An important off road 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.
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, Engel, 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 See mini camping fridge video below
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
