Portable Refrigerator Suggestions

[Geronimo John]

Dear Santa:

I've been a good boy, can I get one of these?

GJ

[Ollie-Haus]

We are using the 69 liter Truma dual zone. We have an Ecoflow Delta Pro that rides next to the fridge that the Truma runs off of. The Ecoflow is charged with a high output DC/DC charger running off the truck alternator, and also a 200w solar panel on the top of the camper shell. System works very well while traveling and overnight dry camping. 

[Ronbrink]

20 hours ago, Tideline77 said:

we are looking for a small ac/dc truck bed freezer to supplement frozen food  storage 

If you can find a dual zone fridge/freezer within your budget and allotted space/carry capacity I would encourage you to do so. Having some overflow for both will prove very beneficial and more universal in usage. In these models either or both zones can be set to meet a current purpose. I like being able to have cold drinks when detached and away from camp, not one to mess with ice in a conventional cooler. 

[Steve Morris]

13 hours ago, Tideline77 said:

maybe they have a solid long term contract with a USAID NGO as an anchor for their business model….🤣🤣🤣

You're probably not too far off. They are/were used extensively across Africa and much of the third world by UN vehicles, Red Cross, medical facilities for transporting organs/blood, etc. That's where they earned their reputation.

They did develop their own proprietary compressor a few years ago that is even more efficient than the oft lauded Danfoss compressor that's in mine.

Equipt in Salt Lake City is the US importer and sales outlet, but as you've found, they sell out quickly when stock arrives. If you ever get to SLC, stop and see their shop and have a chat with the owner Paul May. He's quite a character.  https://www.equipt1.com/collections/fridges

Edited March 19 by Steve Morris

[Tideline77]

2 hours ago, Steve Morris said:

You're probably not too far off. They are/were used extensively across Africa and much of the third world by UN vehicles, Red Cross, medical facilities for transporting organs/blood, etc. That's where they earned their reputation.

They did develop their own proprietary compressor a few years ago that is even more efficient than the oft lauded Danfoss compressor that's in mine.

Equipt in Salt Lake City is the US importer and sales outlet, but as you've found, they sell out quickly when stock arrives. If you ever get to SLC, stop and see their shop and have a chat with the owner Paul May. He's quite a character.  https://www.equipt1.com/collections/fridges

I might have put my foot in my mouth while chastising them on prices as a little more in depth research shows that on dual zone units their price is not that extreme 

a search does show a dealer network 

Dealer network

 

As suggested above, a great idea to consider dual zone capability

we are eyeballing the dual zone offerings 

 

appreciate all the suggestions !

 

[Ollie-Haus]

2 hours ago, Tideline77 said:

I might have put my foot in my mouth while chastising them on prices as a little more in depth research shows that on dual zone units their price is not that extreme 

a search does show a dealer network 

Dealer network

 

As suggested above, a great idea to consider dual zone capability

we are eyeballing the dual zone offerings 

 

appreciate all the suggestions !

 

We like the duel zone especially because we definitely need extra freezer space while traveling, but it’s also nice to have fridge space while exploring away from the camp site. Drinks and cold foods like sandwiches, hard boiled eggs and such are kept cool in the fridge side. Set up properly the system operates 24/7 with little involvement. 

[Steve Morris]

We were just on a seven week trip. The freezer side was stuffed with soups, casseroles, and whole meals that  we had prepared and frozen at home. The fridge side had beverages, produce, and larger containers such as spare eggs or juice. This left the trailer‘a fridge free for day to day items, and ice cubes in the freezer. It worked out great!

 

[jd1923]

On 3/19/2025 at 8:25 AM, Steve Morris said:

Equipt in Salt Lake City is the US importer and sales outlet, but as you've found, they sell out quickly when stock arrives. If you ever get to SLC, stop and see their shop and have a chat with the owner Paul May. He's quite a character.  https://www.equipt1.com/collections/fridges

Reviving this thread since I'm in shopping mode. Steve provided this link and @Geronimo John copied a pick above the the 60L National Luna Model, which btw is not $1500 anymore, currently $1800 and SOLD OUT, as Steve wrote is often the case. It must be a great unit!

Most of these are too big for what I'm thinking. 60L MAX, 48L Dual-Zone would be perfect for our needs, but when the capacity is smaller they become single zone units from what I've seen. We want to keep a dozen water bottles in the truck bed, some other refrigerated items and freezer space for meats.

