12 Volt Refrigerator (not an iceless cooler)

Hey all, I recently purchased a portable refrigerator that will run on 12vDC or 110vAC. It has a thermostat and the temperature can be set to 0°F. Unlike the iceless coolers sold at truck stops that only keep contents 40 degrees below the temperature inside your truck, this unit uses a compressor and can maintain freezing temperatures even when your truck is roasting in the sun with the windows rolled up.

You can find them by searching Google for "12v freezer". They're a lot more expensive than the glorified beverage chillers found in truck stops, but they're worth the money because they'll keep food colder, making it last longer, and the units themselves will last for years. My Dometic 50qt came with a 1 year warranty that covers parts/service, and a 2 year warranty on the parts. It draws on average 1amp per-hour. It cost me just under $600 but well worth it considering the money I will be saving vs truck stop junk food, and the improvement to my diet. And this can keep eggs fresh and even freeze popsicles, unlike the thermoelectric coolers

Beware the *Pretender* "refrigerators" they are marketed as 12v refrigerators, they even LOOK LIKE an actual mini fridge with heat pipes in the rear, but they do not have a compressor and will not cool more than 40 degrees below ambient temperature.

The high efficiency 12v compressors make these units more expensive than 12v coolers, and more expensive than a regular 110vAC mini fridge. The cheapest one is over $300, so prepare yourself to spend some $$ if you want something better than a thermoelectric cooler.

The cheapest brand I have seen is Whynter, which uses a Chinese knockoff version of the Danfoss compressor.

Next more expensive, and I think the best deal, is Dometic, which is the US version of Waeco.

Next; ARB fridges, they seem to be more rugged based on reviews I've seen, made by a company that specializes in 4x4 off roading equipment.

Engel likes to tout about higher efficiency "swing compressors" but we're talking about the difference between 2.5 amps, and 1 amp while the compressor is running, they are very expensive though, $860 for a 34 quart Engel vs $620 for a 33 quart dometic. This might be good if you want to run longer without charging your batteries. But the batteries in most trucks should be capable of running the cheaper fridges for days.

There are many other brands out there but these seem to be the most popular.

I did a lot of research before coming to my final decision to purchase my fridge, so I'm sharing the info I've gathered here. I hope this helps

 

The ones I'm talking about are the portable units that plug in to 12v cigarette outlet. Of course anybody can have one installed into their truck at a dealership since it's optional on most trucks, and most models have a designated space for it.

Here is the one I ordered.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0017...dpPl=1&dpID=416XR2b+ypL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

This works better for me since I am a company driver and I'm not allowed to hardwire anything to the truck, plus I will probably be changing trucks soon, the fridge will come with me. No bolts