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What Truck Fridge is the best bang for the $$

Discussion in 'Outdoors' started by Danny72, May 31, 2019.

?

Which cooler/fridge?

  1. Coleman Thermoelectric

    1 vote(s)
    6.7%

  2. Igloo Thermoelectric

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  3. Koolatron Thermoelectric

    1 vote(s)
    6.7%

  4. Alpicool Thermoelectric

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  5. Rockpals Thermoelectric

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  6. RTIC Traditional Style

    1 vote(s)
    6.7%

  7. OZARK Traditional Style

    1 vote(s)
    6.7%

  8. Other?

    6 vote(s)
    40.0%

  9. Cabelas Equalizer Trad Style 40% off

    2 vote(s)
    13.3%

  10. Danny stop being a cheap ass and save $$

    3 vote(s)
    20.0%
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  1. May 31, 2019 at 8:04 AM
    #1
    Danny72

    #1
    Danny72 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Let me know what you guys think about some of these and if they have/haven’t worked for you guys. I’m trying to decide on what Thermoelectric Cooler/Ice Chest/Truck Fridge to get. I’m not really willing to drop $900 on an ARB or top of the line. I’m more looking for something along the line of a Coleman 12v Thermoelectric 40qt. I was about to drop $78 on one of them but then really started reading some of the reviews on Amazon and am now kind of wary about it. I’m also up for looking at an RTIC or OZARK cooler as well. I’ve owned the Walmart $18 igloo special and covered it in awesome stickers but it’s not going to do me good enough on multiple day camping trips and Convoy Operations

    Coleman $80
    40qt
    Coleman PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler with Power Supply (40-Quart)
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00168NK9S/

    Igloo Iceless $120
    26qt
    $118 Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless 28-40 Qt Electric Plug-in 12V Coolers, 28qt Iceless Gray
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZYH4BM/

    Koolatron $100
    18qt
    $124 Koolatron Electric Portable Cooler Plug in 12V Car Cooler/Warmer, 18 qt (17 L), No Ice Thermo Electric Portable Fridge for Camping, Travel Road Trips Trucking with 12 Volt DC Power Cord, Gray/White.
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009PGNS/

    Alpicool $200
    (Around the most I’d want to spend)
    15qt
    $180 Alpicool C15 Portable Freezer,12 Volt Car Refrigerator, 16 Quart (15 Liter) Fast Cooling 12V Car Fridge -4℉~68℉, Car Cooler, 12/24V DC and 100-240V AC for Outdoor, Camping, RV, Truck, Boat
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073WYS3TR/ref=sspa_mw_detail_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Rockpals 30qt $117
    30qt
    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rockpals...MI8q7OqILG4gIVBtbACh19rQwaEAQYASABEgLjb_D_BwE

    Dometics/ARB/HomCom Fridges are awesome but I can’t pay that price, and I’m not really looking to grab a $350 Yeti or Pelican either. I’m trying to stay below $200ish. I can’t have it be too big as it’ll be in a 2010 DCSB Taco and on deployment a MATV....which look big on the outside but in full kit there’s like no room and you’re riding around in the fetal position with one leg extending down to the gas pedal! (They do have 12v plug ins-tho)
     
    Danny72, May 31, 2019
    #1
  2. Jun 4, 2019 at 7:23 AM
    #2
    Danny72

    #2
    Danny72 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Danny72, Jun 4, 2019
    #2
  3. Jun 4, 2019 at 7:31 AM
    #3
    wildfyr3

    #3
    wildfyr3 KEØGLC

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    Odds are any thermometric cooler (those using the peltier cooler, not the standard refrigerant cooling systems) won't be useful in your situation. They are significantly less efficient than refrigerators meaning unless you have a 4D battery, or always unplugging the cooler overnight, you'll run your batteries dry quickly.

    https://www.arkportablepower.com/bl...able-12v-thermoelectric-coolers-pros-and-cons


    It looks like that alpicool is a true refrigerator though! Haven't heard anything about it in terms of reviews though.
     
    wildfyr3, Jun 4, 2019
    #3
    Danny72[OP] likes this.
  4. Jun 4, 2019 at 7:34 AM
    #4
    4x4Runner

    #4
    4x4Runner Sam’s gone, man. Moderator

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    One thing I read on the thermoelectric one’s is this.

    Coleman: “40-degreeF BELOW the surrounding temperature.”

    Igloo: “Cools down to 36 degrees Fahrenheit below the outside temperature.”

