bed mounted fridge - full time? or do you remove?

[chorky]

So, sometime in the next couple weeks hopefully the Engle fridge will be put in the bed. I do have a canopy so it is not exposed.

Question is, does anyone here leave it in their rig all the time, even when not used? Winters here can see -25. Typical winter temps are 0 - just below freezing. Summer temps easily reach 90-110 for about a month.

I did not see anything in the manual about not having it in cold/hot temps when not in use. It will be difficult for me to constantly take it out and put it back in.

Curious what others have experienced. My primary concern is the cold winters.

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[Forum Crawler]

Long time Engel owner here. I’ve also lived in the Midwest so I understand winter.

I had my Engel inside my JL full time when the polar vortex hit in ‘18.

‘Twas 58 below zero. The Engel still works.

Heat should be no factor. It’s made in Australia.

 

[Stitchedupseats]

During the summer I’ve left mine because we would be using it so much. I typically bring it in though if we’re not planning to use it for a few weeks. Cfx75dz.

 

[chorky]

Long time Engel owner here. I’ve also lived in the Midwest so I understand winter.

I had my Engel inside my JL full time when the polar vortex hit in ‘18.

‘Twas 58 below zero. The Engel still works.

Heat should be no factor. It’s made in Australia.

Thank you! This is what I was hoping to hear, and what I sorta expected anyway. Good to verify

Have you used yours to 'cool off' before a trip while your rig was on a battery tender/charger? I just saw in the manual it says 'never use a battery charger in place of a battery' due to highly fluctuating voltages that can cause damage - but no mention about being connected to a battery while the battery is connected to a charger/maintainer.....

 

[sharpsicle]

Thank you! This is what I was hoping to hear, and what I sorta expected anyway. Good to verify

Have you used yours to 'cool off' before a trip while your rig was on a battery tender/charger? I just saw in the manual it says 'never use a battery charger in place of a battery' due to highly fluctuating voltages that can cause damage - but no mention about being connected to a battery while the battery is connected to a charger/maintainer.....

The battery will smooth out the voltage enough naturally. No need to worry about that. The warning is about not having a battery in the mix and trying to run direct off a charger. Chargers do weird things on their own, but when on a battery the fluctuations are no more severe than the alternator gives.

 

[chorky]

The battery will smooth out the voltage naturally. No need to worry about that. The warning is about not having a battery in the mix and trying to run direct off a charger.

Awesome! Figured as such as well..good to make sure. It would suck having a new 1200 dollar brick lol

 

[PlayfulBird]

'cool off'

I know it is a silly question and comment. But why not use the AC input for that?
When your Rig is connected to a charger you obviously have AC also. I know it is an extra extension, but you are not monitoring your vehicle, so the more systems are isolated the less likely for them to effect each other. We like to, when not with the rig to separate each system as much as possible.

 

[Stitchedupseats]

I always precool on 110v before loading up if possible. It definitely helps having it colder before running off the EcoFlow or truck.
Also if you don’t know yet, it will kill you on aH usage to put food that is not cooled yet. Ex. Drinks or waters that are outside temp. It will take a while running the fridge to get them down to temp. No problem if driving or or plugged in though.

 

[chorky]

I know it is a silly question and comment. But why not use the AC input for that?
When your Rig is connected to a charger you obviously have AC also. I know it is an extra extension, but you are not monitoring your vehicle, so the more systems are isolated the less likely for them to effect each other. We like to, when not with the rig to separate each system as much as possible.

I am installing a permanent in board charger/tender. With that on it should provide more than enough power to top off batteries and have ample power for the fridge
I am currently re-wiring my entire house as I just removed the last knob and tube wiring a few weeks ago so I really dont have unlimited wall outlets. I really only have room for one right now in order to power tools and appliances which is why I went the route of a on board charger/tender

I always precool on 110v before loading up if possible. It definitely helps having it colder before running off the EcoFlow or truck.
Also if you don’t know yet, it will kill you on aH usage to put food that is not cooled yet. Ex. Drinks or waters that are outside temp. It will take a while running the fridge to get them down to temp. No problem if driving or or plugged in though.

to precool on 110 would mean I have to physically remove The fridge from the truck. This would be very difficult for me and I really dont want to do that. (Physical issues). So thats why I went the route of a on board charger/tender. It is rated to provide more than enough power for the fridge to pre-cool and to top off batteries. But this thread was more a question on if leaving the fridge out in the rig during winter is damaging or not. I would think it should be ok as there is no specific mention of this in the manual and it still will be beneficial for grocery runs on few winter days it gets above freezing here

 

[Stitchedupseats]

I am installing a permanent in board charger/tender. With that on it should provide more than enough power to top off batteries and have ample power for the fridge
I am currently re-wiring my entire house as I just removed the last knob and tube wiring a few weeks ago so I really dont have unlimited wall outlets. I really only have room for one right now in order to power tools and appliances which is why I went the route of a on board charger/tender




to precool on 110 would mean I have to physically remove The fridge from the truck. This would be very difficult for me and I really dont want to do that. (Physical issues). So thats why I went the route of a on board charger/tender. It is rated to provide more than enough power for the fridge to pre-cool and to top off batteries. But this thread was more a question on if leaving the fridge out in the rig during winter is damaging or not. I would think it should be ok as there is no specific mention of this in the manual and it still will be beneficial for grocery runs on few winter days it gets above freezing here

Gotcha. I would run a drop cord out in the garage usually to keep from having to remove it. 75+lbs or more full. Tender should be fine. Same concept.

 

[chorky]

Gotcha. I would run a drop cord out in the garage usually to keep from having to remove it. 75+lbs or more full. Tender should be fine. Same concept.

yeah i wish i had a garage. it would make my current wiring projects on the gladiator so much nicer than working outside in 15 degree temps. :-/ But garages are SO expensive to build just even for materials. The house is nearly 100 years old but its a corner lot on the river and its really awesome. Even has a full basement. But of course needs a ton of work. Otherwise I would just run a few more extension cords.

 

[Stitchedupseats]

I guess I take for granted having heated and cooled garage and a heated barn sometimes. Would offer space to work in if you were closer! Probably wouldn’t be worth it from Montana. Lol.

You’ll get there. We’ve been updating our house for about 3 years and finally seeing the light at the end.

 

[Jaxmax]

I just got an ARB fridge from a member here, and am planning on mounting it on top of drivers side wheel well as I also have a cap and it will easily be reached through side window or rear of bed. Building a bed with slide out kitchen on other side but going to make it all removable as why haul weight if not needed all the time and they do take up a lot of room. The fridge I got weighs 70 lbs. I did get a slide with it but am taking it apart to make a stand for it to sit above wheel well.
I would take it out if you are not using it for awhile, also less wear and tear on it…..Jack

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