Need Camping Fridge Recommendations

Hello all,
I’ve found that I finally need to get a camping fridg to get out into the wilderness more.

Don’t even bother with ARB, Dometic or anything 4x4 in the name. I don’t have instagram so no need to pay that kind of premium. Also, for serious off-road stuff this thing will stay behind (same reason I don’t have a RTT). Won’t get mounted on a slide or any BS like that.

Just something that I can plug into the bed outlet for long drives with an adapter for the 12V cigarette lighters if it ever rides in the cab.

Should also be somewhat weather resistant because I don’t have a shell or anything over my truck bed, just a softopper sometimes.

TIA!

 

Bump

 

Brad from Trail Recon talked about a pretty inexpensive chiller that you might want to look at. I think its around $100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmvTDhGxV3k&t=733s

 

The more expensive fridges are better built, better compressors, insulation and lower power draw.

Sounds like what you want is a 12v cooler

$205 Coleman Electric Cooler | 40-Quart Portable PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Powe...s=12v+coolers&qid=1565715220&s=gateway&sr=8-5

the thing to be aware of is these cool X degrees below ambient temperature where the fridge/freezes will actually goto 0 degrees or below.

 

No, I don’t want one that’s 12V only because the bed outlet where it will be plugged in most of the time is 120V.
I mainly wanna get away from using ice cause it melts and then the water ruins everything.
I have a 1 year old so the old ice chest doesn’t cut it anymore or I’m limited to one night or two max away from civilization

 

the arb elements 63 (12v, 120v & weather resistant) is exactly what you want but you said you don't want anything from ARB so...

 

I'd check the amp draws of the fridge you intend to use. That rear plug may not have the horsepower you need.

 

So you want an a/c fridge that is portable and can also be left behind? Whats the power source when youre at camp and the truck isnt? Have you considered a 3-way fridge?

https://bensdiscountsupply.com/unique-ugp-3w-portable-propane-refrigerators-lpg-110v-12v/

 

Converted to 400W all the time so no issues there

 

Yeah too expensive lol

 

That’s more than ARB it Dometic. Yes, I want an A/C fridge with 12V cig adapter that’s portable.

If I’m at camp and the truck isn’t than either no power source for a few hours or generator or some time down the line I might get a solar panel with A/C charger

 

Doesnt some guy sell a fridge on here for around $450 that's similar to ARB?

 

The big brands are Dometic, ARB, and Norcold. The one that I've heard of but an unfamiliar with the quality is Whynter. If you want a true ACDC portable, expect to spend 500-800. If there are any cheaper than that I certainly wouldn't trust it to last weekend after occasional weekend.

The thermoelectric DC coolers that can be had for 100-200 are junk. They work fine in the back seat of an already air conditioned car, but keeping them in the hot summer sun, you're just asking for food poisoning. Danger danger, will Robinson

 

You want a premium, limited market product, at a cheap price?

I see this going well.

Either get an ARB or Dometic and get off your high horse.

 

Thanks, haven’t heard if Norcold and whynter so I’ll check those out. That’s why I made this thread cuz I obviously knew I could just shell out a grand on ARB or Dometic but don’t want to

 

Link?

 

Go with indel-b through truck fridge.
Them sometimes run a sale for 25% off
Personally I have one and wound go Dometic next time.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/csi-52-quart-fridge-freezer-459-95.560526/

similar to ARB in that its a fridge. definitely differences in quality..

 

You can find them for way cheaper than that esp on the secondhand market. That's how I got mine.

 

Only time will tell. I've seen a lot of reviews for newish failing ARB's online.
Depends how good the ARB warranty is. I don't think fridges are complicated to repair, but I would only feel better about the ARB because I would probably be able to more easily find the component that needs replacing if it does break.