Truck Refrigerators

billg27 · Jan 27, 2015

I'm considering getting a refrigerator for my van. Should I go with a 12 volt/110 volt with automatic switch over? Or would a cheap Walmart type 110 refrigerator using an inverter be adequate? Built in or stand alone doesn't matter, I can build a cabinet if necessary. Any good brands that I should be aware of? Thanks for your feedback on this.

blackpup · Jan 29, 2015

Found this brand Whynter, offered through Home Depot, says online sales only. Any one familiar with this brand ? Thought it was a little cheaper than some of the other brands ? The Engel brand seems to be a little more expensive.

Whynter 85 qt. Portable Fridge/Freezer-FM-85G - The Home Depot

jimmy

cheri1122 · Jan 30, 2015

I've always preferred the cheap fridge over the expensive models, with 2 caveats: a proper separate freezer, and enough inverter & battery power to run it without draining the batteries. For $600, I could replace mine 5 times, if need be, but after a year, it's still running fine.

blackpup · Jan 30, 2015

cheri1122 said:
I've always preferred the cheap fridge over the expensive models, with 2 caveats: a proper separate freezer, and enough inverter & battery power to run it without draining the batteries. For $600, I could replace mine 5 times, if need be, but after a year, it's still running fine.

Not an option for me at this time. I am driving someone else's truck, with limited space .

Also believe the Whynter unit was a couple of hundred dollars cheaper , the first time I looked, price seems to increased.

jimmy

xiggi · Jan 30, 2015

If you scroll to the bottom of the page smaller models are a good amount cheaper.

ebsprintin · Jan 30, 2015

I went the 12 volt engel route, because direct to 12 volts without an inverter is lighter and requires less power. At the setting I use, it consumes about 1 amp for one minute every six minutes.

eb

blackpup · Jan 30, 2015

xiggi said:
If you scroll to the bottom of the page smaller models are a good amount cheaper.

Thanks xiggi.

45 quart freezer Whynter 45 qt. Portable Fridge/Freezer-FM-45G - The Home Depot

Moot · Feb 1, 2015

I have an Engel MD-14 refrigerator/freezer mounted next to the driver's seat. I added a top "extender", a piece of particle board covered with a piece of a cheap yoga mat. This gives me a larger, non-skid surface table top. I have the unit plugged into a switched, 12 volt outlet. This enables me to turn it off and on as needed. The Engel is insulated well enough that the contents will stay cold, even in 90° temps without running for more than 12 hours. It will also keep things from freezing in below zero temps without running.

Engel refrigerator/freezers aren't the cheapest but I'm very satisfied with mine after almost 3 years of use. Thanks ebsprintin for providing info that helped me make my decision to choose an Engel!
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The MD-14F needs 3½ to 4 inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation. I mounted mine on a platform about 1 inch off the floor. This platform is open in the middle to allow for extra air flow and to keep the Engel above any snow melt and various floor junk.
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The Engel MD-14 doesn't hold a lot. I would have gone to a larger size but I wanted it to fit next to the driver's seat and have more than adequate ventilation.