    Koolatron: “Cools to approiximately 40F degree /22C degree below outside temperature.”

    The alpicool looks like it would do what you want it to.
     
    4x4Runner, Jun 4, 2019
    #4
    whatstcp, tcjacado, uploadadventure and 1 other person like this.
  5. Jun 4, 2019 at 8:52 AM
    #5
    Danny72

    #5
    Danny72 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Danny72, Jun 4, 2019
    #5
    uploadadventure likes this.
  6. Jun 4, 2019 at 9:19 AM
    #6
    Danny72

    #6
    Danny72 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What do you mean by “read this”
    Do you think the below outside temp is bad?
     
    Danny72, Jun 4, 2019
    #6
  7. Jun 4, 2019 at 9:25 AM
    #7
    YF_Ryan

    #7
    YF_Ryan Well-Known Member

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    Have you been watching Craigslist or FB Marketplace or anything like that for an ARB or Dometic? Deals pop up once in awhile that might not be too far out of your budget.

    The Alpicool does look like it might fit the bill, especially since it is a compressor fridge... but I'd worry about the reliability after reading the reviews on Amazon. Especially if you are going to be moving it between vehicles often.

    My 2 cents would be to keep using your cooler for now and hold out til you were able to put together the funds for a quality compressor fridge. Our Dometic fridge has been the #1 purchase we've made when it comes to our truck. And that sucker seems built to last. I'm sure it will outlast my truck.
     
    YF_Ryan, Jun 4, 2019
    #7
    Danny72[OP] and wildfyr3 like this.
  8. Jun 4, 2019 at 9:29 AM
    #8
    4x4Runner

    #8
    4x4Runner Sam’s gone, man. Moderator

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    If the outside temp is 90* then the best those thermoelectric coolers will do is cool to 50*-54*. If it’s 110* then it’ll be 70-74 degrees inside the cooler.

    Whatever temperature you’ll be working in, subtract 36-40 and that is how cool it will be inside your thermoelectric cooler.
     
    4x4Runner, Jun 4, 2019
    #8
    DaveInDenver, Danny72[QUOTED][OP] and tcjacado like this.
  9. Jun 4, 2019 at 9:30 AM
    #9
    4x4Runner

    #9
    4x4Runner Sam’s gone, man. Moderator

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    I second this. My ARB was by far the best purchase I made for my vehicle.

    As far as I know, Dometic makes the ARB fridges based on ARB’s design.
     
    4x4Runner, Jun 4, 2019
    #9
    Danny72[OP], tcjacado and YF_Ryan[QUOTED] like this.
  10. Jun 4, 2019 at 9:39 AM
    #10
    113tac

    #10
    113tac Well-Known Member

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    That alpicool is only 15L which is more like an overnight cooler in my opinion.
     
    113tac, Jun 4, 2019
    #10
    Danny72[OP] likes this.
  11. Jun 4, 2019 at 9:47 AM
    #11
    YF_Ryan

    #11
    YF_Ryan Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I've heard the ARBs and Dometics all use the same compressors. I'd just buy whichever fits your space the best as well as the budget. Or whichever showed up on the 2nd hand market. Being able to actually set a temperature and have it stay there is great. Not just the "up to" so many degrees below outside temp.
     
    YF_Ryan, Jun 4, 2019
    #11
    Danny72[OP] likes this.
  12. Jun 4, 2019 at 3:54 PM
    #12
    Btnewman

    #12
    Btnewman Benjamin Newman

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    Uh. It's beat to he//. But it's only 1 owner.
    Custom body work/damage ARB rear locker Bumpers Shocks Other parts Tires and Rims Air tank fully plumbed into truck "Golf ball mod"
    So, digging around on Amazon, looks like there are a few more options that have better reviews than the alpicool, slightly more expensive, but not bad

    Ausranvik Car Fridge Portable Freezer (16 Quart), 12V Fridge, -4°F~50°F, DC 12V and AC 110V Compatible, Digital Touch Control
    Car Fridge Portable Freezer (16 Quart), 12V Fridge, -4°F~50°F, DC 12V and AC 110V Compatible, for car, boat, truck, camping, road trip
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KSPY3KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mqV9CbTMCGF55

    A bit bigger at 42qt

    42 Quart Portable RV Refrigerator/Freezer Compact Vehicle Car Fridge Compressor Electric Cooler for Car,Truck,RV,Boat,Outdoor and Home use 12/24V DC and 90-250 AC,Cooling from 68°F to -13°F
    Linsion 19qt 12 volt Car Refrigerator Portable Refrigerator Freezer Compact Car Fridge Electric Cooler Chest Freezer for Truck,RV,Boat,Van,Trailer, Use 12/24V DC, 110-240V AC,Cooling to -4F(White)
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYVYYGR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AsV9Cb09ZWNZK

    Another medium size choice, not a lot of reviews yet though, might suggest a little more googling.
    Geckoes 23 Quart 12 volt Portable Car Refrigerator Car Fridge Car Freezer Mini Fridge Freezer compact refrigerator for car and home -4°F ~ 68°F (White)
    Geckoes 23 Quart Portable Refrigerator Car Fridge Freezer Compact Refrigerator -4°F ~ 68°F - 12V/24V DC and 110V AC
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7HW5X9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ruV9CbQBZZ2ZX


    Again, not a lot of reviews, but looks promising
    Portable Refrigerator 20 Quart (18 Liter) Car, Truck, RV, 28 Cans Mini Fridge Freezer (-7.6℉~50℉) Rapid Cooling Quiet 12/24V DC and 110-240 AC, Electric Cooler for Home, Outdoor Travel, Camping
    $160 F40C4TMP 12 Volt Refrigerator 20 Quart 12V Fridge(-8℉~50℉) 18L Portable Freezer with Compressor 100-240V AC for Camping, Truck, RV, Travel, Boat and Home Use
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G132X2F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8xV9CbV4N5E0F

    The Amazon search was done by looking for portable car freezer, and car compressor freezer.
     
    Btnewman, Jun 4, 2019
    #12
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  13. Jun 4, 2019 at 4:39 PM
    #13
    Sacrifice

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    Sacrifice Motorcycle Goon

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    I have a whynter fridge. Extremely happy with it for $500. Beats using a cooler for anything more than a couple days.
     
    Sacrifice, Jun 4, 2019
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  14. Jun 4, 2019 at 4:51 PM
    #14
    tcjacado

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    tcjacado Well-Known Member

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    tcjacado, Jun 4, 2019
    #14
    Danny72[OP] likes this.
  15. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:13 AM
    #15
    Danny72

    #15
    Danny72 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I’m a craigslist-skank! Haha I spend so much time on there it’s ridiculous! Like I said I would love a dometic, but the stars would have to align with the 9 planets (still rooting for Pluto) or I’d have to get lucky with black jack haha
     
    Danny72, Jun 5, 2019
    #15
  16. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:14 AM
    #16
    Danny72

    #16
    Danny72 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oooooo that CSI is sexy AND affordable!

    I’ve seen some of those as well, but the lack of reviews are what made me overlook them


    Very-very-very true.....After going to Walmart to see what “quart sizes” are, just to get a better idea of the dimensions, 15L is more like a lunch box hahahaha
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2019
    Danny72, Jun 5, 2019
    #16
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  17. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:39 AM
    #17
    113tac

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    113tac Well-Known Member

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    Yeah it’s slightly different comparing a fridge to a regular cooler since you don’t need to hold ice in a fridge but at 15L it’s still pretty small
     
    113tac, Jun 5, 2019
    #17
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  18. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:42 AM
    #18
    whatstcp

    #18
    whatstcp currently drunk so don't listen to me

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    Jesus, so out in desert valley when it gets to 130F I'll be sipping on ice cold 90 degree cola?
     
    whatstcp, Jun 5, 2019
    #18
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  19. Jun 5, 2019 at 8:47 AM
    #19
    JLee

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    JLee The Man! Vendor

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    This ^ your looking at "Coolers" not fridges. These are really only good for road trips when your in the vehicle the whole time. If you was to keep food refrigerated you will need a fridge with a proper compressor.
     
    JLee, Jun 5, 2019
    #19
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  20. Jun 5, 2019 at 9:04 AM
    #20
    Danny72

    #20
    Danny72 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I’m starting to realize that, I honestly didn’t even understand that I needed to look for something with a compressor until this morning when I caught up on all these posts.
    And Yeah I see that, these fridges, and thermoelectric coolers have a lot more going on, I was really hoping to find one there to open up, slap around, hop on top of and beat my chest like a chimpanzee......but there weren’t any fridges/thermo coolers, and while I’m in Humboldt county on a vacation I still might have gotten arrested haha
     
    Danny72, Jun 5, 2019
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