Our first experience with ARB fridges dates back five years when testing the Classic. We’ve tried a few fridges in that time, but the 47L Classic always ended up back in the vehicle and has subsequently travelled with us across Australia without issue.
We first used a dual-zone 96L ARB Zero Fridge Freezer in a camper we tested last year. We have also been using a 44L single-zone in the back of our LandCruiser over the previous six months.
The ARB Zero Fridge Freezer Range
The single-zone ARB Zero Fridge Freezers operate as fridges or freezers and come in 36L, 44L and 60L variants. The shapes and sizes are relatively conventional, which means they suit a variety of fridge slides and standard drawer configurations.
The 36L and 40L sizes have rear hinging lids, whereas the 60L has a side opening lid that can be mounted to open in either direction.
The dual-zone ARB Zero Fridge Freezer is available in 69L and 96L variants and have dedicated fridge and freezer compartments for longer trips. The lids are side opening and can be mounted to open in either direction.
Unique Features
Without a doubt, there are some quality fridge options on the market from which to choose. Aside from reliability and expected power consumption, the ARB Fridge Freezer had a few features we liked and are worth noting.
Compressor and Ventilation Position
Ventilation is one of the most critical variables for how efficiently a fridge freezer will run. Unfortunately, in many 4x4s, inadequate ventilation is left around the compressor vents, typically at the fridge’s rear.
In the ARB Zero Fridge Freezer, the compressor and vents are at the front. It’s a creative space to put the vent for two main reasons. First, when the boot or canopy is closed, an entire height gap is left, perfect for hot air to escape from around the compressor. Secondly, every time you open the boot, the hot air escapes and the fridge freezer immediately has access to fresh air.
Front AC Inlet
Getting ready to get away is usually a big job. But, if you’re anything like us, most of you probably started packing the week or so before, and being able to switch on the fridge and start loading it up is an excellent way to get organised early.
While some secondary batteries can charge off AC or mains power, many only run from DC (the vehicle) or solar, making it easy to run them flat at home when only travelling short distances and note producing solar.
Additionally, the DC plug is at the rear in most fridges, making it difficult to access. However, in the ARB Zero Fridge Freezer, this plug is at the front, so it’s easy to plug in and run the fridge from home simply. There is also an additional 12V on the show.
Quick Release Lids
The 60L, 69L and 96L variants of the ARB Zero Fridge Freezer have quick-release lids that allow them to open in the opposite direction. It’s a simple feature, but it’s convenient for those with non-standard setups and worth mentioning.
ARB Zero Fridge Freezer Connect App
While almost everything comes with an app these days, it wasn’t long ago that fridge monitoring was either hardwired or an accessory complete with a plugin antenna and receiving display to plug into the 12V socket.
The ARB Zero Fridge Freezer Connect app is simple but does what it needs to. It’s easy to monitor the fridge’s temperature from the cabin and to see that it is spending plenty of time idle and not consuming power as it should be.
Final Thoughts
The ARB Zero Fridge Freezer is a reliable and well-featured option. It’s available globally, and importantly that means you’re more likely to access technical support in outback Australia or a remote corner of the United States.
