Chill Out: A Guide to Keeping Your Fridge Efficient in the Bush
When camping, having a reliable source of cold drinks and fresh food is essential. Don't settle for a low-quality thermo-electric cooler, these are only suitable and reliable enough to use for short a day or two trip and not a serious overlanding expedition, instead, invest in the best available. The best 12V compressor fridges on the market have strong components, efficient design, and thicker insulation. This means they use less power and run more efficiently.
When choosing a fridge, make sure it is made from high-quality materials, comes with a warranty, and has a proven track record of performance. You don't want to be stuck in the wilderness with a faulty fridge.
A fridge can run on a 12V outlet connected to the cranking battery, but the vehicle will turn it off if the battery voltage drops below a safe level. To prevent this, it's recommended to install a dual battery setup with a smart DC-to-DC charger and a fully charged auxiliary battery.
Keep in mind that fridges are power-hungry and can draw from 1 to 6 Amps per hour. The average draw is around 2.5 Amps, which equates to a daily draw of 30 Amp hours. For most overlanders traveling off-grid, it's important to conserve battery power. One way to do this is to freeze items in the fridge before leaving home, and using a secondary, non-electrical cooler to reduce the workload on the fridge.
Additionally, investing in an insulated cover and proper ventilation will help keep the fridge working efficiently. Avoid exposing the fridge to direct sunlight and try to keep it in the shade. Consider using a reflective awning or shade net to keep the interior cooler.
Lastly, some overlanders choose to keep two fridges: one for drinks and another for food. This allows them to keep the temperature settings lower for the drinks fridge, which is opened more frequently, and higher for the food fridge, which is opened less often. By following these tips, you can keep your drinks and food cold and enjoy a successful camping trip.
Published: 2nd Feb 2023
