10 Best 12-Volt Refrigerators For RV & Travel Trailer 2023

There’s nothing like enjoying an ice-cold drink for dinner in your RV, especially during hot weather. So getting a trustworthy portable refrigerator is vital whether you’re going camping, on the road for work, or simply want to make your mobile home more convenient.

This guide can assist you in finding the best 12-volt Refrigerator for RV and travel trailers.

We’ve put together a list of the best 12-volt refrigerators for RV and travel trailers to help you discover the one that’s right for you. So, without any hesitation, here are our portable refrigerator reviews.

10 Best 12-volt Refrigerators For RV & Travel Trailer In 2023

• Dometic CFX40W 12v Electric Powered Fridge Freezer
• Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler
• Alpicool C20
• Costway Car Freezer Travel RV Refrigerator
• Whynter FM-45G 45-Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer
• Koolatron P27 Voyager
• Costway Electric Cooler Refrigerator
• ARB 10800472 Fridge Freezer
• Engel MR040F-U1
• Dometic CF18

1. Dometic CFX40W 12v Electric Powered Fridge Freezer

The Dometic CFX40W 12v is a product with a storage capacity of 60 cans (equal to 38 liters). Apart from the size, what is good about this cooler is that it can be used with either AC or DC power. This indicates that you can use it with your solar power system. This Dometic CFX40W is also energy-efficient, albeit due to its bigger size, it requires more energy.

Another aspect of the Dometic CFX40W 12v is that you can use the Wi-Fi app to regulate and manage the temperature, which is a good feature. You can also use the USB connector to charge your mobile devices, which is a terrific way to make the most of your electricity when camping.

What We Like:

• It operates on both AC and DC
• Low power usage when regulating temperature
• The gadget can last up to 24 hours on battery power

What We Don’t Like:

• An extra thermal cover is needed to improve temperature preservation

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2. Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler

The Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler is very easy to operate because it can keep its contents cool and dry without forming ice.  Everything placed inside stays cool due to the combination of convection cooling and a circulating fan.

Furthermore, thanks to its brushless motor, the 12-volt portable Refrigerator from Igloo runs silently, causing little disruption to its owner. Because of this, the Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler is regarded as one of the best 12-volt Refrigerators available for RVers seeking a relaxing outdoor adventure.

The Igloo 12V fridge is quite light compared to other RV refrigerators because it is made of polypropylene. The Thermoelectric Cooler also has a swing-up handle, and two moulded-in side handles, allowing RVers to move it swiftly and easily.

This device is extremely compact and fits easily into limited spaces in travel trailers.

What We like:

• Inexpensive
• Performance within reason
• The mobility is excellent

What We Don’t Like:

• Some units come with faulty hinges

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3. Alpicool C20

The Alpicool C20 is light but sturdy. C20 is designed to withstand vibration and is well-protected against bumps and impacts, so it holds up well in usage.

This Refrigerator can keep your refreshments cool in hot areas thanks to its sealed shell and high-density expandable foam. It is powered by vehicle batteries and has three degrees of protection (low, mid, and high) to prevent the batteries from being exhausted.

As a result, you won’t have to worry about the Alpicool C20 depleting your rig’s battery bank. You may adjust the temperature to your preference with the user-friendly digital control panel.

C20 comes fully constructed with a DC power cord, allowing you to start using it immediately.

What We Like:

• Excellent value for money
• Conserve energy
• An interface that is easy to use

What We Don’t Like:

• It’s a little too loud
• Temperature readings are sometimes inaccurate.

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4. Costway Car Freezer Travel RV Refrigerator

This 12-volt portable Refrigerator is a device you will never tire of — it cools drinks quickly and preserves them at the optimal temperature while on the road, making it ideal for road trips.

The Costway Car Freezer Travel RV Refrigerator can hold a lot (54 quarts or 52 liters) and still go from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in half an hour — perfect for preventing frozen foods from going bad on the road. A 12-volt DC supply can power it.

What We Like:

• It keeps drinks cold long enough.
• The digital LCD makes control

What We Don’t Like:

• It weighs 5 pounds than a typical cooler

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5. Whynter FM-45G 45-Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer

This 12-volt portable cooler boasts a no-nonsense, sleek industrial design. You can use it with either AC or DC power, depending on what is accessible at the moment.

It keeps a consistent temperature throughout, superior to comparable coolers that cool at the bottom but are warmer at the top. Unfortunately, because you can only adjust it to one temperature, this can be a drawback if you want to keep some food cool while freezing the rest. You risk freezing everything if you set it to a shallow temperature.

What We Like:

• With no difficulty, you can switch from AC to DC
• It has a very modern, industrial look

What We Don’t Like:

• It’s so heavy that you won’t be able to move it on your own.

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6. Koolatron P27 Voyager

This product was designed to modern standards, which makes many RVers, both new and seasoned, hold the Koolatron P27 Voyager in high regard. It is equipped with a unique solid-state thermoelectric cooling technology. The Koolatron 12V compact fridge can also reheat snacks and beverages to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, in terms of versatility,

Since it only has one moving part, the fan motor, the Refrigerator is exceptionally reliable. In addition, because the Koolatron P27 Voyager produces very little noise, it rarely irritates those around it.

The Voyager runs on DC power by default, but it can also function on AC power by installing a Koolatron converter.