This 55L model is half the cost of the Luna brand with a very good 4.6 Amazon number with over 100 reviews. I have space for the 30x19" footprint in the TV, not much more. It has a removeable partition, wondering if that would become an issue? Likely not. Like the Bluetooth controls, so we can see temps while driving or in the Oliver.

Anybody hear of ICECO or have one? If same price, I would opt for silver, but the black one, otherwise identical is now 15% off (might be for Prime Days), priced now at $815. With tax the Luna becomes almost 2.5x more money and we cannot do that.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/646FA247-F0F2-4C6F-8D99-F440CC467332/ 

Let me know what you think. Thanks, JD

Edited July 2 by jd1923

[Tideline77]

We were looking earlier this spring at Iceco as we wanted more freezer space and we never made the leap

after our first trip we realized the Norcold actually worked out pretty good on freezer space but we needed more room for produce as we had the nor old fridge jam packed

 

Dometic does have a Fourth of July sale on certain models 

 

 

I did recently see some consumer complaints posted on FB  about Iceco for a defective design that were not covered by Iceco.

somehow the freezer and fridge operations are switched by the unit

the fridge section freezes and and the freezer thaws out

[jd1923]

5 hours ago, Tideline77 said:

somehow the freezer and fridge operations are switched by the unit

the fridge section freezes and and the freezer thaws out

TY Robert, they use a divider between the zones which can be in place or removed between zones. This did make me worry that it would not fully insulate the dual zones, with your comment it makes sense now.

So, this one is a strikeout. The Dometic brand, always something relabeled worries me and the only one I see is 75L. I need 60L max, a 30x18” footprint max which is more than enough!

My other criteria is cost. Can’t pay $2K +/- OTD for Luna. Need to be $1K OTD. Thanks again!

 

[Tom and Doreen]

We have a BougeRV CRD45, 48Qt portable refrigerator.  It's dual zone ( interchangeably), runs on 12VDC or 120VAC, and has an optional battery available.  We've used it continuously on our recent 10 week trip out west and it's worked perfectly. It also fits between the beds in our trailer when traveling. 

[jd1923]

So, I bit the bullet on a Dometic unit. Thinking through our needs of quality, size and efficiencies and other factors, I decided on a 45L single-zone unit, since most quality built dual-zone units are too big for us at 75L. I didn't want wheels and pull handles and light plastics, as it will be mounted in one position and I will create a 24x7 12VDC connection for it (an installation post will be coming).

I figured it would normally be set to fridge temps. The bottom of the entire deep section could be for drinking water and we'll get a half-height basket for produce or bulky fridge items to sit on top. But say we ran into a farm deal on the road and purchase a bulk of frozen meats. We could lower it to freezing temps and go back to just having less cold water in the Oliver fridge. It will be a learning curve.

We got the Dometic CFX2 45L model. The 28x18" footprint will nicely fit rear of our 8' truck bed next to our Napoleon dual-burner grill, for a tailgate party! 🤣

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DF7Z3MBQ?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

Another deciding factor was saving $160 on Amazon Used - Like New condition, defined as "Looks and functions as if it were new. Minor packaging damage observed during inspection." I've purchased 40+ Amazon Used items and have only had to return 3-4 items (<10%) when instead of used, they came prior-purchaser abused! $719 a good price vs.  the $880 list!

Thanks to @Tideline77 and @Tom and Doreen for your feedback!

[Tideline77]

Fantastic, that look like a good choice with good size, not too big or little

 

Nice to know about the Amazon used/like new offerings. I never have looked at that option before.

We still plan to make this addition to our camping life in the future !

Keep us posted on how you like it 

[Ronbrink]

19 hours ago, jd1923 said:

We got the Dometic CFX2 45L model.

Good choice, I’ve been very pleased with my 75L DZ model. You may already be aware that Dometic offers a protective cover for some of their units; good way to protect an investment and potentially improve efficiency. Claim to be good for outdoor use, as in weather durable and waterproof; however not leakproof at the handles and other cutouts. Furthermore, I drape a neoprene mat over the top for added protection/insulation and even installed an inner lining of Reflectix for good measure.

[jd1923]

8 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

Good choice, I’ve been very pleased with my 75L DZ model. You may already be aware that Dometic offers a protective cover for some of their units; good way to protect an investment and potentially improve efficiency. Claim to be good for outdoor use, as in weather durable and waterproof; however not leakproof at the handles and other cutouts. Furthermore, I drape a neoprene mat over the top for added protection/insulation and even installed an inner lining of Reflectix for good measure.

