Choices of 12v fridges

[bpdchief]

I know Bob just changed from Dometic to Truckfridge. And I just read maybe 6 reviews for the EdgeStar FP430, mostly praises, but, one horror story about the aluminum covering over copper coils causing freon leaks after 3-4 years.... So, what are y'all using out there? Suggestions, pros and cons?

 

[highdesertranger]

I have 3 Engels. the oldest is 7 years and still running like a champ. 2nd one 6 years. 3rd one I bought used for 300 bucks like new and it's 3 years old. the first 2 I have abused hauling them on hundreds of miles of back roads. I am very satisfied with them. highdesertranger

 

[Jmel]

I just dipped my toe in and got a dometic cc40us for 336 shipped a few weeks ago. 51 kwh use per year according to the manual. I like it so far. Dryers RV has a deal on it.

 

[jonsun]

small dorm fridge converted to 12v with an inverter. $110 total. been averaging 15-20w an hour this time of year. (measured from charge controller)

 

[UptownSport]

Indel B 12 volt only. 3Amp draw- it cycles a lot.
No idea how it compares- nothing to compare it to.

Did you see the video on DIY super insulated ice fridge?
Kinda wishin i would've thought this out a little more.

 

[Weight]

I have an Indel-B. They manufacture the Truckfridge. After 3 years my only complaint is moisture inside during humid seasons. They could have a better lid seal. I don't notice the power use, my solar covers it.

 

[Almost There]

I have a pair of Whynter 65 qt units that I'm quite happy with. They're going on 2 years old now and I've had no trouble with the fridge units themselves. Both of the 12V accessory plugs failed within the first 6 months and Whynter wanted too much to replace them so I cut them off and hard-wired the fridges. If needed the cord can be disconnected at the fridge itself so it's not a concern.

Since they're my first 12V compressor fridges I have nothing to compare them with.

One is set up at 0F as a deep freeze and one at 40F as a fridge unit.

 

[karl]

Another Indel- B happy customer, 4 years and still happy. Like it better than the upright Truckfridge I used before.....cheaper too.

 

[jimindenver]

I have a Engel MT 45 that was petty rumbly at first but a really rough forest road got it to settle down. It's good but it cycles a lot. Could use more insulation.

 

[bpdchief]

Was interested in the Dometic CFX-40US but have read it now has a different compressor and less insulation than the CF-40. Couldn't help but see that no-one mentioned using the Edgestar. I appreciate all the responses...

 

[Jmel]

I believe it - however, it also has a lower kwh per year rate, and is a lot less expensive. I think it depends on the needs, this cheap fridge works great for me

If I was living in the van or an RV, I'd probably get something more substantial.

 

[WalkaboutTed]

4.2cu ft Truckfridge here. I have 1-2" insulation on sides, top and bottom.. The freezer is small but I have ice cubes and room for 2 packs of Klondike Bars.

Two negatives:
It's not frost free and needs periodic defrosting (are any of the 12v fridges frost free?)
The front door could be better insulated. I hang a down throw on the front.

Its still using only about 40amps a day, if I can trust my charge controller. I open the door at least 7-8 times daily. Usually more.

We like it so much that Hubby will be getting the same unit for his van.
Ted

 

[jonsun]

Normal on all fridges...at least does it. Same goes for insulation. My front door stays very cool.

 

[KathyC]

We are using the Dometic CFX-40 since May and it's performed brilliantly. Haven't done any controlled testing (and don't plan to), but it's performed as well as I could have hoped. I like the easy-to-read control panel, the voltage cut off (3 choices), the convertible side opening, the drain plug, the nice LED interior light. It has a USB charger built in (I don't use it). Mine came with the Dometic insulated cover (a "show special when I bought it) that's been great. I don't hesitate to recommend these fridge/freezers.

 

[galladanb]

Hi Chief! Me again!

We have an Engel, caught it on sale last springtime.
It will hard freeze and run normally as well. I also can not offer comparasions, as it is the only one we have! It lives tween our seats for Sophia to ride on with us. Then when we overnight, we pull it into the "Living room" area, so that we have unobstructured egress to the seats if needed.
We since have found out, it makes a great place to set the little heater we use with shore power!

DIY HACK: On the feet, I mounted those puck like furniture sliders with rtv so we can effortlessly slide the fridge back an forth. Then we secure it in driving position tween the seats with dual bungies...

Power consumption seems to be minimal and I think we would be good for a couple days with our current solar and battery systems.

Overall, we like it. Wished it cost less, but we think we did alright.
So far, no negative comments about it.
We chose to hard wire to the 12v, and both power sources are fused.

Hope this helps!

 

[tripper]

I have a Whynter 45 qt fridge. It cools extremely well. I find if I have the freezer set to 0 degrees it takes quite a lot of power ~50AH overnight. It seems really well built, I like the sturdy latches. Insulation does not seem to be that great. Someone here suggested after my items get frozen to set the thermostat on it to 20 degrees, and that makes a huge difference in power consumption. Now when I restock it as a freezer I have it set to fast freeze to 0 and once there I switch it to 20 degrees.

As a 32 degree refrigerator it uses very little energy. I have only had it 6 months. I have had a whynter portable AC/heatpump for 5 years which has been used for months at a time and that has performed flawlessly, so I trust the brand.

 

[johnny b]

I've been looking at these online:

http://uniqueoffgrid.com/category/solar-appliances/

Come in 60L, 80L, and 120L sizes. Dual compartment, individual controls so each can be set to fridge or freeze.

Sold in the U.S. at Menards at an unusually high price (which I don't have in the east).
In Las Vegas for much less than Menards:

https://bensdiscountsupply.com/solar-appliances/

If any one is in Vegas and could drop in to check these out and give a review of first impression, that would be nice.

1-800-771-7702
Ben's Discount Supply Co. Inc.
3872 Raymert Dr.    
Las Vegas, Nevada 89121