ARB Fridges ?

WJCO

Meme King
So we've been talking about getting an ARB fridge. Only 2 concerns, they aren't cheap and they take up space. Is it really worth it for those of you who have one? And is it worth getting a 37 qt to save space? We have 3 kids, so my gut is to go with the 50qt. But I don't want to give up gear space.

Other questions. Does this just plug into the rear 12v power source or is heavier wiring needed? If we don't want to build/buy a slide, can it just be picked up while fully loaded or is it too heavy?
 

JeepFan

Hooked
We've had our 50 qt for a few years now and we still believe it's been one of the best investments for Jeep trips.

Running heavier gauge wire is the way to go. The factory cig outlets (especially the rear outlet on 2012+) don't always work well. ARB sells a really nice wiring and plug kit that can be connected directly to the battery.

If space is an issue the smaller fridge might work out better for you
 

TrainWreck618

Caught the Bug
I have heard the 12v socket will not work well and it's worth it spend the $40 on the ARB harness. The 37q from what I understand takes up the same footprint but isn't as tall, and with a family I would definitely get the 50. Loaded it would be just as heavy as a 50qt cooler full of ice. I packed mine with water and lifted it, and I would say it's similar.


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Journeyman

New member
So we've been talking about getting an ARB fridge. Only 2 concerns, they aren't cheap and they take up space. Is it really worth it for those of you who have one? And is it worth getting a 37 qt to save space? We have 3 kids, so my gut is to go with the 50qt. But I don't want to give up gear space.

Other questions. Does this just plug into the rear 12v power source or is heavier wiring needed? If we don't want to build/buy a slide, can it just be picked up while fully loaded or is it too heavy?

I don't know about the 37 qt. It would actually be great for us on shorter wknd trips but anything beyond that would be interesting. But one thing I did notice immediately about our was how much room ice takes up. Without that we're able to pack way more cold stuff.
I've read here that people have had problems with just plugging into the back of their jk, but I am not one of them, two years with no issues.
I move mine loaded but it can get heavy. No way wifey could move it.
 

Jackal01

New member
I've had mine for a year running 100% of the time. I used a DC outlet from Amazon and not ARBs. So far it has worked without issue. I also leave the AC plug dangling out the back because it is plugged into a shoreline at home and work. 50qt has been perfect for the wife and I. And I keep several water bottles for the dog. It is the best money spent on the jeep. I may be biased being Houston and having a cold drink is always justified at any time here except for the 5 days a year it gets "cold". Mine sits 9 inches higher due to the shelf I made. I've unloaded it fairly full a couple times. It's heavy but not impossible. I wouldn't wanna do it regularly. I don't have a slider only the bag and straps. It takes a up a lot of space but we just spend more time picking what we actually need and where it should go. It has been worth every penny despite its large size. I will get a small bag cooler for ice since my preferred drink is rum and coke. Only downside to it as a fridge. I haven't used it as a freezer but I do keep it at 30 or 32.
 

JAGS

Hooked
I just went through this dilemma. I finally bit the bullet a while back and got the 50qt. Used it a couple weeks ago...and it was awesome!

I'm guessing you normally take a cooler with ice for wheeling/camping trips? So you have a cooler no matter what, just replace that space with a fridge. Weight isnt that much different than a cooler with ice. But it is a little heavier. It has sturdy handles, so you and the wife could easily pick it up.

If you get the ARB, get the wiring kit from ARB. If you don't want the ARB slide, look at the dometic one. Half the price.
 

Sharkey

Word Ninja
Go 50 and buy the wiring kit if the screw in connection is worth $50 to you, otherwise just make your own. Either way, you need a dedicated plug.
 

JeepJeep75

New member
I've been using a 60 for about a year now. It holds a TON of stuff. I can lift it loaded, but it holds a lot. Absolutely the best jeep-accessory, hands down! Get yourself a good quality battery and use at least 12ga or heavier wire. The ARB wire kit is nice, it's fused and has a screw-together type of plug instead of the low-current 12volt type. The factory JK wiring is NOT adequate to run the ARB.


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dwvninety

New member
Get the 50qt and make sure you calibrate the thermostat. Had mine running since 2012 always plugged into an outlet in the garage when I don't have it on the trails. I had to replace the LCD when that failed but ARB customer service just sent me the part for free even though it was way past the warranty. Also lost the divider and tried to purchase one but again was sent a replacement for free. 5 years of running non stop.
 

WJCO

Meme King
Wow. Good feedback so far. Not a single negative comment. I have 4 gauge wire on the WJ ran all the way back for my compressor and inverter. So I assume I could just use that as my power source correct? Just build something custom off of that?
 

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
I have both the 37 and 50 quart and can tell you that the 50 quart is the better buy. Has the exact same footprint so it's not like you're loosing any cargo capacity in your Jeep but you do get to carry a lot more stuff in the fridge. As mentioned, you NEED to install a heavy wire and I would HIGHLY recommend the screw in plug kit that ARB sells. It has a 2 prong socket like plug and being that is screws in place, it will help to ensure a good constant contact. I had been using the cig lighter plug for years and just from the bouncing of off roading, the plug would move enough to cause arcing and burn it out. I would also recommend that you run a deep cycle battery if you don't already have one.
 

Journeyman

New member
I have both the 37 and 50 quart and can tell you that the 50 quart is the better buy. Has the exact same footprint so it's not like you're loosing any cargo capacity in your Jeep but you do get to carry a lot more stuff in the fridge. As mentioned, you NEED to install a heavy wire and I would HIGHLY recommend the screw in plug kit that ARB sells. It has a 2 prong socket like plug and being that is screws in place, it will help to ensure a good constant contact. I had been using the cig lighter plug for years and just from the bouncing of off roading, the plug would move enough to cause arcing and burn it out. I would also recommend that you run a deep cycle battery if you don't already have one.

Ok fine, I'll stop bucking the trend and fix mine! Maybe it will work more efficiently and I just don't know it's losing contact.
I recently removed the rear section of seat and relocated my fridge directly behind the drivers seat. So I want a power source closer anyways.
 

JeepJeep75

New member
I forgot to mention a few other things about mine. First, you now have a great back-up fridge at home. It also makes a great beverage fridge for parties and get-togethers. Second, if you stay in a hotel you can use this in the hotel room. I spend about 2 months out of each year in a Vegas casino for work. I bring my fridge, all pre-loaded with groceries into the room and save hundreds of $$$ not eating breakfasts everyday. It's a pretty safe bet you too will find an unexpected use or three for your fridge. There is a reason they are expensive. You'll appreciate that reason after you own one. [emoji106]


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