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Old 11-08-2009, 05:37 PM   #1
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12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

Since my only option to my current failed Norcold is another Norcold (haven't found any other fridge that will fit - I've looked!), I was wondering if I should convert the fridge space to storage and go with a 12V ice chest (ARB, Engel, National Luna,...) installed on a slide in the back of the van. Downsides are that I can't reach it from the driver's seat (not that I ever would ) the slide is permanteley installed, and if in the very back of the van, can't be used in the slide if my rear bench seat is installed (not sure how oftern that would be however).

Thoughts?


Herb

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Old 11-08-2009, 06:33 PM   #2
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

Herb,

It's totally up to you. But, we would never be without our refrig. Milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt, meats and much more. We camp for a week or more at a time and usually can't go to a nearby store. And frequently we carry a small cooler for fruits and vegetables. At least for us, an ice chest just wouldn't cut it.

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Old 11-08-2009, 06:50 PM   #3
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

Mike, I think he is looking at those high end 12 volt portable refrigerators they are using in Land Rovers, Jeeps and what not but wow they are expensive. I just wonder how much the cabinetry works as extra insulation. Some of those things got good reviews. But I too prefer a large loaded refrigerator that doesn't move around. I can't believe how much I can get in mine. Herb, maybe you could slide one of those into the same space and have some room left over. If you don't like the little cooler you could replace it with the real McCoy down the road. Having an extra refrigerator might be of value but if you don't need it you can always give it to me
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Old 11-08-2009, 07:21 PM   #4
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

BH
have heard good things about the Engles
GoWesty pushes them and they have Positive feed back on The Samba

As for replacement: have you checked out Truckfridge??

IMHO, i would not take up the floor space even in a RB50 with a ice chest
as a MAIN box
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Old 11-08-2009, 07:22 PM   #5
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

What are the size demensions you are working with??
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Old 11-08-2009, 08:00 PM   #6
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

I have the standard NorCold and I also have an Engel 45 Fridge/Freezer for longer trips. I have multiple 12 volt outlets installed throughout the inside and outside of my SMB. I can keep the Engel in the back behind the backseat, or on the floor in front of the rear seat. I also have two plugs on the outside, one right behind the double side doors and one at the back of the SMB.

I like having the option of using one for freezing, and one as a fridge.
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Old 11-08-2009, 08:00 PM   #7
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

Herb
Did you consider a custom build? You can buy the piece parts from Isotherm (including the ASU) and then have a custom box made that will fit your cabinetry.

http://www.indelmarineusa.com/
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Old 11-08-2009, 09:48 PM   #8
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

You hate the Norcold that much?
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Old 11-08-2009, 10:23 PM   #9
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

Herb,

Can you remove your old Norcold maybe replace it with a slide out mechanism with an Rngle or an ARB type, top loading fridge? You can make it look like a cabinet and have a pull-out fridge.

Ray
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Old 11-08-2009, 10:38 PM   #10
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Re: 12V fridge vs. 12V ice chest

norcold 3.6 cf fridge 31h x 23w x 23d $850 at ppl
truck fridge 4.2 cf fridge 29h x 20w x 20d $699 at Truckfridge

per TF, meant to be on 24/7/365 and bounced around on a 18 wheeler .....
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