ARB fridges

Submitted: Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 11:47

ThreadID: 84577 Views:3517 Replies:6 FollowUps:3

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Portable Fridges

The debate over which fridge is the best on the market is one of the most contested discussions in the camping recreation. In this article we look at the range of features and the major issues to

Kenmar

Does anyone have an opinion on the ARB fridge, and how it compares with a engel

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Reply By: Doddgey - Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 12:24

Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 12:24

More info here - http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/83600/ARB_fridge__Forum.aspx

Cheers

Doddgey

AnswerID: 446429

Reply By: ao767brad - Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 13:30

Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 13:30

Two mates are very happy with the new series ARB fridges, we have the engel and could not be happier. The engel can be found alot cheaper than the ARB as are regularly on sale at the major camping retailers, (27% off at Rays Outdoors last week, 25% off the week before at Anaconda) so for a comparable product you can pickup the engel below $1000 new (40ltr MTF45)

AnswerID: 446441

Follow Up By: Gronk - Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 14:04

Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 14:04

But the ARB is 47ltrs.....so not a true comparison..

The Engel 40 is a great fridge, but for me ( and a lot of others ) is too small.....and the 60ltr is huge ( it's why I have a Waeco 60 ltr ).

The new 60 ltr ARB is out now ( or soon ), and should have a footprint similar to the Waeco, so should be pretty popular as well !

FollowupID: 718822

Reply By: Member - Bill S (VIC) - Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 19:40

Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 19:40

Hi Kenmar,

I purchased the ARB 47l about 15 months ago, has been on several trips away and couldn't be happier.

I think they are all pretty much the same really but as mentioned above you will find Engels for a better price every now and again. Accessories and servicing would be easier to organise as well because of more retail outlets.

Bill S.

AnswerID: 446466

Reply By: AlbyNSW - Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 20:59

Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 20:59

According to the last 4wd action comparison they are much more frugal on power consumption than the Engel units

AnswerID: 446475

Follow Up By: Busy Bee - Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 22:37

Thursday, Feb 24, 2011 at 22:37

Yes the ARB did well in the 4WD Action comparo a couple of years ago, probably came out on top. I like the way the lid comes off if you are short of headroom.
However I went Engel as at the time they threw in the $200 travel cover etc etc.
Both good fridges, as are Waeco. It's a bit Holden/Falcon, one little feature will appeal to you more. In my case it was the freebies.

FollowupID: 718880

Reply By: Tim - Friday, Feb 25, 2011 at 08:37

Friday, Feb 25, 2011 at 08:37

I think its interesting how a few years ago everyone put waecos down because they are made of plastic and now ARB do it its ok? I do note that engel do also sell a plastic line as well however they still have the steel construction fridge.
While not being an ARB fan, to be fair, one thing that ARB do have is a lot of stores around the country should your ARB fridge break down on the road. That was a selling point I have overheard them use (your trip wouldn't be stuffed up by a broken fridge) however I do also wonder how keen they would be to give you another fridge off the shelf and send you on your way. I would imagine it may be a longer process (repair) which then negates the benefit of having so many ARB stockists.
ARB do have 47L as opposed to a 40L, I must ask though, is desire driven by availability?
Tim

AnswerID: 446508

Follow Up By: Doddgey - Friday, Feb 25, 2011 at 11:25

Friday, Feb 25, 2011 at 11:25

Hi Tim,

Lid and bottom are plastic, cabinet itself is steel.

Cheers

Doddgey

FollowupID: 718908

Reply By: trainslux - Friday, Feb 25, 2011 at 12:40

Friday, Feb 25, 2011 at 12:40

If your looking at 47lts size.
Then I would highly recomend the Evakool
Great fridge, and or freezer/ fridge freezer combo.
Very good on power usage, and Aust made.

Trains.

Ps, can use the freezer section as a very small fridge and use the other side as storage, it uses very little power then. Or use the divider to give you the exact fridge size you need for efficiency.

Alot of versatility with these units.

AnswerID: 446526