How to Power a 12V Portable Fridge for Overlanding & Camping
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One of the best upgrades you can make to your camping or overlanding setup is a 12V portable fridge. No more soggy food, melted ice, or constantly draining and refilling coolers. But once you step into the fridge world, the big question is:
👉 How do you keep it powered?
In this article, I’ll walk through the three most common ways to power a 12V fridge, from the simplest to the most advanced. I’ll also cover some of the pros and cons of each setup so you can decide what works best for your style of adventure.
1. Vehicle Cigarette Lighter Outlet
This is the most straightforward option. Most modern vehicles come with a 12V “cigarette lighter” outlet that can power a fridge.
✅ Pros:
Easiest and cheapest setup
No extra equipment needed
Works great for day trips or short weekends
❌ Cons:
Only works while your vehicle is running (tip: check for a battery or key icon to determine if the outlet is ignition or battery powered)
Can drain your starter battery if left connected too long(*Battery powered outlet)
Not reliable for extended off-grid camping
Best For: Weekend warriors or anyone testing the waters with a 12V fridge.
2. Portable Power Station
Portable power stations (like Jackery, Bluetti, EcoFlow, etc.) have become really popular in the overland world. They’re basically a big rechargeable battery with built-in outlets.
✅ Pros:
Plug-and-play solution
Can charge from your car, solar panels, or at home before the trip
Powers more than just the fridge (lights, electronics, etc.)
❌ Cons:
Can be expensive depending on size and brand
Limited run-time unless paired with solar
Another piece of gear to pack and manage
Best For: People who want a flexible, portable option for weekend or multi-day trips.
3. Dual Battery System
For serious overlanders and long-term travelers, a dedicated dual battery system is the gold standard. This involves installing a secondary battery in your vehicle that’s wired to charge while you drive, but keeps your fridge powered when the engine is off.
✅ Pros:
Reliable and permanent setup
Won’t drain your starter battery
Can run a fridge for days with the right battery size
Expandable with solar for even more off-grid power
❌ Cons:
Most expensive option
Requires installation and wiring
Not easily transferable between vehicles
Best For: Long overland trips, full-time travelers, or anyone who wants a dependable power system.
Which Setup Is Right for You?
Weekend Trips? A cigarette outlet or small power station will do the job.
Extended Adventures? A mid-to-large power station paired with solar is a solid choice.
Full-Time or Remote Travel? A dual battery system is worth the investment.
My Setup
In my build, I’ve used all three methods at different stages of my build. But for serious off-grid travel, I rely on a dual battery system because of the reliability. That said, if you’re just getting into overlanding, a portable power station is often the best starting point.
Final Thoughts
No matter which route you go, having a 12V fridge is a total game-changer. Once you ditch ice, you’ll never look back. If you’re curious about the different setups, check out my full video where I walk through each option in detail:
And if you’re building out your own rig, don’t forget to explore more resources here: 🔗 Triple Locked Adventures Vehicle Build
