Pulling over from a heavy off-road session and cracking open an ice-cold drink is one of the most satisfying things a 4×4 owner can experience. As such, adding a portable fridge or freezer to your rig is probably one of the first truly decadent upgrades on every off-roader’s bucket list. They are not only incredibly convenient if you plan on longer excursions but they’re not as expensive as you might assume either. There are some considerations to make though.
12V power
For one thing, this is a fridge that will be powered by 12V and that means power consumption is going to be a major factor. Cheap fridges tend to be not only noisy and prone to failure but have higher power draws too. They are also less efficient and are built from lower-quality components. That’s why it’s always important to consider the power draw of your potential fridge before making a purchase. Factor in how much power it will consume daily and know that everything from the air temperature to where the fridge sits in the vehicle will also have an impact on the consumption.
Perishables
The major benefit of a 4×4 fridge is being able to store perishables for days or even weeks. A good old fashioned cooler might keep a few beers lukewarm for a day or so but a portable fridge will be able to keep everything from ice creams and fruit to sandwiches and meat at a safe temperature. Think about what will be stored in your fridge before making your choice, as there are designs of various sizes and complexities to consider.
The ARB difference
ARB is one of the most highly respected names in the world of 4×4 and with good reason. It’s a brand with a proven track record and when it comes to portable fridges/freezers there is truly no brand that even comes close. Here, we’ll put the spotlight on a few of our personal favourites but any ARB fridge is a good choice and all current ARB models can be controlled via a Bluetooth app too.
ARB Classic Series II – Any model from this range can be used as a fridge or freezer, though not both at the same time. They are specifically designed for off-road use and include separate dairy compartments and high-quality compressors allowing for rapid cool-down. There are also various sizes available, with the 78 litre ARB fridge freezer arguably offering the best balance between size, value and power.
ARB Zero – While the classic series is ideal for most users if you need something more rugged. with options for dual zones (a fridge and freezer at the same time), then the ARB Zero range is the one for you. These fridges are built to last, whatever the climate. Each section can also be set to fridge, freeze or off and the variable speed compressor is incredibly efficient when it comes to power usage.
ARB Elements – Taking things a step even further, the ARB Elements boats a stainless steel case and is so rugged that it can even be fitted outside on the back of a work truck. This is the flagship ARB unit and is highly durable, though it might be overkill for some users.
