Your 4×4 adventures will take you to some incredible places, most of which will transport you off the beaten track and help you unlock the true potential of your vehicle. Those remote off-roading hotspots however aren’t known for their amenities! Getting your 4×4 road trip ready with the supplies you pack and the upgrades you install is therefore crucial to not just staying comfortable but ensuring your safety and survival.
With this in mind, keeping your food and drink supplies fresh and cool, especially in destinations that are a little warmer, is vital. Thankfully, the range of fridge freezers available can help you do just that when exploring far away from home.
In this blog post, we compare two classic travel fridge freezer products that regularly grab the attention of 4×4 drivers looking to keep things cool off-road.
Fridge freezer or coolbox?
As our comparison of the Halfords Electric Coolbox and ARB 35-Litre Fridge Freezer Portable Series II will no doubt prove, there really is no competition when deciding whether a fridge freezer or coolbox is the best option off the road.
While cheaper to buy, coolboxes (even electric ones) don’t have the cooling capabilities of a heavy-duty travel fridge freezer. The Halfords Electric Coolbox isn’t as durable either, with its exterior and internal componentry basic, cheap and plastic. Just compare the weight of both – the Halfords 40-Litre Electric Coolbox weighs 8.4kg whilst the smaller capacity ARB 35-Litre Fridge Freezer weighs 20.7kg!
ARB Series II – made for life off the road
The ARB Series II Fridge Freezer range has been designed, developed and manufactured specifically for use off-road, which means that camping excursions or leisurely trips will be a breeze!
With the rugged environments found in ARB’s native Australia the inspiration behind all their products, the ARB Fridge Freezer is rigorously tested to ensure it’s up to standard and primed for success. The ARB Series II range is actually the product of over three years of research, design and extensive testing, which took place both in-house and off-road.
Despite its heavy-duty nature, the ARB Series II Fridge Freezer doesn’t scrimp on tech. In fact, its advanced electronic control system – with dimmable backlit touchpad for easy nighttime operation – is often a favourite feature amongst off-road and camping enthusiasts, including Blogger Kristin Hanes from The Wayward Home:
“Nestled under the ARB refrigerator’s latch is a handy digital display. I have to admit I’m addicted to checking the fridge’s temperature. This digital display is where you adjust how cold the fridge gets. You can also use this display to set up battery monitoring. If you set the battery monitor to ‘high’, that means the ARB fridge will stop drawing power when it senses a lower voltage. I can’t imagine having a fridge without a digital display!”
Halfords Electric Coolbox – for occasional use only
The Halfords Electric Coolbox isn’t completely useless. With its lack of durability, however, it should only be considered for occasional use. If you’re looking for something a little more heavy-duty or able to withstand higher temperatures, however, the ARB Fridge Freezer should be your first choice.
The ARB option is great for daily and continued use, with its premium components (including the highest quality Secop compressors and robust, powder-coated zinc steel casing) offering a solution for the long haul.
High-grade fridges may be expensive to build, with the ARB Fridge Freezer representing a significantly higher investment than the Halfords Electric Coolbox, but they are durable, reliable and have very, very long service lives meaning they can be relied on again and again.
Have more to spend? Discover the benefits of the ARB Zero Fridge Freezer for the ultimate, off-road capable cooling solution.
Find out more about the ARB 35-Litre Fridge Freezer Portable Series II or browse our full range of fridge freezers here.
