by Scott Ammerman
Torque Correspondent
Summertime is here, and with it comes those warmer temperatures. Wherever your Jeep adventures take you—a day trip to the beach, a week long camping trip in the mountains, or even just a road trip to see friends or family hours away—keeping food and drinks cold during that journey becomes more of a challenge.
Luckily, Quadratec knows this dilemma and has the stuff you need to keep from drinking another warm soda, or dealing with the fallout of spoiled food hours away from a resupply.
Ever have a cooler tip over and leak water everywhere? Well, that kind of nonsense is a thing of the past with the Jeep Logo Cooler line made by Grizzly Coolers. These big, bad cold boxes come in two sizes 20-quart and 40-quart, and a rainbow of colors that allows quite a bit of personalization.
They are also rugged enough to park your Jeep on, although that’s not really what they are best at—and we really do not recommend doing that either.
The cooler’s durable rotomolded body has a lid that is gasket sealed, with a pair of durable Grizzly Bearclaw Latches to hold it closed over the most rutted of dirt roads.
Check out this video of Rob testing out the Grizzly cooler lineup.
The ultra thick insulation keeps ice cold for days, but the overall weight of the 20-quart is a scant 17 lbs. empty. The 40-quart version only goes up another few pounds to 24 with nothing inside.
Now, if stopping for ice every few days bums you out, maybe a 12-volt fridge freezer is a better upgrade option for you. Ever have ice cream after lunch on a trail in the summertime? Don’t worry, such luxury is well within reach with our fridge freezer selections.
Moving on, if longer trips, larger groups or overlanding are in your plans, you might want to step up to a 12v fridge freezer. ARB, a company widely known for durable goods that have been tested in the Australian outback, will have what you’re looking for. The ARB Series II Fridge Freezers are instantly recognizable, and the older variations have been knocking around in the backs of purpose-built overlanding vehicles since before the name was widely used to describe cross-country four-wheel-drive travel. I know several people still using ARB fridge freezers, and the units still work perfectly even though they are around a decade old.
ARB Classics feature removable baskets, LED lighting inside when the lid is open, a fully removable lid for easy loading, a compound latching lid, a fruit and dairy compartment, and a host of available accessories. For its newest generation units, ARB has added backlit controls and a dimmable display, which is a relief for night driving.
While not a true ‘dual zone’ (meaning separate compartments for different temperatures) the dairy and fruit compartment are typically several degrees warmer to keep the stuff you don’t want frozen from ending up that way. With careful planning and monitoring, it is possible to have stuff frozen solid in the bottom and have drinks in this compartment that aren’t even a little bit slushy. The temperature range for the entire product line is 0-50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also be plugged in to 110 V power when you remove them from your Jeep. So if you want to load it up the night before you leave, or even just use it as a satellite fridge next to your grill when you can’t seem to step away for another cold one.
The technological aspect of these freezers has been kicked up a notch as well. Available for additional cost on the post-2014 model year Classic Series 1 versions, this Fridge App Connect Module allows owners to wirelessly link their iOS or Android smartphone or tablet to the fridge, and monitor temperatures and supply voltages from the driver's seat, campsite or anywhere within range.
For the new Series II models, this module is not only INCLUDED, but it adds additional functionality on your phone like an alert if the lid is open, the ability to control the temperature and the ability to save temperature presets. These models come in 37-, 50-, 63- and a monstrous 82-quart capacity. They also come standard with a 110V power cable to run in your garage while you plan your next trail adventure.
For longer overland trips, an insulated Transit Bag is recommended to protect the fridge as well as to allow the compressor to operate with greater efficiency.
Dometic’s brand new CFX3 Fridge Freezer line has a lot of depth, as well as a serious injection of technology. Geared towards what Dometic refers to as 'Mobile Living', they are a great option for any outdoor activity—but really thrive in rugged environments.
The whole Dometic CFX3 product line boasts a new ultra quiet VMS03 variable speed compressor setup with optimized software, high resolution color control panel screens, and durable ExoFrames for the ultimate protection on your next overlanding adventure. They also support app control with your Android or iOS device (free download) and can link via bluetooth or wifi. Speaking of those devices, ever need a convenient spot to recharge your phone in the trunk at camp? There’s a handy USB charging port in the control panel for just such a purpose.
Grab the CFX3-100 by its heavy-duty aluminum handles and load it right into your Jeep if you need a truly cavernous amount of cold storage space. The CFX3 series will deep freeze all the way down to minus-seven degrees Fahrenheit if you need that extra chill during your travels.
One of my favorite things about my refrigerator at home is the ability to freeze things on one side that I don’t need right away, while keeping other stuff cool (but not frozen) that I plan on using in the short term. Dometic feels that kind of versatility should not be limited to home appliances, so they even have a pair of dual zone fridge freezers in the CFX3 line as well. As your overlanding trips grow in duration and length, having this flexibility is essential for your consumables.
The dual zone units are available in either 75- or 95-quart capacity, and allow you to control the temperature of each of the two compartments separately. This lets you drop one to that minus-seven degree deep freeze for your ice cream sandwiches and frozen chicken, but keep beverages cool and drinkable in the second compartment. Trust me, this is an incredible feature on a week-long trip.
Not to be left out in the cold (or in the heat?) ARB has two other high-end options on the market as well.
Hey Gladiator, Commanche and Scrambler owners: Looking for a solution to mount in your bed? The 63-quart ARB Elements Fridge Freezer has an all stainless steel exterior and is weather sealed to survive life in the back of a pickup. Of course, its rugged good looks would seem at home in any Jeep model, or even your overlanding trailer.
The gas strut lid and control locks are perfect to prevent tampering, and with the optional Fridge App Connect Module you can monitor as well as adjust your temperature from around camp, or while driving from your smartphone. You can also lock the lid using the ARB Fridge Connect app before leaving your truck, thus knowing all your food and beverages will be safe. Both fixed security mounts and slide mounts are available for the Elements to secure it in your pickup bed, trunk or trailer.
The new line of ARB Zero Fridge Freezers are feature packed and incredibly versatile, and are available in 47- and 63-quart capacities as single zone units, or 73- and 101-quart capacities as dual zone. Set to freeze, you can drop the temperature all the way down to minus-eight degrees Fahrenheit.
The internal baskets have multiple level configurations to allow for storage of different sized items, as well as taller beverages that you’d like to remain upright.
The ARB Fridge Connect app control technology is built right in, allowing voltage and temperature monitoring as well as fine tuning from within Bluetooth range. These units are built to last, with reinforced corners, armored side cladding and durable molded handles. The quick release lids can be removed easily and even reversed to allow for opening from either side.
One of my favorite features of the ARB Zero 73-quart model is the ability to use it in single zone or dual zone. A removable center divider allows you to open it up for additional capacity if only one cooling zone is what you need. Rob went over the finer points of this unit, as well as app control, in this video:
The 101-quart model is HUGE, and perfect for those overlanding trips with your whole family where you need to transport a large amount of beverages and frozen foods.
Stay cool out there.
