Fridge in Company Truck?

I found with those plug in coolers, the electrical parts wear out from use after about 6 months.

 

Starting out, I would not consider an AC fridge. I would buy a practically sized, DC unit that can be found in truck stops. Not necessarily the smallest, but I don't think you should buy the biggest cooler either. Start small. That will get you to the point you know #1, you will or may not stay in the job, #2 what you can get and manage size-wize in the truck you're in at the time. In fact if you're new coming in, I wouldn't buy one until you've soloed a few weeks and get a feel to balance what you want and need to the truck. How many personal belongings you prefer to carry often dictates what you can and can not do in terms of coolers and other "appliances".

 

The vertical fridges are the best, because you can reach them while driving. The mini ones look all cool and organized, but you either have to mount it in the sleeper, or strap it to the chair and lay over to reach it.

The Igloo vertical ones were the perfect size, but the cords melted and fried the motor, even tho the fuse didnt melt. After visiting Igloo, I decided not to buy another one of their products, and bought a big coleman. Its kinda in the way, but its lasted longer than all my Igloos combined. It does not have a replaceable cord, but the cord has no melted yet, so Im happy.
I found that di-electric grease can really extend the life of the cords if you put it on the connections. My last Igloo burned up, but it was not the cord... I think it had to do with being sat on and the cord pulled and stuff all the time. Students kept putting the air down in the chair and tearing the handles off or crushing them too...

What I usually do, is idle the truck and then put the fridge in the drivers seat so I have free room to walk around and get out of the passenger side.

 

I carried a small fridge turned down to keep my stuff frozen. I also had a small micro. Both would run on a 1000w power inverter. I never drank sodas, only water I brought with me, about 9 gallons. All food and water from home. Never ate out in the 4 to 5 weeks out on the road. I wouldnt do it any other way. If I couldnt put them in my truck, I'd be looking for a different company to drive for.

 

You have to look at the power draw on the unit that you may want in the rig, my answer is maybe.

I have a unit in the truck, it works on 120v and 12v and it is a fridge, with a compressor with a programmable thermostat, I can program it to stay at any temp below 50 down to -8 and it has a digital read out so I can monitor it. Because of this I do not need a inverter and it use's very, very little juice.

Here's a post from another location on this web sight at the bottom is a reply from another driver: you also have a link you can look up this unit it may work for you. I have had this unit for years and still going strong no complaints.

Originally Posted by ONESHOT1997 This is the one I have works great.



EdgeStar Portable Fridge / Freezer - 43 Qt.

http://www.compactappliance.com/12-V...efault,sc.html


The EdgeStar FP430 portable refrigerator freezer allows you to chill or freeze your goods while traveling. This powerful unit puts the strength and insulation of a home freezer into a compact and rugged appliance. For ultimate portability, the EdgeStar 43 quart portable compact refrigerator freezer runs off standard household voltage, or easily connects to the cigarette lighter outlet in your car. Forget about thermoelectric portable coolers - this portable refrigerator freezer features a full range digital thermostat that is adjustable from -8ºF to 50ºF and it will hold a stable temperature under most conditions. Plus, the insulated metal walls will keep your food cold for hours, even without electricity

If you're in a hurry to freeze something, press the "Fast Freeze" button to rapidly cool the unit to -8ºF and maintain this freezing temperature. With side-grip comfort handles for easy transport, two removable wire baskets for efficient storage, and a drain for liquids, this portable refrigerator freezer is great for boaters, campers, hunters, medical transportation/storage, recreational vehicles, cabins and all your outdoor applications. The FP430 may be powered via AC (0.75A) or DC (5.4A # 12V DC / 2.7A # 24 DC) power and comes with cables for both applications. You may plug the unit into both power sources at once and the unit will switch between the two automatically with the AC power being the dominant source. (DC voltage will power the unit if the AC power source is discontinued or drops below a particular threshold)

•
Full Range Thermostat:
The FP430 can both freeze and refrigerate your food and perishable goods

•
Fast Freeze Function:
Cool the compartment down to -8 F in a matter of minutes

•
AC and DC Adapter Included:
Plug up in your car or house without having to buy extra accessories

•
Insulated Metal Walls:

Keep your goods cold long after the power's gone
I have the same one only a larger unit.
I took out my passenger seat and it works better than any dorm fridge I've ever used.
The compressors usually go on the dorm fridges due to the road vibration but these units are built for it.
I've used it as both a freezer and fridge at different times in very hot weather and it always kept my food at whatever temperature I set it at. A little pricey but well worth the money in my opinion.

 

I was thinking the same thing. Off topic.

To answer your question. We have that exact fridge from Wal-Mart. Uses less than 450w.

We keep ours on the top bunk since we are a husband and wife team. Most of our stuff is up there so that helps prevent things from moving around.

Buy the warranty for it from Wal-Mart. It's like $5 extra. If it breaks...you can swap it out at any Wal-Mart in the country.

 

I run coolers... two of them, a Coleman for food, and a Road Pro fro drinks within reach.

My trainer had a mini fridge... had two in fact, because then first one shook apart. Those small ones in Walmart and what not are not made to take the beating they get going down the road.