45 or 65 qt Whynter Fridge

[Gadget728]

I've been on the fence between getting a stand up 120v. dorm fridge or just go ahead and spend the money on a quality 12 V. unit. Although I have 4 - T-105's, a generator and hope for at least 400w of solar, I don't want to mess with a relay setup for the 120 V. dorm type fridge. 
I've decided on a single 12 V. unit and I like the Whynter brand. I plan on going full time within the next year. Sooner if finances allow. 

The link below is for the 65 qt, although there is a box for the 45 qt. too. There is only a couple of inches difference in size, I have room for either one and there's only $61 difference in the price. 

https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-FM-65G-65-Quart-Portable-Refrigerator/dp/B002W8DM5I
 
This link is for the dual zone. It's about $100 more, but I like the 2 separate sides.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VX01P2?ref=emc_b_5_i

Does anyone know if these have the danfoss compressor? 

I really don't want 2 separate full size units, nor can I really afford 2 units, any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Almost There]

The best way to tell which size you need is to do a mock up.

Take the inside dimensions, create a cardboard 'fridge', make sure you include the ledge inside when you do so. Then start emptying your S&B fridge in to it, keeping in mind that you WILL end up buying the smaller sizes of condiments once you're on the road.

I use a plastic shoe box to keep my fresh veggies contained in one corner and I now use a recycled juice container to keep water in.

I looked at the combination units when I was figuring out what to get. They're nice, but for me anyways, both the fridge side and the freezer side were way too small.

I have the 65 qt Whynter (2 actually) and immediately after a shopping trip I have to cram stuff in the fridge unit. Not because I buy too much but because the full head of lettuce and all the veggies take up a lot of room. I've also taken to chopping down my egg carton that's only half full because I don't wait until I'm out to buy more so I often have 2 of them in there.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

The Whynter's don't have the danfoss compressor. Seems any brand that uses a Danfoss makes it immediately known, as it's a great selling feature. I've been trying to decide on which size I want for awhile now and think I'll be going with one in the 60 qt range. I feel like it's one of those things you'll always wish you went bigger if you get the smaller one

 

[Mobilesport]

I have a cf 35 and most of the time it meets my needs perfectly but now and then i go to put something in it and theres no room left so i remove lets say 10 cans of soda and then i have room .
Note: iussually keep mine stocked with 24 cans of soda and then my food.
So would i switch to a bigger model???? 
Probably not mainly because a bigger model would draw more amps , if they drew the same amps i would get the bigger model.
I deffinitly would'nt go smaller then my cf35 .
I think you'd be happy with either one if you have the batteries to power it.

 

[wayne49]

I have the 65 qt. The draw while cycling to keep 38F is ~5.5 amps in 90+F ambient temps. I have two group 29s and 400W solar. The frig has little effect.

As someone else mentioned I also end up stuffing the 65 full on a shopping trip.

In my opinion, cooling 24 cans of soda is sub optimal use of the space. I go with four in the box, then replenish as consumed.

Unless you throw large parties often. Then Party On!

I was also thinking of the 45 qt to minimize the footprint. At the time there was a sale on the 65's where the 65 was only $20 more. I checked the dimensions and it was such a negligible difference.

 

[SternWake]

There are front loading 12v DC compressor fridges, in case the OP is not aware and thinks the only 12vdc options are chest style.

http://truckfridge.com/tf49.html

http://www.westyventures.com/parts.html#cart_restore

 

[Oopslala]

I have the TF65 and absolutely love it. Also having a whynter 45qt coming to use as a freezer in January.

As far as the truckfridge goes, it uses very minimal power and I keep it just about freezing. I'm not sure the usage though.

 

[jimindenver]

I found a FM-65 new in box here for $480. It would be used as a freezer but only if it fits on the battery box when the table is up.

 

[akrvbob]

The selling point to me on the Truckfridge is a branch office in New Jersey and Tuscon. Since I'm in Arizona much of the year, I can take it in for warranty or repair. With nearly any others you are paying to ship both ways and by the time you pay that and for the repair, it probably would be cheaper to throw it away and buy a new one.

I had a friend whose dometic cf 45 failed after 18 months, he emailed and called every contact he could find and they would not return his message. He simply found it impossible to find any place to take it for repair. He gave it away and bought a Whynter.

 

[ahh_me2]

I have a 35 qt Engel that I use as a freezer, it is perfectly sized for that.

But for a fridge, I would want at least 65-70 qts size.

For me, a combo unit would not be satisfactory in either regards.

You have to do what is best for you.

 

[Gadget728]

Thanks for all the replies.
I don't keep much food, frozen or otherwise in either of the house fridges in my apt. and shop. Being single, I like to buy fresh and cook several days worth of food at a time. I can make several meals out of it and nothing goes to waste. I realize my eating habits will probably change when I hit the road and I want to be prepared. I prefer a top loader to a front loader, but thanks for posting the links for me to check out.

I read a thread here awhile back where the Whynter units were recommended, and to buy it through Home Depot for easy return or replacement. I went ahead and ordered the Dual Zone model from HD and it should be here in a few days.

The fridge is like my generator, pricey but worth it. I could have got a Harbor Freight genny, but I would have always worried. I'm glad I just went ahead and bought the high dollar Yamaha. The same goes for the fridge, I could have gone smaller or cheaper, but I would possibly not had enough room or the quality I wanted. It's all good. - Gadget

 

[jimindenver]

With the dual zone can both sides be as a freezer at once or is it always split fridge and freezer?

 

[Gadget728]

With the dual zone can both sides be as a freezer at once or is it always split fridge and freezer?

Hi Jim, One of the main reasons I bought it. You can run either side different, or both the same. Freezer/Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Freezer/Freezer, Fridge/Fridge.
Claimed temp range for either side is 5°-50° F.