It is fridge time for the rig (ARB)

***Corey*** · 04-05-2007, 04:25 AM

Been doing lots of research, and found some good links.
With the off roading season coming up fast here, I would like to have something to keep food in other than an ice chest.
I have a nice 3 way fridge at home, but it is older tech, huge, and not energy efficient.

http://www.adventure4x4.net/waiting/showthread.php?t=97

http://www.expeditionportal.com/equi...arch/index.php

Seems the ARB and Engel are both made by the same outfit in Japan.
ARB only makes one size now, the 42 qt unit which is model # MT45FARB.

I hear it is a good thing to get the insulating bag for it too, it keeps the compressor from having to turn on and off as much.

Anyone using the ARB or Engel fridges?
If so, please post some feedback on them.

The ARB one I have been looking at.
http://www.arbusa.com/fridge_freezer.php

***Strap22*** · 04-05-2007, 06:22 AM

I have one and wouldn't go anywhere without it. No more Ice to worry about. Do you want me to send you one to evaluate?

4Crawler · 04-05-2007, 09:38 AM

Been using mine for 6 years, works awesome. First trip with it was a week in Moab. Kept everything cold for the entire week and no runs to town for ice.

AxleIke · 04-05-2007, 09:54 AM

Excellent choice. I've seen a rock truck that had one of those: it looked like the fridge had been through 10 rounds of a baseball bat beating session, and was still running like a champ, kept everything cold.

***waskillywabbit*** · 04-05-2007, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strap22

I have one and wouldn't go anywhere without it. No more Ice to worry about. Do you want me to send you one to evaluate?

Ill take one honey pie!

neliconcept · 04-05-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strap22

I have one and wouldn't go anywhere without it. No more Ice to worry about. Do you want me to send you one to evaluate?

ill evaluate it

Engel is what everyone uses over at expeditionportal Corey, I heard its top notch for expedition type travel.

***Corey*** · 04-05-2007, 11:07 AM

Engel, ARB, Norcold, all made by the same company in Japan.
I hear the brand new model of the ARB (specked out by them) has a few extra features on it.

Also the ARB insulating bag you can open the lid with it on.
The Engel bag you can not.

Phil, will more than likely be placing my order here before to long.

Here is another cool add-on for these units.
http://www.twozone.com.au/

It fits right on top.
This way you can have both a fridge and freezer at the same time.

Thanks for the tips and reviews of these guy's.

neliconcept · 04-05-2007, 11:12 AM

Whats the price for one of these units?

***Corey*** · 04-05-2007, 11:18 AM

Both the ARB and Engel hover around the $699 mark.
Or did you mean that add-on?
If so, not sure.

neliconcept · 04-05-2007, 11:19 AM

naw just thinkin about the fridge, I actually thought they retailed for 900. little better then I thought

***Corey*** · 04-06-2007, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strap22

I have one and wouldn't go anywhere without it. No more Ice to worry about. Do you want me to send you one to evaluate?

Thank you Phil and Jacque.
Looking forward to getting lots of use from this.

I will have to look into a mounting tray for it also to mount it to the cargobox.
Engel has some, but I think I saw some links to a cheaper solution.

tc · 04-06-2007, 10:17 AM

Man, I just can't see taking up that much space in the cargo area... Mine is damn near full just with recovery gear, tools, and spare parts!

***Corey*** · 04-06-2007, 10:37 AM

I have all of my tools in the cargobox, and my Warn recovery kit is behind the passenger seat.

The whole top of my cargobox is free with the exception of the Powertank bracket.

Now I have to work on a wiring project for full time 12v power.
Not sure if my acc. outlet on the dash is full time or not.

ARB is back ordered on the insulating blanket, so I will have to swing by again in the future to pick that up.

***Corey*** · 04-06-2007, 04:18 PM

Well, here is the big puppy, and I do mean big when in the back of the FJ.
I would not want anything smaller though, as it would not be enough for a good weekend or more of camping.

If I did not have the cargobox, I would be able to open up the lid pretty high.
With it sitting on top of the cargobox, I can not open it all the way.

It is really though not much bigger than a big Coleman cooler.
What I may end up doing is getting that $70 Engel base, and then see if I can mount it to the drivers side rear seat back when it is in the folded down position.
This way it will be right behind me, and lower so the lid will open up all the way.

I need to research is the seat back can come off so I can get a lock washer and nut behind there when I bold down that base plate.

AxleIke · 04-06-2007, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc

Man, I just can't see taking up that much space in the cargo area... Mine is damn near full just with recovery gear, tools, and spare parts!

yeah, but you left out one of the bigger things.

***Corey*** · 04-07-2007, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AxleIke

yeah, but you left out one of the bigger things.

What did he leave out?

Hey, looking for a conversion chart.
Found a few pages with Google, it might work to print out and attach it to the top of the cooler.
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...mpconvert.html

http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/library/temperature.htm

I think the first link might be better, as it has a better range of numbers on it.

The ARB fridge only has a Celsius readout on it, no way to switch to Fahrenheit.

Anyone considering getting one of these fridges it would be a good idea to have a printout to keep on/by the fridge so your food is stored at a safe temperature.

Food poisoning is not fun.
Been there/done that

***Corey*** · 04-07-2007, 11:55 AM

PS...

I put the info from the first conversion link into both a Word document and a JPG for anyone that may want to print it out and keep with a fridge.

