Vehicle Refrigerators/Freezers

[Casitababy23]

Hi all!
We just took our Casita on it's first trip; from East to Yellowstone and back (3 weeks)
Our cooler did OK, but not the job I expected and it was a hot one, so I will give it a reprieve from criticism.
Needless to say I'm looking at freezer/frig coolers for a 12v hook up inside our vehicle as a backup.
of course I've looked online to get honest info, but it's always biased so can y'all tell me what you use/like/dislike.
Thanks so much!!!

[Iowa Dave]

We are very happy with our Engel MR040 40 quart refrigerator that runs on AC house current or 12volt DC via the plug ins in the car or in the Escape.
We’ve had it for several years, use it all the time.

For an ice cooler I have an Engel ENG35 cooler. I cool it down for a couple hours by filling it with cold water, put precooled items in the cooler with some ice. I also have four cold packs which I rotate between the cooler and the Escape freezer. I keep water and other cold drinks in the cooler so I don’t have to open the camper refrigerator and have a cold drinks on hand while on a day trip .

For fishing bait I have a 13 quart Engle bait keeper cooler with the net and aerate with a rechargeable AA battery aerator.

As a nurse bait keeper for larger baits for flatheads I use a 30 quart Engel bait cooler with the lithium battery rechargeable aerator that runs on its rechargeable battery or on AC current. I keep bluegills, green sunfish and creek chubs alive and frisky with this cooler.

I have about 6 other coolers in the rafters in the garage including 2 pretty good hundred quart models we used to bring bear meat and hides back from Canada a few years ago. Since we got the Engels the Coleman’s and igloos don’t get used much but folks know I have them and they borrow them for family functions on occasion.
Hope this helps
Iowa Dave

[daveandalice]

We’ve been pleased with our Iceco VL45 pro although I think the slightly small 37 would be easier to handle, we plug it into a Jackery power supply while its in the vehicle for uninterrupted service.
At the beach it’s our outdoor fridge.
We really like the two way door opening and light inside.
Sorry, my photo keeps coming out sideways

[justa25thTA]

I've got two of them from our tent days (not very long ago) both work great.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Nice that it has two sections, one freezer, one fridge, or one big one that can do either.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Bigger and heavier, but works fantastic. We bought food containers that fit perfect inside. Easy to make and store your food ahead of time to just transfer before you leave.

[daveandalice]

The Iceco 45 has saved this trip, fridge won’t go below 52 degrees in this intense heat, the low is 86 this morning and highs around 96.

My next mod will be a Novakool DC refrigerator to replace the Dometic RM2454

Our camping down south usually involves high heat/humidity.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by daveandalice

The Iceco 45 has saved this trip, fridge won’t go below 52 degrees in this intense heat, the low is 86 this morning and highs around 96.

My next mod will be a Novakool DC refrigerator to replace the Dometic RM2454

Our camping down south usually involves high heat/humidity.

Interesting. Is your AC running in your camper?


When I was in Big Bend for a week in May, it was VERY hot and no shade where we camped. In fact, even with the camper closed and ac cranking when we returned in the evening it was usually in the high 80's low 90's in the camper. Didn't feel too bad since the cold air would blow on you anywhere in the camper, but even with the fridge side in the sun, it was fine. I have a blue tooth temperature probe in the fridge.



Both of my electric coolers where fine as well, no issues.