Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: 12v portable fridge/freezer recommendations?

Print Page | Close Window

12v portable fridge/freezer recommendations?

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13403
Printed Date: 23 Jun 2025 at 7:21am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: 12v portable fridge/freezer recommendations?

Posted By: geewizard
Subject: 12v portable fridge/freezer recommendations?
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2020 at 8:34am

I'm looking for a 12v portable fridge/freezer. Any suggestions, recommendations, reviews?

I know Dometic, ARB, and other brands exist. I'm after personal experiences.

-------------
2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC

Replies:

Posted By: SteveA
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2020 at 9:08am

I've had good luck with this unit. We've removed the freezer divider and use the fridge as only a fridge and the portable as our freezer. It works great but does add a little hassle as it did force an upgrade from 1 12v battery to 2 6v. Also when traveling I plug it into the cars 12v cig lighter and when parked it gets plugged into the 110 if available but we can manage with the use of a 100w solar or a hour or so of the Honda 2000i when boondocking. We went this route due to we like to travel and stay in the Pod for extended periods and the fridge just wasn't larger enough. For weekend trips we leave the divider in the fridge.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FY8CNFH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - 2019 NEW Alpicool C22 Portable Refrigerator 23 Quart Vehicle, Car, Truck, RV, Mini fridge freezer for Driving, Travel, Fishing, Outdoor and Home use -12/24V DC and 110-240 AC with USB socket

-------------
2017 179 1/2

Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2020 at 10:05am

Thanks Steve.

-------------
2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2020 at 8:13am

The cheaper 12V fridges use thermoelectric technology which is very inefficient. The better more efficient 12V fridges use vapor compression systems like your home fridge does. Danfoss/Secop have the best reputation among these small 12V compressors, thy're been around for 40 years or so. Even with a Danfoss/Secop system your electric load will go up quite a bit, so keep that in mind in your planning.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2020 at 7:21am

Thanks, offgrid. I would not consider any portable 12v fridge/freezer that is thermoelectric. I'm after one with a compressor. I should have made that clear.

-------------
2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2020 at 5:56am

Great.

I don't have any firsthand experience with one brand over another, but since all the good ones are going to be using the same Danfoss/Secop vapor compression systems it will probably come down to the insulation level and quality of fit and finish of the fridge box convenience of use, fan noise, etc. I suggest checking the online reviews on Amazon etc for that kind of info.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2020 at 7:39am

I'm looking for one that will fit underneath my dinette seat. There are several that might work. And I can install DC power and vents easily enough.

-------------
2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2020 at 8:28am

If you want to place it in a seat compartment and you're feeling pretty ambitious you could get one of the Danfoss compressor/condenser/evaporator kits and build your own custom fridge compartment. The condenser/compressor could be located somewhere a few feet away to save space. That would be a cool mod. The sailboat folks do this stuff all the time so if you look on some of the cruising salboat forums I'm sure there would be lots of information there.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold