The new ARB fridge / freezer integrates technology from Danfoss Global Group. The fridge uses the Module 101N0500 Controller that provides speed setting, battery protection, and an integrated AC/DC converter. The integrated compressor is the Danfoss BD35F which is considered to be one of the best compressor options for a portable refrigerator. There is a large fan on the back side of the condenser coil that will help move more air through the system.

Compressor and control module

Plastic grid over condenser

There are a number of fridges using the Danfoss compressor and it has been found to be very reliable.  Two other manufactures that I have located are Waeco and EVAKOOL.  Both are recognized as leading manufactures.

Purchase of the ARB fridge should be driven by the overall construction. While some people consider plastic construction to indicate low cost and poor quality, the new plastics being used in today’s manufacturing tend to be more durable than steel and maintain a better appearance after long term use.

I have owned the original ARB fridge for the last year and decided to upgrade to the new fridge after reviewing the information on the ARB site.  

Comparing the new and the old:

New and old model ARB Fridges - front view

New and old model ARB Fridges - from top

New and old model ARB Fridges - stacked

New and old model ARB Fridges - side view

Dimensions: The outside dimensions of both fridges are about the same and the new fridge should be able to be used in the same location in our FJ Cruiser as the original.

Controls: With the original fridge I had to roll it out to access the controls which are placed at the rear of the lid. The new fridge has the controls on the front right above the carry handle. This is MUCH more functional when the fridge is stowed.

Original ARB fridge - controls

The controls are also much more sophisticated in the new fridge.

New ARB fridge - controls

Temperature Control: The original ARB Fridge required constant adjustment of the temperature until the indicated temperature was set where desired. On the new ARB fridge the temperature is set via the front panel controls to a specific desired setting that is indicated in the display. This leads to much easier set and forget control.  

New ARB fridge temperature display

Display Readout: The original ARB fridge readout indicated Celsius only. With the new fridge either Celsius out Fahrenheit can be selected, YEA!!! After the temp is set the display will revert to and display the actual interior temperature.

Battery Drain: The new ARB Fridge has a sophisticated battery cut off feature. The system allows for 3 input cutoff voltages to be selected; low, medium or high. This controls how far the fridge will drain the battery and allows the fridge to be setup to use either the primary start battery or an auxiliary system such as I have installed in my FJ Cruiser.

Fridge Compartment:

The original ARB fridge has a single compartment that is surrounded by the fridge cooling coils. The compartment tends to be coldest at the sides and the bottom. I have had problems with milk freezing when next to the coils. The coils are also spaced away from the side of the fridge by about 1/4 inch. While this might help with air circulation it makes fully cleaning the interior of the fridge impossible. The interior construction also seems to be a bit flimsy.

Original ARB Fridge compartment

The new ARB fridge has what appears to be a much better design. There is a main compartment that has the cooling coils wrapped around it and then a second compartment at the back that should be a few degrees warmer that the rest of the fridge. The back compartment sits over where the compressor and electronics are located. It will provide good stowage for milk and other items that tend to freeze early and easy.

New model ARB fridge compartment

The new fridge also has an interior that will be much easier to clean with the coils integrated into the sides. There is also a drain located in the bottom which can be used to help cleaning spills and with defrosting if required.

Exterior Construction:

The original ARB fridge is built with a solid steel shell that should last for years. The paint does tend to wear off so the fridge will look used.  The hinges are a little flimsy and the lid tends to slide off them. (There is an accessory that keeps the lid in place)

The new ARB fridges main body exterior is made from powder coated zinc steel sheet. Powder coating will provide a durable finish and the zinc steel will provide longevity and corrosion prevention.  Both the lid and base are made from durable plastics. The lid is connected with an ingenious hinge system that allows it to be easily removed and then snapped back on. During normal use the hinge will not allow the lid to become detached.

As with the old system, a transit bag is available as an accessory from ARB for the new fridge. The transit bag provides additional insulation and will protect the exterior of the fridge from bump and bangs.

There is also an LED light to light up the interior when dark.

New model ARB fridge in transit bag

The feet on the fridge can be unbolted to the bolts can be used as an attachment point for permanent installation of the fridge.

Summary:

 ARB has put LOTS of thought into the design of the new fridge. It is a robust system that should hold up to years of hard use in the outback. The advanced electronics and efficient compressor will provide more efficient use of power as well as extend the battery life with systems where the start battery is being used. I look forward to putting my new fridge to the test during our next off road adventure.

Additional information is available at ARB USA.