Fridge / Cooler Shopping

[cjwebber]

Hey guys -

I'm shopping around looking for the best option for our refrigeration needs.

My intent is to build out our UHaul CT-13 to be boondocking friendly, as we prefer more rustic than RV parks.

I have been looking at the Norcold 323 fridge because of the LP function as well as the price point.

I also have been looking at the Arb Cooler - I like the idea of a cooler because of energy conservation (cool air sinking and staying in, instead of dumping out like a normal fridge) but I'm not sure how to integrate this into my build out.

I am wondering what options you guys have used in your campers - particularly in 13ft campers.

Thanks guys!

[Brentsdeal]

The engel chest type has served me well

[Material Guy]

I have just orderd a Pelican 45Q cooler. My old Igloo just does not do the job that I am happy with. I fill up the bladders from my old MTB packs and freeze them for ice packs, should be good for about a week I hope.
This is on top of the 110v dorm fridge being used when there is power.
I could not find a 12 volt fridge that was in the price range that I could afford.

[cjwebber]

How do you guys store both of those...car? Camper? If in the camper..where?

[Woodchick]

Look at the Whynter brand of chest fridge/frezers. They work on 12v and shore power, and are really efficient. I picked up the 60 quart model and consider it a great boondocking asset.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[ckayaker]

I have used an Engel fridge for several years now and love it. It's low amperage. Runs on 12 and 120 volt. Mine runs easily on solar power when off grid.

[BarbieB]

We recently bought a Mobicool electric cooler from Canadian Tire (about $150) that can sit on the back seat of the car and plug into the cigarette lighter during travel and then runs off 120V at the campsite. Hoping to install a few solar panels this summer so we can run the cooler and our Fantastic Fan in our 1977 Trillium 4500 as we're seldom on electric sites. So far very pleased with the cooling and capacity. We use our original Dometic propane fridge inside the trailer as well but it doesn't get super cold and is pretty small. So the Mobicool gives us all the space we need for two of us. It looks like the Engel chest cooler another poster mentioned but much cheaper and I think a little smaller. We leave it outside the trailer during the day in our Add-a-room screen room, plugged into an outlet beside the door. It has a lock which is handy for racoon protection! They haven't figured it out yet!

[starbrightsteve]

If you want to boondock with a 12 volt fridge, you will need a significant solar charging system to support it. That means both the fridge cost and say 150 watts or more of solar and most likely bigger battery(s). If you just need solar for lights,music and a bit of water pumping you can get by with maybe 50 watts of solar and your existing battery. I think it's worth considering a propane/120 volt fridge that mounts in your trailer. You may already have propane but if not, adding it is not a big expense. You may be able to find a good used propane fridge in your area. If you build one into your existing trailer, be sure to take the opportunity to super insulate it as you build.

[Woodchick]

I'll be building my Whynter into the cabinet on a tray with full-extension slides so I don't loose any counter space, and insulating the space it slides into except for a tailored cut-out to let the compressor breathe. I've seen this done on another custom build, and it's pretty slick

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[cjwebber]

I love the idea of a pull out cooler! Could you link me to any photos you've seen?

[John A]

My favorite setup is an Engel compressor fridge in the back of the car, changing out the car battery to a deep-cycle (or adding a second if you have room), and a solar panel on the roof rack of the car to augment the alternator. Worked for months at a time for me and my wife. No fridge noise in the camper, and the fridge is with you at the grocery store and picnics. Power takes care of itself. I've been extremely impressed with the Engel.