Rick Lindgren
Power User
Advanced Member
Posts:986
 | | 02 Apr 2007 12:50 PM |
| For those of you who have a familiarity with the ARB and Engel fridges either because you work for ARB or Engel, you studied real hard at the ARB tour, or you own a fridge already; what are the differences between the ARB and the Engel 42 quart fridges? I'm considering a fridge and looking for input on features that might drive a decision for one or the other of these models. Thanks, Rick |
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Craig Miller
Posts:11803
| | 02 Apr 2007 05:45 PM |
| I think Mike Rupp once said that the ARBs have a built in thermometer which is pretty handy.
Craig
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Todd Eliason
Veteran Member
Posts:3524
| | 02 Apr 2007 10:57 PM |
| They look pretty similar, I have talked to people with either one who rave about them regardless of brand. The biggest selling point to me is the fact that ARB is local, they invest time and are actively involved in the expedition community in this region notably "us", and if you have other ARB/OME/IPF accessories you probably have a better chance of getting warranty help by being a loyal customer. I have not run into anyone who can list their positive experience with an Engel bumper or Engel lockers.  Todd |
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Andy Berglund
Tacoma, WA
Veteran Member
Posts:3453
| | 03 Apr 2007 05:52 AM |
| i had always assumed that they were identical. i todd's points. when you need parts you'll only need to go to renton.
andy |
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Rick Lindgren
Power User
Advanced Member
Posts:986
| | 03 Apr 2007 08:36 AM |
| So, educate me. Can I actually purchase things in Renton or do I have to find a local distributor? If I buy one, I would love to be able to just swing down to Renton and get it rather than have the thing shipped to me and wait for it.
If I have to buy from a distributor, who is a good option locally?
Scott, do you sell the fridges?
Rick |
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Peter Carey
Veteran Member
Posts:2829
| | 03 Apr 2007 08:45 AM |
| I think THIS is reason enough to buy the ARB.
The 42 qt. model is the exact same model I have, Rick (the MTB45). No different. It does not have the built in thermometer and the model they had in Renton didn't either. I've got the little thermometer and plan to mount it in the truck most all the time.
YOu can't buy from ARB in Renton, they just distribute. Since Scott's a reseller now, Scott should be able to get you one. |
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Craig Miller
Posts:11803
| | 03 Apr 2007 08:49 AM |
| Rick,
Scott is offering a great discount on all ARB products. See the sticky in the classifieds section.
When I bought my OME suspension I wanted it fast and so I ordered it through a retailer but picked it up at the ARB office from Chris. The required me to buy through a retailer.
Craig
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Rick Lindgren
Power User
Advanced Member
Posts:986
| | 03 Apr 2007 08:49 AM |
| Yeah, I've seen that used as a selling point for ARB in several discussions. No built in thermometer on the ARB, huh? I wonder if there is a specific model # that has the thermometer? Thanks, Peter. |
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Rick Lindgren
Power User
Advanced Member
Posts:986
| | 03 Apr 2007 08:51 AM |
| Thanks, Craig. That's what I was thinking of doing. I will PM Scott and see what his pricing is like. Then see about a local pickup if I go this route.
Rick |
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Dan Cronin
Veteran Member
Posts:2846
| | 03 Apr 2007 09:17 AM |
| Babes and fridges....What a great marketing idea  |
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Peter Carey
Veteran Member
Posts:2829
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Peter Carey
Veteran Member
Posts:2829
| | 03 Apr 2007 10:03 AM |
| This also looks like a good idea. www.engelaustralia.com.au/cgi-bin/specific_item.cgi
Shuts off the fridge if the battery drops below 10-11 (selectable) volts. Some time soon, when it's warmer, I want to do some power off testswith the fridge to learn how long it will keep things cold enough when the power shuts off. There have been random times it has come unplugged and we usually just do a sniff test. |
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Andy Berglund
Tacoma, WA
Veteran Member
Posts:3453
| | 03 Apr 2007 01:21 PM |
| i love how that fridge looks just like a hot blond!
a |
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Mike Rupp
Veteran Member
Posts:1355
| | 05 Apr 2007 03:54 PM |
| While I didn't study the fridges at ARB very closely at the tech session, I picked mine up at the warehouse and it does have a thermometer. |
 Attachment: DSCN1899 (Medium).JPG
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Rick Lindgren
Power User
Advanced Member
Posts:986
| | 06 Apr 2007 09:09 AM |
| Thanks for the input guys. I'm just trying to figure out the financing. I have this cloud hanging over my head since I know that somewhere, lurking just around a corner in the near future, I have the purchase of new front half-shafts and CVs to contend with. It would be pretty lame, for me anyway, if my role at the next trail run was to sit at the trail head and keep the beers cold since I don't have the axles to actually go on the trail. But, hey, I got this wicked little fridge! Rick |
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Isaac Fain
Veteran Member
Posts:1013
| | 06 Apr 2007 10:14 AM |
| Posted By Rick Lindgren on 04/06/2007 9:09 AM
Thanks for the input guys. I'm just trying to figure out the financing. I have this cloud hanging over my head since I know that somewhere, lurking just around a corner in the near future, I have the purchase of new front half-shafts and CVs to contend with.
It would be pretty lame, for me anyway, if my role at the next trail run was to sit at the trail head and keep the beers cold since I don't have the axles to actually go on the trail. But, hey, I got this wicked little fridge! 
Rick
I'm tellin ya, Rick - red zinfindel and MRE is the new black ... |
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Peter Carey
Veteran Member
Posts:2829
| | 06 Apr 2007 10:17 AM |
| Rick, I've comletely lost all that weirdness about having to mooch rides off of people to be on a trail. get over it, it's cheaper. |
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Isaac Fain
Veteran Member
Posts:1013
| | 06 Apr 2007 10:26 AM |
| Posted By Peter Carey on 04/06/2007 10:17 AM
Rick, I've comletely lost all that weirdness about having to mooch rides off of people to be on a trail. get over it, it's cheaper.
Yeah but see, you have a great deal of utility when you ride along, spotting, taking primo pictures, and waking up with a fabulous disposition (ha!) Rick would just use up all the ice for his coca-cola classic and make snarky remarks all day. NO utility what-so-ever  |
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Rick Lindgren
Power User
Advanced Member
Posts:986
| | 06 Apr 2007 10:58 AM |
| LOL. Thanks for the support, guys. |
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Davis M
Basic Member
Posts:238
| | 14 Apr 2007 06:31 PM |
| I bought the ARB and can't imagine how I lived on soggy sandwiches all these years. If you get one, don't forget to budget for a hinge lock. The lids on both the Engel and ARB units tend to slide sideways off the hinges when the lid is open - usually when you have an open container in one hand. The problem is easily solved by purchasing an Engel "Hinge Lock" (ARB doesn't sell them, but, the fridges are made by the same company in Asia so Engel hinge lock works on the ARB, too.) They run around $6 and worth every penny. This little gem installs in around 50 serconds and positively locks the lid from sliding off the hinges; when you want to remove the lid completely for cleaning, etc., you just push the lever and the lid slids right off. |
Attachment: EngelHingeLock.jpg
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