How to Run Your Camper Fridge While Driving

Jun 13, 2025

Ever opened your camping fridge mid-drive only to find warm cheese and tepid soda? Yikes. Short answer: Yes, you can run a camping refrigerator while driving—if your setup’s right. From fridge types to battery load, here’s what you need to know to keep things cool on the move.

Keeping food and drinks cold on long trips is essential—especially in campervans or motorhomes. A working fridge while on the move makes your journey much more comfortable. This holds true whether you're heading out on a weekend camping trip or living full-time in your vehicle.

The Best Methods for Powering Your Fridge on the Road

Using Your Vehicle’s 12V Power System

The Direct Plug-In: Using the Cigarette Lighter Socket

Many travellers simply plug their fridge into the 12V cigarette lighter socket. It’s a quick and easy method—especially for lower-power fridges and shorter trips.

However, it’s not always the most reliable setup for longer journeys. Performance can vary depending on your vehicle’s wiring and how much power the fridge draws.

Dometic Dark silver compressor fridge with closed door, on a white background.

The Main Risk: How to Avoid a Flat Starter Battery

One major risk is draining your starter battery. If your fridge keeps running when the engine is off, it can flatten your battery quickly.

To avoid this, unplug the fridge when parked or use a fridge with an automatic cut-off feature. These features help prevent you from being stranded.

Understanding Your Fridge's Low-Voltage Cut-Off Feature

Some camping fridges include a low-voltage cut-off. This shuts down the fridge when the battery voltage drops too low.

It’s a built-in safety net. It protects your battery and ensures your vehicle still starts when you need it to.

The Dual Battery System: The Gold Standard Solution

How a Dual Battery Setup Works to Protect Your Starter Battery

A dual battery system separates your starter battery from a leisure battery. The leisure battery powers the fridge—keeping your main battery safe.

Even after hours of use, your starter battery remains untouched. That means no nasty surprises when it’s time to drive off again.

Key Components: The Leisure Battery and the Isolator/DC-to-DC Charger

This system usually includes a leisure battery, an isolator or a DC-to-DC charger, and the right wiring.

The isolator ensures the alternator charges both batteries while driving. But it blocks power from flowing back into the starter battery when the engine is off.

Is a Dual Battery System Right for You?

If you often camp off-grid or rely on your fridge for long periods, this system is worth considering. It costs more up front, but provides peace of mind and reliability.

It’s particularly useful for those who don't want to constantly monitor battery levels or unplug devices manually.

Using a Portable Power Station or Solar Generator

The Benefits of a Portable All-in-One Solution

Portable power stations are a popular alternative. They offer multiple outputs—USB, 12V, and even AC—and are easy to use with no installation.

These units are silent, compact, and often solar-compatible. Great for casual users or those who don’t want to modify their vehicle.

Portable fridge powered by fold-out solar panels, set on grassy field with forested background.

How to Charge Your Power Station While Driving

You can recharge most portable power stations from your car’s 12V outlet. Just ensure the power draw doesn’t exceed what your vehicle’s wiring can handle.

This allows your fridge to keep running during long drives without draining your starter battery.

Sizing a Power Station for Your Fridge and Trip Length

To choose the right power station, check how many watts your fridge uses. Multiply that by the number of hours you’ll be off-grid.

This gives you a rough estimate of the watt-hours (Wh) you’ll need. Always allow extra capacity for safety.

Key Considerations and Best Practices

Fridge Types and Their Performance on 12V

12V Compressor Fridges: The Most Efficient Option

Compressor fridges are highly efficient. They cool quickly, handle high ambient temperatures, and don’t need to be perfectly level to work properly.

These fridges are ideal for use on 12V systems and are widely regarded as the best all-round choice.

3-Way Absorption Fridges: Understanding the 12V Mode Limitation

3-way fridges run on gas, AC, and 12V. However, their 12V mode is not very effective—it’s typically meant only for use while driving.

They also need to be kept level and well-ventilated to operate safely and efficiently.

Tall Dometic caravan fridge with open doors revealing stocked shelves of drinks, eggs, and fruits, on a white background.

Why You Should Avoid Using a Power Inverter

Using a power inverter to convert DC to AC for an AC-only fridge is inefficient. It leads to extra energy loss and can drain your battery fast.

If possible, stick with fridges designed to run directly on 12V DC.

Other content you might like:

Back to Camping Refrigerators Blog