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MsTaboo
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Joined: June 02, 2006
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Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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 Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 11:53 am Post subject: |
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| Altoona wrote: |
| I have used the Edgestar/Whynter and they do work well, but they draw about twice as much current as an Engle/ARB option. |
Curious, the only info I've found on power use shows the Engel using between .5-2.5 amps. The Edgestar info I found said .75-3 amps.
Do you have any info to back up your claim? (not being contrary, just want to know  )
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joetiger 
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Joined: January 27, 2005
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Location: denver
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| Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 12:28 pm Post subject: |
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I didn't realize that the article was so old; I didn't find any mention of it in the archives so I thought it might be helpful. It provides a good bit of information on how these fridges work and what features are available (were available?) Feel free to delete it if it's inappropriate, archaic, or offensive to Edgestar owners.
I did not think the Edgestar belonged in the conversation because after a quick search for several of the models mentioned in the article, the prices were stratospheric in comparison. This lead me to believe that perhaps they had more and/or better features as justification for the higher prices. Truth be told, I will probably end up buying an Edgestar when the time comes.
Now I think I'll go start a thread about the new 2001 Microbus prototype.
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'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
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'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
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whynotvw
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Joined: May 04, 2004
Posts: 1322
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| Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 8:30 pm Post subject: |
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I've never tried the edgestar but I have tried the Engel and ARB.
Hands down if you can afford it go with the ARB. Cry once and smile later. |
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kamzcab86
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Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7925
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:23 pm Post subject: |
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| MsTaboo wrote: |
| Altoona wrote: |
| I have used the Edgestar/Whynter and they do work well, but they draw about twice as much current as an Engle/ARB option. |
Curious, the only info I've found on power use shows the Engel using between .5-2.5 amps. The Edgestar info I found said .75-3 amps.
Do you have any info to back up your claim? (not being contrary, just want to know ) |
EdgeStar's literature states:
FP430 = "AC (0.75A) or DC (5.4A @ 12V DC)"
FP630 = "AC (1A) or DC (5.5A @ 12V DC)"
Engel's literature states:
MT35 & MT45 = "2.5A @ 12V DC"
ARB's literature states:
50QT = "2.3A @ 12V DC"
Those are max usage amps. EdgeStar's is over twice the other two. Real world usage, of course, sees intermittent, variable amp draw depending on a variety of factors. A 60-day run of the Engel, for example, by some off-road guy produced an average of 1.2 amps; a 30-day run by a different off-road guy with the ARB (50QT or 63QT, don't recall which) saw an average of 1.35 amps. Didn't find EdgeStar real-world specs (sorry!) because I ruled it out (cost vs. size vs. amp draw vs. warranty compared to the other two brands); I do like the ice chest-style lid of the EdgeStar though.
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1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
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2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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ThankYouJerry
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Joined: September 01, 2012
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Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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And FWIW...
Warrantee policies on portable fridges:
ARB = 3 years
Edgestar = 1 year
Engel = 2 years
TruckFridge = 1 year
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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
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16CVs
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Joined: February 22, 2004
Posts: 4026
Location: Redwood City, California
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| Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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I have an Engel 45 From Van Cafe . I also ordered the remote temperature display. It has a cord which goes in the unit and a reader/sender with a remote wireless mount which gives you time and ambient temperature as well.
Since our Home fridge had died ,we've been using it as our freezer in the house ,I wish Engel made home appliances.
A nice well made unit which now has a few dents in it, I think it will be a long time friend .
Stacy
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joetiger
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Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5078
Location: denver
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 6:00 am Post subject: |
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So which one can double as a temporary bench without damaging it?
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Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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iliketowalk
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Joined: April 29, 2011
Posts: 614
Location: Northern CA
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 6:48 am Post subject: |
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The ARB is a seat, step and ottoman in our van, it has an extremely tough lid. Also, we have been using one as a freezer in our house non-stop for over a year and a half - no issues.
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j_dirge
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Joined: August 08, 2007
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Location: Twain Harte, CA
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 7:14 am Post subject: |
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| joetiger wrote: |
| So which one can double as a temporary bench without damaging it? |
I would not sit or stand on my Edgestar. The sheet metal will likely deform
But once I make a wood cover to spread forces, I wlll sit on it and/or use it to play card one, etc.. maybe stand on it in a pinch.
