Fridges and fridge slides

A portable 12-volt fridge is one of the best upgrades for anyone camping more than a night or two. It keeps food and drinks properly cold for as long as there's power, without buying ice, draining melted water or dealing with soggy food. Combined with an auxiliary battery and solar, it allows weeks of self-sufficient travel.

This guide covers choosing a fridge, powering it, mounting it securely and keeping food safe in hot conditions.

Types of portable fridge

Compressor fridges work like a household fridge, using a small compressor to move refrigerant. They are efficient on 12 volts, can cool well below ambient temperature even in hot weather, can work as a freezer and tolerate movement and angles. Most four-wheel-drive fridges are compressor types.

Absorption fridges use a heat source, which can be gas, 12V or 240V electricity, to drive a refrigeration cycle with no moving parts. They are silent and can run on gas, which suits caravans, but they are less efficient on 12V, struggle in very hot weather and need to be close to level to work properly.

Thermoelectric coolers are inexpensive and light, but they only cool a limited amount below the surrounding temperature, so they struggle in Australian summer heat.

Choosing a fridge

Consider:

• Capacity. Think about people, trip length and resupply options. Bigger isn't always better: an oversized fridge uses more power and space.
• Single or dual zone. Dual-zone fridges have separate compartments that can be set to fridge and freezer temperatures.
• Size and fit. Measure the space, including room to open the lid and for ventilation around the compressor.
• Weight. A full fridge is heavy, which affects payload and the slide or mounting you need.
• Power use and protection. Look for low-voltage cut-out settings that protect your battery.
• Build quality and support. Robust hinges, handles, latches and service networks matter on rough roads.
• App or display. Many fridges can be monitored by app or a remote display.

Powering your fridge

A compressor fridge cycles on and off to maintain temperature, so its average power draw depends on the ambient temperature, set temperature, how often it's opened, insulation and ventilation. A fridge running continuously in hot weather is usually the biggest load in a camping electrical system.

Running a fridge from the starting battery risks leaving you unable to start the vehicle. Most tourers fit an auxiliary battery charged through a DC-DC charger while driving, and topped up by solar panels at camp. Our dual battery systems guide explains these systems. Use heavy enough cables and suitable plugs and sockets, because voltage drop from thin wiring can cause fridges to cut out.

Mounting and fridge slides

A loaded fridge is heavy, and in a crash or sudden stop an unsecured fridge can become a deadly projectile. Secure it properly using rated tie-down straps attached to strong anchor points, or mount it on a fridge slide bolted to the vehicle. The National Transport Commission's load restraint guidance explains the principles of securing loads.

Fridge slides let you pull the fridge out of a wagon or canopy for easy access. Choose a slide rated for the weight of the loaded fridge, bolted down securely, with tie-down points to hold the fridge to the slide. Drop-down slides lower the fridge for easier access in tall vehicles.

Allow ventilation around the compressor vents, especially when the fridge is enclosed in a drawer system or canopy.

Reducing power use

• Pre-cool the fridge and its contents on mains power before the trip.
• Keep the fridge out of direct sun, and use an insulated cover.
• Open it less often, and know what you're getting before you open it.
• Keep it reasonably full; air space warms quickly when opened.
• Ventilate around the compressor.
• Set temperatures no colder than needed.
• Use the battery protection setting to avoid over-discharging the battery.

Keeping food safe

Food poisoning can ruin a trip, especially in remote areas far from medical help. Food safety authorities recommend keeping chilled food at 5°C or below, and frozen food frozen solid. Use a fridge thermometer, because the display may not reflect the temperature throughout the fridge.

• Pack raw meat sealed and at the bottom, below ready-to-eat food.
• Freeze meat for later in the trip.
• Keep drinks in a separate cooler if they are opened often.
• Wash hands before handling food, using soap and water or sanitiser.
• When in doubt, throw it out.

Fridge maintenance

Clean the fridge after each trip and leave the lid ajar when storing it to prevent mould and odours. Check the seal, hinges, plugs and cables. Clear dust from compressor vents. Test the fridge before a big trip.

Planning meals

Good meal planning reduces fridge space and power use. Plan meals for the first few days around fresh food, then move to frozen, tinned and dried foods. Pre-prepare and freeze meals at home. Keep a list of what's in the fridge so you're not rummaging with the lid open.

Fridges and ice boxes together

Many tourers use both a fridge and a quality insulated ice box. The fridge holds perishables, while the ice box carries drinks that are opened often. This keeps the fridge closed more, saving power.

Common mistakes

• Running the fridge off the starting battery.
• Thin wiring that causes voltage drop and cut-outs.
• Leaving the fridge loose in the cargo area.
• Blocking compressor ventilation.
• Trusting the display without checking with a thermometer.

Fridges in hot climates

In northern summers and desert heat, fridges work much harder. Park in shade where you can, keep the vehicle ventilated, use an insulated cover and allow extra battery and solar capacity for hot-weather trips.

Using the fridge in a ute tray

In a ute canopy or tray, protect the fridge from dust and heat with a cover, and make sure it is mounted to the tray floor rather than sitting loose.

Key points

Choose a compressor fridge sized to your trips, power it from an auxiliary battery charged by a DC-DC charger and solar, secure it with a rated slide or tie-downs, ventilate it, keep food at 5°C or below and maintain it between trips.