Fridge/Cooler for 8.1

[mjmoore17]

Out of curiosity @merlin, when you were looking at the Dometic did you check out the Whynter models? A 65qt model for less than the 40qt Dometic is listed here: http://amzn.to/21b1Jo8
I'd love to eventually move to something like this both for camping, and backup refrigeration if needed.

Sean

i have had both. The Dometic is a more durable brand but to be honest, I think the Whynter was a better value. Remember that these are not light, when filled with food, they are difficult to move, the bigger the heavier. You can unload the baskets but that is also dependent on how much overhead room you have. With my old station wagon I could not easily get overhead clearance to unload and move to tent/trailer. I doubt a problem with my jeep. I liked having it easily available for drinks on the road.

michael

[daplumbr]

@sean, the only other brand I checked out was the Engel. When I bought my Dometic, they had just purchased the refrigerator line from Waeco, which had a great reputation in the the off-roading overlanding crowd. In fact, the cover I bought with it says Waeco on it. Dometic's purchase of Waeco fridges didn't cheapen them, so they are still good quality. 

I agree they are heavy when loaded and many folks install them on a slider in the rear of a vehicle to make access easy. I don't need that convenience and we have no trouble getting food/drink out on the road because our SUV has a high roof. The door (top) is readily removable too, so it doesn't get in the way of large items. 

[charlie2922]

I run a one man trucking business and have a 50 qt Dometic Freezer/Fridge that I keep in my truck in addition to the Waeco built in one in the truck. I just take it out and use it in the 8.1. It is great and you can freeze ice in 1/2 liter bottles of water as well. Filling excess area with the ice helps keep temp more stable as well. Then can keep small cooler for drinks and swap them back and forth as needed.