ARB Fridge / Freezer

How many times do we head out for a weekend of salmon fishing and end up brining a batch of herring up and have to guess how many to add to the mix because we don’t know what were going to need? We usually go over and end up with way to many for a day’s fishing or worse come a up dozen short. Well what if you could add an extremely low amp draw portable fridge/freezer to your boat that will double as a freezer? I have and now I care about 12 dozen frozen herring of various sizes on the boat at all times. When I need one I just pull a pack out and add it to the brine mix.

The fridge I’m talking about is an ARB, it was build for the 4X4 market for overland excursions. ARB is a large company that builds a variety of components for the 4X4 market like winch bumpers, lift kits and off-road lights. This is not one of those cheap 12 volt coolers you find at discount stores this fridge is built tuff you can count on it lasting for a long time.

The ARB fridge can be used as a fridge or freezer by just adjusting the temp setting, it has a lid that lifts up or can side off sideways for easy entry to the fridge.

Two separate power cords are included, one for AC operation (120 volt) at home/shore power, and one for DC operation (12/24 volt) in your boat/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!

Slide Lock for ARB mounting

I use mine with an Engle floor mount that the ARB fridge slides into and locks in place on the boat. After 2 years of offshore fishing for tuna it shows zero wear and never moves in the mount. Since it runs on 12 volt or 120 AC I leave it on all summer when I’m on shore power without any issues.

When I’ planning a long drive or going camping I just pop it out of the boat mount and it goes into the truck ready for carrying drinks and food with no more ice to deal with.

My ARB Fridge mounted in the bow of Salt Patrol

One of the other cool things that this fridge/freezer works nice for is storing frozen fish. When I do an overnight trip say to Port Townsend and catch a limit of blackmouth I bag them up put the ARB freezer in the truck and freeze the days catch. Off to fish the next day and don’t have to worry about the fish being on ice and there off the boat not counting on my daily possession limit. When I get home I vacuum pack them.

Think of the look on your families faces next August when you’re out fishing and pull out some ice-cream from your ARB fridge for a treat! ARB fridge/freezers are the ideal way to keep your food and beverages chilled or frozen on your adventures, regardless of ambient conditions. Not to be confused with less effective 12 volt ‘coolers’, the ARB unit is a true refrigerator/freezer. Own one and you’ll never again find your lunch water- logged by shifting ice, and there’ll always be a cold drink on hand during the sweltering summer months.

ARB fridge/freezer can be purchased at local 4 Wheel Parts Stores or on the 4 Wheel Parts web page.

Features & Benefits:

• 100% CFC free

• Low amp draw

• Ice free operation

• Three year warranty

• Powder coated zinc steel cabinet shell. Zinc steel provides excellent corrosion resistance

• Recessed powdered coated steel fixed carry handles

• Two piece injection molded lid, UV stable

• Convenient on/off power indicator • Integrated battery protection system (12/24V DC)

• Solar panel & generator compatible • Deep storage capacity for large upright bottles • User friendly, forward facing thermostat control

• Built-in 12, 24 and 120 volt facility, making it ideal for use as a second fridge

• Rounded corners & edges to protect vehicle upholstery • Fully removable lid & basket for easy access & cleaning

• Ventilation grills allow operation even in the most confined cargo areas • User friendly, right angled plug-in point from cord to fridge

• Operates at extreme angles (up to 30°) without affecting operation or reliability

Capt John