Alpicool has been around for years, and is the original manufacturer of many rebranded 12 volt portable refrigerators. A good 12V fridge is one of the biggest investments youll make when building your van. No way you can get a decent inverter for $40 brand new. It means you dont have to fuss with a cooler full of ice and water-logged food. Available in sizes from 45 to 74 liters, and both single and dual zone. Search 12V refrigerator on Amazon, and youll be met with dozens of similar-looking products sold under generic-sounding names like Costway, F40C4TMP, SetPower, AstroAI, and Bodega. Why is this the case?
Cooling Works, 130 Years of Read More Removing the Rear AC Unit From a Conversion VanContinue. But this is no more of a dice roll than any other ultra-budget refrigerator. One of the largest and most powerful 12volt coolers available only from Engle comes the MT60-Combie. Features LG compressors, solid performance, and affordability for valifers on a budget. Please post if you get new codes. No wet cooler, can be refrozen easily, and can be used as water after thawing. The remainder of the interior is refrigerator storage space. Many vanlifers do use Whynter/Edgestar fridges with success, and they can be a good option if youre on a budget. BougeRV discount codes:UseGnomad90for $90 off the 53-qt model. Hi Bret, thanks for commenting! We dont have a whole lot of direct experience using a fridge like this, but our ARB fridge is very well insulated.
Or you may have to take it an authorized service center who will examine it for warranty eligibility. Most outbound links are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you (thank you!). 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. Hi Jeff, thanks for commenting! The MS24RFSGRG is a 5.8 total cubic foot combination refrigerator-freezer that is appropriate for non-critical temperature storage applications. Do these units have the horsepower in freezer setting to actually refreeze water bottles? Im a veteran cooler user and for years have used frozen water bottles for ice. In our opinion, Iceco refrigerators offer the best overall value in the vanlife refrigerator space. Jump to detailed 12V fridge comparison>>>.
On sunny days it kept pace with our usage pretty well, and we were definitely using quite a bit of power since we were working on our computers for several hours each day. Yeah a dedicated 1kw. The lid on these fridges hinges from the back, making the ARB our top choice overall if you need a rear-hinged lid. Read on for advice on picking the perfect the pee jar for vanlife. What do you get when you take a Danfoss SECOP compressor with a 5-year warranty, bulletproof construction, performance and efficiency worthy of a Dometic or ARB, and wrap it in a package thats nearly half the price of the high end fridge brands? Factory warranties give you a degree of security in case something goes wrong and needs to be fixed or replaced. Remember, you can always upgrade your van down the road as your needs and budget change. Just want to make sure Im understanding your set up trying to get mine set up at the moment and need all the ideas i can get). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. When you live in a van, its important to select the right container for your urine. Since food has a higher thermal density than air, most of the cold in any fridge is actually stored in the food (or beer) inside the fridge, so fridges that are packed full are much easier to keep cool than fridges with a lot of empty space. But every van is different, and the best lid direction for you will depend on your specific setup. How Much Solar & Batteries Do You Need to Run a 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator? However, we dont want to overstate the importance of warranties. We tested it running an ARB fridge, vent fan, kitchen appliances, lights, and computers. Engel fridges are not the most feature-packed. Our goal is to be the most helpful resource out there for nomads, so if you have any suggestions for improvement feel free to let us know! (2 years for me now). Based on our research, Iceco fridges in general are extremely energy efficient pretty close to on par with big names like Dometic and ARB. Sporting the ultra-efficient Danfoss SECOP compressor and stainless steel construction, these fridges have everything you need for life on the road for about half the cost of higher end units. of freezer space, Forced air condenser system efficiently removes heat and allows the 6CRF to be built into casework without the loss of cooling performance, Powerful compressor for fast pull-down time and temperature recovery after door opening or commodity loading, Two adjustable and removable wire