Also.. have not seen my Edgestar pull 5 amps.. more like 1-2ish.
Maybe when using the fast freeze option?
Kamz notes says "max draw".
I have the manual and it does not say 5 amps in it. But does not post max.. simply says 1amp/75watt (not very helpful)
So "Fast Freeze" may explain it a big amp draw.
I don't know of the other units have "fast freeze" but it is an awesome feature. It pulls the temp to -8F deg.. and holds it there.
Would be great for freezing fresh caught fish or game.
As noted earlier I use FF to pre-cool the unit with its contents.. once it gets to 0 or so, I'll swtich to the thermostat setting at 36.
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.
-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5
| danfromsyr wrote: |
those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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4x4BNB
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Joined: January 08, 2012
Posts: 274
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 7:48 am Post subject: |
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And...if just having a fridge OR a freezer wasn't enough....
Now you can have them both....at the same time...minimal amp draw...
http://waeco.com/Australia/MS-9171-Camping-and-4WD...Z-CFX-65DZ
I like the Waeco Dometic also because the power outlet is in the back....opposite of the display |
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Vee-Dubs 87
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Joined: April 02, 2014
Posts: 28
Location: Houston
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 8:46 am Post subject: |
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I found this one on ebay a month or two ago. No idea on the brand, but it's called Windchaser and seems to be a chinese manufacturer (big surprise). Honestly couldn't find anything about this fridge online while the auction was going on, but I figured it looked to be about the size I wanted, so I rolled the dice. After unboxing, it's pretty much an edgestar knock off, and I'm still not even sure what the actual size is, probably a 43-45 qt. But it looks pretty nice with the stainless and all. Paid about $350 shipped, and couldn't be happier so far. Runs very quiet, and will go from ambient temp (lately around 85 degree or so) down to freezing in 20 minutes. We will see how long it lasts, but I have to say for the money, it seems like pretty good bang for the buck. |
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j_dirge
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Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 4641
Location: Twain Harte, CA
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 9:52 am Post subject: |
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| Vee-Dubs 87 wrote: |
I found this one on ebay a month or two ago. No idea on the brand, but it's called Windchaser and seems to be a chinese manufacturer (big surprise). Honestly couldn't find anything about this fridge online while the auction was going on, but I figured it looked to be about the size I wanted, so I rolled the dice. After unboxing, it's pretty much an edgestar knock off, and I'm still not even sure what the actual size is, probably a 43-45 qt. But it looks pretty nice with the stainless and all. Paid about $350 shipped, and couldn't be happier so far. Runs very quiet, and will go from ambient temp (lately around 85 degree or so) down to freezing in 20 minutes. We will see how long it lasts, but I have to say for the money, it seems like pretty good bang for the buck. |
Looks like the Edgestar/Whynter product in the 43 qt size... just a different badge for resale.
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.
-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5
| danfromsyr wrote: |
those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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MsTaboo
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 4098
Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 10:38 am Post subject: |
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| j_dirge wrote: |
| joetiger wrote: |
| So which one can double as a temporary bench without damaging it? |
I would not sit or stand on my Edgestar. The sheet metal will likely deform
But once I make a wood cover to spread forces, I wlll sit on it and/or use it to play card one, etc.. maybe stand on it in a pinch. |
We sit and stand on ours all the time, it has held up fine. No dents. It is scuffed and scratched, but still looks really good.
Because we live in a small mountain village we make regular trips to Kalispell to shop for bulk food, etc. The Edgestar gets used as a freezer to bring back frozen food and ice cream (which is ridiculously expensive in Canada) and also fresh meat. By the time we get home, about three to four hours, the ice cream is still frozen solid and the fresh meat has become half frozen. The thing really works well. We have also used it in the house as a extra freezer when our regular freezer was full.
As a fridge on camping trips it has kept all our food fresh, it maintains a very even temperature no matter how hot the van gets. (we do cover it with a sunshade when needed to help reduce heating)
To anyone thinking about one of these chest type fridge/freezers, get one! Very much worth the money. Of course having a quality house battery is a must for multi day stays in one spot. No more soggy food, smelly water, and forays to buy ice, and much better reliability and capacity than the stock Westy fridge. It also opens up storage where the stock fridge was and you can remove it when not needed to reduce weight.
