Portable mini fridge for 4x4 use

Portable mini fridge for your off road vehicle.

A important item for any 4x4 fanatic and others is the portable fridge, Usually the portable mini fridge is 12V.

Its the 12V portable fridge that we will look at here. It can be a mini or a large these portable fridges are usually a fridge or a fridge freezer combination.

Get the size right of your mini fridge

Sizes start from the small tuck in behind the seat models right through to the very large family portable fridge/ freezer. As a mini refrigerator these units control the temperature of food stuffs for maximum lasting abilities.

Being portable is the luxury and many 4x4 drivers, campers or trades people have experienced and relied on the mini 12V fridge.

Available brands are Waeco, chescold, dms, bebe, curtis, honda, arb, autofridge, bush boy, Colman, crs swagman, DP, Engel, liemak, explorer, norcoast and nexberg just to name some.

The designs are immense and the range is huge so choosing one is a labyrinth of details and choice. Who said buying a mini fridge was going to be easy.

First decide on power type., the 12V mini fridge is the choice of all of course but look at the options. It can be adapted to solar, what about a 240V converter or hook up to a portable generator.

Accessories for Mini fridges

Expect to install dual batteries into your 4x4 vehicle to power up these portable fridges. Many portable fridges now come with a low voltage cut-off safety feature, which switches the fridge off when the battery charge level falls below a safe level.

Size does matter, when choosing a portable fridge consider the fact that they run more efficiently when full so the economy of a half filled fridge is poorer than a smaller nearly full refrigerator.

Price the bigger you go the more they cost and you don't want to find your mini 12V fridge doesn't quite fit on the rear seat . Of course if you are looking at occasional usage the 12V model may do but if usage gets serious a variable voltage model would be better suited. For 2 people the 25lt is the size to begin your consideration for lager purposes the combined 100 litre fridge freezer might be a better choice of mini fridge for a large family.

Major brands in Australia

ARB

Three sizes available 29, 39 and 60 litre
100 per cent CFC free
Features ice free operation and auto voltage selection
Maximum draw 3.7 amp/hour (29,39) 5.7 amp/hours 60 ltr
Holds large upright bottles
Tested in Australia

Tough steel construction, rounded corners and strong steel handle makes it ideal for 4x4 use

Autofridge

Designed and manufactured in Australia
Two models 39 and 73 ltr
Draws 3amp/hour
alternative power options include solar

Manufactured from fibreglass with polyurethane insulation.

Bush Boy

Australian owned and manufactured
three sizes 40 litre 55 litre and 70 litre
Fan forced condensor, two removable baskets and gas struts on lid
Variable power switch
Stainless steel , polystyrene insulation
240V adaptor optional

custom sizes available.

Chescold

Has heat exchange unit that runs on 12V, 240V or LPG
33 litre, 39 litre and 50 litre available
3 year warranty

..available from Electrolux

Coleman

3model 15 litre, 30 litre and 38 litre
run from 12V or 240 V adaptor (sold separately)
Can also heat by 55C from ambient

and 3 shelf dividers

CRS Swagman

Designed for off road 4x4 conditions
three sizes 33, 40 and 60 litre
custom make if required

No cooling coils in the wall so it can be stacked with luggage

DP Refrigeration

Steel cabinet and base
35 litre with optional high lid to 42 litre
3 amp/hour
Low current cut off switch
240V adaptor available

Extra thick insulation in walls and base

Engel

Sizes from 13 to 60 litre
Pull out basket in most models
High dome lid option

Lightweight ideal for the 4 wheel drivers

Explorer

Australian Made and designed
one of the original fridge / freezer combinations
model sizes 25 - 95 liter
Manufactured from marine grade aluminium, fibreglass interior and polyurethane insulation
Low voltage cut off
3-4 amp/hour
Solar available
Deep cycle batteries and extended leads available on all models

Norcoast

Highly popular with 4WD
2mm galv aluminium outer insulation 75 mm
sizes 42, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 litre
extras include 240V converter, dial thermometer and additional thermostat

Liemack

Three model 50, 70 and 90 litre
Larger lid option
Galv steel exterior
LED display for internal temp
Runs 12V or 240 V

Nexberg

12/24V
Four sizes 50-130 litre
Low voltage protection
Fiberglass construction

Uses Danfoss BD35F compressor