Thanks to ssobol for posting about Defender having the "Webasto Black Forest 31 Qt Fridge Freezer" for $250 or $199 if you join "Defender First". They apparently are still in stock. We ordered one 6 days ago and it arrived today. It is very similar to other chest freezers in this size range--plastic outer cover, there are fold down detachable handles (maybe add an inch to our all length).
The unit cools from 70 to 20 in less than an hour on "max". Max cool draws 60 watts on 120V AC, or about 5 amps on 12 V DC I believe that the motor runs on 12 volts, and there is a small converter/rectifer to provide the DC power. There is a Eco mode which does continue to cool, and draws 35 watts or a little under 3 amps at 12 volts. I don't have a cycle length or amp hours yet--I'll measure that this evening on Eco and then on Max to see what the difference is.
I am comparing it to a Norcold (same as Engle Branded) 12 volt 45 Liters (about $750) and an ARB 50 Liter (120 AC and 12 V DC) about $1100. It seems like a real bargain, even if it is only 2/3 the capacity at 31 quarts (29.8 Liters) or compare directly to the Norcold 30 Liter At $660.
It is lighter than the similar Norcold (45 lbs vs 35# for the Webasto). I suspect the difference in weight is the metal frame of the Norcold, vs the Webasco seems to have only a pan and frame around the motor area (but does extend to the screw holes for the handles...). Insulation maybe slightly less than the Norcold--and definitely less than the ARB (which weighs 55#) and is 50 Liters. I suspect that the ARB will be a bit more efficient running than the Webasto.
For us, it will be used in the truck when traveling and when buying groceries and doing other chores in Marie's SUV. Also a "spill over " for extra frozen food in the RV. We may use it on the boat as a freezer if making shorter trips when we would have taken the heavier and larger ARB.
For the $$ it seems like a real bargain...Is it the best out there? NO. And we will see about durability.
The unit cools from 70 to 20 in less than an hour on "max". Max cool draws 60 watts on 120V AC, or about 5 amps on 12 V DC I believe that the motor runs on 12 volts, and there is a small converter/rectifer to provide the DC power. There is a Eco mode which does continue to cool, and draws 35 watts or a little under 3 amps at 12 volts. I don't have a cycle length or amp hours yet--I'll measure that this evening on Eco and then on Max to see what the difference is.
I am comparing it to a Norcold (same as Engle Branded) 12 volt 45 Liters (about $750) and an ARB 50 Liter (120 AC and 12 V DC) about $1100. It seems like a real bargain, even if it is only 2/3 the capacity at 31 quarts (29.8 Liters) or compare directly to the Norcold 30 Liter At $660.
It is lighter than the similar Norcold (45 lbs vs 35# for the Webasto). I suspect the difference in weight is the metal frame of the Norcold, vs the Webasco seems to have only a pan and frame around the motor area (but does extend to the screw holes for the handles...). Insulation maybe slightly less than the Norcold--and definitely less than the ARB (which weighs 55#) and is 50 Liters. I suspect that the ARB will be a bit more efficient running than the Webasto.
For us, it will be used in the truck when traveling and when buying groceries and doing other chores in Marie's SUV. Also a "spill over " for extra frozen food in the RV. We may use it on the boat as a freezer if making shorter trips when we would have taken the heavier and larger ARB.
For the $$ it seems like a real bargain...Is it the best out there? NO. And we will see about durability.