ARB fridge

the only problem i can see with the arb fridge is that you cannot hang a pair of baskets in the top ;this you can do with the engel good for small items such as butter eggs fruit etc bye barry

I have had one for 4 months and run a fancy downloadable thermometer that gives me the whole storey inside every minute.
I set on -15degs and it never varies more than 1 degree and has been 100% reliable. Couldnt have wished for a better result. The ARB has the best and latest insulation and also has the german made compressor.
Also the lid sealing mechanism is fantastic.

We've had one for a few months now, and love it. Works properly, cools down quickly, a good size, and easy to carry if you need to take it out of the truck. I like the locking mechanism on the lid - it only took a couple of attempts before we were used to it, although I gather it sometimes puts people off.

Hi lizzyb74

Price around for the Engel. That is way overpriced and that is the recommended price by Engel. I have no idea where you live but here in SA we could never get that price.

We sell them for $1249.00 including the genuine Engel Transit Bag and not the cheap Chinese import look alike that some stores sell, even cheaper for cash in country South Australia.


Cheers


Stephen

The only thing i would check with the ARB one (and I think I posted about this a few years back when I was looking between the ARB branded Engel, and the 'genuine' Engel) - is where you can get it repaired if there is a problem with it under warranty. I was talked out of the ARB branded one as it had to be repaired at ARB - whereas the Engel can be repaired at any Engel service agent - which are in most towns.

Drew

I have two ARB fridges that are approx. 2 years old, they have been fantastic. They sit in the back of my hilux under a Vinyl canopy and are exposed to dust etc. We have given them a big work out all over the country and through some pretty ordinary roads and tracks. They have worked well through high temperatures as well. I agree with others who have said that the reliability long term is still to be decided however at this stage I could not be more impressed.

Cheers

Doddgey

What about the Waco 35...for half the price on Ebay...I paid about $650 delivered....It has a 17 hour on board battery as well....It also has the Danfos compressor....

One of the mags, 4WD Action I think did a project for a big trip, I think it was called Project Pajero maybe 2 years back. When they came back they did a piece on what worked and what didn't. The ARB fridge was one thing that didn't. Can't remember the issue though.

OBT

Hi,

You should do quite a bit better for a price on an Engel .

Shop around, I got one for $999 from a camping shop.

I know nothing about ARB fridges, but I am sure happy with the Engel

Cheers

There's a store in Alice Springs advertising those on TV here in the NT, they look like they might be a bit of good gear.

.

Lizzy, you are probably aware that ARB fridges used to be re-badged Engels. A couple of years ago, they changed to a different supplier. Though I cannot confirm the information, I was informed by an ARB employee that the new ARB fridge is supplied by Dometic. As I understand it, Dometic now owns Waeco, so it is at least likely that the ARB branded fridge comes from Waeco.

I'm making no comment on the quality of the ARB fridge. ARB normally provides good quality stuff, but at a price. Just pointing out that ARB's expertise is NOT fridges. Hence they buy from others and rebadge. That is my understanding anyway.

Norm C

Thanks fellas for all of your replies - all have really good points.

You did well to get an Engel for $999 - we've been looking for a while and haven't seen anything that good!!

I'm keen to go ARB but my husband likes Engels - so we still haven't made a decision!!