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What do you think of this portable 12v fridge?

nutt7

nutt7

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Ahwatukee, AZ -> JBLM, WA
https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/app/5931432420.html

My slow build is eventually going towards a multi day camping rig/overland build. I'm not a huge fan of my Rubbermaid cooler and I dream about out-of-budget fridges from time to time. I don't need it terribly right now, but I'm not sure if this is a good enough deal to spend my money on...especially when I'm planning a bumper tire carrier build too. If it's a great deal, I'll pick it up.

These things are spendy, and this particular model is well reviewed. It's the same as engel. It draws as much as 2.5a, is roughly the same capacity as my cooler (without ice). It can be used inside too.

What say you?
 
No input, other than this brand is used in plenty of RV applications. So I can understand the good reviews.
 
Honestly I'd find it hard to believe that it draws so little power. See if you can view a manual online and find out what it's fused for. I'd plan to hardwire and keep the fuse relatively accessible in case it blows. Experience being my teacher :)
 
GoGoGirl said:
Honestly I'd find it hard to believe that it draws so little power. See if you can view a manual online and find out what it's fused for. I'd plan to hardwire and keep the fuse relatively accessible in case it blows. Experience being my teacher :)
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Looked it up. It's a 10a fuse. So I believe the 2.5a draw is accurate. Due to the design of the compressor motor, their is no start up surge either. You read my mind about the hard wire.
 
I hard wired my friends in. That's why I know it was that model. With a shut off switch feeding a relay for power.
 
I have a Norcold I use in the K5 and it's never missed a beat, even through the 4-wheeling. I've had it in my cabin on a marine battery for a couple days at a time and also used it on summer picnics running off an 8Ah gel cel. Never measured the actual current draw, though. I know several people who run these off their main vehicle battery all night. I don't know if the one you posted is a good price or not. How many cubic feet? It'll make a low humming sound when it runs and the inside wall should be cold within 5 or 10 minutes. Verify the thermostat works and it runs off both voltages.

The Norcold, Engel, ARB are all swing compressors which are efficient with low starting current. What you want to avoid are the thermoelectric units (Koolatron, Coleman, etc.) which produce more heat than they transfer. They're also very slow to cool things that start warm and their interior temp rises with exterior temp. I think that's where portable refrigerators get a reputation for drawing a lot of power.
 
Blue85 said:
I have a Norcold I use in the K5 and it's never missed a beat, even through the 4-wheeling. I've had it in my cabin on a marine battery for a couple days at a time and also used it on summer picnics running off an 8Ah gel cel. Never measured the actual current draw, though. I know several people who run these off their main vehicle battery all night. I don't know if the one you posted is a good price or not. How many cubic feet? It'll make a low humming sound when it runs and the inside wall should be cold within 5 or 10 minutes. Verify the thermostat works and it runs off both voltages.

The Norcold, Engel, ARB are all swing compressors which are efficient with low starting current. What you want to avoid are the thermoelectric units (Koolatron, Coleman, etc.) which produce more heat than they transfer. They're also very slow to cool things that start warm and their interior temp rises with exterior temp. I think that's where portable refrigerators get a reputation for drawing a lot of power.
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It's about 1.5 cu ft...I think it retailed for around $1000.

GWeakland620 said:
That's a pretty cool fridge.

Mine was a little more expensive LOL.

View attachment 221729
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Your fridge has a camper attached to it? Nice. What's in that thing?
 
If its the same as an Engel then go for it. When I was going to get one for 2 of my never completed expo builds I always wanted one bad. Although with the innovations in coolers lately like the Yeti and ice lasting 7+ days now I dont think Ill ever spend the bucks on one.
 
Stomis said:
If its the same as an Engel then go for it. When I was going to get one for 2 of my never completed expo builds I always wanted one bad. Although with the innovations in coolers lately like the Yeti and ice lasting 7+ days now I dont think Ill ever spend the bucks on one.
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New top shelf cooler vs new fridge, I'd go cooler for sure...until I spent enough time off the grid to NEED a fridge (I haven't reached that point yet). I'm entertaining this only because it's in the top shelf cooler price range. Not dealing with ice and frozen hands while digging for that soggy cheese or last beer though...that sound nice.

Anyway, I sent an offer...
 
ridenby said:
Just because I did not see them mentioned; http://truckfridge.com/models.html
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Those look like a rebrand - not that that's a problem with me...most are. The price is good.

The offer I sent was initially declined since she's selling it for her father who is ill and wanted to consult him "on a good day" so I am waiting. Run on sentence, lol.
 
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