Bushman V ARB fridge

Aah sorry I should have clarified. I'm looking at one of the new generation ARB fridges, not the older ones that were rebranded Engels.

HI Yetb, how many times do you reckon you would change the lid height on your Bushman? This feature really applealed to us when we looked at them, but then we thought maybe it was a bit of a gimmick and would the fridge really handle the extra volume with the higher lid options. How cold do you reckon the upper level of the fridge gets with the extension on it? Do you use the storage baskets in the fridge? Thanks, doc.(Don't mean to hijack your thread RW- we are looking at the same two fridges as well.)

Good point about changing the lids.
Unless I am really pressed for space in the back of the car, I always use the higher lid.
No discernible difference in temperature (I run it set to 1 or 2 degrees C) with either lid. The internal temperature with the insulated cover seems pretty even overall. I suspect that the compressor runs a bit more often with the high one though.
There is just one storage basket and you can use this in two hieght settings as well. I use the basket for the smaller items (bacon, butter etc) bearing in mind you usually need to take this basket out to get to the beer!
I should have also mentioned that the handles are good and strong on this fridge too. I have used cut down ratchet straps through these to secure the fridge on either side to my fridge slide.


Cheers

Ta Yetb, do you think the baskets make the use of space more efficient or less efficient?I'm thinking a basket would make it easier to pack and access things but the downside would be overall less usable space. doc.

No harm done oz doc, seems like we are both chasing the same answers.

The thing that put me off the Bushman initially, was that for all intents and purposes with the normal lid it was simply a 35 litre fridge, which I already have. The ARB one is 47 litres which is more like what I want.

But if the Bushman goes fine with the different lids, then the flexibility of having 3 fridges in one is a sure bonus...

I use the basket as described and always leave it in.
It has a secondary benefit of stopping taller milk and wine bottles from tipping sideways - so it helps with packing the fridge.
If you do drink stubbies (I generally take cans when I camp for more than 1 night - easier to bring out empty) be aware that they will need to be laid on thier sides with the basket in place. Stubbies are just too tall the sit under the basket and the lid doesnt quite shut. You can still get a good dozen or so in there laying them down - enough for me for a night!

Steve

You can buy a better cord from Bushman for about $25

Steve

After reading all the follow ups you are spot on. The Bushman is very flexible with the collar and lid but we always it in the 52 litre format and have never had a problem,

Like you the original cord was a bit iffy after a while but when we rang the distributor we were told about the new cord. No problems since. (about 3 yrs ago)