Difficulty in finding a fridge

[Outdoordog]

I've been looking for a portable fridge that is small, but havent found any that would fit behind my passenger seat. I have found 1, but is about 3 to 4 times the price of similar capacity.

The largest it could be would 18" by 13", height not being so important.
It is the only spot I have available for the fridge, and will be ratchet strapped for safety.

Could anyone recommend one that would fit?
Thanks!

 

[Sinocai]

I've been looking for a portable fridge that is small, but havent found any that would fit behind my passenger seat. I have found 1, but is about 3 to 4 times the price of similar capacity.

The largest it could be would 18" by 13", height not being so important.
It is the only spot I have available for the fridge, and will be ratchet strapped for safety.

Could anyone recommend one that would fit?
Thanks!

So not sure if it will work for you. Its not a arb or dometic, but I've been using a koolatron. Super slim fits right in that spot. 12v dc and gets down to 5 deg c. I can send u some more info.

 

[Outdoordog]

So not sure if it will work for you. Its not a arb or dometic, but I've been using a koolatron. Super slim fits right in that spot. 12v dc and gets down to 5 deg c. I can send u some more info.

That would be very helpful!

I'm guessing it's more affordable than the arb or dometic as well.

 

[Outdoordog]

I went ahead and ordered the battery.



Reviews seem pretty decent, hoping its comparable to the goal zero batteries.

 

[Sinocai]

Nice battery pack!

Yes much cheaper. However you get what you pay for. It may take more amp hours then one of those others. But for what I'm using it for it works.

 

[smritte]

Try here TruckFridge.
I have one of their smaller ones in my Cruiser. Their line is a name brand but I would have to go look to see, its not posted on their site. Their smallest one would almost make a nice center console in my rig.

 

[KrelleKryl]

I went ahead and ordered the battery

The Jackery is nice and I have been running the 500W for a while. Just a quick comment in case it matters - compared to other power stations (even cheaper ones) it charges pretty slowly as it only accepts a 60W input versus 100W for most others. If you're planning on using e.g., solar panels to recharge it, it ends up making a fairly big difference (as I have come to realize).

Other than that - it's a great product!

 

[Outdoordog]

The Jackery is nice and I have been running the 500W for a while. Just a quick comment in case it matters - compared to other power stations (even cheaper ones) it charges pretty slowly as it only accepts a 60W input versus 100W for most others. If you're planning on using e.g., solar panels to recharge it, it ends up making a fairly big difference (as I have come to realize).

Other than that - it's a great product!

Thats good to know!

Likely I will charge at home before I head out. I like to plan things way ahead of time anyways.
Will probably end up with a 100 watt panel.

Been watching a lot of videos, seems thr jackery 500 could power a small fridge (say 20 quart) for several days no issues.

Just hard finding one with a small footprint.

 

[HIALT2D]

Not sure if they have the size you need, but I just finished spending way too much time researching fridges. This included quizzing a whole bunch of people about their fridges; past, present & future. And talking to some who know way too much about the inner workings, circuit boards, compressors, Etc.

Once my head stopped spinning, I decided on the TruckFridge brand. It's almost identical in every way to the SnoMaster, for a whole lot less $. They have been putting fridges in 18-wheelers for a long time and have a great reputation.

 

[Outdoordog]

Not sure if they have the size you need, but I just finished spending way too much time researching fridges. This included quizzing a whole bunch of people about their fridges; past, present & future. And talking to some who know way too much about the inner workings, circuit boards, compressors, Etc.

Once my head stopped spinning, I decided on the TruckFridge brand. It's almost identical in every way to the SnoMaster, for a whole lot less $. They have been putting fridges in 18-wheelers for a long time and have a great reputation.

Ima have to look them up!

 

[Truckee]

Indel B TB20AM

TB20AM - IndelB

The built-in series for commercial vehicles and coaches meets the most diverse market requirements in terms of size, finish and ease of use.

www.indelb.com

Make sure the vent holes aren't obstructed too.

 

[Outdoordog]

Not sure if they have the size you need, but I just finished spending way too much time researching fridges. This included quizzing a whole bunch of people about their fridges; past, present & future. And talking to some who know way too much about the inner workings, circuit boards, compressors, Etc.

Once my head stopped spinning, I decided on the TruckFridge brand. It's almost identical in every way to the SnoMaster, for a whole lot less $. They have been putting fridges in 18-wheelers for a long time and have a great reputation.

Unfortunately, even the 2 smallest ones (15 and 18 quart) are 2 inches too long to fit in my backseat floor.

 

[Outdoordog]

Ordered the dometic cf18. Should be here in about 2 weeks according to their email.

Got my 500 watt battery today!

 

[Truckee]

The largest it could be would 18" by 13", height not being so important.

I guess you found more room? CF-18 is 19 x 16.6"

 

[Billiebob]

I've been using a koolatron.

yep, me too. only negative with the Kooltron is they use more power than a compressor fridge, but they are often 1/3 the price, or if you find one in a garage sale like mine, $10.
I unplug mine overnite, on 5 day summer trips in 90 plus temperatures it holds 42... even unplugged 8 hours a day so I'm happy with my $10 investment.

 

[Outdoordog]

I guess you found more room? CF-18 is 19 x 16.6"



View attachment 169801

It will be a very tight fit. Also the vents will be not blocked.

I will use a ratchet strap to secure it.

 

[Billiebob]

yep, me too. only negative with the Kooltron is they use more power than a compressor fridge, but they are often 1/3 the price, or if you find one in a garage sale like mine, $10.
I unplug mine overnite, on 5 day summer trips in 90 plus temperatures it holds 42... even unplugged 8 hours a day so I'm happy with my $10 investment.

View attachment 169813

Just looking at the "food" in that ^^^ picture..... I am obese, border line diabetic, heart attack survivor.... my doctor convinced me to eliminate BREAD.... which kinda includes butter, mayonaise, toast, buns, burgers, donuts, muffins, scones..... my daily items. Well in 8 weeks I have lost 16 pounds and I am not "dieting" I'm just not eating bread. My wife loves me.

 

[Truckee]

yep, me too. only negative with the Kooltron is they use more power than a compressor fridge, but they are often 1/3 the price, or if you find one in a garage sale like mine, $10.
I unplug mine overnite, on 5 day summer trips in 90 plus temperatures it holds 42... even unplugged 8 hours a day so I'm happy with my $10 investment.

You'll probably be fine for like a weekend trip. But 40-140 degrees is considered the danger zone for bacterial growth. Personally, I'd throw some ice in there to get your temps to 37 degrees or below. Read up on it and make your own decision.

 

[Billiebob]

You'll probably be fine for like a weekend trip. But 40-140 degrees is considered the danger zone for bacterial growth. Personally, I'd throw some ice in there to get your temps to 37 degrees or below. Read up on it and make your own decision.

So 145 is safe? lol 45 years of family camping and we are all still alive. I'll admit 30 days crossing the Sahara, I'd invest in more refigeration but how many of us are even considering that. I'll bet 95% of us are 1960s style family campers. It has only been the past 20 years that refrigeration has been a massive profit center for RV suppliers. 40 years ago we all went camping with ice in coolers. The hype to market $1K refrigerators is incredible. And 42F has been fine for 5 day weekends for me for years. My parents did the same for 40 years with a Kooltron Cooler too.

And there is the option to pack wisely. Many things we refrigerate really don't need refrigeration. The big one which does need refigeration is meat. But even at 44F meat is fine for many days so pack wisely. If you pack meat, yes, pack only what you need for a few days. Somehow the wagon trains crossed America without even ice. On a 3 week trip, you might need to shop periodically or pack wisely.

There are options if you cannot afford the "food safe 37F". Don't let the fear mongers kill your adventures. Read up on the options. And go camping.

 

[Truckee]

145 degrees is not exactly safe for long periods of time but between 40 and 140 is considered the danger zone meaning rapid bacterial growth. Your argument of being alive after 45 years of camping is weak. Do you believe vehicle airbags and rollover over protection are unnecessary too because you never had them and you are still alive? Is refrigeration a big conspiracy because companies want to make money? Should we just set our home fridge on 45 degrees and save money?

I'm not here to offend you nor convince you... but it really is science and we've learned a lot since the days of crossing America on wagon trains.