Extra freezer

mcollect · 09-23-2016, 09:33 AM

We like to take a lot of frozen homemade meals and meats with us on our trips and would like a freezer that we can store in the TV that can run on 12V and 120. What models have best reliability and longest life span? Between 45 and 60 guart.
Thanks

**Bill** · 09-23-2016, 09:55 AM

There are a number of them, and they have been discussed quite a bit here on the forum. The easiest thing to do is to Use the Search tool to look for posts containing the word "Engel". Engel is the first manufacturer we saw here on the forum. A number of us have them, but the posts you uncover in this search will contain discussion on quite a few others, some of them US-made. You can also search for the term "Danfoss", which describes a type of compressor commonly used in high quality portable refrigerator-freezers.

I bought my Engel in 2004 or so, and it has seen hard use since then. For the last couple years, we have used it for a full time aux freezer while we are at home, so it has run 24 / 7 / 365 for that time, with no problems at all. I have no experience with any of the other units, so cannot review or recommend them.

It sounds like you are acquainted with the somewhat breathtaking cost of these units.

Bill

mcollect · 09-23-2016, 11:19 AM

Thanks for the response. I found the Engle to be the highest rated but the cost scared me. I try to buy once right rather then cheap and replace it down the road.

TrailManorMan · 09-23-2016, 11:55 AM

I have a Dometic uses same compressor, is bulletproof but not cheap, love it for freezing and extra frig.

RottieMom · 09-23-2016, 05:19 PM

Yep, I also have a Dometic. It sure comes in handy.

flipflop · 10-17-2016, 05:33 PM

Don't bother with the cheap thermoelectric type coolers. I bought an Igloo thermoelectric for $10 and it was barely worth that. It cools to 32 degrees F below ambient temperature. 72 degrees outside, 40 degrees in the cooler. 90 degrees outside, 58 inside the cooler.

It draws about the same DC current as a compressor type, so no advantage there for it. Yeti icebox with no DC draw or compressor type, you get what you pay for.

TrailManorMan · 10-17-2016, 07:41 PM

Figure I've about paid for mine by not needing to buy ice the last four years!

mcollect · 10-17-2016, 08:28 PM

Thanks for your input. I bought an ARB 50Qt. Having the bed of the Tacoma wired for always hot 12V. By it once right. Just like the TM!