shelves, Box-style door for easy mounting of inventory management system hardware, Cam-assisted door close hinge system to reduce door-ajar events, 4 large diameter leveling glides for easy leveling on uneven surfaces, Extra-long, jacketed commercial power cord with hospital grade plug to meet stringent hospital and clinical use standards, Durable olive drab (green) powder coat paint finish standard, CSA approved and warrantied for commercial use, Two fold-away carrying handles on the sides of the cabinet for easy portability using two people. If your budget doesnt allow for a higher-end fridge (and you dont want to use a cooler while you save your pennies), then you might want to take a hard look at less expensive brands. You really do get what you pay for with these. Ive also read about converting a chest freezer to a refrigerator and setting up the inverter with a temperature sensor and a relay that kicks the inverter on and off as needed. To me home solar is a different beast than camper solar. Or, if you prefer, you can skip to our list of recommendations. Both would suite my needs. Works with all battery types (lithium, AGM, etc) and alternator outputs. Documents, Design
We do list decibel levels in our mega spreadsheet, which you can get access to by entering your email in the form within this article. I imagine that would provide peace of mind. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases. John is the co-founder of Gnomad Home. But, you could add frozen water bottles, freezer packs, or even ice (most fridges have drains) if you need to use it as a cooler in a pinch. First, it will likely need to be permanently mounted, whereas chest-style 12 volt portable fridges can be easily moved. The CFX3 is not cheap, but if thats not a priority for you then its an excellent choice for your van. Yes I know inverter losses but paying 10x to make up a few amps a day is ridiculous. It comes in sizes ranging from 30-qt up to 53-qt. As far as which one would work better as a seat, I would take a look at the exterior dimensions of each unit and see if one of them might fit better into your build (one might be taller than the other, etc).
While I might expect an Iceco to draw a bit more that something like a Dometic, I imagine it would still be fairly efficient. Also, you may have to get down on your hands and knees to see inside an upright fridge, unless you mount it on a cabinet a few feet off the floor. Rugged mid-priced fridge that's a solid choice for vandwelling. However, our opinions are entirely our own. Some brands have a bigger footprint but are squatter, while others are taller with a smaller footprint. Iceco offers a 5-year warrant on the super-reliable Danfoss SECOP compressor that they use in their 12 volt refrigerators. Well be fully updating this post in the near future, and we plan to dig a little further into DIY refrigeration options like using a mini fridge or converting a freezer. ARB offers an excellent 3-year warranty on their portable refrigerators, so you can be comfortable knowing that they stand by their products. Hi Julie, the fridge between the seats is an ARB 50L fridge. Freezers tend to have thicker insulation than fridges, which means that your DIY fridge will be more efficient than a standard mini-fridge. Demonstration: Go to Alibaba.com and search 12 volt refrigerator. Youll see a list of 12V fridges (the exact ones youll find rebranded on Amazon) that you can purchase in bulk and slap a brand name on. To calculate how much battery capacity you need to reliably run your 12V fridge, first find your fridges average power draw. All of this means wasted space without any real gains in organization. To answer your questions: 1. Dometic also uses their own proprietary compressor, while ARB uses the Danfoss. Since this 12 volt refrigerator is newer on the scene theres scant information on long term reliability. Daryl, do you use the 1kw inverter for the fridge only? You definitely dont need an expensive Sprinter/Transit/Promaster with high priced gadgets to enjoy the benefits of this lifestyle! I think thats only a concern for propane to make the flame contact the burner effectively. no registration required). I have two questions about 12v fridges in general that I have never gotten a good answer to: 1. If swing compressors were so good youd see them in residential and commercial fridges and ACs by now. Featuring best-in-class energy efficiency, cutting edge technology, rugged build quality, and overall reliability, CFX3 fridges are the top choice of many vanlifers for good reason. Ive seen as high as 800w on really hot days. Hi Alex, thanks for commenting! Yes, you can definitely use one of these units to refreeze water bottles.
