If you are sick and tired of constantly buying ice for your cooler or dealing with the pool of water at the bottom of it thanks to all the melted ice, consider buying a camping fridge. These pieces of camping equipment are wonderful accessories if you camp frequently or stay for longer periods. They are powered mobile cooling systems that run off your car’s 12-volt electrical system in order to keep food and drinks cold/frozen for as long as you need them to be. However, before investing in one, there are some important things to consider in order to make the right purchase.
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12-Volt Connector
Make sure that the camping fridge you intend on buying has the right connector for your vehicle. Many portable fridges also have a cigarette lighter plug to fit your vehicle’s accessory socket, however, these plugs are not the best ones for high current draw applications. They can even unplug in case you hit a bump, which can result in completely turning off the fridge without you even realizing it.
Current Drain
Buy a portable camping fridge with a low current draw, particularly on 12 volts. This directly indicates how long your battery will last and how long your fridge will run for at the camping site or in your parked vehicle. For instance, five amps are very high and one amp is very low. Keep in mind that your vehicle’s temperature can rapidly climb, which means your fridge will be working way harder if you are parked in the sun and leave the windows up.
Durable Construction
The fridge you buy needs to have a durable construction so it withstands the rigors you will subject it to. For that reason, look for one with tough casings and strong hinges. Simply put, a durable and quality camping fridge should be able to take the weight of someone standing on it. These portable appliances are also made with various casing materials, so think about which one is best for your application. Plastic can flex to a small degree which means it is a good choice for touring. Metal is tough and ideal for heavy duty applications. Fiberglass is corrosion-resistant and quite strong, which means it is the perfect choice for marine applications.
Compressor Type
Taking into consideration that the compressor is the heart of your fridge, buying a fridge with a good compressor will ensure your camping fridge works just fine for years to come. So make sure to choose a portable fridge that has a reputable name-brand compressor.