Fridge / Powered Cooler Recommendations

Can anyone recommend an “affordable” fridge / powered cooler option? I know that ARB and Dometic make what appear to be very high quality products, but they range from around $900 - $1600 or more depending on the size and options. There are many other options on Amazon that look very similar in the $200-$300 range. I’m just curious if anyone has tried one of the other options in this price range and had any feedback to share, positive or negative. I don’t have a specific capacity in mind, but something in the range of 36-50 quarts. Thanks in advance for any reviews and advice.

 

I've heard great things about Iceco. They're more than 2-300, but still 40% or so cheaper than a Dometic.

I have two 12v fridges, one CFX75DZW (bought new like 6+ years ago) and an ARB 50qt (bought used about 4-5 years ago). Both are still working great, and are a total came changer. Would give up my camper before I gave up having a 12v fridge. Main takeaway on this is that you could have good luck finding used. People are selling them all the time because they are either sizing up, or sizing down. I highly recommend mocking up the dimensions of the coolers you are looking at out of cardboard and see how much they hold. Without needing half or more of the space taken up by ice, you may be surprised how much fits. I actually bought the 50qt cause they guy selling said it was a 36, lol. The 50 is definite overkill for a long weekend, and I bet I could do a week with it easy enough.

 

Most of the Chinese are about the same, and work fine
Just a different label

They don’t have good insulation and really struggle as a freezer, running all the time, but certainly get well below freezing

 

Loving my iceco VL45Pro.

 

My Bouge RV fridge/freezer has been great. Going on 3 years.

 

I have this Amazon/Chinese one:

$270 BougeRV 12V Fridge Freezer Portable Car Fridge 42 Quart Portable Refrigerator 12V/24V DC 110~240 Volt AC for RV Camper Truck Jeep Pickup SUV Van Boat, Camping Tailgating Road Trip Outdoor Travel

https://www.amazon.com/BougeRV-Refrigerator-110-240Volt-Tailgating-use，-4℉-50℉/dp/B08JJ47V19?crid=2BQM7MKIB26AL&keywords=12v+refrigerator&qid=1702926898&sprefix=12v+re%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-34&th=1

I'm quite happy with it for the price. Keeps things plenty cool. Doesn't draw to much in the way of power. It's a bit light on insulation though.

I was on the fence about a 12v refrigerator for a long time, thinking you can buy a lot of ice for that price. I’m really glad I bought one though. The convenience factor is worth the cost. Not having to worry about getting more ice or stuff getting wet is great. More room for food too.

 

I bought this one, it's Chinese and produced by Vevor. But it has a decent warranty, a good phone app, and thus far has survived riding in the open bed of my truck. Bonus it is $60 off right now.

$240 VBENLEM Portable Refrigerator 37 Quart(35 Liter),12 Volt Refrigerator App Control(-4℉~68℉), Car Refrigerator Dual Zone with 12/24v DC & 110-240v AC for Camping, Travel, Fishing, Outdoor or Home Use

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SHSJG1N/

I also bought the cover...

$60 CF35 Insulated Protective Cover for Alpicool CF35, Euhomy 35Liter, AstroAI 37 Quart, VBENLEM 37 Quart 12 Volt Portable Car Refrigerator Cover

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JM6BTXQ

 

Awesome, thanks to everyone for sharing your reviews and experience with them! Looks like a lot of good options at different price points. Good call YF_Ryan on mocking up the space needs, will do that and narrow the search once I have more info on interior space.

Please keep the recommendations coming if other folks have more to share!

 

I have the setpower rv45D and it fits perfect in the back of a double cab. I deleted the 40% so I can keep my battery on the floor. Has worked great for 2 years on camping trips and keeping beer cold in the shop.