MS doc

JPG

I like the Word document better myself.

AH64ID · 04-07-2007, 12:03 PM

My dad has been running Norcolds in his commercial fishing boat for years, great setup...He even has an OLD one that he uses for one month a year w/out ever being serviced..

I am looking at the Norcold MRFT 40, only needs .71 A at 120v, so it will run off the bed plug when running (limited to 100w

).... but then can also be 12v

....

04-05-2007, 04:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	It is fridge time for the rig (ARB) Been doing lots of research, and found some good links. With the off roading season coming up fast here, I would like to have something to keep food in other than an ice chest. I have a nice 3 way fridge at home, but it is older tech, huge, and not energy efficient. http://www.adventure4x4.net/waiting/showthread.php?t=97 http://www.expeditionportal.com/equi...arch/index.php Seems the ARB and Engel are both made by the same outfit in Japan. ARB only makes one size now, the 42 qt unit which is model # MT45FARB. I hear it is a good thing to get the insulating bag for it too, it keeps the compressor from having to turn on and off as much. Anyone using the ARB or Engel fridges? If so, please post some feedback on them. The ARB one I have been looking at. http://www.arbusa.com/fridge_freezer.php __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

04-05-2007, 06:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Strap22* Sponsoring Vendor Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 1,470	I have one and wouldn't go anywhere without it. No more Ice to worry about. Do you want me to send you one to evaluate? __________________ *Phil* Toyota & TRD Parts Wholesale www.FJCruiserOffroad.com www.trdparts4u.com www.toyotapartsales.com Authorized ARB/OldManEmu Dealer Authorized *OASIS* Air Deflators Dealer

04-05-2007, 09:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,213	Been using mine for 6 years, works awesome. First trip with it was a week in Moab. Kept everything cold for the entire week and no runs to town for ice. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs. r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club Last edited by 4Crawler : 04-05-2007 at 10:01 AM.

04-05-2007, 09:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,536	Excellent choice. I've seen a rock truck that had one of those: it looked like the fridge had been through 10 rounds of a baseball bat beating session, and was still running like a champ, kept everything cold. __________________ IFS SAS My mods aren't bling enough for the signature line. -All Terrains are for when you know how to drive.

04-05-2007, 11:07 AM	#7 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Engel, ARB, Norcold, all made by the same company in Japan. I hear the brand new model of the ARB (specked out by them) has a few extra features on it. Also the ARB insulating bag you can open the lid with it on. The Engel bag you can not. Phil, will more than likely be placing my order here before to long. Here is another cool add-on for these units. http://www.twozone.com.au/ It fits right on top. This way you can have both a fridge and freezer at the same time. Thanks for the tips and reviews of these guy's. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

04-05-2007, 11:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
neliconcept Banned Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 0	Whats the price for one of these units?

04-05-2007, 11:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Both the ARB and Engel hover around the $699 mark. Or did you mean that add-on? If so, not sure. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

04-05-2007, 11:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
neliconcept Banned Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 0	naw just thinkin about the fridge, I actually thought they retailed for 900. little better then I thought

04-06-2007, 10:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 6,818	Man, I just can't see taking up that much space in the cargo area... Mine is damn near full just with recovery gear, tools, and spare parts! __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

04-06-2007, 10:37 AM	#13 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	I have all of my tools in the cargobox, and my Warn recovery kit is behind the passenger seat. The whole top of my cargobox is free with the exception of the Powertank bracket. Now I have to work on a wiring project for full time 12v power. Not sure if my acc. outlet on the dash is full time or not. ARB is back ordered on the insulating blanket, so I will have to swing by again in the future to pick that up. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

04-06-2007, 04:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Well, here is the big puppy, and I do mean big when in the back of the FJ. I would not want anything smaller though, as it would not be enough for a good weekend or more of camping. If I did not have the cargobox, I would be able to open up the lid pretty high. With it sitting on top of the cargobox, I can not open it all the way. It is really though not much bigger than a big Coleman cooler. What I may end up doing is getting that $70 Engel base, and then see if I can mount it to the drivers side rear seat back when it is in the folded down position. This way it will be right behind me, and lower so the lid will open up all the way. I need to research is the seat back can come off so I can get a lock washer and nut behind there when I bold down that base plate. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

04-07-2007, 11:55 AM	#17 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	PS... I put the info from the first conversion link into both a Word document and a JPG for anyone that may want to print it out and keep with a fridge. MS doc JPG I like the Word document better myself. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

04-07-2007, 12:03 PM	#18 (permalink)
AH64ID Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,643	My dad has been running Norcolds in his commercial fishing boat for years, great setup...He even has an OLD one that he uses for one month a year w/out ever being serviced.. I am looking at the Norcold MRFT 40, only needs .71 A at 120v, so it will run off the bed plug when running (limited to 100w ).... but then can also be 12v .... __________________ -John '05 Dodge 3500 SRW 4x4 SLT 5.9 Cummins QC LB NV5600 6 Spd, Pricol EGT and boost, 2" Level, Jake Brake, Muffler Delete, filtered, lubed and bypassed by Amsoil, Mag-Hytec Rear, Fast Coolers, Baldwin 7977, Smarty JR SW#1, Toyo 285's... 2003 SR5 4Runner, V6 4WD. 1" cornfed lift Previous Toyota's '92 Red Truck NALA Speed doesn't kill, its the sudden stop that hurts.