![]() But as with anything, there are drawbacks. #12 volt cooler portableThe big benefit here is cost – you can make a real, working refrigerator for a fraction of the cost of a purpose-built 12 volt portable fridge. This prevents it from cooling too much, and also prevents power drain from leaving the inverter on all the time. Once the fridge reaches the low temperature you set, the relay turns off the inverter. When the temperature inside the fridge rises above our target, the relay turns the inverter on. The thermostat is connected to a relay that kicks the inverter on and off as needed. The general idea is to take a chest freezer, plug it into a small inverter, and wire it to a thermostat that you set to fridge temperatures. Freezers tend to have thicker insulation than fridges, which means that your DIY fridge will be more efficient than a standard mini-fridge. If you’re DIY-oriented – and let’s face it, if you’re reading this blog, you probably are – then you can build your own fairly efficient fridge out of a chest freezer. Build Your Own Inexpensive Fridge (best option for DIY-ers on a budget) These 12 volt refrigerators are more expensive than other options, and that’s before you factor in the need to add auxiliary batteries and a means to charge them (like solar panels or a battery isolator).īut if your goal is to turn your van into a comfy, off-grid mobile dwelling, investing in a high quality 12V compressor fridge is totally worth the cost. This combination of features makes these 12 volt portable fridges perfect for vanlife.Įven though compressor fridges are awesome, they do have a downside – cost. These 12 volt portable fridges have highly efficient, variable speed compressors that draw very little power, they can be used as a refrigerator, freezer, or both, they come in a variety of configurations – including chest-style, upright, and dual-zone fridge/freezers – and they typically have the ability to run while at an incline of up to 30 degrees (other types of fridges need to be kept perfectly level when running). These 12 volt fridges are often designed for use in 4×4 vehicles and boats, and they’re built with durability and efficiency in mind – two things you really need in an off-grid adventure vehicle. Here’s a breakdown: 12V Compressor Fridges (best overall option for full-timers)Ĭompressor fridges are the most common type of 12 volt refrigerator you’ll see on the road, and for good reason. Jump to detailed 12V fridge comparison> Different Types of Vanlife Refrigeration Photo by are a few different options for keeping food cold in your van. Or, if you prefer, you can skip to our list of recommendations. There is a lot of good info here that we advise checking out. Read on for a guide on what to look for when selecting a refrigerator for your van. If you want refrigeration in your van without breaking your budget, BougeRV is a great option. And unlike some other cheap 12V fridges, this fridge has a brand behind it that’s committed to the product and the vanlife space. They are well made, highly efficient 12V DC refrigerators with all the basic features, and they’re less than 1/3 the cost of the high end brands (with discounts). So read on and discover the best refrigeration solution for your rig!īougeRV 12 volt portable refrigerators offer incredible bang for your buck. We discuss whether those expensive 12 volt fridges are really worth the cost, and what you may be giving up with the cheaper units. We go over the pros and cons of the best 12V refrigerator models. In this post, we help you wade through all the vanlife refrigeration options, from cheap to top-of-the-line to DIY. The world of 12V fridges has grown quite confusing, with newer budget players like Iceco, Alpicool, and Costway entering the market, and major brands like Dometic and ARB getting more and more expensive. And you need to know that the fridge you’re getting will meet your needs and hold up to the daily grind of life on the road, all while staying within your budget. And even though the best 12 volt refrigerators for campervans aren’t cheap, having one means saving money (and eating healthier) by cooking your own meals.Ī good 12V fridge is one of the biggest investments you’ll make when building your van. #12 volt cooler fullIt means you don’t have to fuss with a cooler full of ice and water-logged food. Refrigeration means you can store fresh food and other cold items – like vegetables, dairy, meat, “booch,” and beer. There’s nothing like having a 12 volt refrigerator in your van or at your campsite to really bring the comforts of home on the road. ![]()
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