Do I NEED a freezer for overlanding?

[swooshdave]

Freezer? No. But a cold drink on a hot day makes a big difference.

Sponsored

 

[popo_patty]

If you aren't harvesting ice from local mountains, you aren't overlanding. Heck, if you did not gather those mushrooms off the side of a tree to make a bland tasting soup and instead packed some ground beef that you put in a dometic fridge, you are not overlanding. The spirit of overlanding is in the dysentery. PBJ is an acceptable alternative for all meals off trail.
However, if you feel the need to run a fridge all night, might I suggest a 2 battery setup so you only risk killing the battery hooked up to the fridge and don't find yourself stranded?
Please join us on Facebook at "I came to argue about overlanding" for more tips.

Pending acceptance

 

[Villageidit]

Dry ice in a cooler can keep things frozen for days. Even in Death Valley using cheap coolers.

 

[da_jokker]

I also have a BougeRV fridge. For the price I paid it has been great, however I've struggled to keep the internal temps at what they should be (purchased actual fridge thermometers for both compartments and they fridge temps are very inconsistent).

I tried the "freezer" part once.... A few popsicles for the kids on a hot day.... Drained my power station 50% in just a matter 9f hours and barely kept them frozen (actually like half of them didn't stay frozen).

Do you NEED a freezer....def not. But if you WANT a freezer, I think you'd want to spring the big money and get more of a quality name brand.

For me, my biggest issue is the dual compartments required....you loose so much room due to the inner divider. I'm not talking the square inches... I'm talking the ability to fit some bulky items. It really cuts down how large something can be.

My next fridge is going to be single zone.

 

[Tricky Mike]

However, if you feel the need to run a fridge all night, might I suggest a 2 battery setup so you only risk killing the battery hooked up to the fridge and don't find yourself stranded?

Definitely something to be aware of. Can't even push start the manuals like the good old days.

My fridge has battery protection built in and so far I've had no issue leaving it plugged in overnight.

 

[PCDan]

LoL … remember when it was just called “CAMPING”

But for weekend “Overlanding” you must have a freezer, and an inverter, and an expresso machine, Starlink, solar , de-SAL equipment, drone, YouTube channel … etc etc.

 

[604Bronco]

Yes, how else are you supposed to keep your ice cream solid?

In Canada, we just leave our windows rolled down.

 

[vicorjh]

Dry ice in a cooler can keep things frozen for days. Even in Death Valley using cheap coolers.

Ditto. Dry ice in a decent cooler. Wrap the dry ice in something as simple as paper grocery bags. Have been on cross-country treks week+ at a time with perishables before needing to replenish it.

Downside, takes up cooler space. Not always convenient to find.

 

[ebackwardse1]

A good alternative to dry ice (which I've found to be a pain - literally) is just getting one of the large blocks that are usually in the same section as bags of ice at the grocery store and packing everything around it then filling in with regular ice. We did this a couple of months ago and it lasted over a week.

 

[akturbo]

Awesome (and entertaining) replies! I've had the fridge for two summers and I'll never go back to a cooler, that was never in question. I'll pass on the freezer and post what I build out of 8020, it'll be a winter hobby project to get ready for next summer. Cheers!

 

[Canyon Coolers]

Of course you need a fridge and a death spork and a skottle.

A good rotomolded cooler can also keep ice for a week. We can go 10- 27 days on river trips too, but not everyone can manage that well.

Here are some universal tips: Ice Academy

Have fun with the build.

 

[broadicustomworks]

Of course you need a fridge and a death spork and a skottle.

A good rotomolded cooler can also keep ice for a week. We can go 10- 27 days on river trips too, but not everyone can manage that well.

Here are some universal tips: Ice Academy

Have fun with the build.

Lol the whole skottle debate hasn't manifested on here. YET.
But it's coming.
+1 on the rotomolded vs. a fridge,

 

[mhtucker78]

@Canyon Coolers is this a death spork? I must have one.

 

[vrtical]

2 pages and beer has not been mentioned.

 

[akturbo]

2 pages and beer has not been mentioned.

Yes it has! Beer over ice cream, priorities!

Sponsored