Fridge Mounting? Also 45 vs. 60?

[Sloan]

I am thinking of getting an Engel 45 or a 60 and was wondering what if any considerations are there for mounting a fridge in a rig. Is it best to mount them to the side? How much room do you need to leave around them? Is there anything else I have not thought of? If I get the 60 it will only be able to mount in the FJ60, but will I regret later not having the extra room? I have found a deal that will make the 60 only $150 more than the 45. Thanks.

[spressomon]

45 vs 60:

How many days in a row do you camp?
How many in your family?
What type of food do you typically take/prepare when camping?
Where do you typically camp? Are there store stops in between extended days in remote areas?

FYI: It's typically just myself or me and the misses...our Waeco CF-50 is the right balance for us with respect to the exterior dimensions and interior storage volume. Having said that if you have the space for a 60 you probably won't be unhappy. However remember just like home units they have to work harder when they're not full. I would imagine the 60 will have more hot "exhaust" than a smaller unit. This may or may not be an issue for you depending upon the ambient temps in the rig (on 90+ degree days I notice the additional hot air being generated in the cabin by the fridge/freeze...a bigger compressor will need to exchange more air...).

Either way it will become your favorite accessory hands down!

[Sloan]

Good point, just myself, the wife and the 1.5 year old. Also I am usually not more than 3-4 days out, less since the kid free time is kinda scarce. The big day to day function for this fridge is going to be for dad to stop dragging around an overstuffed diaper bag with freezer packs trying to keep lunches and snacks cold. In 2 days I go from employee to stay at home dad.

[Gregny]

I'm also interested in the Engel 45 to mount in my trailer . Are there any complaints about this unit ? The best place/price to buy one? Is there a newer version that I'm not aware of ? And should I get the one with the built in thermostat?

[Martyn]

I'm also interested in the Engel 45 to mount in my trailer . Are there any complaints about this unit ? The best place/price to buy one? Is there a newer version that I'm not aware of ? And should I get the one with the built in thermostat?

The 45 is a great sized fridge and we have had no issues with any of the Engle products. To get the built in thermometer you need to buy and ARB fridge, which is basically the Engle model for non North American customers.

A couple of things about the ARB. The thermometer reads in Celsius and their fridges are more expensive than the Engle.

I use an Engle with a remote digital thermometer that read 'F and 'C

I find the 60 liter fridge to be too large for me. Ideally I'd run a 45 liter as my fridge and a 35 liter as my freezer. But until money starts to grow on trees the 45 is fine.