Cooler or Portable Fridge

[YellowLab]

So where do folks stand on the age old argument, would you choose a cooler versus a plug in fridge on say a 3 day trip?

 

[anand]

I'm definitely biased, as I've had a fridge (or fridge/freezer) in the past 4 vehicles/6 years; but fridge all the way. You never have to worry about ice and it is always ready to go (assuming you have sufficient power)

 

[PNW_IG]

I am on my 1st fridge and I agree with anand 100%.

 

[holdmybeer]

Ditto. I'm about the make the plunge into my first fridge. Looking forward to it for daytrips and camping but also just around town. Because if the fridge can fit a standard cake box ... I'll be the hero of the family.

 

[YellowLab]

I've heard good things about the ARB 47 QT PORTABLE SINGLE-ZONE FRIDGE FREEZER - going to take a look at that one

 

[Dual Grenny Guy]

I hope not a stupid question, but I am about to install the Buzz rear cargo set up with the sliding fridge option. Do I need a back up/auxiliary battery? I have the “upgraded stereo” in the Grenadier this is going in & not the dual battery. So is a factory single battery sufficient to run a fridge on camping/fishing trips (maybe up to 5-7 days)? TIA……

 

[DenisM]

I've heard good things about the ARB 47 QT PORTABLE SINGLE-ZONE FRIDGE FREEZER - going to take a look at that one

Have had same Bushman 35-52 L fridge /freezer for past 15 yrs. I often use it when there's a large 'hunt n gather' exercise required at the supermarket and the summer days are regularly 35-40 deg C. Frozen goods then present no problem if there are other errands to run before I can get home and not worry about the stuff thawing in the meantime . I recently bought a cheap 22L "Brass Monkey" fridge as a dedicated freezer (-18degC) . I run both from the rear 12v socket. For long trips I use a DIY battery box connected to a 100 AH LiFeP04

 

[Logsplitter]

I've heard good things about the ARB 47 QT PORTABLE SINGLE-ZONE FRIDGE FREEZER - going to take a look at that one

I have the ARB 47. It’s certainly robust and durable and being 12v and mains voltage is very convenient

 

[Voader - Oudersopzwier]

We have a National Luna (+/- 90 L) in our Defender and a Mobicool of +/- 28L in the Grenadier. As they are both compressor coolers, they hardly take energy. They can turn for days without a problem with the battery.
They both stand standard on 4° C But you can set them minus 0° C if you want to. But probably then they will consume more power. Never tried that, We never put ice in it.

 

[CountyV8]

Had a fridge in the vehicle since the 90s go with the fridge if battery will stand it.

 

[Voader - Oudersopzwier]

@Dual Grenny Guy If you are on a stand still for 5 to 7 days, you probably won't make it with a single battery system.
With the Defender, we never stand still for more than 2 days, so when we drive the battery is back topped up. But the Defender has a Dual battery system, so there is never a problem there.
The Grenadier is single battery, but I got an Ecoflow portable battery as an extra that we take with us on long trips. Maybe that is a solution for your single battery setup.
You could also link a portable solar panel to the portable battery just to let the solar juice flow.... and keep your beer cold.

 

[Skydance]

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.

 

[YellowLab]

@Dual Grenny Guy If you are on a stand still for 5 to 7 days, you probably won't make it with a single battery system.
With the Defender, we never stand still for more than 2 days, so when we drive the battery is back topped up. But the Defender has a Dual battery system, so there is never a problem there.
The Grenadier is single battery, but I got an Ecoflow portable battery as an extra that we take with us on long trips. Maybe that is a solution for your single battery setup.
You could also link a portable solar panel to the portable battery just to let the solar juice flow.... and keep your beer cold.

My thought is that we would not be at a standstill for more than a day at a time. Can also run the vehicle if needed to keep battery fresh

 

[Mountain4x4]

I have used fridges for decades, only way to go.

 

[AUDIOBUS]

Short trip alternative: We had a fridge in the travel trailer (shore power, so, not a fair comparison) for a while and I removed it for more storage. The replacement +/- 100 qt cooler was better simply because it held more. We freeze 3/4 full Gatorade bottles for short trips, gallon jugs for longer (or hotter) trips, and get a block of ice + bottles for a week. Nothing fancy, this $80 option *(at the time, 2016) kept up with a buddy's high dollar Yeti on a trip, and ours was much larger. As the water bottles melt we have water for dishes, dogs, and in case of emergencies. No draining if only out for a long weekend. But the ice block is the way to go for + 5 days. And then there's draining. And finding another ice block every week we're out for 3 weeks... and the eventually unfrozen bottles take up space.

...so, after writing this I'll now go explore 12v fridge options.

"Honey, where'd all the money go?" - "Sorry love, I joined an internet forum ..."