We have had our hands on many of them. I personally prefer the the MT-35 or MT-45 over the MR040.
Why?
1.) Both the MT models offer a basket. This is small but it also provides a small amount of protection to the internals of the fridge.
2.) The metal is more ruggid and is tried and true than the platics. Some may worry about rusting and longevity of the metal... There's pics floating around of a 20+ year old Engel that was used in a salt water sail boat... I think that's proof enough for me that it will last. The MR040 has plastic handles too.
3.) Weight... ok although the MR040 weighs 48lbs compared to the 52.9 lbs of the MT-45 I prefer the durability of metal over plastics.
4.) The MR040 has a neat feature allowing you to change how the lid opens ( to the right or left, however the latches are plastic and not metal like the MT models. We had a few customers hinges break during shipping on the MR040 units.
My conclusion is that the MR040 is a nice quality fridge, but for overland use the MT models take the cake. If you decide that the MR040 is for you then that's the right model, but for me I'll stick to my MT-45 and keep trying to convince FlyingWen to get a MT-35 in the KJ instead of taking the Taco because I have a fridge. LOL.
Well I don't want to completely bash the MR040 fridge as it a real nice unit so don't see the above as bashing, just my opinions and how it fits my style of overlanding. Below is some cool pro's that I am jealous of and wish my MT-45 had are:
1.) Storage compartment under the lid (good for cords, etc,)
2.) Slick opening of the lid, more cooler like.
3.) Lid limiting strap (for lack of better wording at 1:00am)
4.) Where the controls are... The controls are just mounted in a slick spot making it easy to adjust and still get in the fridge at the same time. It would work great on my slide!
5.) Its a sexy looking unit. I like the looks much better even the transit bag is more stylish.
Bottom line is knowing what you need to select the right one for you and your needs. Like Kurt mentioned above you can contact him, or feel free to contact us at Sierra Expeditions using the
contact us page for more info on the fridges.
Hope that helps some.