Do you want to enjoy the summer without compromising between comfort, freedom, and functionality? Between seaside getaways and mountain road trips, one element remains essential to survive the heat: A good camper van fridge!
Compact, silent, robust, and ready to install.
- 1. Why is a good fridge essential for a camper van?
- 2. 12V compression fridge vs trivalent fridge: the comparative guide for your camper van
- 3. Tips to optimize the use of your refrigerator
- 4. How to properly organize your camper van fridge?
- 5. Our recommendations: A robust and compact fridge perfect for your road trips!
Our Vanlife layout experts are here for you! Whether you have a question about our products or are looking for advice to transform your van into a true nomadic cocoon, contact us – we will be happy to guide you!
Why is a good fridge essential for a camper van?
Too often overlooked, the refrigerator for a camper van is nevertheless essential for your summer road trips; you can savor and preserve your favorite dishes anywhere, extend your stays, and fully enjoy every new adventure. Enhanced autonomy to explore more, in complete comfort, while optimizing the space in your converted van.
💡Vanlife bonus tip: Plan simple, non-perishable meals and shop regularly to avoid overfilling your fridge.
12V compression fridge vs trivalent fridge: the comparative guide for your camper van
One of the main challenges of vanlife in summer is keeping your food fresh without the risk of draining your battery in 48 hours. You should know that a poorly chosen or poorly used fridge can increase your daily consumption by up to 25%, reducing your autonomy on the road.
Two main types of equipment are opposed: the trivalent van fridge (gas/220V/12V) and the 12V compression fridge, often also called an absorption fridge.
The trivalent fridge appeals for its energy flexibility. It can run on gas, 220V at the campsite, or 12V while driving. But its performance in 12V mode remains limited: it cools slowly, depends on external ventilation, and struggles during high heat, which limits the van's autonomy in summer. This type of camper van equipment is mainly suitable for those who stay parked for long periods with access to gas.
On the other hand, the 12V compression fridge is perfect for summer vanlife: it is powerful, effective even at 35°C, and works perfectly with a camper van solar installation. Coupled with a vanlife solar panel and a 200Ah lithium van battery, it ensures optimal autonomy, even in the wild. It is also more compact, ideal for a compact van fridge.
Each system has its advantages, but for modern nomadic use, the 12V compression fridge clearly stands out.
That's why we advise you to choose a low-consumption fridge, ideally 12V and with power under 50W, and to add a solar panel and MPPT regulator to recharge your battery with peace of mind.
Tips to optimize the use of your refrigerator
When choosing your refrigerator, consider the following features:
- Energy efficiency: Choose an economical model, especially if you use van batteries or solar panels.
- Storage capacity: Make sure the fridge has enough space for your food needs.
- Portability: A lightweight and compact model will be easier to move and integrate into the van.
How to properly organize your camper van fridge?
A well-chosen fridge is good, but a well-organized fridge is better! In a van or camper, space is quite limited, so every compartment must be optimized.
For this, we recommend placing perishable products, such as meat and dairy, in the coldest zone, usually located at the bottom or back depending on your model. Also plan stackable airtight containers for your trip and always keep a free zone to allow cold air circulation.
Regarding layout, make sure to install your compact fridge in the shade or in a ventilated cabinet, set the temperature to 4°C and no lower, avoid frequent openings if not necessary, and finally, do not store hot food directly; let it cool first.
💡 Our bonus tip: Think about sorting your food by category to avoid opening and closing your fridge constantly, as this can raise the temperature, increase your energy consumption, and reduce your autonomy.
👉 Order your special van fridge now right here or contact us for a free personalized quote: https://vanlife-store.com/
Our recommendations: A robust and compact fridge perfect for your road trips!
At Vanlife store, we have selected the ideal ultra-compact companion you need to fully enjoy your next getaways: 👉The 12V compression fridge from Vanlife
This is our 12V compression refrigerator special for vans and converted campers, available in two capacities: 50 liters (40W), perfect for traveling light, or 85 liters (48W) for longer trips or multiple people.
Perfect for summer road trips and fully compatible with a solar installation, this fridge offers enhanced autonomy to explore more, in complete comfort. Easy to install, robust, silent, and tested and approved by our community, it meets all the requirements of travelers for a comfortable road trip this summer.
🎁 Better in a pack!
Also take advantage of our Fridge Pack including: 12V compression fridge + 200Ah lithium battery + MPPT regulator to be perfectly autonomous.
💬 A question? Our team of experts is always available to answer your questions or advise you on your projects. Don't hesitate to write to us!
Why is a good fridge essential for a camper van?
Too often overlooked, the refrigerator for a camper van is nevertheless essential for your summer road trips; you can savor and preserve your favorite dishes anywhere, extend your stays, and fully enjoy every new adventure. Enhanced autonomy to explore more, in complete comfort, while optimizing the space in your converted van.
12V compression fridge vs trivalent fridge: the comparative guide for your camper van
Two main types of equipment are opposed: the trivalent van fridge (gas/220V/12V) and the 12V compression fridge, often also called absorption fridge. (Discover our comparison above)
Tips to optimize the use of your refrigerator
- Energy efficiency: Choose an economical model, especially if you use van batteries or solar panels.
- Storage capacity: Make sure the fridge has enough space for your food needs.
- Portability: A lightweight and compact model will be easier to move and integrate into the van.
Our recommendations: A robust and compact fridge perfect for your road trips!
The ideal ultra-compact companion you need to fully enjoy your next getaways: 👉The 12V compression fridge from Vanlife
