Cooler or Portable Fridge

[bamanuke]

I have the dometic CFX3-35. Purchased a few weeks ago when I bought my Grenny. I will have to say it is the best purchase I have made for weekend warrior camping. I use a combination of the Grenny battery when driving and have a Jackery 1000V2 that I use when I am off grid. The Jackery to me is equivilent in value to the fridge. Together, with a solar panel, can run as long as needed off grid. One of the unintended consequences and totally a first world problem, is that I enjoy a cocktail at the end of the night, and not having ice is a bummer. I have a yeti tumbler that I now load up with ice before I leave the house and can get a few mixed drinks worth of ice for 2 days lol.

got the Iceco APL55 6 or 8 months ago. dual zone, so we can have ice cream on the beach when pomp fishing and drink ice when we get back to camp. it's a game changer. Ecoflow Delta 2 and solar panel keep it topped off even in the 90 degree plus summer heat. small Rugged Ridge soft cooler (thanks Regal!), for the fish.

 

[NC_Mike]

My Ineos has a single battery and I recommend a fridge to avoid the hassle of loading/draining bags of ice. I purchased a cheap 45 litre fridge freezer which in my opinion is as cheap as one of the more expensive coolers. Most of the fridge/freezers are all made in China anyway, all rebranded. I can buy things frozen from the supermarket and not worry about it melting.

To keep things charged up, I’m using a Bluetti charger 1 alternator charger with a Bluetti power station and tops up whilsts driving to destination's super fast, much faster than a 12v plug. Whilst camping (stationary), I then keep it topped up using foldable 200w solar panels. I use the car 12v to power the fridge whilst driving and then plug the fridge into the power station whilst camping.

It’s a cheap and modular way with many power outlet options.

Hi Skydance, Where did you mount your Bluetti 1 charger? I have just ordered one and need to try and decide best mounting location. Also where did you connect the input leads to the vehicle?

 

[Skydance]

Hi Skydance, Where did you mount your Bluetti 1 charger? I have just ordered one and need to try and decide best mounting location. Also where did you connect the input leads to the vehicle?

I mounted it on a Bison Gear trunk side storage molle panel. It needs ventilation. I mounted positive to a spare 60 amp fused busbar which is the middle one. The negative to the ground earth point next to the battery. I wouldn’t mount negative directly to the negative terminal as Charger 1 instructions because it’s a smart alternator. I also bought the DC Input cable which comes with a fused 60am isolator switch. I wanted to be switch it off completely when not in use so I don’t drain my car battery. I only use it occasionally when camping.

 

[NC_Mike]

I mounted it on a Bison Gear trunk side storage molle panel. It needs ventilation. I mounted positive to a spare 60 amp fused busbar which is the middle one. The negative to the ground earth point next to the battery. I wouldn’t mount negative directly to the negative terminal as Charger 1 instructions because it’s a smart alternator. I also bought the DC Input cable which comes with a fused 60am isolator switch. I wanted to be switch it off completely when not in use so I don’t drain my car battery. I only use it occasionally when camping.

Thanks for the feedback. Just found the post where you had some pics. Looks like a nice setup. I will install in a similar location as that is where i keep my Jackery. I ordered it with the isolator input harness so that will be helpful to disable when not using. I was planning on installing 200W of solar on my shell for my roof top tent, but if this charges as quickly as I expect, should no longer need the solar option. My fridge and Bluetooth geo fence for my pup are the highest watt items I am drawing on the battery. Currently I can get through a long weekend without even needing to charge but have an extended trip planned next Spring.

 

[Skydance]

Thanks for the feedback. Just found the post where you had some pics. Looks like a nice setup. I will install in a similar location as that is where i keep my Jackery. I ordered it with the isolator input harness so that will be helpful to disable when not using. I was planning on installing 200W of solar on my shell for my roof top tent, but if this charges as quickly as I expect, should no longer need the solar option. My fridge and Bluetooth geo fence for my pup are the highest watt items I am drawing on the battery. Currently I can get through a long weekend without even needing to charge but have an extended trip planned next Spring.

It’s a great device, depending on the capacity of the power pack, the solar is only needed as back up on extended stays.

 

[parb]

i got something really cheap, but its been working pretty well for me. $340 on amazon.
i added a built in batttery to it. Charges off the cigarette lighter (i make sure the battery fully charged with the 120v plug before i head out).
Lasted a long time for me in 100 degree heat. Like days in california. Took the bouncing in moab and northern nevada like a champ!

Amazon.de

I added this batttery to the fridge itself. I too only have a single battery in my grenadier.

Amazon.de : BougeRV (Upgrade) 173Wh Detachable Battery for 12 Volt Dual Zone Refrigerator, Specially equipped CRD/ED series dual-zone car refrigerator (Adapter not included

If i would go out for a week or more i would get a very different setup. but for a few days and longer trips this has worked out great.
One compartment can be set too freeze and the other to friday. Its up to you to choose. I have both to fridge and keep water and sodas in one and food in the other.
I set the power saving mode to high (so i don't drain the car batter too badly) and i after that the built in battery takes over.

Not the best brands and i doubt they will live for 10 years like arb or luna will. But for sub $500 its not bad.

 

[ColoradoMike]

Personally, we never have had the need to have a powered fridge/freezer.....

We use an Englel cooler and it works just fine for our situations.

Until we need something different we will change.

 

[DenisM]

Personally, we never have had the need to have a powered fridge/freezer.....

We use an Englel cooler and it works just fine for our situations.

Until we need something different we will change.

A relatively low ambient temperature vs those of tropical climes makes all the difference. .

 

[NC_Mike]

A relatively low ambient temperature vs those of tropical climes makes all the difference. .

Agreed, we are outfitting for a 2 week plus trip across desert southwest this spring. Last thing I want to mess with is dry or block ice every few days. that and the amount of space it consumes.