Originally Posted by kevjeep

As with many of those just reading (and posting to) this thread, I wanted to reiterate this is the thread I enjoy most here on Jk-forum.

My situation is a bit different than some on here and I'm trying to build a plan on how to outfit my Jeep to meet as many of my needs/wants as possible. So, let me start with what my restrictions are...

I am a proud father of four children between one and twelve years old. Buying the JKUR was done specifically because I could only haul my family around in two TJs (which isn't terrible, but isn't ideal). Since the JK only seats 5 stock, in order to use it for anything with all four kids, I have to install at least one more seat into the rear storage area. If I go with the full bench from Little Passengers (or the rear seat from a 2 door) I have taken up all the room inside the cabin with occupants. This leads me to thinking a trailer (or a combination of a trailer and RTT) is my ONLY option to carry any amount of "stuff" and everyone on a trip.

My main question in this posing is regarding the trailer, batteries/power, and items like the ARB fridge. I see the fridge as a very beneficial piece of kit, but I certainly don't have the space inside the cabin. I also see the concerns around power requirements and batteries to keep it running. Does anyone know of the possibility of using (or an example where someone has used) the ARB fridge in a trailer? If not the ARB, something similar as an alternative? I think of my days of boat ownership and using a house battery to charge and run multiple accessories (including a fridge) for a day or two at a time without charging or shore power. I'm trying to think through the ramifications/issues of doing something similar in the trailer configuration.

Thanks in advance for all your input and opinions.

Originally Posted by kevjeep

As with many of those just reading (and posting to) this thread, I wanted to reiterate this is the thread I enjoy most here on Jk-forum.

My situation is a bit different than some on here and I'm trying to build a plan on how to outfit my Jeep to meet as many of my needs/wants as possible. So, let me start with what my restrictions are...

I am a proud father of four children between one and twelve years old. Buying the JKUR was done specifically because I could only haul my family around in two TJs (which isn't terrible, but isn't ideal). Since the JK only seats 5 stock, in order to use it for anything with all four kids, I have to install at least one more seat into the rear storage area. If I go with the full bench from Little Passengers (or the rear seat from a 2 door) I have taken up all the room inside the cabin with occupants. This leads me to thinking a trailer (or a combination of a trailer and RTT) is my ONLY option to carry any amount of "stuff" and everyone on a trip.

My main question in this posing is regarding the trailer, batteries/power, and items like the ARB fridge. I see the fridge as a very beneficial piece of kit, but I certainly don't have the space inside the cabin. I also see the concerns around power requirements and batteries to keep it running. Does anyone know of the possibility of using (or an example where someone has used) the ARB fridge in a trailer? If not the ARB, something similar as an alternative? I think of my days of boat ownership and using a house battery to charge and run multiple accessories (including a fridge) for a day or two at a time without charging or shore power. I'm trying to think through the ramifications/issues of doing something similar in the trailer configuration.

Thanks in advance for all your input and opinions.

Originally Posted by Mark Doiron

but if one is a surfer living in Colorado, maybe it's time to take up snowboarding.

Originally Posted by Mark Doiron

This is a great idea. However, do be aware that some areas of our wild lands (and specifically in the Moab area) restrict the use of naturally occurring water. Obviously that would be moot in a survival situation (which is why it's a good idea to have that water filter), but one should not plan to use natural water unless it's specifically allowed. For example, in Canyonlands, on White Rim Trail, you may use water from the Colorado and Green Rivers. You may even bathe in the river, if you wish. However, on the other side of Canyonlands, in The Maze, naturally occurring water is not to be used. There's precious little of it and it's to be left for the critters. As to OP's question, I carry three 2-1/2 gallon Aquatainers. They fit perfectly in the interior rack of my Jeep, and are much easier to handle than larger sizes. I also have a 1/2 gallon Nalgene I keep in the refrigerator. I use it to refill a 1 quart Nalgene with cool water periodically. I also am in the process of adding a 10 gallon Frontrunner water reservoir into the area on the floor in front of the passenger seat--it straddles the transmission hump. I figure this much water will be needed for drinking, cooking, washing dishes and laundry, and taking an occasional shower during an upcoming extended trip into The Maze and other adjoining public lands in the near future. <img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=605499"/>

Originally Posted by Mark Doiron

This is a great idea. However, do be aware that some areas of our wild lands (and specifically in the Moab area) restrict the use of naturally occurring water. Obviously that would be moot in a survival situation (which is why it's a good idea to have that water filter), but one should not plan to use natural water unless it's specifically allowed. For example, in Canyonlands, on White Rim Trail, you may use water from the Colorado and Green Rivers. You may even bathe in the river, if you wish. However, on the other side of Canyonlands, in The Maze, naturally occurring water is not to be used. There's precious little of it and it's to be left for the critters.

As to OP's question, I carry three 2-1/2 gallon Aquatainers. They fit perfectly in the interior rack of my Jeep, and are much easier to handle than larger sizes. I also have a 1/2 gallon Nalgene I keep in the refrigerator. I use it to refill a 1 quart Nalgene with cool water periodically. I also am in the process of adding a 10 gallon Frontrunner water reservoir into the area on the floor in front of the passenger seat--it straddles the transmission hump. I figure this much water will be needed for drinking, cooking, washing dishes and laundry, and taking an occasional shower during an upcoming extended trip into The Maze and other adjoining public lands in the near future.

Attachment 605499

Originally Posted by kevjeep

.... My main question in this posing is regarding the trailer, batteries/power, and items like the ARB fridge. I see the fridge as a very beneficial piece of kit, but I certainly don't have the space inside the cabin. I also see the concerns around power requirements and batteries to keep it running. Does anyone know of the possibility of using (or an example where someone has used) the ARB fridge in a trailer? If not the ARB, something similar as an alternative?

Originally Posted by Cool Danish

Hi Mark,
When are you heading to the Maze? What areas are you guys planning on seeing.
I will be there in mid-may this year. Love the Needles and Maze districts. Be sure to exit (or enter) the maze area via Poison Springs canyon Rd, The drive thru Sunset pass & Hatch Canyon is very beautiful with the snow covered Henry Mountains in the background. If you are up for a little hike adventure, a visit to Happy Canyon slot canyon would be amazing (Happy Canyon is located close to the Dirty Devil river crossing/Poison Spring Canyon Rd).
- Michael

Originally Posted by GJeep

The ARB fridge is among the best, but there's also a real good alternative -- the Engel.

Instead of a regular rotating motor, it has a very simple 'Swing Motor' (An electromagnet resting on coil springs and oscillating inside an electric coil).
You may like the fact that it draws less power than regular fridges.
It is considered to be super reliable.
Link - Engel Website

Originally Posted by Mark Doiron

Is it the Engle or National Luna that can have both a freezer and refrigerator at the same time? The ARB is usable as either, but not really both at the same time.