fridge youre getting will fit your needs. I bought the Costway 54Q off Amazon, its working great so far, and for a fraction of the cost of many of the bigger brands! I think that the Jackery is a great option for weekend camping and shorter trips. The only real downside is higher cost, but that may be worth it to you if you want the best of the best for your rig. But if any fridge manufacturer wants to loan us a unit to conduct our own field tests, well happily oblige. Most all 12V fridges are in the general 35-40 dB range. Drawer Style Portable 32-Qt 12/24V DC Fridge Freezer, Truck - RV Refrigerator Freezer 12V-24V-110V, 26 Liter Portable Refrigerator Freezer w/Digital Thermostat, 12 Volt DC Refrigerator - Freezer or Warmer 14 qt, Dual Voltage 110V AC - 12V DC Refrigerator - Freezer 16 qt, Tri Voltage 110V AC - 24 or 12V DC Refrigerator - Freezer 22 qt, Tri Voltage 110V AC - 24 or 12V DC Refrigerator - Freezer aprox 30 qt, Tri Voltage 110V AC - 24 or 12V DC Refrigerator - Freezer 40 qt, Tri Voltage 110V AC - 24 or 12V DC Refrigerator - Freezer 43 qt, Tri Voltage 110V AC - 24 or 12V DC Refrigerator - Freezer 59.5 qt, Tri Voltage 110V AC - 24 or 12V DC Refrigerator - Freezer 64 qt, Tri Voltage 110V AC - 24 or 12V DC Refrigerator - Freezer 84 qt with Built in Thermometer, Customer Service and Sales 1-888-412-8058. There are a variety of accessories available, including slides, remote displays, and tie downs. Vanlife with a Partner: 8 Tips for a Successful Relationship, Insulating Your Van: Everything You Need to Know for Your DIY Van Build. We go over the process and pros/cons for removing it or leaving it in and building around it. Level never been a problem. BougeRVs 12 volt portable refrigerators are extremely cheap, but they perform nearly as well as high end brands, and include all the basic features you would expect in a 44 fridge. Dometic CFX fridges arent cheap, thats for sure. Please log in again. But there are some things to consider when incorporating an upright-style 12 volt refrigerator into your layout. And if your food shifts around inside the fridge while youre bouncing down those gnarly backroads, with a chest fridge you wont have to worry about your eggs flying out at you when you get to your campsite and open the fridge to grab a cold one. For pricing and availability, please contact one of our authorized dealers. We spoke with people who run 12V throughout their houses along with a handful of regular 120V outlets, and only turn their inverters on when needed (just like we do in the van). Check out ourvanlife deals pagefor awesome discounts on vanlife products & more from some of our favorite companies. You just need to be aware of exactly what youre buying, and make sure the brand is willing to support you after the purchase. 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). I did make the mistake of buying a 200w Renogy solar panel ahead of time as it fit my spacial layout on top of the van, but it seems I would need double the voltage for the Bluetti to even accept a charge. But chest-style fridges have some big advantages over upright fridges that in our opinion makes chest fridges the best choice for off-grid campervans.
I hope that helps, let me know if you have other questions! The downside to these 12 volt portable refrigerators is cost theyre a bit pricier than many other 12V DC fridges out there. Inspiration, Register
Turn dial temperature control. If you buy a Whynter, be sure to get it from somewhere with a robust return policy, just in case. We extensively tested their 53-qt model, and we were generally impressed with its quality and performance. Both are quality units, but sometimes which one you go with comes down to how you want to configure your build. Like most fridges on this list, Whynters units include all the basic features, such as low voltage shut off, interior lighting, digital controls, and a drain plug. However, our opinions are entirely our own. 
Quickly freeze or keep food cool for the long run. And BougeRV, while they essentially rebrand 12 volt refrigerators (and other products), their products are high quality. These fridges are extremely energy efficient, packed with advanced digital features, and come from Dometics well-known pedigree of producing rugged and innovative and mobile living appliances. The top-down layout of chest-style 12 volt fridges allows you to tightly pack them to fit more stuff and eliminate any wasted space. You really cant go wrong with an Engel 12 volt refrigerator, especially if you want a reliable and portable fridge that you know will last for many, many years. Starts a fan motor hard but everything else is great. They are nearly half the cost of some higher end brands, yet they are close to on par in terms of efficiency, components, durability, and important features. Even though compressor fridges are awesome, they do have a downside cost. And chest-style 12 volt portable refrigerators are generally more energy efficient than upright-style 12 volt fridges. The Jackery Explorer 1500 and Explorer 2000 are even more capable of powering full time vanlife. We go over the pros and cons of the best 12V refrigerator models. They dont have a whole lot of bells and whistles such as digital features, but thats not a selling point for many. This test was conducted with daytime ambient temperatures in the high 70s, and nighttime temps in the high 60s. Portables claim 30deg. I been using that setup since 2011. But the big differentiator between BougeRV refrigerators and all those others is that BougeRV seems committed to becoming a real, reputable brand in the vanlife, RV, and adventure space. Based on our research, Dometic CFX3 fridges are the most efficient that weve found.
