB. It's too expensive though in my opinion. At least it will definately be by the time the auction ends!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7518908116&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1

[dieseltoy]

Anyone tried the $70 Coleman fridges?

I had one. They use alot of electricity and don't get cold.

They are just mediocre coolers, not a real fridge like the more expensive ARB/Engel/Norcold/fridgefreeze.

[dieseltoy]

Has anyone used the Koolatron F-86? http://store.yahoo.net/koolatrononline/arfreez.html

They are spendy. Their "cooler's" are more expensive than the Coleman/Igloo stuff and use the same "peltier" device. Not a real fridge.

They do show a real, portable fridge though, but it's $850. Not sure if the compressor type that it uses is as durable as the Sawafuji unit used in the ARB/Engel/Norcold fridge/freezers.

[DaGimp]

I knew a couple on a long extended vacation visiting family, lots of road miles. They bought one of those fridges and by the time they got to our house it had froozen all of their food.

They are not all made equal.

[Tech Tim]

I knew a couple on a long extended vacation visiting family, lots of road miles. They bought one of those fridges and by the time they got to our house it had froozen all of their food.

They are not all made equal.

Tell them to turn the temp knob down. :D

There seems to be a learning curve with the ARB/Norcold/Engel fridges (all built by Sawafuji). The temp control knob is 1 to 5. Seems that many people figure that if 5 is freeze, then 3 would keep their stuff nice and cold and wake up in the morning to find everything frozen. That might work if the unit was off at 1, but they are off at the OFF mark and start getting cold at the 1 mark. You adjust the knob according to your needs; are the contents already down to temp or warm? Are you in the rainy NW on a cold day or in Death Valley in the summer with a black truck? How full is it?

A digital temp guage with auto temp control would be nice, so you could set it to cool your barley pops to 36 degrees exactly and it would stay there, but would probably add to the price of an already expensive unit.

[Norcaljr]

I picked up a Norcold unit off ebay. The thing is sweet.

[Moab Austin]

HEY DEISELTOY!!!!!!!!!!

on those panels, how long do yo think it would take to recharge a battery enough to start a car...say a truck with a v8

[dieseltoy]

HEY DEISELTOY!!!!!!!!!!

on those panels, how long do yo think it would take to recharge a battery enough to start a car...say a truck with a v8

here is a link to unisolar's tech page.

http://www.uni-solar.com/cons_products_tech.html

Depending on the size, the amp output is different. I have not had to charge a battery w/one, I just use the battery as a storage device to run the fridge at night when the solar panel is useless. On a cool day, you probably would not need the battery, but since most solar panels put out around 18 volts unloaded, it might be hard on the 12v regulators in the fridge (I doubt that the cheap coolers even have regs) so a charge regulator would still be needed.

I bought a 16 amp charge regulator, so I could run up to x4 of the large panels in a future home application.

[pepe]

For what it's worth I bought the Engel 45 quart last year and I love it. In no way dose the cheep Colman 12 volt ice chest even compare. Those are made to keep an sandwitch and a coke cool for your lunch. The ARB, Engel and Norcolds are designed to be able to put warm stuff in and it will cool it down no different than a refer in your house. The chepo units tell you to cool your drinks down before you put it in. I'm sure they work fine for some peoples needs but again there is no comparison.

I got my 45 quart here http://www.svendsens.com/shoponline/engel/ for about $575 last year. It's kinda like useing dry ice, you have be careful or you will freeze everything. I think most of time I run mine on 1.5 to 2 on a 1 to 5 scale. And just the fact that all my food will never be waterloged again is worth the cost! :smokin:

[dieseltoy]

here:
http://www.sailnet.net/store/item.cfm?pid=24916
for $461.30

keep in mind this is the exact same fridge as the ARB 42 Quart MT45F-AL which usually sells for around $750.00
http://www.dynatrac.com/fridge.htm

[Norcaljr]

I got the Norcold version 63 qt off ebay with one little dent in it for $500. I love it, but its a bit big in the back of my Grand Cherokee. Im kind of wishing I went with the next size down.

[ozarkjeep]

Edit: Just kidding. Some folks on another forum are wanting to just buy the electronics and make their own fridges out of large coolers. I doubt they would save any money, or if it would be worth the trouble, because of the cost of the refrigeration tools.

I am doing my part to help them out though, by taking a couple pics of the innards.

Hey, what forum did you take the pictures for?

that stuff interests me!