What We Like:

• Quietness
• Long-lasting durability
• The cooling effect is fantastic

What We Don’t Like:

• There are a few units that don’t come with guidelines
• From time to time, the power cord will fall out.

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7. Costway Electric Cooler Refrigerator

Costway Electric Cooler Refrigerator is shock-resistant and made of ABS plastic to handle heavy movements and misuse. In addition, it features a simple flip-top design that allows users to access stored items at any time.

The Refrigerator comes with a high-quality impermeable liner to keep a wide range of meals and beverages fresh. In addition, the compressor provides quick cooling without spending excessive power.

Costway Electric Cooler Refrigerator, like other 12-volt fridges on the market today, features battery protection levels to prevent batteries from being entirely drained. In addition, it produces less noise, making it ideal for persons with sensitive hearing.

The fridge is equipped with an ergonomic handle that allows almost anyone to move it around.

The LCD and digital temperature adjustment allow RVers to see the working temperature at a glance and make quick adjustments. Overall, the Costway Refrigerator is essentially the best 12-volt Refrigerator for RVing fans who prefer simplicity.

What We Like:

• It’s available at a reasonable price
• Low electricity consumption
• The structural integrity of the building is outstanding

What We Don’t Like:

• Cables still have a lot of room for improvement
• Sometimes, the temperature reading is a little off

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8. ARB 10800472 Fridge Freezer

This ARB 10800472 Fridge Freezer may be the correct choice for you if you need to store up to two weeks’ worth of food for a road trip or camping excursion. The ARB – 50 Quart capacity is ideal for a couple of weeks on your own or a three to five-day family trip.

It features both AC and DC connection choices, allowing you to use it with your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or with your solar energy system. In addition, it can easily retain the coolness inside, especially if you purchase an insulating jacket.

It runs without a hitch and keeps your food frozen while your truck is running, which is great. However, if you plan to connect it to your solar power system, ensure the battery has enough power to start the compressor; otherwise, it won’t start.

Unfortunately, if you’re not careful, it might quickly drain your battery, so if you’re using a battery, make sure it’s set on conservative power. If your solar system isn’t drawing enough energy from the sun, you’ll have to turn on your car to keep the fridge operating.

What We Like:

• Lid that may be easily removed and fastened
• The material is thick and solid
• It performs well even at high temperatures

What We Don’t Like:

• Extra insulation is required to avoid cold leaking

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9. Engel MR040F-U1

Engel MR040F-U1 is popular among RVers who want to save utility bills because it uses less energy than other refrigerators. The Engel refrigerator can run on AC or DC power, but its automatic voltage selection prioritizes AC.

In addition, the product continues to function regularly on inclines up to 30 degrees off level, ensuring continuous cooling in a variety of applications. The Engel MR040F-U1 also has a detachable heavy-duty handle, making relocation a breeze.

It is regarded as the best 12V Refrigerator for RVers who like to camp near the water. Thanks to its low noise level, it enables people to appreciate chilled snacks and drinks in a relaxing environment. A wire basket is also included, allowing MR040F-U1 owners to arrange the contents as they see fit.

While the Engel MR040F-U1 is costly, the benefits it provides are commensurate with its price. In addition, the Engel refrigerator comes with a three-year manufacturing warranty that provides users with peace of mind.

What We Like:

• Consistent output
• Long-lasting and peaceful
• Maintenance is straightforward

What We Don’t Like:

• Highly expensive.

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10. Dometic CF18

Dometic CF18 could keep its contents iced irrespective of ambient temperatures because of incorporating a strong compressor. In addition, the CF18 has a fully insulated body composed of adverse effect polymer that prevents cold air from escaping and reduces the amount of power required to maintain internal cooling.

You won’t have to worry about the Dometic fridge exhausting your batteries because it has a dynamic battery protection mechanism with automatic shutoff. The gadget has a memory function that saves presets as well.

The Dometic refrigerator has a compact design that allows RVers to save room, and it is extremely portable thanks to its handy handle. The CF18’s lid opens to the side and is also detachable, allowing you to swiftly and easily reach your foods and liquids.

It has well-divided storage compartments, making content management a breeze, and saving RVers a lot of time and aggravation. Last but not least, the Dometic refrigerator makes only a few sounds when in use, making it fairly quiet.

Because the Dometic CF18 is a DC-only model, it must be powered by your rig’s battery bank. Besides that, because Dometic ships the Refrigerator with a DC power cord, you can get it up and running in no time. In addition, Dometic provides an insulated cover for the CF18 as an option.

What We Like:

• Portable
• reliable and durable
• Controls are simple to use

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit on the high side
• Sometimes overheat

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Conclusion

A compact refrigerator is a terrific complement to your RV because it tackles many concerns, especially when it comes to food storage. When you eventually have a camping fridge, you’ll realize you’ll never camp without it again.

If you want cool drinks and fresh food while on a wildlife expedition, and you’ll never look at camp meals the same way again, this guide will be able to help you select the best 12-volt Refrigerator for RV and travel trailers that suit your taste.

Also, we’ve reviewed quite a number of different RV kitchen accessories and outdoor equipment like scooter racks for RV, portable coffee makers, dehumidifiers, induction cooktops, electric water heaters and so on.