Danfoss SECOP compressor and ICECO quality with durable ABS construction and a front-opening lid.
In our opinion, Iceco 12 volt refrigerators are the best overall value for portable refrigerators in the vanlife space. We list dimensions and weights for all the 12 volt fridges we looked at below. Another downside is cost Engel fridges are in the same high price range as ARB units, but generally have a lower capacity per dollar. The thermostat is connected to a relay that kicks the inverter on and off as needed. Read More Vanlife with a Partner: 8 Tips for a Successful RelationshipContinue. Heres a breakdown: Compressor fridges are the most common type of 12 volt refrigerator youll see on the road, and for good reason.
Reboot of the time-tested classic ARB 50-qt overlanding refrigerator, with upgraded features including Bluetooth. Selector Guides, Product
If installing your own electrical system sounds intimidating (its not that bad promise! 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. This can be a bit of a black box, though, since most companies dont release their average power draw numbers (and the companies that do, they dont use the same testing critera, so its tough to compare apples to apples). If you make a purchase we may earn commission. They also have a ton of accessories available, including fridge slides, tie down straps, a transit bag, and a remote display. My charge controller generally registers 500w generated for the day average. BougeRV sells the best among the slew of inexpensive Chinese mass-produced 12 volt refrigerators that are now all over Amazon and elsewhere. Dometic also has a solid reputation for reliability and support. And with the interior shelf arrangement of upright-style 12 volt refrigerators, its likely that youll end up with wasted empty space on top of your food items. In our personal experience, weve found that placement of the fridge also affects things. They actually use 12V RV fridges in their builds (the ones we saw were just a bit smaller than a full size refrigerator), as well as 12V lighting. We were not able to find any publicly available data online, so we called Dometic directly and asked them what they had. How can a front-open fridge with shelves and drawers be tougher to organize than a chest fridge that forces you to stack items on top of each other? In our opinion, Iceco 12 volt refrigerators offer the best overall value out there in the portable refrigerator market. Our mission here at Gnomad Home is to do our best to provide tools for nomads to make build decisions based on their own needs, priorities, and budget. Read More Best Vanlife Pee Jars for Quick Relief on the RoadContinue. We had our fridge up front between the driver/passenger seats, which ended up blocking a lot of the noise to the point where we did not even notice it. They feature strong powder-coated zinc steel construction, and their very low power usage will help you keep your food cold on an off-grid solar setup. In our quest to find the best 12 volt refrigerators for vanlife, camping, and RVing, we analyzed fridge models from the most popular adventure fridge manufacturers. That said, 12V fridges dont actually run 24/7 the compressor kicks on only as needed. Im not sure if a fridge that large would fit between minivan front seats, but it might. Hi Jon, both are great fridges. https://www.amazon.com/RCO410-Capacitor-Refrigerator-Compressors-PartsBroz/dp/B07MLV25P9/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=fridge+hard+start+capacitor&qid=1556246697&s=gateway&sr=8-3. Get one and you can probably either combine a 1kw or go down to a 400w-600w. If all you want is something to keep drinks or snacks cold during road trips, then a thermoelectric cooler just might fit your needs. The big brands like Dometic, ARB, and Engel generally have good reputations for reliability.
With chest fridges, its easy to look straight down and see all the contents. Please select However, were currently stationary and have our fridge plugged into a wall outlet, and we can definitely hear it when were in that room. In a comparison test with an Engel fridge at 90F ambient temperature (fridge set at 37F), the ARB drew a low 1.35A per hour. Reasons Why, Signature Storage We use the 50-Qt model daily in our van, and we can personally attest to its quality and reliability. Hello, I just tested the codes and they worked for me. But theyre just not ideal for living in a van. But if you dont have that kind of money to spend, there are some great values out there as well.
