ARB vs. Engel 45 refer?

[Redline]

Hello all, newbe here, been reading the threads for a couple weeks, did a search, didn't find specific data comparing these two... :-)

I'm choosing options for an expedition/camping trailer and trying to decide between the Engel 45 refer/freeze and the re-badged ARB WITH the built-in temperature sensor.

I was going to get Engel's (wired?) temperature probe/sensor, but for about $25.00 it puts the prices of the Engel close to the ARB. Also thought a typical indoor/outdoor wireless temperature sensor with separate 'indoor' display inside the Jeep might be an option for the Engel.

What are the reasons people favor the Engel over the similar ARB other than price?

Thanks, and hoping to meet some of you on the trails.

James/Redline

[Grim Reaper]

badge engneering...its the same fridge

[Redline]

Yep, I'm hip to the ARB merely being re-badged...
But what about the temperature gauge, is it nice to have (works well) or an impractical gimmick?


badge engneering...its the same fridge

[flyingwil]

Hello all, newbe here, been reading the threads for a couple weeks, did a search, didn't find specific data comparing these two... :-)

I'm choosing options for an expedition/camping trailer and trying to decide between the Engel 45 refer/freeze and the re-badged ARB WITH the built-in temperature sensor.

They indeed are both the same fridge the ARB's are the anniversary edition of the Engel, IIRC. They are both using the Swing Motor, an electro-dynamic reciprocating device that connects directly to the piston of the compressor. The motor design and associated resonance characteristics achieve a very high power output. Since there is only one moving part, which is self lubricated, there is no maintenance needed. This offers advantages such as great economy, compact size, light weight, high efficiency due to the resonance phenomena, low friction losses and minimum power consumption.


I was going to get Engel's (wired?) temperature probe/sensor, but for about $25.00 it puts the prices of the Engel close to the ARB. Also thought a typical indoor/outdoor wireless temperature sensor with separate 'indoor' display inside the Jeep might be an option for the Engel.

Honestly go to Target and buy the Oregon Scientific brand, it has more features and is about $9.


What are the reasons people favor the Engel over the similar ARB other than price?

Brand name shopping.


Thanks, and hoping to meet some of you on the trails.

James/Redline

Yup no problem... You can read up more on the Fridges here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/Research/index.php

[Desertdude]

After checking out Daktari Ed's ARB fridge I like the way the outside additional jacket fits ( cleaner and nicer than the engel) and I also like the temp gauge built in - but it would also be nice to have the monitoring up near the drivers view point

I have never regretted the two engels I have purchased

[Jonathan Hanson]

Driving Scott's Tacoma I'm always amused at the location of his fridge temp readout, on the trick door pillar pod. It's the most prominent gauge in the truck.

[Redline]

Is Scott's a wireless type?


Driving Scott's Tacoma I'm always amused at the location of his fridge temp readout, on the trick door pillar pod. It's the most prominent gauge in the truck.

[flyingwil]

Is Scott's a wireless type?


Nope, I just converted to a similar set up using a Cyberdyne air temp gauge.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/flyingwil/Taco/Gauge%20Pod/IMG_1293.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/flyingwil/Taco/Gauge%20Pod/IMG_1297.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/flyingwil/Taco/Gauge%20Pod/IMG_1294.jpg

I am currently toying with the idea of adding 2 more temperature senders for the temp gauge.
Engel Fridge/Freezer
TwoZone Unit
Ambient Air


I could then use a 3-Way selecting switch to switch between the three.

[Redline]

Cool :-)