Seeking advice on Dometic vs Engel 12v fridge

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by tscottme, May 26, 2018.

  1. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    I'm posting this question here as there has been no response to my post in the Gadgets & Electronics forums, link below. I think I'm going to spring for a $700-800 Dometic or Engel fridge after decades of limping along with my Coleman 40QT. I'm pretty sure over that time I have spent nearly $500 between the cooler $99 and several new power cords every year and replacing the fan once or twice.

    One review for the Dometic says it's susceptible to RF interference from CB/Ham radios and gives instruction on how to install ferrite chokes on the power cord.Supposedly the CB RF scrambles the Dometic microprocessor. I need some real-world verification if this is true.

    I've settled on a COOLER STYLE fridge over a dorm fridge or built-in truck fridge since on occasion I have to swap trucks and I ALWAYS eat mostly out of my cooler.

    Any problems with Dometic fridge and CB/Ham radio transmitters?
     
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  3. jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    I have a Dometic in mine.
    The board went out about a week after the 1yr warrant was up and I had to purchase a replacement to fix it.
    $290.
    Talked to the lead tech at Dometic and he said it was a production problem with that model and that they all eventually failed, and that the part I was buying was the new part that wouldn't go kaput.

    I asked why it wasn't covered as a recall since it was an admitted parts design malfunction.. and got the run around.
    Still cheaper than buying a new fridge.

    I run a General Lee pushing probably 50watts... nothing too major.. I've had no issues with what you've stated.

    Proper ground on power should eliminate RF feedback to other electrical components.
    SHOULD.
     
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  4. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    92AA8B2E-02CA-4061-9A20-5349583DC5A3.jpeg well worth the money. little big. but its 12v/120/v
     
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  5. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    My 40 qt Coleman already takes up about 90% of the space between the seats in my Freightliner. At least the Dometic or Coleman will keep my food cold instead of just below the temp at which I must throw my food away.
     
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  6. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    the pic i posted is a super deluxe model for rv. it will deep freeze
     
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  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    I was considering the Dometic 40qt until I saw it at the Petro north of Birmingham. The exterior is about the size of my Coleman, but the usable interior space seems much smaller. So I'm looking at the 50qt, not the 65qt with fridge & freezer section. I don't think the 65qt could fit between the seats in my 2018 mid-roof Freightliner. That's the only place I can dedicate to it, I've tried all other locations . Thanks for reply.
     
  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I buy engle units, I have used them when I was on the road, had them overseas to use and not one failure.
     
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  9. Trucking in Tennessee

    Trucking in Tennessee Road Train Member

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    Floors get hot. You can help your unit with a piece of insulation under it.
     
  10. KB3MMX

    KB3MMX Road Train Member

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    Either one your well be soooooo much happier than the junk thermoelectric units!

    I used to use a ARB fridge freezer unit, they're specifically designed to be in harsh environments outside and in Jeeps beating up the trails.
     
  11. KB3MMX

    KB3MMX Road Train Member

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    That is one awesome unit!
     
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