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Review on ๐Ÿฅถ ARB 10810602 Portable Fridge/Freezer: Ultimate Weatherproof Cooling Solution by Joseph Hall

Revainrating 5 out of 5

great with some oddities + tips for van builders

This fridge has been working fantastic for us for many months. (I'll update this suggestion if it fails.) Of course you're comparing fridges, so here's my conclusion: I haven't used Dometic, but I'm sure they're fine. I believe they are made in the same factory as ARB. ARB just got slightly better ratings for the fridge and customer service. Engel seems to be a great brand too, but they're more Australian-oriented and reportedly difficult to renovate in the US. (Unless your trips are limited to 1-2 days, I wouldn't even consider going the cooler + ice cream route). you grabbed it tight The temperature control takes some getting used to. Partly because the displayed temperature differs from the factory setting. However, it has a hidden (not listed in the manual) feature that helps: you can add an offset to what is shown (google Arb Fridge Temperature Recalibration - it's very simple). This doesn't affect the actual cooling, it just makes the display more consistent with the actual inside temperature. I set the offset to max (8 degrees) and now it's very accurate (according to the thermometer I left inside). I use mine as a fridge (not a freezer) and set it to 32. Note that the temperature is naturally lower than in the top or rear compartment. I see about 31 below and 38 above. I find it best to put jars and frozen food on the bottom, milk and meat on top, and fruit and veg on the back shelf. With this setting, the cans come out very cold, sometimes slightly squishy, quite perfect. So far nothing has gone bad. If you buy this, all you have to do is get an ARB threaded socket for it so the plug doesn't fall out and ruin your food. UNRELATED Van-Maker TIP: Charging lithium-ion batteries and alternators is extremely efficient, and you may not need solar power at all if you intend to drive at least once every few days. I've got this fridge, some LED lights, a few laptops and fans, and I'm using less than 20 amps a day, and I'm seeing 40-50 amps an hour while driving (with a standard Chevy Express alternator).

Pros
  • Electrical appliances
Cons
  • I vaguely remember