Choosing a 12V fridge

Buy for how you shop

A huge fridge that runs empty is wasted weight and power. A tiny one that forces daily shops on a remote pitch is misery. Think about days between shops, whether you freeze food, and how often you open the door.

Compressor fridges

These dominate modern DIY builds. They run on 12V, cool properly in summer and sip power if the cabinet is ventilated and the battery is healthy. Give the compressor airflow. A sealed cupboard cooks the unit and your battery.

Three-way and gas absorption

Useful in some pro builds with gas already aboard. They hate being off-level and can be fussy. For most self-builders a compressor is the calmer path.

Power and weight

Log the fridge weight and estimate amp-hours. A fridge that runs all night needs battery and charging to match. Pair it with solar and DC-DC sizing in the same conversation, not as an afterthought.

Mount it low, latch the door for travel, and leave space to remove it when the compressor eventually needs love.

The right fridge disappears into the routine. The wrong one becomes the main character of every trip.

Figures in this guide are planning estimates. Confirm weights and prices against real products, and have gas and electrical habitation work signed off by a qualified person.