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Help the fight against Truth Decay.
Defend democracy, support Ukraine. |
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Vee-Dubs 87
Samba Member
Joined: April 02, 2014
Posts: 28
Location: Houston
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 10:59 am Post subject: |
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| j_dirge wrote: |
| Vee-Dubs 87 wrote: |
I found this one on ebay a month or two ago. No idea on the brand, but it's called Windchaser and seems to be a chinese manufacturer (big surprise). Honestly couldn't find anything about this fridge online while the auction was going on, but I figured it looked to be about the size I wanted, so I rolled the dice. After unboxing, it's pretty much an edgestar knock off, and I'm still not even sure what the actual size is, probably a 43-45 qt. But it looks pretty nice with the stainless and all. Paid about $350 shipped, and couldn't be happier so far. Runs very quiet, and will go from ambient temp (lately around 85 degree or so) down to freezing in 20 minutes. We will see how long it lasts, but I have to say for the money, it seems like pretty good bang for the buck. |
Looks like the Edgestar/Whynter product in the 43 qt size... just a different badge for resale. |
Yeah that figures. For the price I paid, I assumed the compressor was junk but like I said, zero issues so far. I'm guessing it probably won't last long but if I get a few years out of it I'll be happy. Have to admit, I don't think I would have spent the money on a name brand without trying out the setup first so this one just made sense. Have a few trips coming up later this year so I'll update on how it performs. I'll be running it off two walmart 122 ah deep cycles  and 2 100 watt panels. It's a standalone system so no combiner, but I figure with a couple of sunny days I'll probably be good for a long weekend. |
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Altoona
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Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 505
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 11:07 am Post subject: |
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| Vee-Dubs 87 wrote: |
Yeah that figures. For the price I paid, I assumed the compressor was junk but like I said, zero issues so far. I'm guessing it probably won't last long but if I get a few years out of it I'll be happy. Have to admit, I don't think I would have spent the money on a name brand without trying out the setup first so this one just made sense. Have a few trips coming up later this year so I'll update on how it performs. I'll be running it off two walmart 122 ah deep cycles and 2 100 watt panels. It's a standalone system so no combiner, but I figure with a couple of sunny days I'll probably be good for a long weekend. |
I ran a 65qt Whynter off of an already low (~12.5V) 100Ahr Interstate battery with 50W of portable solar getting a few hours of sun a day and it made it through the weekend from Friday night through Sunday mid-day (ended at a hair over 12V). You should be fine with that set-up. |
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kamzcab86
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Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7925
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 11:14 am Post subject: |
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| j_dirge wrote: |
Also.. have not seen my Edgestar pull 5 amps.. more like 1-2ish.
Maybe when using the fast freeze option?
Kamz notes says "max draw".
I have the manual and it does not say 5 amps in it. But does not post max.. simply says 1amp/75watt (not very helpful) |
That 1A/75W spec is for AC mode. When switched over to 12V DC, the EdgeStar can pull up to 5.5 amps... as you say, perhaps that's for using fast-freeze while in DC mode. It would be nice if these fridge companies would spell out the amps in more specifics... that's one reason I went on a search to see if anyone had reported real-world usage figures before buying one.
| MsTaboo wrote: |
| To anyone thinking about one of these chest type fridge/freezers, get one! Very much worth the money. No more soggy food, smelly water, and forays to buy ice, and much better reliability and capacity than the stock Westy fridge. It also opens up storage where the stock fridge was and you can remove it when not needed to reduce weight. |
Haven't used mine yet (in the van) and I'm already regretting not buying one sooner.  After just 3 days in NorCal back in August, the cubed ice was completely gone, despite the ambient temp not being hot (hooray for overpriced, air-infused ice ). The entire 1500 miles: "How's the ice? Do we need to get some more while here at the gas station?" In the morning, we pulled out a wet milk carton; at night, we pulled out wet containers of dinner stuff. After 4 years of that, I'm done.
My Dometic still works well (not great, but well) so it's still getting used to house beverages, condiments, eggs, etc. to save on opening the now-fridge just to get a drink.
| MsTaboo wrote: |
| Of course having a quality house battery is a must for multi day stays in one spot. |
I have a quality (expensive!) battery, the problem is its small amp-hours (bought long before a fridge was even a thought).  I'll be testing the ARB in a day or two to see how the battery handles it (do have a solar system now, and will be testing it too).
