Powering Your Camping Fridge: A Guide

Jun 08, 2025

Camping refrigerators are lifesavers—until they turn into warm boxes in the wild. Short answer: use your car battery, a portable power station, or solar panels. Each has perks (and pitfalls). Keep reading to avoid fridge fails, spoiled sausages, and a sad, soggy sandwich saga deep in the woods.

Choosing Your Primary Power Source

12V Battery Power: The Heart of Your Setup

Using Your Vehicle's Battery (Starter vs. Dual Battery System)

Using your vehicle's battery is a common way to power a camping fridge, especially for shorter trips. However, relying on your starter battery carries a risk—if it drains too far, your car may not start.

A dual battery setup helps avoid this. It separates the fridge from the starter battery, so your car can still start even if the fridge has used up power.

Battery isolators and monitors are recommended. They help manage the power flow and monitor battery levels, so you’re not caught off guard.

Dometic absorption fridge with glossy black door and silver trim, closed view, on a white background.

Portable Power Stations (Solar Generators)

Portable power stations offer a flexible, all-in-one solution. They come pre-charged and can also be topped up using solar panels at camp.

These stations are easy to carry, quiet, and often come with multiple outputs. That makes them a favourite among campers who want simplicity with low maintenance.

Standalone Deep Cycle Batteries (AGM & Lithium)

Deep cycle batteries are built for sustained power output. AGM batteries are affordable and rugged, while lithium options are lighter, last longer, and charge faster.

They’re ideal for those staying off-grid for extended periods. Pairing them with solar charging can give you a reliable and renewable power setup.

Charging Your Batteries with Solar Power

Solar panels are a popular choice for keeping your batteries topped up on long trips.

What Size Solar Panel Do You Need?

The size you need depends on your fridge’s daily power use. As a rough guide, most camping setups work well with 100–200W of solar panels.

It’s best to overestimate slightly, especially if you’re camping in less sunny conditions.

EcoFlow portable fridge powered by foldable solar panels outdoors on grassy field with green shrubbery in the background.

Choosing a Solar Panel Type (Folding Kits vs. Blankets)

Folding kits are robust, easy to angle, and quick to set up. They’re ideal for static camp setups.

Solar blankets are more portable and space-saving, making them great for campers who move frequently. However, they may be less efficient in cloudy weather or if not laid out flat.

Understanding Solar Charge Controllers (MPPT vs. PWM)

Charge controllers regulate power from your solar panels to your batteries. MPPT controllers are more efficient than PWM, especially in low light.

If your budget allows, MPPT is the better long-term choice. It ensures you get the most out of your solar input throughout the day.

Alternative Power: Gas and Mains Electricity

Using 3-Way Absorption Fridges on LPG Gas

Absorption fridges are versatile. They can run on 12V, 240V, or LPG gas.

When off-grid, LPG is often the most efficient choice. It requires no electricity, operates quietly, and can run for days on a single bottle.

Powering Up with a 240V Mains Hook-up at Campgrounds

At powered campsites, 240V mains electricity is the simplest option. Just plug in and you’re set.

Make sure your fridge is compatible with mains power. Use a quality outdoor extension lead and a safety RCD for added protection.

Calculating Your Needs and Maximising Efficiency

How to Calculate Your Fridge's Power Consumption

Finding Your Fridge's Amp Draw

Look at your fridge’s data label. It will usually list voltage (V) and current (A).

Multiply those to get wattage, then divide by 12V to find the amp draw. For example, 45 watts ÷ 12V = 3.75 amps.

Calculating Your Daily Amp-Hour (Ah) Requirement

Multiply the amp draw by the number of hours the fridge runs daily. If it cycles on and off and averages 12 hours a day, 3.75A x 12 = 45Ah per day.

This number is essential for choosing your battery size and solar panel capacity.

Sizing Your Battery Bank Based on Your Needs

Once you know your daily Ah requirement, multiply it by the number of days you'll be off-grid.

Add a 20–30% buffer to cover inefficiencies or cloudy days. That gives you a safe estimate for your total battery bank size.

Top Tips to Reduce Power Usage and Run Your Fridge for Longer

The Importance of Pre-Cooling Your Fridge and Contents

Plug in your fridge 24 hours before leaving. Let it cool down fully while still connected to mains power.

Also, pre-chill your food and drinks before loading. This cuts down the work your fridge has to do at camp.

Bottom drawer of fridge open showing bottled drinks and vegetables, white interior, on a white background.

Using a Fridge Cover and Ensuring Proper Ventilation

A fridge cover adds insulation and reduces heat absorption. Place the fridge in a shaded area and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Ensure vents are not blocked, and that air can flow around the fridge’s coils. Good ventilation improves performance and reduces power draw.

Minimising Door Openings and Setting the Right Temperature

Every time you open the fridge, cold air escapes. Keep openings brief and infrequent.

Use eco-modes if available, and set the internal temperature to 3–5°C. A fridge thermometer helps you monitor and avoid overcooling, which wastes energy.

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