Press Release: ARB Fridge

[Scott Brady]

The full release, with images is on the ExPo portal HERE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
All New ARB Fridge Freezer

Complete Redesign of the ARB Fridge Freezer!
Seattle, February 5/ ARB 4x4 Accessories/ -- Australian based four-wheel parts manufacturer, is proud to announce the all-new, ARB engineered 50QT portable Fridge/Freezer and the optional Transit Bag. While the existing ARB fridge has served us well, in recent years it became obvious there was a niche in the Portable Fridge market for a clever, good looking, well thought out “User Friendly” product so ARB started a project to get its own exclusively designed and built portable Fridge Freezer.

As this new Fridge would be distributed through our worldwide network it was imperative it lived up to the ARB reputation for reliability.
The all new 50QT Fridge Freezer has taken 3 hard years of engineering development work and involves the largest investment in tooling costs for any ARB product to date. It has the latest cooling technology, clever design features directed at our customer’s needs and applications, along with the highest standard of quality possible. Each fridge comes supplied in “showroom ready” color carton with fridge features and has been designed to act as a display base for fridges in the showrooms.

Along with the release of the redesigned ARB Fridge Freezers, ARB will be offering a Transit Bag for the new Fridge Freezer. The ARB Transit Bag is manufactured from tough durable canvas exterior, and a reflective internal lining to insulate against heat and maximize cooling efficiency when ambient temperatures are high. Finished off with integrated vent panels at the rear to ensure adequate air flow to the motor and condenser, and a handy side pocket large enough to house the fridge manual and power lead, this transit bag will offer attractive styling and efficiency in one package.

Two separate power cords are included, one for AC operation (120 volt) at home, and one for DC operation (12/24 volt) in your vehicle. The all-new 50 qt model is able to maintain sub-freezing temperatures in 90° F heat, while only drawing an intermittent 1.35 amps per hour from a 12 volt power source… that’s less than a single headlamp draws!

TECHNICAL
- Recessed front mounted digital control panel
- Internal LED cabinet light
- Separate dairy/fruit compartment
- Interior drain plug
- Unique stainless steel detent hinge with quick release mechanism
- Integrated battery protection system (12/24V DC)
- Integrated power system - No external power transformers required to operate the fridge on 12V DC, 24V DC or 110V AC


Part No.
Description
Retail
108004721
ARB Fridge Freezer 50QT
$854.35
TBAG47ARB1
Transit Bag - 50QT Fridge Freezer
$146.14

[Desertdude]

Very nice! soon, some lucky person will get a great deal on an engel

[bigreen505]

Can someone from ARB or with knowledge of the product comment on the differences and improvements relative to the existing 45QT size? Just bigger, more efficient, employs patented technology harvested from a downed alien ship?

I have to say it seems like the perfect size.

[flyingwil]

We've had them on our site (here) for a while now. Currently they are awaiting UL certification, (as of a few weeks ago) and they they will be on the container on over to the US.

They are going to be pretty cool units!

[esh]

Couple of questions for those more familiar-

Do they plan on making other sizes than 50qt?

What improvements are built in that make this a better unit vs the nearly $100 cheaper Waecos that have been in production for a few years now?

Thanks!

[flyingwil]

Can someone from ARB or with knowledge of the product comment on the differences and improvements relative to the existing 45QT size? Just bigger, more efficient, employs patented technology harvested from a downed alien ship?

I have to say it seems like the perfect size.

Some cutting and pasting here:

This fridge was specifically designed for off-road use. The new fridges will be sporting a Danfoss compressor (instead of the SwingMotor) coupled with a smart electronic control system which ensures maximum cooling efficiency down to minus 18°C and a controlled, low amp draw.

The use of the Danfoss compressor has the added benefit of requiring only a small amount of space for mechanical components, which allows greater storage capacity in the fridge interior.

The fridge incorporating a separate compartment for fruit and dairy, the interior cabinet also features a reversible basket which offers the option of separating the fridge contents or alternatively allowing longer items to be positioned along the entire length.

For night use, an internal LED light features a concealed magnetic switch that automatically turns off the light when the lid is closed. A drain plug has been integrated into the base of the fridge for cleaning.

Externally a similar physical size to ARB’s previous 40L Freezer/Fridge model, the ARB Fridge Freezer features powder coated, robust zinc steel cabinet sides to withstand extreme Outback conditions. The tough injection molded lid and base were chosen specifically to address the issue of scratches, dents and corrosion commonly found in these areas as a result of off road use.

ARB says that considerable research and design has been dedicated to tackling the poor lid hinge and catch designs found in current portable fridges. While many fridges incorporate small hinge pins that are often difficult to reposition once the lid has been removed, the ARB Fridge Freezer utilizes a unique stainless steel detent hinge that allows the lid to be easily and securely slid into position. The hinge also enables it to be opened past 90°, so you don’t need to hold the lid up while removing contents from the fridge.

The use of a dedicated front is also an important element of the overall off road design, as it ensures that the lid, temperature control panel and handle are all together within easy reach when the fridge is stored in the rear of a vehicle.

The control panel features both current and target temperature readings, and is recessed to protect it from damage and accidental bumps. The panel is ran directly from the fridge power supply rather than its own independent battery, eliminating the need to replace the panel battery at a later date.

The ARB Fridge Freezer includes an integrated battery protection system that allows users to select the minimum operating voltage for the fridge to prevent excessive discharge of the vehicle battery. Right angle power plugs and recessed power lead clips protect the power cord and prevent accidental disconnection.

If you want a flier let me know and I can send you one.

[nwoods]

Looks fantastic and has tiedown handles!!! Too bad it costs more than my 24cubic foot side by side fridge/freezer in my kitchen. They would sell so many of these at $400 or less!

[lwg]

Looks fantastic and has tiedown handles!!! Too bad it costs more than my 24cubic foot side by side fridge/freezer in my kitchen. They would sell so many of these at $400 or less!

Of course they would. Heck if they were free they would really fly out the door.

I don't think the price is that bad. They've added most of the features we have been crying about for years now. The new Digital readout is both F* and C*, the internal light, expanded capacity however the same footprint, reduced power consumption by something like 50%. I think this is a pretty good deal personally. They have to make money afterall.

[Hilldweller]

Scott,
You and Martyn are diabolical.... ....new fridge, new solar panel....
Wonderful looking product sir; thanks.

Somebody call my wife. She says she's happy with icecubes still.

[pygmyowl]

Looks like a winner - might sell my Engel 45 for one, but can't find a slide that it would fit in, as dimensions won't allow the old slide used for my Engel?