Overlanding Fridges vs Coolers: Which Is Right For You?

Back this past summer, we gave you some things to think about in our first Fridges vs. Coolers edition of Resourceful Traveler. While we planned on expanding that article out to include the pros and cons of each, like any good adventure, we took a detour. We learned that while many of you are seasoned vets of the cooling corps, even more of you were surprised to learn that you could even have a fridge in your vehicle! So, we ended up covering the basics of what a fridge is and what a modern cooler has evolved into.

But we couldn’t leave it at that! We had to give those amateur cooler cadets out there a little more information on what would be a better choice for their vehicle. So, let’s go through the most important aspects of keeping your consumables cold and where each of our two options shines the brightest.

Performance

This is the category where fridges reign supreme.

With a cooler, you add your ice and hope for the best.  The same things my Dad yelled at me when we used to go fishing still hold true to keep your cooler cold:

“Quit opening it so much!”
“Why is it directly in the sun?”
“Looks like this lid wasn’t shut properly…”
“How’s the ice holding up?”

For standard things like drinks, coolers will do a serviceable job. But for things you need to keep really cold, it’s a rough go. Plus, the pool left from melting ice won’t do your meats and delicates any favors at the bottom.

Two words define the advantage fridges have in this arena: temperature control.

With a fridge, you have the ability to lower or raise the temperature just by flicking a switch, pressing a button, or using a remote. Many modern fridges these days also come with a companion smartphone app, so you can change and monitor temperature while you’re scrolling through cat memes from the passenger seat.

For even more functionality, look for fridges with dual-zones. These will allow you to set different temperatures for the different areas of your unit—similar to your home refrigerator and freezer.

Upkeep

Not much needs to be done to maintain your cooler. Throw some ice in to keep things cool, wipe it down to keep it clean and dry, and perhaps lube/oil a hinge if need be. It’s a box you put ice into—no moving parts, no power needed.

Just make sure you remove any food from it at the end of your journey. We’ve all had that sandwich or milk we’ve accidently left inside, only to find it weeks later looking like a grade-school science experiment.

A fridge, on the other hand, requires quite a bit more maintenance.

Not only do you need to do all of the above, but also keep an eye on its internal electronics, as well as the electric system that it’s connected to. Before each long journey, it’s a good idea to ensure all wiring is secure as well as testing the fridge itself. It’s also important to read the owner’s manual to make sure you’re following ventilation procedures, maximum operational angle, and usage guidelines to get the most longevity out of your unit.

Portability

Very little debate here.

Sure, the 30lb. weight of a Yeti Tundra 65 seems like a mountain compared to those ol’ Styrofoam beach coolers, but compared to a fridge, it feels like a ribbon dancer. One of our favorites—the ARB Elements—tips the scales at 70lbs, and that’s on the more manageable side.

In addition, for many fridges, if you disconnect the power and move it somewhere else, you won’t have much time until your contents start to sweat. And to get that fridge down to proper temperatures after reconnecting, it’ll take a bit of time. That’s why people keep their fridge in their vehicle and powered at all times. It just doesn’t make a ton of sense to try and treat it like a standard cooler.

We do have to add that the popularity of the portable fridge is on the rise. Brands like ICECO offer a fairly transportable solution that utilizes either a 12/24V DC or 110-240V AC power source. And when you’re at the campsite or beach—it can come with you.

These fridges also usually cost several hundred less than standard fridges. And while a dedicated fridge may provide more cooling power, the ability to easily move portable fridges out of your vehicle makes for a very interesting proposition. It may not chill like a fridge or move like a cooler, but that middle ground ain’t a bad place to be.

Cost

As you might expect, pricing is the most glaring difference between the two categories and the one that many shoppers can’t get past. Sure, coolers like Yeti, RovR, and Pelican have a price tag we might have scoffed at just a decade ago, but a few hundred dollars seems like a bargain when compared to the $1K+ you’ll dish out for a fridge.

Aside from the initial price, there are other costs for each, but it gets a little difficult directly comparing those post-purchase expenditures.

• For the cooler, you’re going to need either ice or cooling packs to keep the interior cold.
• For the fridge, you’ll need to think about your vehicle and its electrical system. Will you need a new/additional battery upgrade? Would a solar panel be an option you’d consider? How much draw and wear will a fridge put on your system?

Definitely more to consider with the fridge when comparing it to the occasional 7-Eleven stop your cooler requires.

Verdict

If money and space aren’t factors, we’d probably recommend you get yourself a top-notch fridge with all the electrical upgrades you’ll need to keep it and the rest of your vehicle running flawlessly. Then, perhaps supplement it with a smaller soft or rotomolded cooler that you’d be able to take with you when mobility is needed.

But I’d venture a guess that most of you may be limited by money, room, and overall practicality. So, like so many other things in life, your choice should depend on the situations and adventures you’ll be using it for.

We can’t make the choice for you, but below we’ve compiled some of the best reasons why you’d want either option.

Why Choose a Cooler?

• The cost is significantly less in most situations
• There are many more cooler options to choose from—whether it be material, color, size, and shape—to tailor it exactly to your preference
• If mobility is important
• You can use a cooler for a variety of purposes inside or outside your car, aside from camping, overlanding, and off-roading
• You usually don’t find yourself away from home for more than a few days at a time
• You’re not comfortable/don’t want to draw power from your vehicle’s electrical system
• Drinks are pretty much all you plan on using it for
• Maintenance only requires a damp cloth

Why Choose a Fridge?

• You are serious about keeping your food and perishables at a certain temperature
• Having a cooling solution with both fridge and freezer temperatures is necessary
• On your excursions, you find yourself nearly always in or around your vehicle
• You often find yourself away from home for a week or more
• You plan on carrying more delicate/perishable food items
• Cooking meals yourself is your primary source of food
• Your travels mostly take you places that are incredibly warm
• You just absolutely hate the idea of constantly tracking down more ice