A camping refrigerator is a powered fridge that is ideal for keeping food and drinks cold. They are much more energy efficient than coolers or Eskys and can be powered by car batteries, solar panels, campsite mains, LPG, and generators.
Depending on your power setup you may want to take your fridge out of the vehicle when parked as ambient temperatures can climb quickly. Look for fridges with good battery protection and a variable thermostat.
Size
Whether you are a solo traveller, a family of four, or a couple who camp for long periods, it is important to get the right fridge size. A camping fridge is a powered mobile cooling system that runs off your vehicle’s 12-volt power to keep food and drinks cold (or frozen) indefinitely. It is more expensive than a cooler or an esky, but it saves you the hassle of replenishing ice and requires little maintenance.
Smaller fridges are ideal for keeping lunches cold in a work truck for you and your offsider, or as the only fridge in a caravan or motorhome. They come in two sizes: single compartment and dual control fridges.
Smaller compressor fridges have thicker insulation than absorption fridges and therefore consume less energy. They also cool down faster and are more accurate in their temperature display, making them popular with travellers. They should always be set up level to maximise their performance and shouldn’t be opened more than a few times.
Energy efficiency
A powered fridge is the modern equivalent of a traditional cooler, providing continuous refrigeration so that you can keep your food and drinks cool throughout the trip without having to pack ice every few hours. They can be used in conjunction with a gas bottle, 240V power supply, battery or even solar panels for the ultimate road trip experience.
If you want to minimise the work that your fridge has to do, try pre-chilling your food and drink before you put them in and only open it when you are actually using it. Also, keeping it out of direct sunlight will reduce its temperature, which means the fridge doesn’t have to work as hard.
If you are considering purchasing a portable fridge, look for a brand with a strong national distribution network and excellent after-sales support. This will increase the likelihood of finding a spare part in your area, as well as making it easier to get your fridge back up and running should it break down.
Temperature control
A portable camping fridge is the modern equivalent of the Esky and provides a reliable, convenient and efficient way to keep food and drinks cool on your next overland adventure. Look for a brand with a national distribution network and good after-sales support to ensure you can get replacement parts if needed.
Some fridges come with dual zones with a divided freezer and fridge section while others have single-compartment models. Look for a model with two thermostats and temperature control options to suit your needs. Look for a low current draw when operating on 12 volts. This will help extend your battery life and prevent your fridge from overworking. Never store warm leftovers in your fridge as this can cause the fridge to work harder and use more power. This could also cause the food to spoil. Look for a model with variable protection to protect your battery and compressor. It should cut out when the voltage reaches dangerous levels.
Security
Nothing puts a damper on a camping trip faster than returning to camp after a day of adventuring to find some lowlife has snuck into your fridge and made off with your food. Whether you’re using a coolbox or an RV fridge, look for models that include both a programmable digital lock and a padlockable lid.
Also consider a fridge that’s easy to clean, with a removable drain plug and a waterproof interior. This will make it easier to get rid of any spills or condensation that accumulates during a trip and keeps your foods and beverages fresher for longer.
Other handy features include remote monitoring (if applicable) and a sturdy mounting kit for both the fridge and vehicle. Robust mount kits help to prevent the fridge from tipping or becoming a projectile in an accident, and ensure that it is securely fastened in place to reduce possible voltage drop issues. This is especially important for overlanding fridges that operate in extreme conditions.norcold refrigerators
