Hi all. Need recommendations for a fridge/freezer for the back of the car.

Traditionally, I've taken the Audi to Spain and used a cooler bag packed with ice blocks and insulation to keep my dog food frozen (raw food) and some other bits cool (smoked salmon, etc)

I never manage to arrive at my destination with all the food frozen so now I'm taking the RR and have more space, I want something more suitable for the trip that will keep things frozen and/or very cold.

Anyone have suggestions and gotchas to watch for? Ideally kit people have actually used for similar!

Thanks. 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE - 'Black Betty'
2000 4.0 P38 HSE - 'Green Goblin' - Gone.
Audi..Mini..BMW..

I have one of these. Never let me down. Not the cheapest but well built….

https://www.waecofridges.co.uk/tropicool/tcx21.htm

The rear sockets don’t stay on when the engine is turned off on our cars though…. Not like the early ones. You will have to do a mod to rear fuse box for that…

Ta mate.

In your experience, how long do things stay frozen, once powered down? Or how long before you can definitely tell they're thawing? 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE - 'Black Betty'
2000 4.0 P38 HSE - 'Green Goblin' - Gone.
Audi..Mini..BMW..

The tropicool ones are better insulated and can cool better than the other models in warmer temps. I put ice packs in too sometimes. I’ve not left mine any longer than overnight with ice packs in to help, and stuff was only starting to get unfrozen if I remember right. Not used it for a few years, not been able to go far….

Depends how much you open the lid I suppose.

It also heats too… if you are fetching a takeaway from further afield…

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Sounds perfect then as the max time it would be left not switched on is a few hours when I grab some kip in services in France! 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE - 'Black Betty'
2000 4.0 P38 HSE - 'Green Goblin' - Gone.
Audi..Mini..BMW..

There are bigger and smaller versions, but the 21 litre version just fits in height wise with the parcel shelf in. I use bungee cord to stop it moving about if it’s on its own.

You can get a connector thing for it that monitors your battery and turns it off if car battery voltage drops.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

I bounced a Indel B 18L in the back of a Defender all over France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland etc one hot summer for 10 days and set at 3c it never budged above, they claim it can go down to -18

Kept the bacon and milk just right

I have two indel B one I use at -18c and one at 3 as a fridge use them every trip to France (about 6 or 7 times a year
Never had an issue with them good size to take to the beach as well They also do different sizes

Those Indel B ones look the business but jesus they're pricey! 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE - 'Black Betty'
2000 4.0 P38 HSE - 'Green Goblin' - Gone.
Audi..Mini..BMW..

You’d be surprised how often you use one once you have it….

One of the great things about the Indel’s is that they are compressor driven, so work well regardless of ambient temperature. Sold - Bell a 2015 MY16 Loire Blue Autobiography 4.4 SDV8
Previously George a 2007 MY07 Java Black VSE 3.6 TDV8
Previously a 04 MY04 Defender 90

Why not just buy a mains voltage table top freezer and use it through an inverter from the car. Compressor driven and temperatures down to -18C whatever the conditions. 32litre units for about £140.
Just a thought, are you still allowed to take meat products into France these days?

Sandyt wrote:

I have two indel B one I use at -18c and one at 3 as a fridge use them every trip to France (about 6 or 7 times a year
Never had an issue with them good size to take to the beach as well They also do different sizes

My personal choice would be the Engel. Had mine since 1996 and apart from a new fan had no problems with it. Runs both 12v or 240v. Have taken it on expedition trips all over the world from Australia to Libya and Russia and it always kept things nice and cold. They are expensive but run as both a fridge or a freezer. and, if looked after, will last for years. Read up on them before making a decision.
Ivan 2013 Vogue SE SDV8
2013 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Luxury

nicedayforit wrote:

Just a thought, are you still allowed to take meat products into France these days?