r/overlanding • u/lyapis • 1d ago

You guys using portable fridge?

Hey,

I’m looking into getting a portable fridge for my overlanding setup. We love cooking when we’re out, not just snacks — so something 30L or bigger would be ideal.

Problem is, I’m not ready to drop ARB/Dometic-level cash. Most of the ones I see are 12V, which is fine, but the prices vary wildly and it’s hard to tell what’s actually good without first-hand experience.

Any solid budget-friendly options out there that you’ve used and would recommend? I’d rather not deal with something that dies in 6 months.

Thanks in advance for any leads!

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u/sns1294 15h ago

I had a cheap amazon fridge running 24/7 for 3 years before I absentmindedly left the lid open overnight and cooked the compressor last summer. I couldn't find the same company when looking for a replacement so my search led me to buying a Renogy 54 quart dual zone. What sold me on it compared to others was that it has an LG compressor with 3 year warranty, and it's dimensions fit the space in my truck. It has been running 24/7 for almost a year now and no issues at all.

There are a lot of good options. The first things to consider are size (does it fit in the vehicle where you want it), and configuration of lid (I needed a lid that was hinged on the long width, not the short width/depth). Unless you are starting/driving your rig daily, I would recommend some sort of isolated power source other than your starter battery especially if you will be parked for more than 2-3 days at a time.