Mini fridge that can handle the haul??

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Lugnut_83, Jul 19, 2013.

  1. Lugnut_83

    Lugnut_83 Bobtail Member

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    I need a suggestion for a good reliable mini fridge that can handle rough rides. I'm in a tanker, so aside from the normal jumping and jiving I also have surge movement too.

    Any tanker drivers out there had any luck with anything for more than a few months?
     
  2. Wolfyinc

    Wolfyinc Road Train Member

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    you have an inverter? just buy a cheap dorm fridge, make sure its strapped down nice and tight, one guy I know even took caulking and sealed all around the cabinet it was in to help secure. You can also place some foam under it to help with vibration. Some people get 1-2 years out of those fridges which isnt bad if you pick one up for $80-100
     
  3. nekiteflyer52

    nekiteflyer52 Bobtail Member

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    Got a mid size fridge at Home depot. BEST one I ever had! It's still running after being otr for three yrs. It even had a real freezer in it. I loved it! I pulled the cupboard out from behind the driver's seat and put it in there. I put a couple of wedges under the front edge and a couple of bungee cords to keep it from rocking as I turned corners. Never once had a spill problem.
     
  4. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

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    I normally don't recommend the store service plans, but this is the one time that I do. If the fridge has any loose solder joints in the cooling lines, the vibration will cause them to leak, and you'll have a dead fridge in 6-12 months. Drive in to your local Lowe's/HD/Sears/wherever, and swap it out (with a new service plan, of course).
     
  5. dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    I've had the better luck with a black and Decker from Walmart.
     
    STexan Thanks this.
  6. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    That's the same unit I've used for years. If you only need to keep things below 40 and you don't feel like you have to eat 3 meals a day/7 days a week out of it, that little unit works fine for the money for me. But others don't feel that way. I don't like the idea of having $90 worth of perishables on-board to deal with prior to a long weekend or if the truck goes into the shop for a few days. I like to keep my perishables at a manageable and fresh level and as such a small unit that consumes little DC power is ideal, and they can be emptied quickly.
     
  7. Wolfyinc

    Wolfyinc Road Train Member

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    my company doesnt allow inverters except plug in types and those wont run a little fridge with the surge they do kicking on. I just use a coleman extreme 5 day icechest and I get to a walmart every couple weeks or so when I can for sandwich stuff etc. I mostly use the ice chest to keep my water cool. I wont bother getting a fridge unless I ever get my own truck or I get with a company that allows a fridge and wont take your truck away after a day off.
     
  8. Lugnut_83

    Lugnut_83 Bobtail Member

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    I think I am going to go with the Igloo 3.3 cu. ft. Double door from Walmart.

    I have a 2500 watt inverter with 4awg wire running to two of my three batteries, so I should be set for power
     
  9. Cummins_444

    Cummins_444 Medium Load Member

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    Just get a waeco coolmatic. No inverter needed will last forever.
     
  10. Wolfyinc

    Wolfyinc Road Train Member

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    those are thermoelectric, they only work so much. If its 100 degrees out and you cant idle well your truck is even hotter and thermoelectric are designed to cool UP to 40 degrees below ambient so if its 100 well your product might be sitting at 60 degrees....

    they work ok if you constantly idle or its winter time.