Able to deep freeze in moments. There is a lot of good info here that we advise checking out. Whynter fridges also dont use Danfoss compressors (instead, they use a proprietary knockoff), adding more reliability concerns. Dometic fridges are certainly not cheap (nor are the offerings from ARB and Engel), but they are efficient and reliable units with a range of features and a good reputation in the nomad community. (300w system capable of well over 1kw daily). The 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. The Dometic CFX3-series represents the top of the line when it comes to 12 volt refrigerators for vanlife. Because of its low cost, the Costway is certainly an attractive option, especially considering that equivalent fridges from more reputable brands cost at least twice as much. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). Similar testing of the VL-60 dual zone fridge revealed average power consumption of 1.77A per hour in max mode, and 1.27A per hour in eco mode. The MR040 is based on the MT45 but with a redesigned exterior for a more aesthetically pleasing look. After extensive research and testing, weve narrowed the huge list of 12 volt portable refrigerators for van life down to a handful of fridges that we recommend. What do you do with the rear ac unit air handler in a conversion van? This 63-qt fridge features 304 stainless steel weatherpoof construction, and an electronic locking keypad. Dometic built-in drawer refrigerators for trucks offer generous cold storage in a robust and compact package. Whynter offers a short 1-year warranty on their fridges, and there are some real questions as far as consistency and long term reliability. If youve already got a designated spot where you plan to put your 12 volt refrigerator, youll want to make sure all the options youre considering will fit.
Even though having a 12V fridge in your van makes vanlife a whole lot easier, dont let not having a fridge stop you from hitting the road! Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, 24-in Scientific Dual Voltage Refrigerator Freezer, Product
Cant be happier with the new TruckFridge TF65. So in this example, a 48ah LFP battery should be able to keep up with your fridge. This is mind blowing, thanks for sharing. I agree with your dislike of groupthink and herd mentality. Accurate temperature control of contents within +3F (-3C) of set point.
You will roll the fewest dice if you stick with major brands or fridges with Danfoss compressors. Weight could also be a factor in your decision if you need to move the fridge around regularly or if youre trying to stay under a certain weight limit. Looks like they changed with CFX series. Lids that hinge from the side need less overhead clearance to fully open, and since youre facing the fridge from the longer side it may be easier to view and reach the contents. Its certainly a nice option because of the low cost, and even if it doesnt end up lasting as long as an ARB or Dometic the cost savings could justify that. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Its not like youre trying to setup a forgetaboutit home system. Send me epic build guides and kickass vanlife tips. Thank you! Ive heard people shutting off their Dometic cooler at night while sleeping and there only being a small temp difference in the morning. Specifically designed for portability, it features two fold-away carrying handles and a 22 gauge steel cabinet. They do cost a bit more than other options, but theyre well worth the price and we dont hesitate to recommend them (our own ARB 12 volt refrigerator has been a kickass addition to our van). All of this is more difficult with an upright fridge. I suspect TruckFridge is same as IceCo specs are identical. This allows you to move your 12V fridge around your van, bring it inside and plug it into 110V AC if youre stationary somewhere, or stow it outside in cool weather for greater energy efficiency. When youre boondocking in the wilderness with your batteries and solar panels as your only power source, energy efficiency is a prime consideration.
For a fridge I think Ill need a 40-45 liter. If youre looking for a longer base warranty, ARB and Engel both offer 3-year warranties on their fridges. Cheers! That can make a huge difference in how you configure your interior.
; ), Shouldnt have problems using any 12V fridge as a seat . https://www.amazon.com/Costway-Portable-Refrigerator-Electric-Camping%EF%BC%88-4%C2%B0F/dp/B07CG4Q1YJ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1550274832&sr=8-4&keywords=12v+fridge. Read on for a guide on what to look for when selecting a refrigerator for your van. The CFX line also includes all the standard portable fridge features like low voltage cutoff, digital controls, an interior light, and a drain plug. But if youre a weekender, or if youre just testing out this whole vanlife thing, or if youre on a shoestring budget then a good cooler is a great option for keeping your food cold on the cheap. 