Heads-Up on 12V Fridge/Freezer Deal

[longbedder]

I've been doing a bunch of research on 12V fridge/freezer units lately - the idea is that I'd get one to secure in the bakc of my Blazer for trail/camping runs and throw in the Burb for Costco runs. If you aren't familiar, these are actually compressor units and can run down to -8°F (versus the cheapo thermoelectric units that simply drop 40° below whatever the outside air is). These days there are basically two compressor models: the Sawafuji and the Danfoss. Both are good compressors with proven track records. The Sawafuji is very slightly more efficient, and is used in the ARB and Engel fridge/freezers. They used to use the Danfoss.

Anyway, I came across a raging deal on a 63qt Edgestar which uses the Danfoss. At $350 (free shipping), they are scratch/dent models, but those who've bought from the linked site say their scratch/dent purchases have been pretty much flawless: http://www.compactappliance.com/FP6...pd.html?cgid=Clearance_Items-Scratch_and_Dent

Here's a loooong thread on another forum discussing the EdgeStar units: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23350

I just ordered mine today - will report back after I receive it.

 

[munepit]

Damm, Sweet! I need one. Thanks!!!!

 

[4X4HIGH]

That's a screaming deal. I've always wanted one but not for the price that ARB wants for them. Unfortunately i'm not in a psoition to purchase one right now so hopefully when i'm ready they'll still have this deal.

 

[longbedder]

I've always wanted one but not for the price that ARB wants for them. Unfortunately i'm not in a psoition to purchase one right now so hopefully when i'm ready they'll still have this deal.

The thread on expoportal is several years old - consensus is that if you keep an eye on that vendor's site (compactappliances) they've always got one deal or another going, and stuff is constantly circulating into their open box and scratch/dent sections.

I'm stoked about this - no more buying/stoking ice, no more soggy food, no more draining, and I could have ice cream in Pritchett Canyon in July if I wanted to

I can also just pull it out of the truck and plug it into the 110VAC outlet in the garage for the next trip or until I feel like unpacking.

 

[munepit]

Just placed the order. Thanks for the heads up and link!

 

[longbedder]

Just placed the order. Thanks for the heads up and link!

No prob, Jeff - it'll keep yer beer nice and cold next time you make it over to the desert...

 

[munepit]

Thanks, me and Tom need to come over there sometime in the near future! Hope all is well with the wife and baby Keith!!! My baby girl is now 7 months! Time flies!!!

 

[longbedder]

Well, I got it today, and I'm pretty happy so far.

It runs quietly, has nice controls and temp readout, and cools very quickly (with nothing in it in my garage 65°F to 25°F in about 30 minutes). It does run on 110VAC, 24 VDC, or 12VDC. It is a scratch'n'dent, and does have one scratch and one dent next to eachother on the front - I don't care less about this.

In reading about it on the web, people do have complaints about the cigarette lighter plug and I can see why. It has a very strong spring which tends to push it out of the receptacle and then it loses contact with any vibration. This won't be an issue for me since I plan on having a hardwired line run to the back of the Blazer and Burb with locking connectors to plug into.

I'll probably also make some custom tie-down points for ratchet straps, as the stock handles are plastic and may not hold up forever.

 

[Fordum]

Looks good. Just remember those things are heat exchangers, and they live or die by ventilation.
Where ever you mount it, make sure not only are the vents not blocked, but there is good airflow available.

In the back of a closed in cab on a hot day with no air conditioner, might just be fatal to the compressor.

Also, if its going to be in the open in hot country, like desert hot, you might consider gluing some extra insulation on the top at least.
Some of that combination foam and foil might do good.
Easy to work with and cheap to replace when it gets torn.

Plus, if its going to be hot, you might consider mounting a couple of high volume fans on the outside to increase airflow.
Couple of high flow 12 volt fans out of a computer would do well.

And, after a dusty trail ride, be sure to either wash or blow out the radiator.

 

[imiceman44]

I kept looking for a good deal on one of these and never found one, eventually I did something better.
I got an inverter and a regular small fridge form HD for $60.
The inverter I got was a 2000W for $115 and I use it for my fridge, Laptop, 3 in 1 printer scanner copier, and charging my phone.
I have had this setup for 3 years and it works great, and if I ever have problem with the fridge, I just buy another for $60.
It has a freezer and a fridge with shelves.
Oh and now I got some solar panels from HF to keep my batteries topped off.

 

[munepit]

I kept looking for a good deal on one of these and never found one, eventually I did something better.
I got an inverter and a regular small fridge form HD for $60.
The inverter I got was a 2000W for $115 and I use it for my fridge, Laptop, 3 in 1 printer scanner copier, and charging my phone.
I have had this setup for 3 years and it works great, and if I ever have problem with the fridge, I just buy another for $60.
It has a freezer and a fridge with shelves.
Oh and now I got some solar panels from HF to keep my batteries topped off.

Got any pics of your setup? Like where is the inverter mounted and is the fridge bolted down? Is your inverter hard wired? The FedEx truck is going to deliver my fridge today! I have an inverter, But haven't mounted it yet. Thanks!!

 

[munepit]

Well, I got mine yesterday and it was used and didnt work. But, they are now sending me a brand new one that isn't a "scratch and dent".
The one is got wont get under 55*. I guess I could get it fixed or use it as a tool box.

 

[munepit]

Im not getting another one. They gave my money back and told me to keep the fridge. I took the money and bought a winch!!!

Here is the pics of the damaged part of the fridge. Maybe I can have it fixed. I have a guy I know who does HVAC.

I dont know what is fried, but something is.

So, I bought this instead.

 

[munepit]

Hey Keith. If I cant get it fixed. You can have this for parts If I dont do something with it.

 

[longbedder]

Wow - that sucks...but that's an awfully generous offer, Jeff. Thanks!