Thank you for this reminder. I'm going to wait and as you said before, our "design as we go" principle. I have to get it, test it, and determine the best location for it in the truck bed. I want to secure it so that it does not move while towing and then see about cover or protection. Maybe the Dometic cover or something else, as mine will be out in the elements while yours sits in your van while towing. You move yours in and out of the van and I'm thinking of one position in the bed TBD.

[jd1923]

On 7/2/2025 at 10:35 AM, Tideline77 said:

Dometic does have a Fourth of July sale on certain models

Update: What Robert had written last week was in the back of my head, but forgotten when I made the Amazon Used purchase not first checking the Dometic website.

Yesterday, Amazon notified me that my order was being delay allowing for easy cancellation. This happens more often on their used items that could be located in some remote warehouse. I canceled quickly and thought to rethink this purchase decision.

I started to notice the different Dometic models, CFX2, CFX3 and CFX5 and found this paper: https://www.frigolab.eu/gb/blog/news/differences-between-the-dometic-cfx2-cfx3-and-cfx5-portable-fridges

It convinced me to purchase the CFX5 model. I tried ordering on Dometic.com and their checkout would not accept payment. Tried 2 credit cards and PayPal which all failed. Then I found the same sale for a new CFX5 45L on Amazon, same 20% off. https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/coolers/electric-coolers/cfx5-45-electric-cooler--374706

The CFX5 55LIM comes with an Icemaker, interestingly, but at 1" longer and 2" wider it would not fit in the location I'm thinking of. The dual-zone 75L is priced very well while on sale! It's too big for our needs and where I need to mount it. I would make room if we made long trips often, had the need. https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/coolers/electric-coolers/cfx5/07-0703-070328-070328006-369003?v=97000050757

[jd1923]

Received the Dometic CFX5 45L fridge yesterday. Love it, fits like a glove exactly where I want it! Right know I have it propped up on 4x4s. It cannot sit flat on the floor of the truck bed. Wish it could, but the wheel well is in the way in one corner where if lifted 3 1/2" it will clear sitting at this height. Just under the toolbox lid, so it works! I may buy the Dometic insulated cover or rig something.

It will be sooooo great to have cold water an arms length away while traveling, perfect location near the passenger door. No more going back in the Oliver after forgetting to grab water for the trip. No more water bottles in the Oliver fridge which will free up space and when shopping we can just put the cold goods here and not have to go into the Oliver and rearrange the fridge (again)!

Swimming in my head is a complete installation that I do not have time for now, since a week from today we will be meeting up in the AZ high country with two other Olivers! I want it connected to our DC-DC charger wiring which I can intercept under the truck bed. I purchased a flexible solar panel which will be mounted on the toolbox and I have a decent 105Ah AGM lying around that can be installed inside the toolbox. More on that later!

I have a question for @Ronbrink or anybody else that has owned the Dometic CFX. Can the AC and DC connections be wired simultaneously and will one circuit preempt the other? I want to have the DC wired and connected but wondering if I later connect an extension cord from the Oliver 110V outlet, will the AC supply take over and not draw from the DC batteries? Temp solution: run off the truck batteries and generator while towing, plug it in when at camp off house batteries and inverter. This model draws 8A on 12VDC.

The other thing that I believe Ron did with his DC-DC charger installation is to install a relay that cuts off the DC-DC connection when the truck ignition is off. I'm going to need this feature when completing our full installation, so that the fridge will not draw from the truck starter batteries when parked. All the details of a robust installation is still a bit foggy! 🤣

[Ronbrink]

1 hour ago, jd1923 said:

I have a question for @Ronbrink or anybody else that has owned the Dometic CFX. Can the AC and DC connections be wired simultaneously and will one circuit preempt the other?

No, at least not on my model. The CFX manual specifies either a DC OR AC connection, as well as the CFX3 per this screenshot:

Check your CFX5 manual, but I would be surprised if they are any different. 

 

[Ronbrink]

2 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Temp solution: run off the truck batteries and generator while towing, plug it in when at camp off house batteries and inverter.

I use the forward AC outlet installed at the front of the propane housing, and simply run an extension into the van to the Dometic’s AC cord to power via the inverter/battery bank when underway; not during inclement weather, of course. When staged in camp, same setup with shore power. When leaving camp, the extension is unplugged and my 100ah LFP portable power station is then used, which can run the Dometic over 30 hrs without solar input. I modified the DC cord by replacing the cigarette lighter plug with a 2-pin power connector, much more secure connection! My former TV had a dedicated 200W solar array on the bed cap for the power station; installing a larger array on the van is my plan when time allows (you know the gig!). I have a Victron 30A smart charger to maintain the power station, as needed. As a backup, I made a 12V extension that plugs into the rear DC-DC Anderson port to connect to the Dometic’s DC cord.

