Review of ARB 4×4’s updated fridge/freezer: the Classic II
“What’s that? Wait, is that a fridge?” I was asked as I grabbed lunch from the back of my Land Cruiser.
“Ahh…Yes,” I replied. “It’s the new ARB Fridge/Freezer.”
“Wait, you have a refrigerator in the back of your vehicle?” The still somewhat confused man asked.
“I certainly do,” I responded with a smirk.
We both stood in the dirt parking lot of the McKoy Flat Trailhead outside Vernal, Utah. The gentleman questioned what he saw, while I prepared to enjoy lunch after a fun mountain bike ride. He was skeptical and intrigued while I was hungry and in need of a refreshment.
“Sorry to bug you.”
“No worries, it happens all the time. The 12-volt fridge/freezer is the best purchase you can make for camping/overlanding.” I responded. Truth be told, it is!
ARB 4×4’s Updated Classic II Fridge/Freezer
Earlier this year I picked up ARB’s new fridge/freezer (the Classic II) which released this past April. ARB is renowned for its overlanding equipment including everything from bull bars to roof top tents. This Australian-based company designs and engineers some of the best overlanding equipment on the market. For years, ARB carried the Classic Fridge/Freezer but with updates and a makeover, they released the Classic II. Lucky for me, I was able to test ARB Classic II while adventuring in Vernal, Utah.
McKoy Flat is an area just outside Vernal, Utah, that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It’s home to some outstanding singletrack trails that create a mountain biking paradise. After concluding my ride on the Serendipity Trail, I reached into my ARB Classic II for some snacks and a Vernal Brewery Pale Ale. I savored the “fuel” while enjoying the high desert views. The ARB Classic II temperature can be set as either a fridge or a freezer. I set mine to 37 degrees. Temperatures can be set in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. My food and beverages stored nicely in the internal basket.
So, what’s new? The ARB Classic II displays a new color scheme of gunmetal gray and black. The new, updated exterior colors match today’s vehicle interiors. ARB also updated the Classic II with a few new technological goodies. First, ARB included a Bluetooth connector/antenna that works with the ARB App loaded onto a cell phone and/or ARB LINX device to control and monitor the temperature, receive an alert if the top isn’t closed properly, and monitor the battery status. ARB also placed a battery monitor read out on the fridge/freezer display to indicate the “health” of the battery. It’s a nice feature if one’s vehicle is not equipped with a dual battery system.
While driving into the backcountry of Dinosaur National Monument, I contemplated all the gear available for the adventurer. Please understand that sometimes we all get gear overload or, worse yet, gear paralyzed. Having the right gear can make adventuring more fun, efficient, and enjoyable. But, don’t let not having the latest or greatest stop you from exploring the natural world. When you are ready to make a fridge/freezer purchase, consider the new ARB Classic II. The Classic II comes in multiple sizes to accommodate a variety of needs and demands. Its battery consumption was minimal while adventuring in Vernal for a weekend. ARB claims less than one amp per hour, and I believe it. In my opinion, a portable 12-volt fridge/freezer is a worthwhile investment. I might even say, it’s the best overlanding purchase an adventurer can make.
Likes
-Color scheme
-Battery readout on fridge/freezer display
-Ability to sync with ARB phone app or ARB LINX Device
-Excellent power consumption
Dislikes
– Wish the fridge/freezer had dual compartments (one fridge/one freezer)
Editor’s Note: Issue 23 of OutdoorX4 featured a comprehensive article on a variety of fridge/freezers to consider for your next vehicle-based adventure.
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