Compact Fridge Versus 12 Volt Cooler

I was actually going to ask about this. I had been considering purchasing a 63 qt ARB fridge freezer. I'm actually considering going with a lightweight truck after training is over with Prime and I thought the space requirements would be easier to work around than a mini fridge. Also, the fact that it has a top opening as opposed to a normal front opening I thought would be easier to manage and less likely to spill contents everywhere. I definitely think that instead of an "electric cooler" the ARB would be the better choice, but I'm not sure yet how it measures up to a mini fridge. (Oh, and I know the ARBs are expensive. I'm not necessarily worried about that.) Since space is an issue in the lightweight I thought that and a HotLogic Mini would be a good combination for cold storage and heating/cooking food.

Does anyone have experience with an ARB that could chime in?

I have an international light weight, I put in a traditional mini fridge (3 feet tall) with the small ice box up top and front opening door. I put a 1x6 under the front feet so it means back slightly and have had no issues with the door opening while driving. Then I ran the inside front seat bolt through a strap hook and was able to get the other hook between the floor and front of bunk. I've also seen guys who have a front seat put a short fridge on the floor between the seat and bed or cabinets in a full size truck.

So far I really like this 1.7 cu/ft fridge. I know for the same price you can essentially get that larger 3 ft one like my trainer had but it simply took up so much room in exchange for what was typically needed for a week. I think there can be overkill. I'm just using it for could cuts, cheeses and some milk/juice. Canned drinks will still go to the cooler as they don't mind the slushy mess that develops by day 2-3. This thing sits comfortably out of the way. No built in cabinet here large enough for the 3 footer.

Yeah, I'm assuming that you can stop when you need to at a Walmart to stock up during your runs, so needing a huge cooler probably isn't necessary. But I like the functionality of a top opening unit.

Still hoping someone has experience with ARB coolers. I'm wanting to see if they are worth the expense before purchasing one.

I tried the continuous running cooler and found that the colder the air gets the better it cools, but anyway wanting to get something that could fit into the bottom cabinet, I got one of those 2.7cu.ft refrigerators from walmart and an inverter. My curiosity has been sparked lately though as to why refrigerators for the trucks are so expensive.