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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j_dirge
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 4641
Location: Twain Harte, CA
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 11:22 am Post subject: |
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| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| MsTaboo wrote: |
| To anyone thinking about one of these chest type fridge/freezers, get one! Very much worth the money. No more soggy food, smelly water, and forays to buy ice, and much better reliability and capacity than the stock Westy fridge. It also opens up storage where the stock fridge was and you can remove it when not needed to reduce weight. |
Haven't used mine yet (in the van) and I'm already regretting not buying one sooner. After just 3 days in NorCal back in August, the cubed ice was completely gone, despite the ambient temp not being hot (hooray for overpriced, air-infused ice ). The entire 1500 miles: "How's the ice? Do we need to get some more while here at the gas station?" In the morning, we pulled out a wet milk carton; at night, we pulled out wet containers of dinner stuff. After 4 years of that, I'm done.
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It was soggy food that did me in...
And the weight of a larger chest full of food and ice? Easily as much, if not more than a fridge and battery...
It was just time to try out this approach.
And overall its a huge step forward in comfort and convenience.
We use ours plenty at home and for local trips/picnics/parties etc.
Then.. just last week, we "accidently" left our big huge mombo cooler behind at a fundraising car wash.. It was time for it to go onto someone who can give it a good home.
Good bye big huge mombo cooler.. You did your job admirably well!
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.
-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5
| danfromsyr wrote: |
those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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hans j
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Joined: May 06, 2006
Posts: 2715
Location: Salt Lake City UT
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 11:29 am Post subject: |
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I have an Engel MT-35 I bought off ebay for $350. It's probably 13 years old and I hav had to only replace the control board ~$200. I'm still almost half the cost of a new one!
I love it. I use it as a seat and stand on top of it all the time. It fits perfect behind the passenger seat and only protrudes about 2 inches into the walk way.
One thing I love about the small fridge is we pack everything in the basket the night before and put it in the house fridge. It's awesome. That way we know everything fits and is cold when it goes in the van fridge. I start the van fridge cooling that morning before we leave.
One thing I don't like (but they have a fix for it), is the hinges start to slide off so I have to lift the lid and tap them back into place.
It has no digital controls or temp readings, but I don't need it.
I am building another van and was considering buying something else, but personally, there isn't a better fridge. It fits my van and use perfect. I'll might buy the MT-45 this time, but want to sit on one and check the height since that's usually where I sit to eat when we are eating inside the van. Girlfriend gets the comfy seat 
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ThankYouJerry
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Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 11:48 am Post subject: |
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| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| I have a quality (expensive!) battery, the problem is its small amp-hours (bought long before a fridge was even a thought). I'll be testing the ARB in a day or two to see how the battery handles it (do have a solar system now, and will be testing it too). |
I have an ARB 50 and two Die Hard Platinum AGM aux bats and my fridge will run about 3 days in 90-95 degree weather before the bats need charging. Adding Renogy pv panels next year.
And, yes, we climb and sit on it all the time.
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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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S4VAGE
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Joined: June 13, 2007
Posts: 258
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 2:41 pm Post subject: |
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| whynotvw wrote: |
I've never tried the edgestar but I have tried the Engel and ARB.
Hands down if you can afford it go with the ARB. Cry once and smile later. |
Agree on this. I caved in and bought ARB 63qt this year before camping season. We LOVE it. We had some meat leaking on day 3 of our 12 day trip and it was no big deal.... Pull out the basket and disinfect. Had that been a cooler, the ice+water+steak blood cocktail that everything would have been floating in = we would have been throwing out half the contents.
If you are taking trips with just you or you and one other adult then 50qt. is the way to go. Once you fill the 63, it's a beast. On hot nights the fan will make a little noise, but nothing obnoxious. Most of the time the weather was decent so we would just stick ours outside. Either way, cover it with a blanket/beach towel at night (just don't cover the fan ports) I have a newer house battery and I could easily run my fridge two days without any problems. Never tried for a full 3rd day.
We shopped Engle VS ARB for about a year. For us it came down to price + capacity giving ARB the small edge. I think you will be happy. |
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