 

 

Edited 21 hours ago by Ronbrink

[Ronbrink]

2 hours ago, jd1923 said:

The other thing that I believe Ron did with his DC-DC charger installation is to install a relay that cuts off the DC-DC connection when the truck ignition is off. I'm going to need this feature when completing our full installation, so that the fridge will not draw from the truck starter batteries when parked.

Actually, a solenoid was installed to trigger power to my suspension air-bag pump when the engine is on. The DC-DC is only powered with the key in ACC ( to power my VIAR) or ignition (engine run) positions. I do know that these Dometics have a staged built-in battery protection system to prevent complete draining of the vehicle’s starter battery. The limit of draw can be set and can allow for deep draw on dual batteries, as I recall. 

Edited 21 hours ago by Ronbrink

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Ronbrink said:

No, at least not on my model. The CFX manual specifies either a DC OR AC connection, as well as the CFX3 per this screenshot:

Thanks Ron. I cannot find a similar picture in the CFX5 manual. Instead notice the wording I've highlighted in this picture from the manual. Perhaps it will work as I had wanted, but I will wire a DC switch and fuse and open the DC circuit before plugging into AC when needed. I have both cables inserted as it would be a pain in my installation to reach the plugs day-to-day. Eventually I want a robust DC-only installation.

[jd1923]

Got this mounted today and a temporarily wired to the tow vehicle 12VDC system. I will work a more creative power solution, more like what Ron had done with extra battery and solar, later this summer.

I'm letting it sit flat again overnight and will fire it up tomorrow, fill it up with 2-3 gallons of water bottles for testing. I want to measure voltage loss on the TV batteries per hour and speed of cooling. I should move one of our Ruuvi sensors inside to record fridge temps.

Edited 12 hours ago by jd1923

[Snackchaser]

11 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I have a question for @Ronbrink or anybody else that has owned the Dometic CFX. Can the AC and DC connections be wired simultaneously and will one circuit preempt the other? 

The other thing that I believe Ron did with his DC-DC charger installation is to install a relay that cuts off the DC-DC connection when the truck ignition is off. 

 

JD, I was looking at these units too.  The new ones can have both AC and DC connected at the same time.  It automatically prioritizes to AC when the AC is energized, regardless if connected to DC.  

I personally wouldn't connect it to the DC to DC charger, unless it was a really convenient place to connect the circuit.  I'd just run a dedicated fused wire from the battery via a relay that is mounted  close to the battery.  From there it would be easy to trigger the relay from an ignition-on circuit or a manual switch inside the cab.  

If your truck has an up-fitter option, you can program the switch to work only with ignition on.

Cheers!  Geoff

[jd1923]

9 hours ago, Snackchaser said:

JD, I was looking at these units too.  The new ones can have both AC and DC connected at the same time.  It automatically prioritizes to AC when the AC is energized, regardless if connected to DC.

I've made both AC and DC connections to the CFX5. I just tried to turn it on powered by 12VDC and nothing happened like it did not see the connection. Perhaps something is very wrong with my installation, bad ground, bad switch or fuse, will test soon.

Wondering how they prioritize the AC over DC connection? Do they sense for voltage at the two inputs? Or is it something like when you physically plug in the AC cord it knows to use that connection. I hope not, but will soon find out!

Later today, I will get behind the fridge, which is not easy as I have it installed. I have to climb into the truck bed and pull my solar suitcase back to get to the rear ports of the fridge. I will test for 12VDC at the fridge plug and then disconnect the AC cord to see if the DC will run the fridge given it tests positive.

So I plugged it in today by household extension cord to power it up. She has a nice light hum! I have a full gallon and 15 water bottles inside to cool (total 3 gallons water). That's much more water than we would ever have but it is a good mass of water to test its cooling. Default temp setting is 39F and I set it down to 35F. The CFX5 readout started at 82F and the readout after 20 minutes read 39F on the panel, same on the Dometic Bluetooth app. My Ruuvi sensor inside, sitting on the wire cage not touching the walls, read 82F the whole time. Looks like the CFX5 is reading the wall temp somewhere and not the temp of the contents. Hope it doesn't cycle the compressor off too early. We'll see. We will have a Ruuvi sensor inside always, like the two sensors in our Dometic absorption fridge in the Oliver, fridge and freezer, that always show good readings, fridge in the 30s and freezer in the single digits.