Featuring Premium Parts from
by Scott Ammerman
Torque Correspondent
Fridge Freezer technology has really ramped up in recent years, as indicated in a fridge freezer buyer's guide we published earlier this season. Smart device connectivity as well as advanced temperature controls have really moved to the forefront of the specifications lists in several of these new units.
If you own an ARB Classic fridge, you may be looking at these new technological marvels and thinking there is no reason to upgrade right now, as your workhorse of a fridge is still doing its job — keeping your food and drinks cold out on the trail, or even on extended overland adventures.
Personally speaking, as a five-year-user of an ARB Classic 50 Quart Fridge, I felt the same way.
ARB has recently released the Classic II series, and this version is more than just a cosmetic facelift. In addition to having Bluetooth wireless app connectivity right out of the box, it also has a few other features such as a lid alarm, backlit controls and dimmable display that make the new version just a little bit better.
The one thing the original and new versions of the Classic series have in common are the outer dimensions, and ARB has renewed its commitment to supporting the original blue and gray Classic models with a new array of compatible accessories and upgrades, as well as the well-refined classics that have come about over the years. This long term compatibility means that if you decide to eventually upgrade to a Classic II, all of these accessories will work just as well with your new unit as they did with your original.
The ARB Fridge Freezer Wiring Kit has been out for a while now, but many people overlook the full range of its benefits. First of all, a dedicated fused circuit (with a waterproof fuse holder and four-gauge wiring) for the fridge is a great idea because it leaves those 12v sockets already in your vehicle open for charging devices or other duties. I have traveled with ‘individuals’ who shall remain nameless to protect their identities, who have unplugged my fridge to charge their phone, and then left it unplugged overnight. Luckily the fridge was filled with beverages and the temperature outside wasn’t too hot, or that could have led to spoiled food if on a different type of trip.
Additionally, the included socket works well with the hidden feature of the 12v socket plugs included with the later model Classic fridges. The front part of the plug can be removed to allow the use of the two prong threaded body ARB plug, which is screwed into this socket to prevent it from wobbling or being pulled out on the trail. This positive engagement offers a substantial peace of mind on long trips where an unplugged fridge could lead to catastrophe.
Have an early Classic model with a plug that doesn’t include the threaded socket functionality? No problem, ARB sells the updated version separately.
Released in 2015, the ARB Classic fridge freezer monitor was a little display that was wirelessly connected to the fridge.
At that time, it was a great solution — but the display still had to be mounted in the passenger compartment and wired to a power source. The cost ended up around $100.
The new ARB Fridge App Connect Module allows your Classic ARB model to interface with your iOS or Android device using a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app.
The installation is also simplified, as the transmitter is powered by the refrigerator’s 8 pin port (on 2014 and up modules) on the rear, and is attached with two screws.
While the ARB Fridge Connect app doesn’t have the lid alarm or allow temperature control with the original Classic (these are features with the Classic II), you can still monitor input voltage, status and target/current temperatures. This is particularly useful information from the driver’s seat on long road trips, or if you panic in the middle of the night inside your rooftop tent — worrying that the fridge may not be running.
The new version of the Transit Bags were released in 2019, and have a few upgraded features that are worth noting. Many people never purchased an original Transit Bag because they thought it was nothing more than a protective cover.
While it does offer some protection against scrapes and dings, the entire inner layer is heat-reflective insulation, as well as having mesh ventilation panels so the compressor can breathe as it does its job.
I actually upgraded mine from the original style transit bag to the new style because I liked the color, but also because the new version had a much larger, zippered side pocket (which I use to store either the 12v or 110v power cord that I’m not using) and an integrated pocket for a bottle opener.
The Transit Bags, in both versions, are connected to the fridge using right angled metal brackets in the corners near the handles, and a few hook and loop panels — the kits include a few panels of adhesive-backed hook and loop that get attached to the body of the fridge. Removal for cleaning (or upgrade, in my case) is quick and easy. They even added a cut out for the drain plug hole if you need to drain the freezer with the cover in place.
They kept the mounting design exactly the same, so if you want an upgraded cover, all you need to do is put it on like you did your original one.
ARB’s Tie Down System firmly grips the handles of your fridge and holds them down thanks to 1” thick web tie down straps. If you have a 2011+ JKU, you can use this kit right out of the packaging with your factory tie down points, as long as you mount the fridge sideways in the trunk. I used it like this for several years, through some very challenging terrain, and never had an issue with the fridge moving around.
It also comes with four bolt through mounting tabs that can be used with many different cargo wrangling setups, including the next item below.
The heavy duty ARB Fridge Slide is an extremely durable work of art. It can be used to slide a fridge in and out of your vehicle with ease, and can support up to 175 lbs.
Its bearing guides are adjustable to eliminate rattles, and it has pre-drilled holes to work with the tie down system. This slide will require drilling to mount to your vehicle, but once it is in place it will give you years of trouble-free use.
The release latch can be moved to either side depending on your mounting needs, and the Classic models can be drained while mounted to the slide. You can even hard mount your fridge directly to the slide using bolts (not included, but readily available) for worry-free performance, or use the above mentioned tie down system if you like the ability to quickly remove your fridge.
For more information on installation, our Video Host Rob Jarrell goes over the installation steps of both the Wiring Kit and the Fridge Slide in this video:
