Best Truck Refrigerators and Coolers Reviews
Do you own a truck? Then you need to ensure that you have a truck refrigerator which will be a perfect companion while you are on those long travels away from home. Make your truck home, away from home. Having one of the best truck refrigerators and coolers will make it possible for you to store food, freshen meats and vegetables, and cool your drinks while you travel miles away from home.
It will make it possible for you especially if you like homemade food. It will also help you in saving money since you will be in a position to take food from home and use it during the time you will be away. There are several brands and types available in the market and thus, you will need to ensure that, what you are settling for is the best among the many.
Comparison Of Truck Refrigerators And Coolers
Truck Refrigerators And Coolers Reviews
1. ARB Portable Fridge 10810602
This refrigerator is weatherproof, rugged refrigerator for trucks which might be good for camping, off-roading, or any other outdoor adventures that you could be planning to do. If you are planning to carry food and drinks with you, and you want them to remain cool, then this could be the compressor based refrigerator which you could settle for.
It has plenty of space with a zero degree freezer capability. It can accept the 12 VDC power meaning, you will be in a position to keep all the food which you want to take with you. It is constructed from stainless steel, with latches which are anodized aluminum. Its control panels are waterproof and it has a locking system which is integrated and is electronic.
It is a cool refrigerator to take with you to camping with friends as it will be able to accommodate 12oz cans. It has a capacity of 60L meaning, it will take enough food to last for some time. Its lid is assisted by an infinite position gas spring to make it very unique.
It has hinges which are made of stainless steel making it heavy duty and thus, even when you are on rough terrains, you don’t have to worry about the refrigerator coming out of position. Its control panels are protected from weather elements and with a backlit LED light that has a dimming function, you will be able to access your fridge even when it is dark.
When you get it out of the truck, it has a carry handle which is easy to carry which will make it easy to carry it to your campsite or in the house. It has a cabinet style basket that is reversible. It contains a divider which will make it easier for you to arrange and separate your food as per your desire.
It has a drain plug and a 3 stage battery protection, meaning, there is no single time that your battery will go flat even if you forget the refrigerator on.
Pros
1. It has an easy carry on handle design for easy portability
2. Backlit LED display to help when it is dark
3. Weatherproof control panel
4. Anodized aluminum latches
5. Integrated locking system
Cons
1. It is expensive
You may like this: Best Portable Microwaves For Truck And Car Reviews
2. Ausranvik Portable Refrigerator For The Car
This refrigerator is weatherproof, rugged refrigerator for trucks which might be good for camping, off-roading, or any other outdoor adventures that you could be planning to do. If you are planning to carry food and drinks with you, and you want them to remain cool, then this could be the compressor based refrigerator which you could settle for.
This is a known brand which offers consumers with portable, top quality recreational vehicle and camping freezer or refrigerator. It tends to be a top rated product among RV owners who shower praises on it. It can run on 12 V, 24 VDC, and 110V. This makes it flexible to be able to use in many applications including camping, fishing, and RV living.
It is a unit which is easy to use for its digital control. You will easily be able to adjust its temperature settings between -4 to 68°F. It comes with a mode setting which will work well as per your needs. There is an LCD display which shows ref status.
The is a refrigerator which is design with two modes; max for quick cooling and ECO for saving the energy. The ref comes with battery protection. The battery is monitored by a control program. This works by shutting the compressor automatically when the voltage is on the minimal.
Its insulation is at 1.6 inches meaning, you can expect it to freeze your stuff from home up to your recreational vehicle. It has a long enough power cord which will serve you when you are out camping.
It has a large capacity of 48 quarts so you will be able to store your beverages, ice cream, fruit, milk, and meat in their rightful temperature. You can use it for camping, truck, fishing, and picnic.
Pros
1. Large capacity
2. Works with both 12/24V DC and 110V AC
3. Has battery protection
4. Has strong insulatio
5. Digital control easy to use
Cons
1. Not durable
3. COSTWAY 54 Quart Portable Compact Vehicle Fridge
It has a large capacity of 54 quarts which is equivalent to 52L and thus, a good one when you are going out camping with friends. You can use at home, in your car or RV. You have the freedom to fill it with food, snacks, medicines or anything else you might be thinking of carrying with you.
This refrigerator has a Max fast cooling setting that can achieve a cooling from 90 up to 32 degrees Fahrenheit within 30 minutes. But you have to keep in mind that, the temperature which is inside the empty cooler or the outdoors when you put it in this cooler, it will automatically switch on the Eco mode in order to save energy.
When you are on the road with this particular refrigerator, it is an excellent electric cooler which will not run out of power due to its 3 levels of car battery protection. They are available in various settings; low, medium and high and thus, you will pick the one which is most suitable for your needs and that of your vehicle when you are camping and traveling.
With such a large capacity, it means that it is not very compact as its dimensions are 27 inches by 13.5 inches by 21 inches. The LCD display will ensure that you get to check out the current temperature which you can use to adjust the setting of this portable refrigerator. It has a user-friendly menu and thus, it will not be hard for you to operate it. It has a 12V and 24 V DC power outlet for the vehicle adapter to use when you are on the road. It also has a 110V and 240V AV adapter which you can use when at home, hotel or somewhere where there is a wall power outlet.
Its power rate is 50W with a noise level at 45dB which is low and thus no problem or disturbance when you sleep with it turned on. It is an iceless cooler which a compressor as its refrigeration system with a cooling range of -68 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can be in a position to hold -4 to -50 degrees to make it possible for your drinks to always be cool and that the food remains fresh.
Your stuff will remain well organized due to the availability of nifty interior.
Pros
1. It is three in one: mini freezer, mini fridge, and mini cooler
2. Shockproof design to withstand the harsh environment
3. Low noise level of 45dB
4. An LCD display to show the current temperature
5. 3 levels of car battery protection
Cons
1. Not good for offroad use
4. Dometic CFX Portable Cooler 100W
If this is what you would wish to buy as your portable cooler, then it is best you know what it is all about. It is a compressor freezer and fridge which can be able to hold up to 95L which include 40 liters of the freezer. It has a dual lid, a dual zone, and dual control of temperature. It has two compartments with each being in a position to operate on its own.
If you decide to buy it, it comes with an application which will be able to control the temperatures in the compartment from smartphone to tablet. Even when the outside temperatures are extreme, its technology in the energy compressor will make it possible for you to be able to get efficient and fast cooling and freezing with this refrigerator.
It a rugged and robust design which ensures that it is able to endure extreme environments. You have the freedom to set the temperatures between 10 degrees Celcius to 18 degrees Celcius when using normally. It has the ability to run at -22 to 50 degrees Celcius when it is below ambient temperature. It is spacious enough to accommodate up to 133 cans.
It has a polypropylene lid which is detachable and reversible for functional use. If you have this cooler, the two compartments will be able to work independently while you monitor their temperatures separately. The two reversible lids increase energy efficiency with 22mm wide in size and contain pocket gaskets which are multi air.
The control panel is ergonomic and has a LED display that will enable you to see clearly what you are picking from inside it. For tablet and mobile charging, it comes with an external USB outlet for use when you are at the campsite or on transit. It comes with a 3 stage battery protection which makes it possible to ensure that, there is no drainage of the battery and you can also use solar.
Pros
1. Ergonomic control panel
2. LED display
3. A polypropylene lid which is detachable and reversible
4. It has a robust and rugged design
5. Compartment temperatures controlled
Cons
1. Not longlasting
5. ARB Portable Fridge
If you are looking for a fridge which will be able to cool your food and drinks while on the move, then it could be the one. It has the capacity to keep the drinks and food cool even when the vehicle is off. Whenever the internal temperature of the refrigerator rises above what is set in the digital thermostat, then the compressor activates to ensure that the contents are refreshed.
There is adjustable battery protection which is built in to enable the refrigerator to be able to sip the power of the battery while the vehicle is off thereby keeping your food cool all the time without the battery being drained.
It is a 50 quarts model which has the capacity to maintain sub-freezing temperatures at 90 degrees while only drawing 0.87 every hour from a power source of 12V. This turns out to be low power than what a headlamp draws. When it is at temperature, it will consume the least power.
It tends to be suitable for medium to large SUVs, wagons, and trucks. It is designed with offroaders and travelers in mind and therefore, comes when it is equipped with a hinge system which is super sustainable patented. For ease of access to the refrigerator, it comes with a front opening lid. It is a design which is compatible with ARB fridge freezer slides which tend to provide a drawer like access which is very fast to the whole unit. This then allows you to bolt your vehicle’s fridge.
It is a fridge which can be mounted up to 30 degrees at extreme angles without its operations being affected. It has two power cords; the DC that connects to the DC power source with a 12 and 24 V DC while you are on the go. The AC cord can be used when you are in the house or office or at the campsite. When it is not in use, there is an integrated cable which keeps the power codes very neat.
Pros
1. Has both AC and DC power cords
2. Can be mounted up to 30 degrees at angles that are extreme without having to affect the reliability or operation
3. Designed for offroad riders and travelers
4. Perfect for small groups
5. Cool food even when the vehicle is off
Cons
1. The vehicle plug doesn’t fit properly
6. EdgeStar Convertible Refrigerator CRF 150SS
If you are looking for a mini fridge to utilize while on the move, this is one of the best that you could consider purchasing. It has a built-in lock. You will not have to deal with the setting it up and no hanging padlocks. It tends to offer the best for your money as long as you are not looking for a super lock which is super secure.
There are very few models which have built-in locks while at the same time, boasting to be mini fridges. One of the best features of this particular fridge is that you can use it both as a freezer and a fridge. There is an accessible dial inside the unit which you will find to be very important.
It has a reversible door which can be configured to be able to open from either right or left. This makes it easy to find a place which is suitable while it is also easy to access the door,
It is not one of the quietest picks, but it isn’t high on its noise level either. So it should be a good pick unless you want something which is completely silent.
Pros
1. It can be used as a fridge as well as a freezer
2. Great for using in the office as it occupies a small space
3. It has a reversible door
4. It is a compressor fridge
5. It has a built-in lock
Cons
1. The lock is not super safe
7. Alpicool C20 Portable Refrigerator 21 Quarts
Looking for a portable refrigerator for your vehicle? Then this could well serve the purpose for you. It can be used in RVs, vehicles, and even boats. It is a classic compressor cooler that can accommodate up to 25 soda cans equaling to 20 liters.
It comes with two cables which can be able to connect to 110V to 240V and 12V to 24 V DC power inputs. Its cooling capacity is pretty strong and although it doesn’t warm things up, it has the capacity to cool them up to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It features a density foam insulation, a convenient and lightweight construction.
If you compare it to other products, it is expensive but still, good value for money. It is constructed from highly durable materials which are strong plastics. It is 12.6 inches long, 22.4 inches wide, and 12.6 inches tall. It is available in various sizes which include 20 liters, 15 liters, 40 liters, and 30 liters.
Pros
1. Available in different sizes
2. Constructed from highly durable plastic materials
3. It is portable
4. It works with both AC and DC power source
5. It can run with solar-based systems
Cons
1. It is expensive in its category
8. Goplus 54 Quarts Portable Refrigerator
If you are looking for a portable refrigerator which has a large capacity and multi-use, then settle for this one. It comes with 52L large capacity that could hold a large number of drinks and still have enough space to store food and snacks. You can use it at home or while you are on the move. You will be at liberty to choose the temperature to keep your medicines or cosmetics.
It uses a compressor cooling technology which ensures that it does a 30 minutes fast cooling from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The refrigerators inside the system are excellent at ensuring that beverages will be chilled and snacks kept healthy. You can also choose the ECO mode as it will be able to save you energy while at the same time, doing fast cooling.
It is made from ABS materials which are durable and sturdy for long term use. With the shockproof design, this refrigerator will be able to withstand a tough environment. Even on bumpy roads, it could survive and thus ideal for offroading.
It has 3 different levels for the protection of battery; high, medium and low. It is a humanized design which could be able to meet different needs while ensuring the battery is safe. It's running noise is below 45dB providing a comfortable quiet environment.
It comes with a clear LCD display where you can observe temperatures and adjust accordingly. It makes it convenient to adjust mode and temperature. It is a lightweight and small refrigerator which you can be able to place anywhere without taking much of your space.
Pros
1. It is lightweight
2. Convenient to adjust temperatures
3. Has 3 levels for the protection of the battery
4. Running noise is below 45 dB
5. Made from ABS material that is durable and sturdy
Cons
1. The latch is weak
9. YETI Cooler Tundra 65
If you are in need of a reliable cooler for camping, then you can try this one out. If your budget is okay and you just want the best that money could buy, then no need to settle for less.
It is a cooler which comes with unique features that you might just be interested in. It tends to be well insulated and due to that, you will be able to place your dry ice in this cooler without having any problem. It comprises of 3-inch thick insulation on each of its wall.
The lid is of high quality which ensures that cold air doesn’t move out of the cooling compartment. If you are looking for a cooler that will keep everything extra chilly, this could be the one. When using it, you will be assured of having your drinks cold for up to 10 days depending on the surrounding temperatures.
It is also constructed from quality materials which assure that it is going to last for a long time. Due to the strong construction, it tends to be damn expensive. It has enough space to be able to hold up to 150 cans.
If you are looking for something which is lightweight, then this might not be the cooler for you. However, you will be able to move it comfortably in and out of your vehicle if you decide to buy it and carry it out with you doing your outings. It can also be utilized as a bench or a chair for two people.
Pros
1. Can be used as a chair or bench for two people
2. It has a strong construction to last for a longer time
3. It is spacious to be able to carry 150 cans
4. It makes drinks to be extra chilly
5. Has a high-quality lid to contain the cold air from coming out
Cons
1. It is very expensive
2. It is heavy
Benefits Of Truck Portable Refrigerators
The following are some of the benefits and features of a portable refrigerator
1. Trucking
This can be time-consuming and draining that it will not be long before your stomach starts to complain. If you are planning to do cross country or truck, then you should have a portable refrigerator which will make healthy food reachable and at the end of the day, turn out some cold drink when you are thirsty.
2. Convenient
When you own a portable truck refrigerator, you enjoy convenience. It is easy to relocate it from one area to the next with the house or when you are traveling and camping from the swimming pool to the backyard, as you wish.
Due to their size which is compact, it tends to be very lightweight and thus, as an individual, you will be able to move it without any difficulty. Due to being compact, you will take it with you on the road as you travel since they come with a 12V charger that tends to function great in most vehicles.
3. Space Saving Designs
Unlike the normal refrigerators which are bulky in size, the portable refrigerators are found in designs which are space saving. This makes it simpler to place them anywhere in the truck or house, or wherever you have carried them to, even if it is in the workplace. And since they don’t take much space, you will still have enough room to fit other things that you have.
4. Extremely Handy
Your truck portable refrigerator will come in handy especially at your workplace. You will be able to place the fridge near your desk and be able to store your beverages and snacks. It could also be a wonderful place where you can store your lunch because you have a variety of foods for your lunches.
It is going to help you save some cash due to the fact that, you won’t have to buy the most expensive snacks and beverages vending machines. At home, you can place the fridge in your mini bar area or in the room where you have your entertainment to avoid having to get up every now and then to get snacks and beverages from the fridge.
5. Refrigerator Backup
You will be able to get additional storage space for your bottled drinks, frozen foods, and meat. This will be a bonus storage option which you will get from a compact fridge especially when you are planning to defrost your regular refrigerator.
6. Energy Saving Features
This is one of the key benefits that come with having a portable refrigerator. You can decide to get an energy efficiency which will efficiently preserve foods without the need for using a lot of energy. When you purchase an energy saving fridge, you will start to notice a big difference in your bills.
7. Price
Depending on your budget for a portable fridge, you will be able to narrow which one to go for. averagely they tend to be cheaper than the standard fridges. But it is possible for some of the high-end portable fridges for a truck to be more expensive than the regular refrigerators.
Camping Cooler Vs Portable Refrigerator: Which Is Better?
If you are someone who does a lot of camping, then the question will be if you should upgrade to a portable refrigerator or a cooler. Both have their own pros and cons. And thus, you will have to weigh them and decide which one to purchase.Pros and cons of cooler and portable refrigerator:
1. Price
Price is the first difference you will notice between the two. Camping coolers which are most advanced tend to cost cheaper as compared to portable refrigerators which are on the normal scale.
With camping coolers, you will have to use insulation and ice to ensure that they stay cool. Ice does not last forever and thus, you will have to continue adding more. But compared to the electric system of the refrigerator, the ice is less expensive.
If you purchase a portable refrigerator, you will have to power it with AC power in the house, solar panels, or 12V DC from your vehicle. None of the aforementioned is cheap.
2. Maintenance
For a cooler to keep food cold for longer days, then you will need to add more ice. Though it sounds cumbersome, that is the only thing you will have to worry about apart from ensuring that it is kept clean.
With the portable refrigerators, you will have to maintain the fridge as well as look after its power source. It is very common for a portable fridge to be powered with solar panels. When you are using solar, you will need to keep track of the battery power, panels, and wiring which is correct.
Most of the refrigerators have a cut off setting which is low. But in case you are not careful, it might damage your battery which will be another expense. There are several things which can go wrong with the refrigerator:
◆ Debris and dust can inhibit the compressor
◆ It requires ventilation
◆ Lightbulbs can at times go off
◆ They are not waterproof
◆ Control panels can break
If you purchase a quality cooler, it is likely going to last you for a very long time as compared to a refrigerator which will break over time.
3. Temperature control
When it comes to temperature control, portable refrigerators are better. All you have to do is to press a button or have to twist a knob to set your food to the right temperature. There are models which you will use a phone to set the temperatures.
For a cooler, there are steps which you will have to follow in order to control the temperature. But as compared to the portable refrigerators, they are low on this. You will have to consider how long you are going to be away. Modern coolers have the capacity to keep ice even up to a week.
If you are not careful with coolers, you might end up with your food in a mess. You have to either utilize coolers with wire baskets or you stop on top of ensuring that your food is waterproofed.
4. Cleaning
Cleaning a cooler is very simple. All you have to do is to open it, take a hose and spray everything out of it. For a portable refrigerator, you will need to be extra careful. There are those which come with a drain plug but there is no way you can just spray them out. you have to hand wipe the fridge in order to avoid harming the electronics and the motor.
There is no way you can just flip a refrigerator upside down and let it dry. You will need to be very careful with the process of cleaning.
5.Weight
Portable refrigerator is more weighty as compared to coolers. Most of the time, you will find the refrigerator stationed outside a campsite or stationed in a vehicle. But for a cooler, you can take it wherever you want without the care for weight. The portability and weight of a cooler are more desirable than that of a refrigerator.
6. Extra Features
When it comes to extra features, the portable refrigerator tends to win in this area. It is also possible for a portable refrigerator to double as a cooler. This means that, when there is no power, you can fill the fridge with ice to keep your food cold for at least three days.
Other features that a portable refrigerator has included:
◆ WiFi
◆ Precise temperature adjustment
◆ Digital display
◆ Internal lighting
Go for a cooler if:
◆ You have a low budget
◆ You want to take your food wherever you go
◆ You have access to ice or you are going to camp for 10 days or less
◆ You want something that is going to last you for a very long time
Go for a portable refrigerator if :
◆ You need a freezer
◆ You have a good budget
◆ You want better temperature control for your food
◆ You know how to handle electronics
◆ You are okay when it comes to keeping it semi-stationary
◆ You are ever traveling
Things To Consider When Buying Truck Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
1. Short Or Long Haul
If you are a short haul, it means that you will have limited space and you will not have sleepers. When it comes to food storage, you will not have to store it for a longer period due to the fact that, you will spend shorter periods of time on the road and thus, will have time to stop and refill the refrigerator. So as a short haul, you will need a small refrigerator for snacks and beverages. You can even decide to go for an electric cooler or an ice cooler instead of a refrigerator.
As a long hauler, you will definitely have sleepers and thus more room where you can place a refrigerator. Due to the shorter time, you will have to stop along the way, you will have to store more drinks and food for a longer time. This means that an ice cooler could not be the right thing for you.
2. Durability
This will ensure that you get the best refrigerator which will be able to serve you for a longer period of time and thus, be a good value for your money.
3. Chest Or Upright Refrigerator
The advantages of chest refrigerators is due to the fact that, when you open this type of refrigerator, it will loss less temperature from the refrigerator due to the fact that, the cold air remains inside.
The disadvantage of this type of refrigerator is that you will have to get the food stuck in a layer which is horizontal and in order to take the food that is at the bottom, you will have to, first of all, remove what is on top.
Most of the chest refrigerators in the market tend to be easily portable with features which will make them be easy to move around with. The portability of these fridges will give you a lot of flexibility to utilize them in different types of vehicles like when you are driving a personal car instead of a truck. or when you are away on a sporting event or camping.
For upright refrigerators, when you open them, it tends to let out cold air while allowing hot air to come in. This will take it a longer period of time before the temperature inside is restored. On the positive, it will allow you to stack your food vertically and thus, accessing it requires little effort.
The downside of an upright refrigerator is that they are not designed to be portable therefore if that is your choice, then you will have to leave them stationed somewhere most of the time.
4. Surface For Installation
The mounting of the refrigerator is an important factor to consider. This will depend on the refrigerator type. For example, if you get an absorption refrigerator, it will require leveled surfaces for it to be able to function well. So you will need to consider its location together with the mounting hardware.
If you want to purchase a compressor refrigerator, then you have to understand that, it requires inclined and flat surfaces. This is a factor to consider as it will help to avoid undue mess and drama. If the refrigerator you purchase requires a surface which is flat, and by mistake, your car makes a sharp turn, then chances of injuries and spills occurring are very high. You will have to look at the mounting points which are sturdy and even handles to be able to ensure that the unit is in place.
5. Heat Waves Or Blizzards
As a truck driver, you will have two refrigerators which you will have to choose from; thermoelectric coolers and compressor-based refrigerators. If your choice is the compressor based, it will be able to work just like the one at home.in your kitchen.
If you decide to purchase a thermoelectric cooler, then you have to understand that they rely on the ambient temperature. Normally, they are rated to cool down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature. What this means is that, if you are in cooler temperatures, then it will be easier to reach the ideal temperature for cooling your drinks and to ensure that, your food is preserved.
When it comes to hot temperatures for thermoelectric coolers, then it will be hard for you to be able to regulate the temperatures in the truck. This will be due to the fact that the cooler will be struggling to be able to reach the 45 to 50 degrees F. It might be hard to keep the food cool depending on what it is.
6. Insulation
This becomes handy especially in the compressor models. You will have to go for one that is well insulated. If the walls are thick, they can tend to reduce the compressor load significantly. This will make it possible for your refrigerator to last longer.
The outer materials are something you need to consider. You can decide to go for thermal covers which could be able to enhance the insulation of the cooler.
7. Price
You will have to go for an ice chest if what you are considering is the cost of the cooler or refrigerator. But in the long run, you might end up spending more than you could have spent purchasing a refrigerator in the first place.
8. Size And Capacity
External dimensions are not necessary when it comes to portable refrigerators due to the fact that, they are meant to be small in design. When you are picking one, ensure that it will fit in the space where you will be keeping it.
As you focus on the external dimensions, you have to look at the interior space. That is the capacity and it has to be enough to carry your food and drinks while you are away. It should be able to meet your needs. You can decide to go for absorption because it tends to be larger but you have to consider it among other factors.
9. Controls
If you are into controls, then you have to get a model which will be able to allow you to adjust and at the same time, see your settings. Getting a refrigerator with digital display and controls screens may be your best pick if you like controls. So it will be good if you are on the lookout for models which offer such features. They are easy to monitor and convenient to use.
10. Voltage
If you are on a tight budget, yet you like a compact standard refrigerator, then you will have to buy an inverter or make sure that there is an AC port in your truck. With an inverter, it is going to convert DC power into AC power. Before you decide to buy an AC fridge, you have to check out its power requirements to make sure that, you are getting the correct size of inverter for it.
Conclusion
When you get a refrigerator which will be able to meet your specific needs, especially when you are on the road or out camping, it will be able to provide you with the desired freedom to keep your food cold; making it be home away from home. If you are in need of a freezer you have the option of turning the temperature below the freezing and thus turning the entire unit to a freezer.
If you want to turn it back into a fridge, you will have to set the temperature to a fridge level. In the market, you will get models which will enable you to utilize one area as a freezer as well as a fridge but there are thosw which have compartments which work seperately for a freezer and a fridge. You will need to pick what works best for you.
My best pick is the ARB Portable Fridge 10810602 due to the fact that, it is loaded with great features such as; It has an easy carry on handle design for easy portability, has a backlit LED display to help when it is dark, it is weatherproof control panel, has an anodized aluminum latches and has an integrated locking system.
